DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Switzerland
Depart for Switzerland
DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Zurich, Transfer to Lucerne
Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland's financial center and home to many of the world's leading banks, and transfer to your hotel in Lucerne. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Friday - Lucerne Orientation Walking Tour
Start the day with an orientation walking tour of Lucerne, including the inspiring Lion Monument. One of the best-known monuments in the country, the Lion of Lucerne was created in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed during the French Revolution. View the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge, the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape. The remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps join the optional tour to Mount Pilatus. Board a cogwheel railway* which takes you to the summit of Mt. Pilatus at nearly 7,000 feet. Later, descend by aerial cableway
*From Nov to May and in the event of adverse weather, the cogwheel will be replaced by the aerial cable car.
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour (AM)
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Saturday - Bern, Gruyere, Travel to Geneva
This morning, depart Lucerne and travel to Geneva. Head to Bern, the capital of Switzerland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll through the Old Town and view the late Gothic Cathedral, the Münster, featuring a stunning portal and a detailed depiction of the Last Judgment. Witness the hourly parade of painted figures at the Clock Tower (Zytglogge). Afterward, visit the hilltop village of Gruyere, home of Switzerland's most famous cheese. Walk through the small medieval village with its cobbled streets, and towering 13th century castle. There will be free time for shopping and lunch on your own. Continue the drive to Geneva and check into your hotel
Overnight: Geneva
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Sunday - Full Day in Geneva
During your morning tour of Geneva, view the Jet d'Eau, Floral Clock, Reformation Monument, and learn about the city's rich history. Spend the balance of the day at your leisure. Perhaps take a walk along the lively streets in the Old Town, stroll the mile-long promenade around the lake, or just unwind in one of Geneva's many parks. Alternatively, join the optional tour of Annecy, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the French Alps. On arrival, begin your guided walking tour, and learn about Annecy's history, which dates back to Roman times. Admire the picturesque canals, and medieval architecture, including the iconic Palais de L'Isle. Stroll along the scenic shores of Lake Annecy, known as the "Pearl of the French Alps," and marvel at the crystal-clear waters and snowy peaks of La Tournette and les Aravis Mountain ranges. Browse through the markets, artisan shops, and unwind at one of the quaint cafes, sampling local delicacies
Optional: Annecy Tour (AM)
Overnight: Geneva
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Monday - Bellinzona, Lugano
Begin the scenic journey through the majestic Swiss Alps via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to Bellinzona in southern Switzerland's Italian-speaking Ticino region. After lunch on your own, explore the city and visit the medieval Castelgrande, Bellinzona's mightiest castle. Continue your journey to Lugano, nestled along the shores of Lake Lugano, and surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Swiss Alps. On arrival, take an orientation tour of the city with its mix of Swiss-Mediterranean cultures. Afterward, check into your hotel
Overnight: Lugano
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Tuesday - Full Day in Lugano
Today is free to explore Lugano on your own or join the optional Lake Como Tour. Take a guided walking tour to the town of Como, home to exquisite Lake Como, one of Italy's most romantic destinations. Embark on a private cruise of the lake, admiring the elegant villas. Spend free time independently exploring picturesque villages before returning to your hotel in Lugano. On your last night in Switzerland, bid farewell to your Tour Manager at dinner
Optional: Lake Como Tour
Overnight: Lugano
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Wednesday - Travel to Venice
Depart Lugano and travel to Venice. Arrive and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure in this magical city built over a hundred small islands and connected by 400 bridges. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Italian Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Dinner
DAY 9, Thursday - Venice City Tour
The discovery of Venice begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful glassware. Visit one of the factories to witness the art of glassblowing. Afterward, continue to the main Venice Island and take a walking tour with your local guide through the maze of narrow alleyways and bridges before reaching St. Mark's Square. Upon reaching the square, view its prominent monuments from the outside including the Bridge of Sighs, the pink marble Doge's Palace, and golden Basilica of San Marco, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It was built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman, and Venetian architecture. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice at your leisure, or participate in this afternoon's optional Gondola Ride, offering a different perspective of this unique city built on water
Optional: Gondola Ride (PM)
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Friday - Tuscany & Pisa en route to Florence
Depart Venice and travel through the golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees. Visit a local Tuscan farm in the countryside for wine tasting paired with delectable local specialties. On to Pisa, to view the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the iconic Leaning Tower - one of the most instantly recognizable structures in the world. The monuments on the extraordinary Piazza dei Miracoli create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Then, travel to the lively Renaissance city of Florence, with its priceless art and architecture for overnight
Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Saturday - Florence City Tour
Today, take a guided walking tour through the heart of Florence. View the magnificent Duomo, with its Brunelleschi-designed dome, the renowned "Gates of Paradise" of the Baptistery by Ghiberti, and Giotto's Bell Tower. You'll be enchanted as you walk through the open-air art museum of Signoria Square, featuring the Palazzo Vecchio - the first residence of the Medici family and now the seat of the city government. Continue to the splendid Ponte Vecchio, also known as the "Old Bridge." Spend the afternoon at leisure in this Renaissance city to savor its unique atmosphere. Tonight, you are invited to participate in the optional Dinner at Tuscan Restaurant, which begins with a ride through the Tuscan hills and culminates with a typical dinner with wine and entertainment
Optional: Dinner at Tuscan Restaurant (PM)
Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Sunday - Medieval Assisi City Tour en route to Rome
Depart Florence and venture on to the quaint medieval town of Assisi, perched high on a hill in the Umbria region with its rugged, winding streets and sacred shrines. Upon arrival, join your local guide for a walking tour of Assisi, best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy. The town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture. Its main attraction is the 13th century Basilica di San Francesco, an artistic highlight of medieval Europe containing the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto's frescoes. Afterward, continue to Rome, the astonishing city built on seven hills. Tonight, savor dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13, Monday - Tour Ancient Rome
The historic tour of ancient Rome begins at the Roman Forum, walking through the uneven surfaces of the original central area of the city from which Rome developed. View the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine's tenth year of leadership over the Eternal City. On to view the outside of the mighty Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire that seated over 50,000, where gladiatorial contests and public events were attended by the rich, the poor, and by the Emperor himself. Discover the delights of Rome this afternoon on your own
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Tuesday - Depart Italy
Arrivederci Roma! Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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