Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France

Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France 21 Days

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Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France
Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France
Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France
Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France
Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France
Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France
Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France
Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France
Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France
Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France
Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France
Uncover the Best of Italy, Switzerland and France

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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 21 Days
Comfort: 66.6666666666667%
Language: English
Rating: 0%
Trip ID: 128369
Start Location: Borgo, Italy
End Location: Saint-Merri, France

Guaranteed:
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Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed!
1. AdventureLink has carefully handpicked the tour operators in our portfolio to give you the best possible selection and experience
2. AdventureLink does not pay the operator until your trip completes in order to ensure the highest possible standard of care
Primary Activities: Walking Tour, Sightseeing
Other Activities: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking, Waterfalls, Local Culture & Cuisine, Rail, palace, ferry-cruise, winery tour, museums, caves, churches
Activity Level: Basic

Put your finger on the pulse of Europe's beating heart on this memorable tour through Italy, Switzerland and France. From ancient wonders on the bustling streets of Rome, to high fashion in Milan, traditional folklore in the Swiss Alps and champagne tours in Reims - this trip truly captures the spoils of Europe. Travel through the charming hillside villages of the Cinque Terre, get close to nature amid the grandeur of Lucerne and fall in love with romantic Paris - each day brings a fascinating new discovery.

Trip Information:

Start: Rome, Italy
Finish: Paris, France
Group size: Min 1 , Max 12
Ages: Min 12

Included activities:

Bicycle excursion, Beaune, Bicycle tour, Champagne caves tour, Cinque Terre day pass, Day trip to Florence, Duomo roof visit, Ferry on Lake Maggiore, Trummelbach Falls entrance

Notes:

A Single Supplement is available on this trip.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in the Italian capital and absorb its irresistible aura and energy of Rome

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the evening of Day 1. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please check with the hotel reception where and when it will take place, or check the reception notice boards. If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive at the hotel by early evening, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Crowded with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome still pulses to the beat of modern life and is packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and exciting nightlife. There are so many things to do in Rome, we recommend you arrive a few days early to see the all sights, such as the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti and Piazza Venezia.

No visit would be complete without a trip to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica. Entry to the Basilica is free, and there's a small charge to climb the dome for the ultimate breathtaking panorama over bella Roma.

Also make the time to visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museum is closed on some days, including most Sundays. On the last Sunday of the month, it's open and free (but expect large crowds).

Optional Activities

Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome - EUR8.50
Christian catacombs, Rome - EUR8.00
Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, Rome - EUR12.00
Galleria Borghese, Rome - EUR11.00
Imperial Fora, Rome - EUR9.00
Keats-Shelley Memorial House, Rome - EUR4.50
Pantheon, Rome - Free
St Peter's dome climb, Rome - EUR6.00
St Peter's dome elevator, Rome - EUR7.00
Vatican museums, Rome - EUR15.00
Venezia Palace, Rome - EUR4.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

Days 2-5: Cycle alongside the scenic Serchio River, glimpse Michelangelo's David in Florence

Enjoy some free time in Rome or, if you wish, your group leader will be available for an orientation walk taking in some of the best-known sights of Rome.

Board a train for Lucca (approx 4.5 hrs). Lucca is one of Tuscany's real hidden gems, with centuries-old buildings, beautiful churches, charming piazzas and narrow streets within the city ramparts. Set off on a cycling tour following the scenic Serchio River through the Tuscan countryside (4 km round the walls and 14 km by the river, approx 3 hrs).

Take a day trip into Florence by local train (approx 1.5 hrs), which allows you to view the many wonderful sights in this beautiful 'outdoor museum'. Florence, the cultural heart of Tuscany, bursts with religious treasures and Renaissance masterpieces. It's been said that during the second millennium, a third of Europe's most important artists lived in Florence. The minds and talents of the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all flourished here.

See the Pitti Palace, the Ponte Vecchio, the Arno River, the many statues and monuments of the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio, the 13th-century Duomo, the Baptistry and the Gates of Paradise, Giotto's Belltower, and Michelangelo's David. There will be free time to take in the many fine museums and artistic treasures such as the Medici Chapels, and the Uffizi, as well as time to shop in the many markets and chic boutiques.

Florentine State Museums (Uffizi, Accademia, Pitti Palace, Medici Chapels, Bargello, Archaeological Museum, Davanzati) can all be booked in advance. We suggest that you book at least two months in advance especially for the Uffizi as this museum experiences enormous queues (up to 5 hours) all year round. The individual museums have slightly different opening times and closing days between them but the website has everything you need to know about all of them.

