Romance of Europe Paris to Rome Journey

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Paris - Reims - Luxembourg (420 km)
2 stops
1
Reims
The Red Line tour leaves from Paris for a delightful scenic journey through the rolling countryside of the Champagne region, famous for the sparkling white wine produced here. Enjoy seeing the historic attractions of provincial capital Reims, including the city’s cathedral – a key national heritage site, where coronations of French kings took place from the 11th century onwards.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Luxembourg
History and tradition are equally evident in your next location: Luxembourg, the world’s only remaining Grand Duchy. After arriving in refined Luxembourg city, you’ll be introduced on foot to the main places of interest, including the Place de Constitution and Pont Adolphe, before having time for further exploration on your own.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Luxembourg - Trier - Koblenz - Rudesheim am Rhein - Frankfurt (400 km)
4 stops
3
Trier
Today we leave Luxembourg behind and head across another European border into Germany. The first stop is historic Trier, Germany’s oldest city and the birthplace of Karl Marx. You’ll have the chance to see from the outside the house where the influential philosopher was born, which now functions as the Karl Marx Haus museum. Your walking tour then takes you into the centre of Trier. Trier is also known as ‘The Second Rome’ (Constantine served as an administrator here for 10 years), and significant legacies of the once-great empire remain today.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
4
After an exciting morning in Trier, you’ll drive on to Koblenz, famous as the location of the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. The tour bus will travel along the banks of the Rhine River, offering breathtaking views on both sides. (If boat availability and schedule permit, a Rhine River cruise may be arranged during the summer.)
2 hours • Admission ticket free
5
There will be a brief stop at the lively town of Rüdesheim, depending on road conditions at the time.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
In the afternoon, the tour will arrive in Frankfurt, Germany's largest financial city, where participants will visit the city's center, including Römerberg Square, St. Paul's Church, a symbol of freedom and democracy, and the bustling shopping streets.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Frankfurt - Bonn - Cologne - Amsterdam (500 km)
2 stops
7
The morning begins with a leisurely drive north-west from Frankfurt to Bonn, the capital of the former West Germany until reunification. The national government is now in Berlin, but Bonn retains a rich history that is well worth exploring. Discover the city’s secrets on an orientation stroll through its streets, walking past highlights such as the Rococofronted town hall and Ludwig Van Beethoven Haus, a museum celebrating the life of the much-loved composer.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
8
Cologne
Then heading to Cologne, where you’ll go inside the city’s glorious Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Cologne further, to do local shopping or to simply relax with a suitably refreshing German brew. After lunch the day is rounded off with a drive in the Netherlands.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans (50 km)
3 stops
9
Zaanse Schans
A day of delights begins with a leisurely trip through the Dutch countryside, where you’ll get to sample at close quarters some of the things that the Netherlands is traditionally famous for: clogs, cheese and windmills. Call in at the hugely popular model town of Zaanse Schans.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
10
Amsterdam
Next, you’ll head from the quiet countryside to the cosmopolitan city as the journey takes you back to Amsterdam. After lunch, you’ll walk to one of the city’s grandest areas, Dam Square, where the Royal Palace is located and the King’s birthday celebration takes place. Then head to a well-known diamond factory, where you’ll see the unique cutting techniques that have been practised here since the 16th century, you can take an optional hour-long pre-dinner canal cruise, which is a great way to discover more about this unique European city. After dinner, you will check in the hotel and enjoy your free time for shopping or further sightseeing.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
11
Keukenhof Gardens
(During the Keukenhof Flower Show in the Netherlands, an additional visit to the annual flower show is included. More information can be found at: www.keukenhof.com )
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 5
Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris (500 km)
1 stop
12
Brussels
After leaving Amsterdam in the morning you’ll head south across the border into Brussels, the Belgian capital and political centre of the European Union. On the way, the tour stops to see the distinctive Atomium monument, a cell- shaped structure of stainless-steel spheres and tubes built for the 1958 World’s Fair. In the centre of Brussels itself an orientation tour will call in at the exquisite Grand Place, as well as seeing the famous impish Manneken Pis Statue. After some free time, you can try some mouth-watering Belgian delights. Then from Brussels we will head south again across the French border and on to the bright lights of Paris.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Paris - Versailles - Paris (60 km)
2 stops
13
Paris
Paris is your oyster over the next two days as you enjoy guided tours around one of the world’s most celebrated cities. Your Parisian adventures get off to a spectacular start with a drive along the famous Champs Élysées to the Place de la Concorde, which played such a key part in the French Revolution. You’ll also get to see the iconic Arc de Triomphe here too, the imposing monument that sits near the western end of the avenue and commemorates the fallen of the revolution and Napoleonic wars. You’ll take in another significant historical building next as you head to L’Hôtel National des Invalides, where Napoleon’s tomb is located, followed by a stop at the most legendary of all Paris’s icons: the Eiffel Tower.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
