Highlights of Europe featuring London, Paris, Switzerland & Italy

Your exploration of Europe's most iconic cities begins today as you arrive in London. After making your way from the airport to your centrally located hotel, you meet the Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a welcome meeting which details the adventures to come.

The area around the hotel is full of archetypal London architecture and familiar sights, and you are free to explore at leisure after check-in. There are many museums and galleries nearby housing world-famous artworks and artifacts. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic stroll around Regent's Park or wander amongst the bustling markets of bohemian Camden Town. Harry Potter fans might like to visit King's Cross railway station where you can find Platform 9¾, while Sherlock Holmes' famous address on Baker Street is also within easy reach.

Returning to the hotel this evening, we dine together as a group. Overnight London. 

• Dinner

Whether you have seen them on TV or read about them in books, London's sites make the city instantly recognizable.

After breakfast, we take a morning tour of the British capital. From Tower Bridge to Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and all the beautiful and historic buildings that lie between, there is much to uncover. A knowledgeable guide leads us through the city, pointing out all the best attractions and offering little-known facts along the way.

You are welcome to continue exploring independently for the remainder of the day. You could visit a museum, such as the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, near the famed Harrods department store. A memorial garden to Diana, Princess of Wales, can be found near her former residence of Kensington Palace, not far from the colorful street market of Portobello Road in Notting Hill. The cultural South Bank contains the Tate Modern gallery and a replica of Shakespeare's Globe. Around the theaters of the West End and lively Soho, many popular restaurants can be found for dinner tonight. Overnight London.

• Breakfast

A short transfer after breakfast this morning takes us to London St Pancras train station. Boarding the Eurostar, we begin our journey to Paris.

Your Eurostar Standard seat provides an excellent perspective on the changing scenery during the two-and-a-half-hour route as London's suburbs give way to the Kent countryside. After entering the 31.5-mile Channel Tunnel, we emerge in northern France, where quintessential rural scenes guide us to Paris.

On arrival in the French capital this afternoon, we check in to our hotel before embarking on a highlight of our vacation. This evening, we uncover the beautiful sights of Paris in the most relaxed way possible - from a dinner cruise on the Seine. Starting at the base of the Eiffel Tower, our stunning journey showcases the buildings that line the river. Sip an aperitif as we set out along this romantic river, then savor course after course as we sail under historic bridges while the cityscape reveals views of iconic locations, including the magnificent, newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral. Overnight Paris. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

Brimming with history and well-known landmarks, Paris is explored on a guided coach tour after breakfast. With a front-row seat to this beautiful city's iconic destinations, our sight-seeing takes in Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and Opera Garnier. The City of Love's most famous boulevard is the tree-lined Champs-Élysées, at one end of which we find the Arc de Triomphe, a national monument.

After our tour, you are free to continue exploring the city at your leisure. Maybe visit some of the world's most famous paintings at the Louvre, including the Mona Lisa, or wander through the public gardens of the Tuileries or Jardins du Luxembourg. The quaint cobbled streets of hilly Montmartre reveal a bygone Paris. This cultural quarter boasts many galleries, while the Place du Tertre bustles with artists and restaurant-goers. Completed in 1914, the striking, white-domed Basilica of the Sacré Coeur can be found here, and incredible views across the rooftops of Paris can be admired from the square in front. Whichever area of Paris you decide to explore, you are likely to find a good choice of restaurants in which to enjoy the city's authentic cuisine tonight. Overnight Paris.

• Breakfast

A day of scenic travel awaits as we leave Paris after breakfast, heading by rail for Switzerland.

Relax aboard the train as our route takes us through picturesque French countryside dotted with small villages and slate-roofed churches. In Basel, just beyond the French-Swiss border, we switch trains and continue into the heart of this mountainous country. Our destination is Lucerne, a beautiful old town nestled on the banks of the lake that shares its name. Surrounded by snowy peaks, Lucerne has an enchanting medieval center with fairytale alpine architecture. It is in the Old Town that we find our hotel. Located a short distance from the train station, this establishment has been in business in this location for more than 500 years.

After checking in, there's time to settle in or explore Lucerne's charming center. Connecting the historic quarters either side of the Reuss River, the city's covered footbridges, Chapel Bridge and Spreuer Bridge date back to the Middle Ages. This evening, we gather for a group dinner in the hotel restaurant. Overnight Lucerne.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Embracing our striking surroundings after breakfast today, we uncover the beauty of the Swiss Alps from the water and mountain summit.

A morning cruise along Lake Lucerne unveils incredible views of the Alps, particularly Mt. Pilatus and the Stanserhorn, and the idyllic blue water they surround. The ancient towns on the lakeshore add an idyllic touch to the vistas. Disembarking in Alpnachstad, we continue on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world to the top of iconic Mt. Pilatus. Traveling at a gradient of up to 48 percent, the cherry-red carriages convey us on a 45-minute journey, which passes through tunnels and showcases the changing alpine landscapes. Once at the top, the views are breathtaking. More than 70 mountain peaks are visible on a clear day, and you can soak them in from the observation deck or one of the hiking trails.

A mixture of cable cars and cogwheel railway see us down the mountainside, before we return to Lucerne by rail. Upon arrival in our lakeside base, you are free to continue exploring. Overnight Lucerne.

• Breakfast

Traveling from the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland to the gleaming canals of Venice, today's journey delivers exquisite scenery throughout. After a short rail transfer, we board a train to Italy, passing through the 35.5-mile Gotthard Base Tunnel on our way to Venice.

The enchanting 'Floating City' has long been one of the most attractive and popular locations in Italy. Its beautiful buildings, many of which are more than 800-years-old, are spread among 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Even today, getting around this amazing city is most easily done by boat or gondola, using its extensive canal system - or you could explore on foot, crossing bridge after ornate bridge.

