European Dream - End London, Small Group
European Dream - End London, Small Group
St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy
The beauty of Tuscany. Asciano, Tuscany, Italy
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
Paris
Victoria Embankment with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, UK
$6600
European Dream - End London, Small Group
11 Days Starting in Venice, Italy and ending in London, England
Visiting: Venice, Tuscany, Rome, Vatican City, Umbria, Florence, Pisa, Lake Lugano, Saint Gotthard Tunnel, Lake Lucerne, Lucerne, Mount Stanserhorn, Paris, London
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours
Tour Overview
Embark on the "European Dream - End London, Small Group" tour, a captivating journey through Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, France, and England. Begin in Venice with a water taxi ride and explore St. Mark's Square. Discover Rome's Colosseum and Vatican treasures, and enjoy a Tuscan wine tasting at Machiavelli's home. In Florence, admire Renaissance art and architecture. Ascend Mount Stanserhorn in Switzerland for breathtaking views, and stroll through Lucerne's charming streets. In Paris, marvel at the Eiffel Tower and savor French cuisine. Conclude your adventure with a high-speed Eurostar journey to London. Enjoy seamless travel, charming accommodations, and insightful local experiences throughout this unforgettable European odyssey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza CannaregioVenice.
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the Queen of the Adriatic, known for its unique waterscapes and rich cultural heritage. Transfers depart from Venice Airport and journey to the hotel by water taxi. What better way to start your dream holiday than in true Venetian style? Join your Travel Director for a dinner at a local restaurant. Savor a cocktail at twilight whilst being serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians, and admire the tranquillity of St. Mark's Square long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels. Return to your canal-side hotel in the quiet, peaceful authentic neighborhood.
Day 2: The Magic of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. Visit St. Mark's Square, dominated by its magnificent basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower. Also in the square stands the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace which is connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts center. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Day 3: Villa Machiavelli and Rome
Location: Tuscany, Rome
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals Included: Lunch
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Head into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. Meet your local host for a guided tour through the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Nicolo Machiavelli, with an included special opening of his private office where he wrote 'The Prince'. Then join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with an enchanting lunch-time concert presented by the Prima Materia Association. After that, visit the Italian garden and the historic cellar, which has a secret underground tunnel connecting the cellars to the oldest restaurant in Italy. Savor a tasting of wines made from the vineyards surrounding the home, accompanied by delicious samples of local Tuscan fare. Your journey continues as you follow the course of the Tiber to Rome. In the evening, enjoy a private after-hours visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes. Gaze in awe at the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening's experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini.
Day 4: Papal and Imperial Rome
Location: Vatican City, Rome
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your Local Expert, visit the Vatican Museums. Insight provides fast-track entry to avoid the crowds and admire the Papal art collection. Inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Continue inside the cavernous St. Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith, to see another Michelangelo masterpiece, the Pietà, as well as the splendid dome. Leave Vatican City to cross the Tiber and stand outside the Colosseum, imagining yourself back in the days of the gladiators. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 5: Umbria and onto Florence Relaxed Start
Location: Umbria, Florence
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Accommodation Name: Villa Neroli, Florence
Meals Included: Lunch
Meet chef Lorenzo at his family farm in Umbria. Explore the art of Italian cooking during an entertaining pasta demonstration and delicious lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine. Continue on to your hotel in Florence.
Day 6: Renaissance Florence
Location: Florence, Pisa
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Accommodation Name: Villa Neroli, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin the morning by joining a Local Expert in Florence to view the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. You also visit the open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces in Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Renaissance capital. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower?
Day 7: Across the Alps to Lucerne
Location: Lake Lugano, Saint Gotthard Tunnel, Lake Lucerne, Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head north towards the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world, before traveling alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, down to scenic Lake Lucerne. Upon arrival to Lucerne, see the town's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Then, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit Church.
Day 8: Lucerne and Mt. Stanserhorn
Location: Lucerne, Mount Stanserhorn
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Dinner
Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Breathe in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. With the day free, there is plenty of time for shopping for delectable chocolate in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers? At night, you are offered a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
Day 9: Sights and delights of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the rural French countryside of Burgundy, famous for its vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. With the evening free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Why not visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows?
Day 10: The Flavors of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals Included: Dinner
Your exploration of Paris today starts with Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join an local food lover as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, indulge in refined French cuisine during your dinner at the iconic restaurant L'Alsace.
Day 11: Au revoir Paris
Location: Paris, London
Accommodation Name: on
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, bid farewell to your traveling companions as your journey comes to an end. Travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London. On arrival, you are transferred to the Insight London hotel where your trip ends.
What's Included
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Personal radio headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Hotel and restaurant tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you never have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency. All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are also included.
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Baggage handling
Your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
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Travel in style
Travel in style with transfers from Venice Airport by water taxi, journey through the Swiss Alps, and return to London via high-speed Eurostar train, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience.
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
Flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Experiences
Some optional activities that are not included in the tour price may require additional fees.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and additional drinks and meals, are not covered.
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Visa Fees
Any required visas or related fees are not included.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Tuscany: Meet your Local Expert for a guided visit through the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Niccolo Machiavelli, with a special opening of his private office where he wrote 'The Prince.'
- Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with transfers from Venice Airport by water taxi, journey through the Swiss Alps, and return to London via high-speed Eurostar train, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience.
Accommodation
Stay in charming accommodations such as the Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio in Venice, Room 007 Select in Rome, Villa Neroli in Florence, Astoria in Lucerne, and Le Méridien Etoile in Paris, offering comfort and convenience throughout your European journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique experiences such as a private after-hours visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome, a guided tour through the house of Nicolo Machiavelli in Tuscany, and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience witnessing the skill of glassblowers in Venice. Additionally, there is a special lunch-time concert at Machiavelli's home and a visit to Mount Stanserhorn using an open-top cable car powered by solar panels.
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Are there any special dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several special dining experiences. On the first day, you will have dinner at a local restaurant in Venice. In Tuscany, there is a tasting of wines and Tuscan snacks in the underground cellar of Machiavelli's home. In Paris, you will enjoy refined French cuisine during dinner at the iconic restaurant L'Alsace.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides various modes of transportation including transfers from Venice Airport by water taxi, travel through the Swiss Alps, and a return to London via high-speed Eurostar train. The tour also includes travel on a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The tour offers charming accommodations such as the Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio in Venice, Room 007 Select in Rome, Villa Neroli in Florence, Astoria in Lucerne, and Le Méridien Etoile in Paris, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the journey.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Venice?
In Venice, the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience involves witnessing the ancient skill of glassblowing at a traditional arts center, supporting the survival of this traditional craft.
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What activities are available during the free time in Lucerne?
During the free time in Lucerne, you can shop for delectable chocolate in the traffic-free Old Town, venture into the countryside for a horse-drawn carriage ride, or meet local farmers. There is also an opportunity to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger about local wildlife and flora.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
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