Essential Europe

9 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Group Tour
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. Th...
23%
$4,845
From$3,749
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Rome : Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum
    • Florence : Guided walking tour, visit Michelangelo’s David and Signoria Square; pizza party at Finisterrae restaurant
    • Venice : Private boat ride; visit St. Mark’s Square; glassblower demonstration; pasta dinner at local restaurant; private water-taxi ride through the Grand Canal
    • Bellinzona: Visit the Castelgrande courtyard and enjoy a light lunch with wine
    • Lucerne : Walking tour including the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge
    • Paris : Guided sightseeing, enjoy a Seine cruise
    • Paris–london: By high-speed Eurostar train
    • London: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral
    • Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucerne, Paris, and London—these exciting and vibrant cities await you on this thrilling European tour
    • Guided sightseeing tours will highlight the must-see attractions in each city, including the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum in Rome; the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, where you will see Michelangelo's famous David; the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, dating back to the 14th century; a Seine cruise in Paris, where you’ll enjoy great views of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower; and St

What's this trip about?

    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.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City ROME, ITALY
End CityPARIS

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • England
  • Switzerland
  • France
  • Italy

Attractions

  • Basel
  • Bellinzona
  • Burgundy
  • Florence
  • London
  • Lucerne
  • Paris
  • Rome
  • Tuscany
  • Venice

Activities

  • Culture

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

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. (Dinner)

ROME-SKYLINE.jpg

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.* (Breakfast)

* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

T...

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. (Breakfast) 174 mi / 280 km

...
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 rid...

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. (Br...

Day 6: LUCERNE

Sweet Sights of Switzerland LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge. Free time this afternoon and evening. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Serenity is found in a gaze across the stunning panoramas of the Swiss Alps above...

Day 7: LUCERNE–BASEL–PARIS, FRANCE

French Connection BASEL Board the high-speed TGV train to Paris. Free time this afternoon and evening. (Breakfast) 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 ...

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. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we lo...

Day 9: PARIS

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

PARIS-SKYLINE.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,749
Price per day$417
Last Updated: 4/10/2024
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Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Globus Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
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Disappointing
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Other Globus Reviews

k

kit

Mar 2024

Written on

guide Sites are amazing, but tour ruins it

This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the exper...

m

mike

Feb 2024

Written on

Never Again

Just returned from Italy. Guides were very informative. Hotels went downhill with each city. Dinners which were included were absolutely horrible - vegetable lasagna...

I

In country help

Jan 2024

Written on

Tour company help is most needed in-country

This is an upcoming trip that I haven't taken yet - the Sicilian Escape. I booked my own international flights for round trip to the launch point in Palermo. My erro...

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Tour Operator

Globus

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Why Travel with Globus?

Perfectly Planned. Seriously Stress Free.

After 90-plus years of sharing the world with travelers, Globus has set the gold standard for award-winning touring across virtually every continent. Our global network of premiere travel partners, operations experts, and hospitality pros share one goal in mind—an exceptional travel experience no matter where we travel together.

Beyond the Guidebooks.

While Italy is synonymous with spectacular food, it is the close family connection that brings generations of tradition to the table. Globus goes beyond typical tours to introduce you to local legends and local experiences not found on just any map. Meet the Bonajuto family at Antica Dolceria—the oldest confectionery in Sicily. More than 150 years after the dolceria was founded by Francesco Bonajuto, the family still serves its heavenly chocolates in the same spot, while also serving as international ambassadors of Sicilian cuisine. Che dolce!

Don’t Miss the Must Sees.

Why stand in line to catch a fleeting glimpse of ancient ruins and remarkable historic sites? Globus gives you VIP access with an expert Local Guide to go deeper, get closer, and soak it all in. From the Parthenon to the Vatican museums, you’ll explore Europe’s most beloved locations without getting lost in a crowd or waiting in line. Don’t just file past masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David or get only a hurried look at the Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle. Experience Europe’s extraordinary sights—and historic sites—with the VIP access you deserve.

Dreams Realized.

The Colosseum. The Prado. Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each Globus tour always includes the legendary landmarks, the major attractions, and the must-see sites. Going beyond the iconic exteriors, we lead you to the front of the line, straight through the door, and inside the walls of Europe’s most awe-inspiring places for an exclusive look behind the scenes. With priority access, we ensure you behold the sights you’ve long dreamed of—without waiting any longer!