Our base in Lucca provides us with the perfect opportunity for an outing to the nearby city of Pisa (approx 30 mins by local train), where you'll have the chance to visit the world-famous Duomo, Baptistry and of course, the gravity-defying Leaning Tower.

Included Activities

Bicycle tour
Day trip to Florence
Pisa visit

Optional Activities

Accademia, Florence - EUR6.50
Baptistry, Florence - EUR5.00
Barga bus day trip, Lucca - EUR8.00
Cathedral Museum, Lucca - EUR3.50
Cathedral of San Martino, Lucca - Free
Duomo & Campanile climb, Florence - EUR6.00
Guinigi Tower Climb, Lucca - EUR4.00
Lucca bike hire, Lucca - EUR3.50
Medici Chapels, Florence - EUR6.00
Museo dell'Opera di S.Maria del Fiore, Florence - EUR6.00
Museum Bargello, Florence - EUR4.00
National Gallery Villa Guinigi, Lucca - EUR4.00
Palazzo Pfanner Gardens, Lucca - EUR3.00
Palazzo Pfanner House and Garden combo, Lucca - EUR4.50
Palazzo Pfanner house, Lucca - EUR3.00
Palazzo Vecchio, Florence - EUR6.50
Pitti Palace, Florence - EUR8.50
Puccini concert, Lucca - EUR15.00
Siena bus ticket, Florence - EUR13.60
Tomb of Ilaria Carretto, Lucca - EUR2.00
Uffizi Gallery, Florence - EUR6.50

Accommodation

Private apartment (4 nts)

Days 6-7: Weave through the charming hillside villages of the Cinque Terre

Travel by train, bound for La Spezia (approx 3 hrs). Walk along the famous path of the Cinque Terre. Olive groves and vineyards cover the mountains that plunge into the sea - the vistas here are breathtaking.If you're feeling energetic, walking the entire path (12 km, approx 5 hrs) will give you the best taste of the villages and countryside. However, you can jump on a train between any of the villages or to get back to our base whenever you want. Please note that some sections of the Cinque Terre path can be quite difficult with challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. Appropriate footwear (trainers or light hiking shoes) are required for this day.

Cinque Terre path sections:

Riomaggiore to Manarola is easy and takes 25 minutes on a paved path.
Manarola to Corniglia is easy and takes about 50 minutes on a partly paved and partly rocky path.
Corniglia to Vernazza is medium level difficulty and takes about 1.5 hours on a rocky path.
Vernazza to Monterosso is more challenging and takes about 2 hours on a rocky path.

Important note for 2013 departures.

During October 2011 this region was hit by record flooding and serious mudslides, particularly Monterosso and Vernazza which were evacuated and closed for access. In addition, in the summer of 2012 a number of coastal walking paths were closed due to rockslides. Local authorities have since indicated that the restoration and repair work should be complete by summer 2013 and many walking routes will be re-opened, however, please be aware that there may be delays.

Included Activities

Cinque Terre day pass

Optional Activities

Church of St Andrea, Cinque Terre - Free
Day Cruise, Cinque Terre - EUR20.00
Pesto class, Cinque Terre - EUR13.00
Sea kayak hire, Cinque Terre - EUR5.00

Days 8-9: Stroll through ever-fashionable Milan and marvel at its magnificent Duomo

Travel by train to Milan (approx 3 hrs). Italy's most prosperous and fashionable city, Milan is the place for stylish shopping and cafes - Milanese specialties!

Explore the city's historic centre and visit the magnificent Duomo (cathedral) with its stunning Gothic terrace.

Many visitors whilst in Milan will want to take a visit to Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper. Please note that your leader can't assist with tickets to see the Last Supper. These tickets are limited and generally sell out extremely quickly and up to six months in advance. If you expressly want to see the Last Supper you need to make arrangements in advance. Day 8 of this trip between 1pm and 3pm are suitable times. Note that the viewing is 15 minutes and in order not to lose the reservation, visitors must arrive 15 minutes before the time allocated for the visit.

Leave Milan by train for our next destination, Stresa (approx 1.5 hrs). Charming 19th-century Stresa is a town that boasts all the amenities of both a traditional seaside resort and a winter ski resort. The Italian lakeland scenery is beautiful with blue waters, soaring mountains, woodlands, exotic gardens, Victorian-style resort towns, historic hamlets, traditional Italian fishing villages and reminders of a bygone era in every direction.

