European Wonderland Summer 2018

Day 1: Arrive Rome (2 Nights)

Buckle up Bambinos - we're off on a grand adventure through Europe, launching our Family Experience in the Eternal City of Rome. Bring ancient history to life, rambling through the bustling streets of what was once the Capital of the World in search of treasures that span millennia. This evening we enjoy a Kick-Off Party with our travel companions and Travel Director that will rock Rome followed by an orientation drive to give you a taste of some of the major sites. Kick-Off Party

Day 2: Rome Sightseeing

Delve into the open-air museum that is Rome, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that will see you rub shoulders with St. Peter and the thousands of pilgrims that flock to the impressive square that bears his name. See Michelangelo's famous Pietà statue in St. Peter's Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. Imagine the thunderous applause of excited spectators cheering their gladiators to victory inside the Colosseum when you visit, and the roar of chariots circling Circus Maximus. This afternoon we enjoy a delicious Cultural Insight into authentic Italian pizza. Learn how to make an Italian pizza that would make any Italian mamma proud, enjoying a slice or two hot out of the oven with la famiglia. Buffet Breakfast, Regional Meal

Day 3: Rome – Siena – Florence (2 Nights)

Travel north through the picturesque Chianti wine-producing region. Explore the medieval playground of Siena, strolling through the cobbled streets to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the festive Palio bareback horse race runs twice a year against the backdrop of colourful flags and emblems. Arriving in Florence this afternoon, we spend time rambling through the Cradle of Renaissance, admiring spectacular views of the iconic skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo and discovering the best spots to indulge in cioccolata calda. This evening we enjoy all the tastes of Tuscany in an unforgettable Be My Guest experience. Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Day 4: Florence Sightseeing

The treasures of the de' Medici family are on full display as we delve into the centuries of art, architecture and tumultuous history of what was once an independent republic that celebrated rebirth and renewal. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the city, visit the Piazza della Signoria, the hub of the city, and view the magnificent marble Duomo. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Climb a tree or two in Boboli Gardens, tick off the masterpieces of great artists in Uffizi Gallery or see Renaissance history brought to life in the Palazzo Vecchio's Children's Museum. You could also join an Optional Experience to snap a selfie next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa before returning to Florence and pounding the pavements in search of the city's tastiest gelato. Buffet Breakfast

Day 5: Florence – Bologna – Venice (2 Nights)

Cross the Apennine Mountains to the city of Bologna where we will join a Local Specialist to view the city's Kissing Towers, which lean towards each other seemingly poised to embrace, and Il Gigante, commonly known as Neptune's Fountains. Ditch your diet and indulge in the delicious flavours of what is widely regarded as the gastronomic capital of Italy - chase tortellini around your plate or twirl Spaghetti Bolognese like a local. This afternoon we arrive on the island city of Venice. Spend the rest of the day soaking up the sights and sounds of Italy or enjoy an Optional Experience gondola ride through Venice's labyrinthine canals. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Day 6: Venice Orientation

All aboard! The salty spray of the Venetian Lagoon marks our journey by private launch to the gateway to Venice, St. Mark's Square. See St. Mark's Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound made by condemned prisoners who enjoyed their last view of beautiful Venice before meeting their fate. Watch as talented craftsmen expertly roll the glowing bubble of glass into beautiful crafts and learn about the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks with a Local Specialist where we'll have an opportunity to create our own colourful alter egos. Buffet Breakfast

Day 7: Venice – Verona – Engelberg (2 Nights)

Crossing the Veneto Plains, we stop in Verona and pay tribute to Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers at Juliet's Balcony. Venturing north, past Milan, Como and Lugano, we meander through the picture-perfect Swiss Lake District. Magnificent snow-capped peaks surround us as we wind along the scenic alpine St. Gotthard route into central Switzerland. Our home for the next two nights is the winter sports retreat of Engelberg. Buffet Breakfast

Day 8: Lucerne Orientation

Walk across the flower-lined 14th century wooden Chapel Bridge and into a time fairy-tale land of lakes and lions. See the giant dying lion hewn from sandstone rock to commemorate the heroism of the Swiss Guard during the French Revolution. Ascend one of the magnificent surrounding mountains during an Optional Experience or spend the afternoon sampling the rich flavours of delicious Swiss chocolate. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Engelberg – Paris (2 Nights)

From Switzerland, we cross the mighty Rhine River and into France, travelling through the famous Burgundy wine region en route to the City of Light. This evening, amble up grand boulevards and through tiny cobblestone lanes in search of the French treasures you'll have an opportunity to sample tomorrow. Buffet Breakfast

Day 10: Paris Sightseeing

Join a Local Specialist on a guided sightseeing tour which includes a drive along the Champs Élysées with views of the magnificent Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower to see the city laid out before you in all its glory. Spend the rest of the afternoon on your terms, watching entertaining street performers and artists outside the Pompidou Centre, climbing the Bell Tower of Notre Dame or enjoying a cruise along the Seine. This evening, we close the curtains on an epic family adventure through Europe, celebrating with our travel companions and Travel Director at a special Farewell Dinner. Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 11: Paris – London (2 Nights)

Travel past First World War battlefields on the way to Calais. Cross by ferry to Dover and see the famous White Cliffs before arriving in London. Buffet Breakfast

Day 12: London Sightseeing

See all the major sights in the capital this morning with your Local Specialist, including views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Afterwards, spend free time exploring some of the many attractions or shop in the West End and Knightsbridge. Full Breakfast

Day 13: Depart London

Say goodbye to your companions in London at the end of a memorable holiday. Full Breakfast