Grand European Heritage Trail – 11 Nights / 12 Days

Rome

• Arrival in Rome with transfer to your hotel.
• Meet the guide for essential information, also available on the hotel reception info board.
• Evening transfer to Via Cavour for a great introduction to the city, with a wide variety of restaurants offering Italian, Indian, Chinese, and international cuisine.

Rome

• Morning panoramic tour of Rome with a local guide, including a combination of bus and walking tours through Imperial Rome.
• Key sights include the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, and the Imperial Forums.
• The bus route includes views of Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla, Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Pyramid of Cestius, and the exterior of Castel Sant’Angelo.
• The tour ends around 11:00 a.m. at Vatican City, the independent state and centre of the Catholic Church.
• An optional visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel will be offered by the guide.
• The afternoon is free for personal exploration or relaxation.
• Evening transfer to the Trastevere district, known for its charming restaurants and lively atmosphere, with return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m.

Rome to Florence

• Departure from Rome heading north through scenic landscapes.
• Upon arrival in Florence, visit Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of the city.
• Evening guided walking tour with a local expert covering the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria.
• Florence is described as an open-air museum with plenty of free time afterward.
• Many dining options are available in the area, offering a range of international cuisines.

Florence to Venice

• Travel through the Apennine mountain range to reach Venice.
• Upon arrival, take a boat across the Giudecca Canal to the Island of Venice.
• Guided tour with a local expert in St. Mark’s Square.
• Visit to the Murano Glass Factory to observe traditional glass-making techniques.
• Free time to explore Venice independently.
• Accommodation is provided in the Mestre district.

Venice to Innsbruck to Zurich

• Depart Venice and travel to Innsbruck, Austria.
• Free time to explore Innsbruck’s historic centre and enjoy lunch.
• Continue through Tyrolean mountain landscapes into Switzerland.
• Arrive in Zurich for an overnight stay.

Zurich to Grindelwald to Lucerne to Zurich

• Drive through stunning Alpine scenery in the Interlaken region.
• Stop in Grindelwald for coffee and take a cable car ride up the mountain.
• Enjoy a walk along a mountain path leading to a suspended bridge with glacier views for adventurous participants.
• Lunch is included on the mountain before returning down.
• Visit Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities, with time to explore.
• Return to Zurich in the evening.
• An optional full-day excursion is available to Mount Titlis via a rotating cable car for panoramic views from over 3,000 metres above sea level.

Zurich to Strasbourg to Paris

• Depart Zurich and travel to the French region of Alsace.
• Visit Strasbourg, the regional capital, and explore its blend of French and German influences.
• Continue to Paris, arriving in the evening.

Paris

• Morning visit to the Palace of Versailles (admission not included), known for its magnificent gardens.
• Return to Paris for a visit to Montmartre, the bohemian district known for artists, painters, and cabarets.
• Panoramic city tour of Paris with a local guide, covering grand avenues and iconic monuments.
• Return to the hotel after the city tour.
• An optional variety show is available in the evening.

Paris to Rouen

• Morning visit to the Eiffel Tower with access to the second floor (tickets included).
• Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Seine River.
• Afternoon free to explore Paris at your own pace.
• Around 4:00 p.m., depart Paris and head to Normandy.
• Arrive in Rouen with free time to explore the historic centre, known for its Roman origins, mediaeval architecture, and Gothic cathedral.
• Note: Eiffel Tower visit may be rescheduled to Sunday if wait times are too long.

Rouen to Canterbury to London

• Morning walk through central Rouen.
• Travel to northern France and cross the English Channel by ferry.
• Arrive in Canterbury, the religious capital of England, and explore the charming historic centre.
• Continue to London with free time near Tower Bridge before heading to the hotel.

London

• Panoramic tour of London with a local guide covering Parliament, the River Thames, and Buckingham Palace, with possible viewing of the Changing of the Guard depending on dates.
• An evening meeting at Piccadilly is followed by a walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho, areas known for vibrant nightlife and entertainment.
• Ample dining options are available before returning to the hotel.

London (Departure)

• Visit the British Museum, one of the world’s oldest and most renowned museums.
• Midday transfer to Camden, famous for its eclectic and multicultural market.
• Afternoon free for personal exploration.
• End of the tour; check your flight time to determine if you need an additional night in London.