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Essential Europe

Essential Europe

9 days from Rome to Paris

Vacation overview

Basilicas, boutiques, and bistros. Cathedrals, canals, and cafés. Peaks, pasta, and pastries. This tour of Essential Europe goes beyond the “must-sees” to include the “must-dos,” the “must-discovers,” and the “must-devours.” As you travel and taste your way through Italy, Switzerland, and France, you’ll delightfully take a big bite out of your bucket list. The rolling Tuscan hills, the soaring Swiss Alps, plus mind-boggling mounds of Italian gelato, Swiss chocolate, and French éclairs are all awaiting from Rome to Paris on this delectable tour of Europe’s most popular destinations.

Cruising through Europe’s breathtaking scenery, captivating architecture, and greatest chapters of history has never been easier as you motor by private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, ride an elevator to the courtyard of a medieval Swiss castle, and board a high-speed train for a scenic journey through the French countryside from Basel to Paris.

Budapest
Map

Itinerary

 

Day 1

ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

ROME-SKYLINE.jpg

Day 2

ROME When in Rome ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free afternoon.* (B)

* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.


ROME-COLOSSEUM.jpg

Day 3

ROME–FLORENCE Fine Art in Firenze FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts. See Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze Gates of Paradise, and Signoria Square. Free time to browse. (B)
174 mi / 280 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.


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Day 4

FLORENCE–VENICE Benvenuti a Venezia VENICE Take a private boat ride, followed by an orientation walk, including, St. Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs, and a glassblowing demonstration. Free time to browse before [LF] dinner at a local restaurant followed by a private water-taxi ride through the Grand Canal. (B,D)
174 mi / 280 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Indulge in the tastes and traditions of true Italian cuisine in the home of seafood, pasta, and wine in Venice. A cruise on the Grand Canal is the perfect grand finale! Buon appetito!


VENICE-GONDOLA.jpg

Day 5

VENICE–BELLINZONA, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE Spectacular Switzerland BELLINZONA [LF] Take the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande and enjoy a light lunch with local specialties and Merlot wine for which the Ticino area is famous. Scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard en route to Lucerne. (B,L)
342 mi / 550 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC SPOTS Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.


BELLINZONA.jpg

Day 6

LUCERNE Sweet Sights of Switzerland LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Serenity is found in a gaze across the stunning panoramas of the Swiss Alps above the lovely city of Lucerne. Spend time at leisure with a stroll through its magnificent medieval architecture and peaceful alpine lake.


LUCERNE-BRIDGE.jpg

Day 7

LUCERNE–BASEL–PARIS, FRANCE French Connection BASEL Board the high-speed TGV train to Paris. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
404 mi / 650 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Gliding across the French countryside at warp speed is an experience to write home about. Pass by the rows of vineyards on your way from Basel to Paris and get in the mood for the wine and song awaiting in the City of Light.


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Day 8

PARIS C’est Magnifique in the City of Light PARIS Free time this morning. Guided sightseeing this afternoon includes orientation drive and Seine River cruise. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.* (B,D)

* Note: for operational reasons, schedule changes for the Paris program cannot be excluded.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner café, your hearts are set on sharing France’s captivating City of Light any time you please.


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Day 9

PARIS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Vacation Highlights

Individual headsets

ROME
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum

FLORENCE
Guided walking tour, visit Michelangelo’s David and Signoria Square

VENICE
Private boat ride; visit St. Mark’s Square; glassblower demonstration; pasta dinner at local restaurant; [LF] private water-taxi ride through the Grand Canal

BELLINZONA
[LF] Visit the Castelgrande courtyard and enjoy a light lunch with wine

LUCERNE
Walking tour including the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge

BASEL–PARIS
By high-speed TGV train (first-class)

PARIS
Guided sightseeing, enjoy a Seine cruise, farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 light lunch; 3 three-course dinners


Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Cosmos, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Cosmos, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
View full Terms & Conditions

Important Notes

  • Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
  • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Cosmos to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
  • The following charges are not included in the land vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; Intra-vacation air unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.00 per segment, and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas (except on Cuba programs) and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Cosmos menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

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