Do as the Locals Do.

When in Rome—or London, Paris, or Barcelona—we arrange for you to do as the locals do, not just what the tourists do. In every itinerary, we include hands-on, authentic experiences for a true taste of a day in the life. Board a private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, bake scones in an Irish farmhouse, or sample Geysir Schnapps in Iceland. By striking a golf ball at St. Andrews or dancing the Sirtaki while sipping ouzo, you truly get to step into someone else’s shoes and experience the world from an insider’s perspective.

Adventure, a la Carte

While Globus vacations get you up close and personal to the world's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences, we also know the value of spending time on your own to explore as you please. After all, travel is meant to be filled with memorable moments of your own with serendipitous surprises that can’t be planned or scheduled. We build free time into every itinerary so you can leisurely explore the beckoning bookstore, tempting café table, or whimsical window shopping that's schedule free. Don’t wait a lifetime for that once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s waiting just around the corner!

Pick your Passion.

Maybe you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff. Perhaps you’re moved by music, art, cuisine, or theater. Or maybe making tracks in the great outdoors is more your speed. We offer a wide array of optional excursions and activities—tailored to a variety of fitness levels and interests—so you can customize your adventure with your own personal passions and preferences. Each Globus excursion and activity has been personally tested by us and handpicked to allow you to really get to know each destination. You never have to choose between included and optional excursions, since optional activities fit seamlessly with your vacation schedule!

A Friend in Every City.

Join us and a few of our friends in your next dream destination. After all, we’ve spent over 90 years making friends in virtually every city and country in the world who let us in on local secrets, like where to find the best scone, stein, or spumoni; the best people-watching table; or the best view of wide-open spaces. Every Globus vacation includes local experts who share the stories behind the sights and Local Favorites you won’t find in the guidebooks. Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides hail from the region through which you’re traveling. No one is more familiar, passionate, or eager to share insider knowledge than our local pros!


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Industry-leading guided tours to classic bucket list destinations and attractions around the world.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Radisson Blu RomeRadisson Blu Rome is situated just a few minutes away from Via Veneto & the city's historic center. It has 285 sophisticated, air-conditioned rooms, all fully equipped with an LED TV, Free Wi-Fi, a minibar, desk and a bathroom furnished with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Classic Mediterranean delicacies, an aperitivo or a glass of Champagne can be enjoyed on the stylish 7th floor roof restaurant and bar and there is also a fitness room. RomeItalyVia Domenico Chelini, 41Grand Hotel MediterraneoModern hotel situated on the banks of the river Arno, steps away from the city center. The Duomo and Palazzo Pitti are nearby.FlorenceItalyLungarno Del Tempio, 44Plaza MestreModern hotel located across from Venice Mestre train station near Venice historic city center - Comfortable, well-furnished rooms.Venice-MestreItalyPiazzale Stazione, 36Leonardo RoyalThe Leonardo Royal Venice Mestre, with its 244 rooms and suites, is the perfect place to enjoy a visit to the amazing city of Venice or organise your business trips and meetings. The hotel is just a few steps from Mestre railway station, from where you can easily get to to the city's highlights. Its modern rooms are airconditioned and provide a desk, a minibar and a private bathroom. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. Guests can also make use of the business center, work out at the gym or relax in the bar. Mestre - VeneziaItalyVia Ca Marcello 6AstoriaIdeally located in the heart of Lucerne, surrounded by mountains, close to its lake boasting crystal clear waters, the historic old town, and famous Chapel Bridge. All 252 contemporary rooms have a minibar and Wi-Fi. There's a plush cocktail lounge, a stylish café, and a rooftop bar affording city views. Other facilities include a full equipped modern gym.LucerneSwitzerlandPilatusstrasse 29Les Jardins du MaraisIn the centre of Paris, with 263 rooms and a tranquil garden, this delightful property is composed of nine 19th-century buildings and has 'small village' charm. Facilities include a restaurant, a bar/lounge, a fitness room and Free Wi-Fi access.ParisFrance74, Rue Amelot,
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Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
HF|Essential Europe HFT|With London
Trip ID
globus-HF

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