Board a local ferry for a scenic trip on Lake Maggiore to the beautiful Borromeo Isles. Visit the romantic palatial residence built in the 17th century by Charles III in stunning Lombard-Baroque style, and wander through its wonderful hanging gardens. Try cooling yourself, as the original inhabitants did, in the ornately decorated caves. You can lunch on the islands in one of the traditional fishing villages and if there's time to spare, visit the markets and churches in one of the lakeside hamlets.

Ride the cable car up to the top of Mount Mottarone, the winter ski centre, from where there are wonderful views of the Lakes Region, the Swiss Alps and the Monte Rosa Massif. Evenings in Stresa are best spent strolling the quaint streets of the town, people-watching from the pavement cafes or enjoying Italian food at one of the many lakeside restaurants.

Included Activities

Duomo roof visit
Ferry on Lake Maggiore

Optional Activities

Isola Madre house and gardens, Stresa - EUR10.00
Mottorone Alpine Botanical Gardens, Stresa - EUR2.00
Mount Mottarone cable car, Stresa - EUR15.00
Palazzo Borromeo, Stresa - EUR11.00
The Last Supper from, Milan - EUR29.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Days 10-11: In free time, enjoy a boat tour on placid Lake Lucerne

Take a spectacular train journey to Lucerne in Switzerland (approx 6 hrs). Explore the medieval city of Lucerne, located on the edge of a mountain-locked lake with plenty to do and see. This historic old town is famous for 15th century frescoed houses and covered wooden bridges - one festooned with visions of death.

Alternatively, relax and enjoy the mountain vista from a lake cruise or a stroll on one of the many lakeside paths. Catch the cog wheel railway to the top of nearby Mount Pilatus and take the cable car back down. Visit the excellent Transport Museum.

Optional Activities

Mount Pilatus cable car, Lucerne - CHF92.00
Transport Museum, Lucerne - CHF24.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Days 12-14: Visit the spectacular Trummelbach Falls while taking in staggering mountain views

A train journey through villages and spectacular alpine scenery brings us to the Bernese Oberland and Interlaken (approx 4 hrs). Travel to nearby Lauterbrunnen and enjoy a walk through characteristic Swiss countryside to view the magnificent Trummelbach Falls. There's plenty of time to to wander the beautiful walking paths of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and to visit nearby villages where you can enjoy excellent traditional Swiss cheesecake and hot chocolate. Otherwise, sample some traditional Swiss food at one of the local restaurants - fondue and rosti are specialties.

Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland region offer a multitude of activities to take part in during your free time.

Why not indulge in a nine o'clock champagne breakfast with 'James Bond' at Piz Gloria, the world's highest revolving restaurant on the peak of the Schilthorn. With views to the Black Forest in Germany and the Italian Alps on a clear day, it's a spectacular spot, but at 3,000 metres you have to start climbing early!

If this sounds way too challenging, there are three eye-popping cable cars that can get you there in under an hour and you'll also have an opportunity to visit the major ski resort villages on the way down.

Take the funicular railway on a spectacular mountain ride up the side of the mighty Eiger, above the glaciers, to the Jungfraujoch and 'the roof of Europe'. Here, at almost 3,500 metres, you can indulge in a few light-headed snowball fights, a husky ride, walk through a carved ice palace or ski, all while taking in the kind of mountain views that few ever get to see - weather permitting of course!

Please note, the use of the Jungfrau railway has been known to cause some minor acclimatisation troubles for some travellers, as the difference in altitude between the railway stations of Interlaken and Jungfraujoch is almost 3 km! Take this into account before making the trip.

Mountain bikes can be hired locally and there are plenty of trails. There are numerous hikes in the area with other funicular railway or cable car connections, and a host of other physical activities. Just ask your group leader about all the options to choose from.

Included Activities

Trummelbach Falls entrance

Optional Activities

Dinner Cruise on Lake Brienz, Interlaken - CHF55.00
Jungfrau cog railway, Lauterbrunnen - CHF160.00
Jungfraupark Themepark, Interlaken - CHF38.00
Mountain bike hire, Lauterbrunnen - CHF40.00
Schilthorn, Lauterbrunnen - CHF78.00

Accommodation

Guesthouse (3 nts)

Days 15-16: Travel by train through the Swiss capital of Bern and cross the border into Dijon

Take the train to Bern (approx 1 hr). Switzerland's attractive capital is an inviting place to spend a few hours. Wander through the medieval old town on cobblestone streets or picnic by the Aare River. Visit the 15th century Gothic cathedral, with 12m high stained glass windows. Survey the domain of a genius at Einstein's house.

