Duration: 9 Days
On this Escape, you can experience Europe’s most popular destinations without the crowds—and even better—without the high-season prices. Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucerne, and Paris—these exciting and vibrant cities await you on this thrilling multi-country European panorama tour. Guided sightseeing tours will highlight the must-see attractions, including the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum the ancient arena of the Gladiators in Rome; the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, where you will see Michelangelo’s famous David statue; the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, dating back to the 14th century; and a Seine cruise in Paris, where you’ll want your camera ready to capture the magnificent views of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.
Other highlights of this guided tour of Europe include a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Rome, a pasta dinner in Venice, and a stop in the town of Lugano with its sparkling lake surrounded by the Alps. But that’s not all…throughout this European Escape, Globus has arranged VIP access for you. So, you won’t be waiting in long lines to enter the Vatican Museums in Rome or the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. We work behind the scenes to minimize the lines and wait times, so you can maximize the fun. It’s a trip of a lifetime available at a price that screams, “Let’s go!”
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
When in Rome
ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time late afternoon. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind's greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel's ceiling - a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo's 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered one of the great masterpieces in history.
Fine Art in Firenze
Scenic drive en route to Florence.
FLORENCE Guided walking tour includes the Academy of Fine Arts and Signoria Square. Free time. (B) 193 mi / 310 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world's most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
Benvenuti a Venezia
VENICE ISLAND Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Orientation includes St. Mark's Square and the Bridge of Sighs followed by a glassblower demonstration. This evening Globus Local Favourite dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 174 mi/ 280 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco 'la piazza.' As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called 'the drawing room of Europe.' St. Mark's Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its facade. Also gracing the square is Doge's Palace - a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison's interrogation rooms.
Life on the Lake
LUGANO Free time before a scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard tunnel en route to Lucerne. (B) 342 mi / 550 km
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake's northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano's Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.
Sweet Sights of Switzerland
LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. Free time this afternoon. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Serenity is found in a gaze across the stunning panoramas of the Swiss Alps above the lovely city of Lucerne. Spend time at leisure with a stroll through its magnificent medieval architecture and peaceful alpine lake.
Drive through the vineyards of Burgundy with views of beautiful castles and pass the Fontainebleau Forest en route to Paris.
PARIS Free time this evening. (B): 423 mi / 680 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Glide across the Swiss and French countryside. Pass by Princess- style castles on your way to Paris and get in the mood for the song awaiting in the City of Light.
C'est Magnifique in the City of Light
PARIS Guided sightseeing includes the Opera, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, and a Seine cruise. (B)
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 whenever we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner cafe, you'll love Paris anytime.
SAFE TRAVELS UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
