Itinerary at a Glance

DAY 1: Departure from the USA - Flight to Europe.
Follow the 'Departure Instructions' in your Final Documents for easy check-in procedures. Sit back and rest during your overnight flight across the Atlantic Ocean. (Dinner in flight)

DAY 2: Pomenzia
Your 'Arrival Instructions' will direct you where and when to meet your tour manager upon arrival at the airport. Board the deluxe motor coach for the transfer to your hotel in Pomezia (45 minutes from the airport) for a 2-night stay. After check-in, freshen up and rest a little, then get acquainted with the rest of your tour group at a 'Welcome to Italy' dinner. (Dinner)

DAY 3: Rome - Pomezia
As you arrive in Rome this morning, you are constantly reminded of history, yet firmly aware that this is a vibrantly modern capital. During your city tour, a local guide introduces you to sights such as the Trajan and Roman Forums, the Arch of Constantine, the Appian Way, and the Colosseum. After the sightseeing tour, you have time to explore Rome on your own. As you wander through this marvelous city, you can almost ignore the modern conveniences and feel yourself transported into ancient times. Stop at some of the many beautiful churches, as each one is a museum in its own right. The tour manager will offer a half-day afternoon optional excursion to the 'Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel'. (Breakfast)

DAY 4: Rome - Montecatini-Terme
A full morning to take in the sights of Rome at your own pace. One popular walking tour is from the Piazza Venezia, the center of Rome, to the Fountain of Trevi. Following an independent lunch, head north to Montecatini-Terme, where pastel-tinted buildings on palm-lined streets welcome you to this spa resort town in the lovely Tuscany Region. (Breakfast)

DAY 5: Pisa - Florence - Montecatini-Terme
After a short drive, you will be standing in front of the amazing and intriguing Leaning Tower of Pisa for a photo stop. Arrive in Florence around 1:00 p.m. Treat yourself to a delicious 'gelato' (Italian ice cream) on the Ponte Vecchio, a gathering point for Florentines and visitors alike. Then, marvel at the architectural masterpieces on the nearby Piazza del Duomo. After a fulfilling afternoon of sightseeing in Florence, return to Montecatini-Terme for an independent dinner. (Breakfast)

DAY 6: Montecatini-Terme - Lake Lugano - Gotthard Pass - Giswil
Just past Milan, the principal industrial city of Italy, travel north towards the unsurpassed splendor of the Italian and Swiss lake districts. After crossing the border, make a lunch stop in Lugano, often referred to as the 'Rio de Janeiro of the Old Continent'. The 11-mile-long Gotthard Tunnel takes you from the Italian section of Switzerland to the German section. Traveling through William Tell country, the serene beauty of the Swiss Alps comes alive. Your bags will be placed into your rooms as you relax over dinner in the hotel restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7: Stans - Lucerne - Lake Lucerne Region
First, stop in the old village of Stans at the foot of the mountains. Bring your camera if you decide to take the optional 'Swiss Mountain' excursion (see page 63). Tour the city of Lucerne with its Old City Wall and famous Lion Monument. The rest of the day is yours to explore, shop for chocolates and watches, or simply relax in this glorious setting. Venture out for dinner on your own, or join the optional 'Swiss Lake Boat Ride & Dinner' excursion. (Breakfast)

DAY 8: Lake Lucerne Region - Paris
Depart early for a full day of travel, which will be rewarded with a two-night stay in Paris, the City of Lights. After pausing briefly at the French/Swiss border, bid a fond farewell to the scenic Swiss mountains as your motor coach takes you through the Burgundy Region of France. Dinner is independent today, providing the opportunity to try some of the wonderful cuisine known to this area at the last stop before Paris or at a little bistro near the hotel. A late night optional 'La Nouvelle Eve Champagne Show' excursion may be available tonight. (Breakfast)

DAY 9: Paris
A full free day to discover this world city. For a nice introduction, join the optional 'Seine River Cruise & The Eiffel Tower' excursion, offering a boat ride on the legendary River Seine this morning, and tomorrow a visit to the first level of the Eiffel Tower. You will have plenty of time to walk along the classy Champs Elysees or go up to Montmartre where street artists still display their works. The tour manager will also offer an early afternoon optional excursion to the 'Louvre Museum'. For your independent dinner, venture out on your own or join the 'Paris Evening' optional excursion. Breakfast)

DAY 10: Paris - London
Spend your morning admiring the art works at one of the world-class museums (the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and other museums are closed on Mondays), or pursuing other sight-seeing interests. Shopping enthusiasts will be thrilled with the selection of boutiques and larger department stores surrounding the Opera. After an independent lunch, board the high speed Eurostar train, which takes you under the English channel and into London in less than three hours. Transfer to your hotel in London. During your farewell dinner, discuss the highlights of the tour and plans for your full day in London tomorrow. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11: London
Start the day with a panoramic tour of the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and other popular London sights. The tour will end at Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard (subject to weather and special events). Spend the rest of the day doing what you like. The ideal way to get around in London is to purchase a double decker hop-on/hop-off day pass (approximately GBP 20), giving you access to popular sights at over 90 stops! These passes include a 30-minute Thames River Cruise as well. Stop at the famous Harrods department store or Madame Tussauds with its life-like wax figures. The tour manager will offer an optional 'Tower of London' excursion. Dinner is independent, allowing you to plan your schedule around your interests. You may want to attend a play or musical. Until 6:30 p.m. the half-price ticket booth on Leicester Square offers same-day tickets for a wide variety of shows. (Breakfast)

DAY 12: Daytime flight back to the USA
Your voyage has come to a close. Catch a last glimpse of Italy on your way to Milan's Malpensa Airport where you will check in for your return flight home. (Breakfast)

Tour Description
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