European Highlights
10 days from London to Rome
This 9-day European Panorama leads you from London to France, Switzerland, and Italy. Breeze through history like never before as you dash from London to Paris on the high-speed Eurostar train, drive past the Fontainebleau Forest and the vineyards of châteaux-dotted Burgundy on your way to the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a funicular ride through the walled Italian town of Bergamo, feel the wind in your hair on a private water taxi through Venice’s Grand Canal, and cruise through the olive-clad Tuscan Hills on your way to Rome. Our engaging Tour Directors bring the history, art, and legends of each city to life with exceptional knowledge, unique perspectives, and seldom heard tales.
PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Dijon so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to London!
Uniformed Globus Hosts are available for assistance.
DAY 2
This morning, meet your Tour Director and travel companions and board the high-speed Eurostar train to travel through the Eurotunnel into France. Arrive in Paris this afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to either explore this iconic city independently or join an optional excursion. *
TOUR HIGHLIGHT:
EPIC RIDE Take the fast train to Paris on the Eurostar - the only high-speed rail directly linking the UK to France. Since 1994, passengers have been whisked through the longest section of underwater tunnel in the world in comfort with speeds up to 200 mph.
DAY 3
This morning, your sightseeing is composed of a guided walk to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters, plus a scenic cruise on the River Seine with incredible views of celebrated landmarks. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more independently or join an optional excursion. *
TOUR HIGHLIGHT:
CITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats of a corner café, your hearts are set on sharing France’s captivating City of Light any time you please.
DAY 4
Spend your day your way in Dijon
This morning drive to Dijon, the historical capital of Burgundy. Explore more of Dijon with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Dijon in Black and Red
See Dijon's main highlights on a walking tour with your Local Guide to stroll along the charming cobblestone streets and through elegant squares. Visit a ¿boutique de vin¿ (wine shop) in the historic center to sample the celebrated local Burgundy wines and crème de cassis, the smooth textured blackcurrant liqueur - a Dijon original.
Who Knew?
Parcours de la Chouette (The Owl Path) follows little owls set in the sidewalks of the Old Town, leading visitors past the main sights of Old Dijon. On a guided walking tour, hear legendary stories and see the city highlights, including the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and Place Darcy. At the end of the tour, enjoy a gift of classic Dijon gingerbread specialties.
DAY 5
A scenic drive through the French countryside, then cross the border into Switzerland. Arrive in Lucerne and join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief sculpture and the 14th-century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore this alpine gem.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT:
LEGENDARY LIVES Sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Lion Monument in Lucerne is a moving commemoration of the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution. As one of Switzerland’s most iconic monuments, more than a million visitors stand before this touching tribute each year. One such visitor, Mark Twain, described the sculpture of a mortally wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."
DAY 6
Enjoy a morning of free time before departing for Bergamo. En-route enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps interrupted only by the St. Gotthard Road tunnel. Cross the border into Italy to reach Bergamo. This evening, relax and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
DAY 7
Take a Globus Local Favorite funicular ride to Bergamo Alta, the old town strategically located on a hill. Enjoy an orientation walk to see the most important squares and palaces. Later drive to Venice and take a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breathtaking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark’s Square. Disembark for an orientation walk to St. Mark’s Square and a noted vetreria to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. After some free time to explore independently, Globus Local Favorite enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before traveling like a VIP with a private water taxi ride along the Grand Canal.
LOCAL FAVORITE:
CULTURAL GEMS Aim higher with a visit to Bergamo Alta, A convenient funicular ride takes you to the very heart of “Città Alta” - right in the Shoe Market square which has long been home of the shoe trade. Stroll through the picturesque streets, alleys, and squares to savor the medieval charm the city managed to preserve through time.
DAY 8
Back to mainland Italy, drive across the River Po and Apennine Mountains to reach Florence, one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your local guide for a walk through the historic center, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. Later, take a scenic drive past the rolling green hills of Tuscany and Umbria en-route to Rome. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT:
ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent architecture. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, including the sights of Signoria Square, Florence offers spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
DAY 9
Discover the timeless beauty of Rome with a guided sightseeing of the Eternal City. Be transported back to Ancient Rome when you stand in the Colosseum and hear stories of Gladiators and Emperors. Enter the Vatican City State for a visit of the extensive Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square, and the spectacular St. Peter's Basilica. Free time late afternoon and evening to take in more sights and experiences.*
TOUR HIGHLIGHT:
ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent architecture. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, including the sights of Signoria Square, Florence offers spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
DAY 10
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.