On arrival this afternoon, we transfer to our hotel on Venice Lido by boat. The Lido is a narrow island which separates the Venetian lagoon from the open sea. Once you have settled in, there is free time to enjoy our hotel's amenities or explore the stunning surroundings. Located on Venice's famous beachfront, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the views of the Adriatic Sea before dinner this evening. Overnight Venice.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we are introduced to the captivating landmarks of Venice during a guided tour.

Setting out after breakfast, we travel by boat from the Lido directly to the cultural heart of Venice, Saint Mark's Square. This historic piazza is surrounded by magnificent buildings and an expert guide accompanies us on a two-hour walking tour of the city's atmospheric streets. Starting from the less-visited backstreets, we view the exteriors of the house where the composer Vivaldi was born and the church where he was baptized. We also see the splendid Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George, before circling back to Saint Mark's. After passing the famous prison and the evocative Bridge of Sighs, we see the Doge's Palace, the fantastic Saint Mark's Basilica, and the world's oldest coffee house, Caffè Florian.

The rest of the day is free for you to continue sightseeing at your own pace. A boat transfer to your hotel is available at 3pm, but you may be inspired to continue exploring at your own pace and can transfer back independently using the Vaporetto boat service. Overnight Venice.

• Breakfast

Venice's Baroque palazzos and dreaming spires disappear behind us this morning as we travel by train into central Italy. A showcase of Italian landscapes lies ahead as the train passes small villages and great cities, eventually making its way into the rolling hills and evocative countryside of Tuscany.

On arrival in glorious Florence, we dive straight into the top sights of this noble city on a walking tour. Known as the 'Jewel of the Renaissance', soak in the art and history of the city while exploring renowned sites and beautiful city squares. We pass landmarks including the terracotta-tiled exterior of the famous Duomo (cathedral), the medieval Piazza della Signoria and the courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery, ending our tour at the Ponte Vecchio - an iconic bridge over the Arno River that contains rows of shops on either side.

The evening is free to continue exploring this fascinating city. Maybe find a restaurant in which to sample Steak Florentine, the region's most iconic dish, or enjoy a gelato or glass of wine in an atmospheric piazza. Overnight Florence.

• Breakfast

There's a free day to continue your explorations of majestic Florence today. You could decide to enter the Uffizi Gallery to gaze upon world-famous works of art (booking in advance is advised). Alternatively, visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to view Michelangelo's statue of David.

Wandering through the streets of Florence is a delight, as Renaissance frescoes can be found in various churches and palazzos, while savoring an Italian coffee in a historic square provides ample opportunities for soaking up Tuscan life.

Later today, a coach picks us up and drives us through the beautiful countryside to the oldest restaurant in Tuscany, the gorgeous Renaissance-era Il Borgo Machiavelli. Once the residence of famous political philosopher, Niccolò Machiavelli, the building is now a 'home museum'. We look around the museum and the fascinating cellar of this historical home before indulging in drinks and dinner in a glorious alfresco setting. Overnight Florence.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Florence after breakfast, a scenic train journey reveals Tuscan views of vineyards, olive groves and romantic villages enroute to Italy's ancient capital.

Arriving in Rome, we check in to our hotel before immersing ourselves in a city whose history spans millennia, beginning with the ancient Romans. Our walking tour begins outside the astounding Colosseum where we experience up-close views of the amphitheater's exterior. Our tour continues past other iconic sites, including the Roman Forum and the Pantheon. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and make a wish, and enjoy a stop at a local coffee shop before our tour concludes in Piazza Navona, home to some of the city's most impressive fountains.

The evening is yours to enjoy the city's ambiance independently. Rome's alluring attractions include museums, fantastic architecture and landmark sites. You could climb the Spanish Steps where you can wander through the immaculate gardens at Villa Borghese Park. Rome's culinary scene is just as captivating as its history and the city offers many eateries in which to taste local favorites, such as pizza, pasta carbonara and Cacio e Pepe. Overnight Rome.

• Breakfast

A holy city revered by lovers of art, religion, and architecture alike, the Vatican City is where we begin our day.

A four-hour guided tour reveals the wonders of the Holy See and center of the Roman Catholic religion. Prepare to be in awe as we venture through the gorgeous Sistine Chapel and set our sights upon the world's most well-known fresco, Michelangelo's 'The Creation of Adam'. Our visit also includes admission to the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps, as we explore the various artifacts and significant artworks housed throughout the museums. There's also the chance to view the grand Pinecone Courtyard, the centerpiece of which is a 13-foot-tall bronze pinecone sculpture dating from the second century.

The afternoon is free for you to explore Rome further, perhaps strolling amongst Roman ruins, uncovering the gems of the city's galleries and museums, or relaxing in a shaded piazza. This evening, we visit a local restaurant for a farewell dinner as a group, savoring traditional cuisine and Italian wine while celebrating our extraordinary expedition. Overnight Rome.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A continent of iconic cities and spellbinding scenery, this tour has taken us to many of Europe's most famous and spectacular destinations. From the timeless landmarks of London to the romantic sites of Paris, we uncovered the capitals of the UK and France on guided tours as well as a dinner cruise along the Seine River. In Switzerland, spectacular alpine wonders were revealed as we sailed along Lake Lucerne before boarding the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus.

Arriving in Italy, we marveled at Venice's grand palazzos and picture-perfect canals before admiring the Renaissance treasures of Tuscany in Florence. Our final stop was Rome, where we experienced history come to life as we strolled among relics of ancient Rome and basked in the beauty of the Sistine Chapel.

After breakfast this morning, your grand tour of four European countries reaches its conclusion. Making your way to Rome's international airport, you can begin your journey home.

• Breakfast