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Rome to London

If you had to define Europe by just a handful of cities and sightseeing experiences, then look no further than this tour. This is your classic European itinerary.

9 days, Priced from A$2999

Premium Escorted, Departs from Rome, finishes at London

Tour code E925B

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Itinerary

Day 1 – ROME AT LEISURE

Welcome to Italy! On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, your airport arrival transfers depart for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Then this historic city is yours to discover – stroll down the Via Veneto for a taste of ‘la dolce vita’. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza St Peters.

Day 2 – ROME SIGHTSEEING

A local guide introduces you to the grandeur of the city today. Begin with a visit to St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. See Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Pieta, as well as the splendid dome, completed after his death. Cross the Tiber to hear tales of the glory of ancient Rome! Visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum, once the bustling centre of commerce, law and religion. Later, there is time for shopping or continue sightseeing if you wish. (BB)

Day 3 – ROME – FLORENCE

Before leaving Rome, a visit to the priceless art collection of the Popes in the Vatican Museums is a must. Your guide illuminates some of the most famous pieces, before you emerge into the Sistine Chapel. This is where your audio headset comes into its own, providing clear, expert commentary from your local guide. Gaze up now and truly appreciate the significance of Michelangelo’s famous painted ceiling. Head north to the cypress clad hills of Tuscany. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the Chianti wines that make this region so famous. On arrival in Renaissance Florence, walk with your guide to the marble clad Cathedral and Baptistery, where Ghiberti’s ‘Gates of Paradise’ have been recreated in all their glory. Next stop is Signoria Square, lined with fountains and sculpture. Finally, visit the church of Santa Croce to see the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo.

Hotel: Londra (BB,D)

Day 4 – FLORENCE – VENICE

Proceed north towards Venice, glorious city of quaint bridges, squares, canals and gondolas. Step back into the 16C for one of the tour’s most memorable experiences. A private launch ferries you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St Marks Square, dominated by its magnificent Basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower where bronze Moors beat out the hours on a huge bell. Nearby is the Campanile and Doges’ Palace which is connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. See a demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing before enjoying a highlight ride by traditional gondola along the picturesque canals.

Hotel: Continental (BB,D)

Day 5 – VENICE – LUCERNE

Travel through some of the richest farmland in Europe as you cross northern Italy. Glimpse the beautiful Italian Lake District as you pass Lake Como to enter Switzerland. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, past gushing streams and soaring peaks, through the St. Gotthard Tunnel to scenic Lucerne. Get together with your friends for dinner tonight and choose from our selection of restaurants.

Hotel: Astoria (BB,DA)

Day 6 – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING

Walk with your Tour Director to visit the emotive Lion Monument. Then spend time shopping, or stroll across the Chapel Bridge to the ornate Jesuit Church. Later, embark on a highlight excursion by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of one of Switzerland’s most famous mountains, Mount Pilatus. Admire the views over the snow-capped Jungfrau and Eiger peaks before returning to Lucerne. Later if you wish, hear from our guest speaker and local expert about the ‘Secret Swiss Army’ and the efforts this peaceful alpine country makes to maintain its famous neutrality. (BB,D)

Day 7 – LUCERNE – PARIS

Drive to Basel before crossing the Rhine to France. Travel across the fertile fields of Burgundy to Paris, the vibrant heart of French life, and a city which glitters by night. Here, you have the option of a night-time illuminations tour.

Hotel: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel (BB)

Day 8 – PARIS & VERSAILLES

Travel out to the elegant town of Versailles to visit the immense palace built for the Sun King, Louis XIV. Your guide leads you through the royal apartments and there is time to take a stroll in the fine formal gardens. Return to Paris for a comprehensive guided sightseeing tour. See Garnier’s Opera, Notre Dame Cathedral and the immense facades of the Louvre. From the Place de la Concorde, drive down the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower for panoramic vistas over the city. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

Day 9 – PARIS – LONDON

Cross the battlefields of the Somme and pause for a moving visit at the WWI cemetery in Fromelles. Learn how our conservation partner, The Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, helped find a final resting place for many of these brave men. Continue to Calais for your short voyage to Dover. After a drive through the Kent countryside, your tour ends in London. Extend your stay with extra nights in London if you wish. (BB)

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Tour Dates & Total Prices 2012

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EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%

Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how…

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions 1 & 2 apply – see below.