Cross the border by train into France and onwards to Dijon (approx 4 hrs). Burgundy is one of France's richest provinces - historically, culturally, gastronomically and economically. Dijon's delightful city centre boasts numerous medieval and renaissance buildings and a warren of narrow little streets. Despite its long history, Dijon has a youthful feel about it due to its large and well-known university.

Take a day trip to the delightful town of Beaune. Beaune is located in the wine region of the Cote d'Or, an area that produces some of the best wines in France and is made up of the Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits, where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. The best Burgundy wines are grown here in the golden-red soil, hence the name Cote d'Or (land of gold).

Cycle through the vineyards, with beautiful views of the gentle rolling hills that make up this idyllic landscape.

In the evening, indulge in some wine tasting, relax at one of the many enticing pavement cafes or simply stroll the charming streets.

Included Activities

Bicycle excursion, Beaune

Optional Activities

Einstein's House, Bern - CHF6.00
Munster Cathedral, Bern - Free
Mustard Museum, Dijon - EUR10.00
Owl tour guide, Dijon - EUR3.00
Wineries tour, Dijon - EUR30.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Days 17-18: Set in an agricultural region famous for its sparkling wines, Reims

Travel north by train to the Champagne region (approx 4 hrs). Set in an agricultural region famous around the world for its sparkling wines, which have been produced here since the days of Dom Perignon, Reims is home to some of the best known 'Grandes Marques' in Champagne and plays an important part in the production of the sparkling wine. It also boasts a historical side - the kings of France were crowned in the city's elaborate gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. Take a tour around the caves of Pommery to learn about champagne-making and the remarkable businesswoman this brand is named after.

Included Activities

Champagne caves tour

Optional Activities

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Reims - Free
Palais du Tau, Reims - EUR7.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Days 19-21: Stroll along the Seine and be enchanted by Paris. Departure

Travel by train to Paris (approx 1 hr). Rich in museums, art galleries, monuments, fashion and fabulous food, Paris offers a wealth of major sights and hidden treasures to discover.

You have a free day to be swept off your feet by the city. Explore the world-famous Louvre, where you can see the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. To avoid queuing at the ticket windows, you can buy your ticket in advance, but pre-sold tickets can't be collected at the Louvre. The ticket is valid every day except Tuesday (when the museum is closed) and certain bank holidays.

Join the Thinker in his eternal contemplation at the Rodin Museum. Visit the Musee d'Orsay, home to some of the most famous Impressionist paintings. Climb the Eiffel Tower (or take the lift) for some impressive aerial views of Paris. See the Notre Dame Cathedral with its vast Rose Window and menacing gargoyles. Wandering around the Champs-Elysees, the student-filled Latin Quarter and the bohemian Montmartre will give you a good feel for the city. The Tuileries, Plantes and Luxembourg gardens are all excellent places to enjoy a simple baguette with cheese on summer days, or head to a cafe to have a coffee - the French drink it black - and watch the world go by.

Regroup in the evening to enjoy a last dinner together in this romantic city (not included). Afterwards, consider hitting a jazz bar or simply taking a walk to take in more of this enchanting city. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Optional Activities

Arc de Triomphe, Paris - EUR9.50
Catacombs, Paris - EUR8.00
Centre Pompidou, Paris - EUR13.00
Da Vinci Code walking tour, Paris - EUR20.00
Eiffel Tower, Paris - EUR14.00
Fat Tires bike tour, Paris - EUR28.00
Louvre Museum, Paris - EUR10.00
Musee d'Orsay, Paris - EUR9.00
Napoleon's tomb, Paris - EUR9.00
Notre Dame towers, Paris - EUR8.50
Palace of Versailles gardens, Paris - Free
Palace of Versailles, Paris - EUR15.00
Paradis Latin cabaret show, Paris - EUR60.00
Picasso Museum, Paris - EUR6.50
Rodin Museum, Paris - EUR9.00
Sainte Chapelle & Conciergerie, Paris - EUR8.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

4 breakfasts

Trip Excludes

Trip ID#: 128369

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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