Essential Europe
NZD $6,349.00
Tour Description
Basilicas, boutiques, and bistros. Cathedrals, canals, and cafés. Peaks, pasta, and pastries. This tour of Essential Europe goes beyond the “must-sees” to include the “must-dos,” the “must-discovers,” and the “must-devours.” As you travel and taste your way through Italy, Switzerland, and France, you’ll delightfully take a big bite out of your bucket list. The rolling Tuscan hills, the soaring Swiss Alps, plus mind-boggling mounds of Italian gelato, Swiss chocolate, and French éclairs are all awaiting from Rome to Paris on this delectable tour of Europe’s most popular destinations. Cruising through Europe’s breathtaking scenery, captivating architecture, and greatest chapters of history has never been easier as you motor by private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, ride an elevator to the courtyard of a medieval Swiss castle, and board a high-speed train for a scenic journey through the French countryside from Basel to Paris.
HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS
Paris: Begin your adventure in the City of Light. Stroll along the Seine, visit the Eiffel Tower, and immerse yourself in the artistic and cultural wonders of this iconic city. Enjoy a guided tour that brings Paris’s rich history to life.
Lucerne: Travel to the charming city of Lucerne, nestled between majestic mountains and a picturesque lake. Explore the medieval Old Town, admire the Chapel Bridge, and take in stunning views on a scenic boat cruise across Lake Lucerne.
Venice: Experience the unique allure of Venice, where canals replace streets and history intertwines with modern life. Enjoy a gondola ride through the serene waterways, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, and soak in the city's romantic ambiance.
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Day 1
ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1
ACCOMMODATION *
No accommodation info at this time.
Day 2
ROME
When in Rome ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free afternoon. (B) For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded 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 the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.
INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0
ACCOMMODATION *
No accommodation info at this time.
PURCHASABLE ADD ONS *
In addition to your included activities, you may also add on the following to your trip, after linking your booking in MyAccount.
Roman Highlights - Unforgettable highlights of Rome
Join your Local Guide for a tailor-made itinerary featuring some of the city's authentic jewels. A lifetime experience!
3H
Price range: $ 77 (NZD)
Day 3
ROME-FLORENCE
Fine Art in Firenze FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts. See Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze Gates of Paradise, and Signoria Square. Free time to browse. (B) 174 mi / 280 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, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0
ACCOMMODATION *
No accommodation info at this time.
PURCHASABLE ADD ONS *
In addition to your included activities, you may also add on the following to your trip, after linking your booking in MyAccount.
Tuscan Dinner - Traditional Dinner in the Tuscan Countryside
Enjoy a wonderful dinner in the delightful Tuscan countryside, featuring authentic traditional dishes using the finest local ingredients.
4H
Price range: $ 145 (NZD)
Day 4
FLORENCE-VENICE
Benvenuti a Venezia VENICE Take a private boat ride, followed by an orientation walk, including, St. Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs, and a glassblowing demonstration. Free time to browse before [LF] dinner at a local restaurant followed by a private water-taxi ride through the Grand Canal. (B,D) 174 mi / 280 km LOCAL FAVOURITE LOCAL TASTES Indulge in the tastes and traditions of true Italian cuisine in the home of seafood, pasta, and wine in Venice. A cruise on the Grand Canal is the perfect grand finale! Buon appetito!
INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1
ACCOMMODATION *
No accommodation info at this time.
PURCHASABLE ADD ONS *
In addition to your included activities, you may also add on the following to your trip, after linking your booking in MyAccount.
Gondola - Serenaded Gondola Ride
When in Rome, do as the Romans -- and when in Venice, head right for the gondolas! Hop aboard a traditional gondola for a ride through the magical Venetian canals
30M
Price range: $ 113 (NZD)
Day 5
VENICE-BELLINZONA, SWITZERLAND-LUCERNE
Spectacular Switzerland BELLINZONA [LF] Take the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande and enjoy a light lunch with local specialties and Merlot wine for which the Ticino area is famous. Scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard en route to Lucerne. (B,L) 342 mi / 550 km LOCAL FAVOURITE HISTORIC SPOTS Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.
INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 0
ACCOMMODATION *
No accommodation info at this time.
PURCHASABLE ADD ONS *
In addition to your included activities, you may also add on the following to your trip, after linking your booking in MyAccount.
Swiss Folklore - Swiss Dinner and Folklore Party
Raise a glass and toast an unforgettable evening of traditional entertainment during this excursion featuring a 3-course feast of local specialties, alphorns, yodeling, and festive Swiss music and dancing.
3H 30M
Price range: $ 162 (NZD)
Day 6
LUCERNE
Sweet Sights of Switzerland LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 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.
INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0
ACCOMMODATION *
No accommodation info at this time.
PURCHASABLE ADD ONS *
In addition to your included activities, you may also add on the following to your trip, after linking your booking in MyAccount.
Lake Lucerne Cruise - Scenic Cruise Across Lake Lucerne
Experience the hypnotic beauty of sparkling Lake Lucerne on this enjoyable 1-hour sightseeing cruise.
1H 30M
Price range: $ 64 (NZD)
Mount Pilatus - Ascent up Legendary Mount Pilatus
Grab your camera and prepare for indescribable panoramic views on this thrilling ascent up Mount Pilatus.
3H
Price range: $ 131 (NZD)
Day 7
LUCERNE-BASEL-PARIS, FRANCE
French Connection BASEL Board the high-speed TGV train to Paris. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 404 mi / 650 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Gliding across the French countryside at warp speed is an experience to write home about. Pass by the rows of vineyards on your way from Basel to Paris and get in the mood for the wine and song awaiting in the City of Light.
INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0
ACCOMMODATION *
No accommodation info at this time.
PURCHASABLE ADD ONS *
In addition to your included activities, you may also add on the following to your trip, after linking your booking in MyAccount.
An Evening at the Moulin Rouge - The Incomparable Moulin Rouge with Dinner
Enter the exhilarating Belle Époque world of champagne, fine French cuisine, music, lights, thousands of glittering costumes, and an evening of Moulin Rouge cabaret you will never forget!
4H 30M
Price range: $ 408 (NZD)
Mona Lisa's Smile & the Louvre Museum - Exploring the Louvre's Art and History: A Unique Guided Tour
Once a royal palace and now a museum housing one of the most famous art collections in the world, the Louvre is yours on a guided tour.
2H
Price range: $ 118 (NZD)
Day 8
PARIS
C'est Magnifique in the City of Light PARIS Free time this morning. Guided sightseeing this afternoon includes orientation drive and Seine River cruise. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.* (B,D) *Note: For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Paris program cannot be excluded. 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 in a corner cafe, your hearts are set on sharing France's captivating City of Light any time you please.
INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1
ACCOMMODATION *
No accommodation info at this time.
PURCHASABLE ADD ONS *
In addition to your included activities, you may also add on the following to your trip, after linking your booking in MyAccount.
Versailles, Palace of the Sun King
Spend part of your day like a French aristocrat, strolling through the halls and gardens of Louis XIV's opulent Palace of Versailles.
3H 30M
Price range: $ 135 (NZD)
Day 9
PARIS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0
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Meals
8 breakfasts 1 lunch 3 dinners
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).
Accommodation
First-Class or Superior First-Class with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges
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Booking and Payments
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.
Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.
Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation by Client:
More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.
30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.
Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.
Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.
Changes to Itinerary
Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.
Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.
Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.
Health and Safety
Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.
Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.
Liability
Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.
Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.
Visas and Documentation
Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.
Conduct
Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.
Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.
Complaints
Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.
Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.
By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.