14
Palace of Versailles
Finally, you’ll travel on the coach out through the Parisian suburbs to the splendid Palace of Versailles, the vast regal château that was the residence of the royal family until the start of the revolution in 1789. Today the palace is another popular Parisian attraction. In the evening, you can enjoy one of our optional Paris evening shows. Due to a limited daily access control in the Palace of Versailles, customers who wants to visit are strongly recommended to book tickets online in advance at https://en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit/tickets-and-prices Visiting time: 14:00 – 14:30pm
8 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 7
Paris
3 stops
15
Seine River
In the morning, depart to the pier and take a sightseeing boat cruise on the Seine River at your own expense, a great sightseeing option that offers splendid views of iconic Parisian landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and Pont Alexandre III.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
16
Louvre Museum
After lunch, we visit Louvre, one of the world’s greatest art museums. Here you’ll set your eyes upon some of history’s most famous masterpieces, including the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace (also called Nike of Samothrace), and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Opt for a guided gallery tour, which will enhance your experience and allow you to browse through hundreds of works in just a few hours. Due to a limited daily access control in the Louvre Palace, to avoid disappointment, we recommend customers who want to visit this palace book tickets online in advance at https://www.ticketlouvre.fr/louvre/b2c/index.cfm/calendar/eventCode/MusWeb Visit time: 13:00 – 14:00pm
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
17
Paris
After the tour, participants will be taken to the heart of Paris for shopping. The remaining time is free for participants to explore on their own. Shopping enthusiasts can visit large department store Galeries Lafayette to purchase fashionable handbags, clothing, and French perfume. (In the evening, for those interested in going to a nightclub to enjoy a spectacular and glamorous dance performance or to indulge in a French gourmet dinner, the tour leader will be happy to assist with the arrangements.)
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Paris - Lucerne (650 km)
1 stop
18
Lucerne
After boarding the luxury coach in Paris, sit back and enjoy a scenic journey across classic French countryside en route to mountainous Switzerland. You’ll pass through Basel, which is located at the point where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, before arriving at the picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne, nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Swiss Alps. If time allows, you will have a chance to shop or take pictures.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Lucerne - Milan - Venice (400 km)
1 stop
19
Milan
Head south from Lucerne through spectacular Switzerland and into northern Italy, where your first stop will be Milan, fashion capital of the world. Your orientation tour will introduce you to the city’s iconic sights, including the vast Gothic cathedral (Duomo). You’ll also see the planet’s oldest shopping mall, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where you can wander among the boutique shops and have lunch in one of the refined cafes. After enjoying the many delights of Milan, you’ll head to another vintage Italian city: Venice.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Venice - Rome (550 km)
2 stops
20
Venice
Spend the morning in the company of a knowledgeable local guide as you explore Venice, the most magical of cities. Begin with a waterbus ride to San Marco Island, a memorable crossing of the lagoon that gives you a real taste of the city’s charm as you approach the dreamy spires and distinctive waterside buildings.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
21
Once on the island you’ll be led around some of Venice’s best-known locations, beginning in the Piazzo with the Basilica di San Marco, a stunning piece of Byzantine architecture. You’ll also see the legendary Bridge of Sighs, which appears on many a postcard or picture of Venice and connects the old prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace. Afterwards you’ll have a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at close quarters with a demonstration by Murano glassblowers; their exquisite creations make excellent souvenirs. Of course, the ultimate Venice activity is to ride through the warren of waterways on a gondola, and for most people this optional excursion is a must. Step on board, relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Afterwards, you can wander through the ancient winding alleys, and visit nostalgic cafés or restaurants to enjoy a variety of delicious foods. Transfer to Rome in the afternoon.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Rome - Vatican
3 stops
22
Colosseum
Your day in Rome starts with a visit to the famous Colosseum, built in AD 72. History comes to life as you imagine yourself witnessing gladiatorial combat inside the spectacular Amphitheatre.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
23
Rome
After the Colosseum, get up close to the nearby Arch of Constantine, which dates back to the fourth century AD. We will then visit the magnificent Reunification Memorial Hall, the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument, which was built to honour King Victor Emmanuel II who unified Italy.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
24
Vatican City
Afterwards, you are heading to the smallest country in the world, The Vatican City, which lies at the heart of the Italian capital. Here you’ll marvel at St Peter’s Basilica, home to Pope Francis and arguably the most significant site in Christianity. The exquisitely beautiful Basilica has been present here for almost 1,700 years and contains a bewildering collection of paintings, frescoes and design crafted by some of humanity’s most famous artists, which you can explore.
4 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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