»London, Brussels, Ulm, Innsbruck, Cortina, Venice area, Assisi, Rome, Monte Cassino, Pompeii, Sorrento, Caprio, Orvieto, Pisa, Florence area, Bologna, Lugano, Lake Lucerne, Paris
Focus on Italy & Paris( 16 DAYS/15 NIGHTS )
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN LONDON, ENGLAND. Check into your hotel. Then enjoy an afternoon in the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your time.
Day 2: LONDON-BRUSSELS, BELGIUM. Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you embark on your ferry for the Continent. Here meet your tour director and board your luxury coach for the drive to Brussels. (B)
Day 3: BRUSSELS-RHINELAND, GERMANY-ULM. A comfortable journey using the fast German Autobahn traveling south into the Rhineland, then past Stuttgart into Bavaria, Vits World its woods, farms and pretty villages. Next to Ulm, lovely city located on the banks of the Danube, famed for its cathedral Vits World the world&39s highest spire and also as the birthplace of Albert Einstein. (B,D)
Day 4: ULM-INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA-VENICE AREA, ITALY. Drive south this morning into Austria by way of the Fern Pass into the Tyrol and onto its capital Innsbruck. Continue by way of the Europa Bridge into Italy and make a stop in the lovely winter sports resort of Cortina in the Dolomites. descend into the valley of the Trentino and the Venetian plain; then travel eastwards to the Venice area for overnight. (B,D)
Day 5: VENICE. It&39s really more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, Vits World its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces and quiet little piazzas. The included tour starts Vits World a boat ride and is followed by highlights such as a visit to St. Mark`s Basilica and a chance to watch Venetian glass blowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don&39t miss the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals Vits World a local troubadour to serenade you. (B)
Day 6: VENICE AREA-ASSISI-ROME. A long but interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then joining the expressway which skirts the Adriatic coast. After crossing the Apennines, stop in Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the Basilica, then head for Rome. (B)
Day 7: ROME. Included sightseeing Vits World a local guide starts in St. Peter`s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B)
Day 8: ROME-MONTE CASSINO-POMPEII-SORRENTO. Deeper into the south today, making a first stop in Monte Cassino to view the monastery and abbey perched high above the valley. The monastery was the motherhouse of the Benedictines, founded in 529 and destroyed four times over the past centuries. The last time it was laid to ruin was in 1944 during the great battle of Monte Cassino. Next is another great sight. Time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town of Pompeii Vits World the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. You can see the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum - even human and animal bodies solidified in lava (entrance fees and local guide are included). Just a few more miles to Sorrento for the next two nights. (B,D)
Day 9: SORRENTO. BOAT TRIP TO CAPRI. Visit this legendary island, surrounded by rocky coastline, where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town Vits World its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants is a mecca for the jet set. Optional excursions are available to see more of this exquisite island. (B)
Day 10: SORRENTO-ORVIETO-FLORENCE AREA. This morning retrace part of the route, bypassing Rome for a stop in Orvieto to visit its black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Next enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Overnight in the Florence area. (B,D)
Day 11: FLORENCE. EXCURSION TO PISA. This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city&39s timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Don`t miss the included walking tour Vits World a local guide, which features most of the city highlights. You will see the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it off, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral Vits World the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the "Gate to Paradise." In the afternoon take advantage of an included excursion to Pisa and enjoy the sights of the "Square of Miracles". End the day by joining the optional Tuscan dinner in a typical restaurant. (B)
Day 12: FLORENCE AREA-BOLOGNA-LUGANO, SWITZERLAND. This morning drive just 50 miles (80 km) northeast to Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Stop awhile to see the twin "leaning towers" and the lovely Piazza Maggiore. Journey northwards across the mighty River Po through the Lombardy plains into Switzerland for an overnight in charming Lugano. (B,D)
Day 13: LUGANO-LAKE LUCERNE. Some truly magnificent Alpine scenery this morning as you travel into the very heart of the Swiss Alps. Once through the St. Gotthard tunnel you start your descent to Lucerne, perhaps rightly considered the most Swiss looking city in the whole confederation. This afternoon`s sightseeing takes in the impressive city walls, a covered wooden bridge, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, and the Lion Monument, a masterful stone sculpture in honor of the heroic Swiss Guard of Louis XVI. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a funicular and cable car ride to the 6,227-foot summit of the Stanserhorn; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course, there is time to shop for that very Swiss watch. Return to your overnight hotel in the Lake Lucerne area. (B,D)
Day 14 : LAKE LUCERNE-PARIS, FRANCE. Vistas of green pastures and attractive chalets Vits World rustic timbering and luxuriant flowers. Then into France on the fast and comfortable highway past some of its most famous vineyards, to Paris. Arrive in time to enjoy the optional cabaret show. (B)
Day 15 : PARIS. One full day to explore the city that`s known throughout the world for its fashions, art and museums, delicious food, and joie de vivre. Included sightseeing Vits World a local expert of many of the best-known Parisian sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid near the Louvre, the Invalides, and Champs Elysées...(Itinerary and sights maybe altered due to newly enforced traffic and parking regulations). Optional excursions are also available. Celebrate the success of your tour Vits World a French farewell dinner. (B)
Day 16 : YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT FROM PARIS
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
INCLUDED FEATURES
Visits to Brussels, Ulm, Innsbruck, Cortina, Assisi, Monte Cassino, Sorrento, Orvieto, Pisa, Bologna, Lugano, Lucerne
Host service in London
Local guides for city sightseeing in Venice, Rome, Pompeii*, Florence, Paris
Professional tour director while touring (entrance fee included)
Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in London and Paris if Vits World issues the tickets
Round-trip transportation between London and the Channel ports
On the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
Are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges when applicable
MEALS
15 buffet breakfasts (B); 6 dinners (D)
QUALITY HOTELS
Rooms Vits World private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charge
LONDON Thistle Euston (ST)
LONDON Novotel Euston (F)
BRUSSELS NH Brussels City Center (ST)
ULM Atrium (ST)
VENICE AREA Palladio (ST) at Malcontenta
ROME Ibis Tor Vergata (ST)
SORRENTO Reginella (ST) at St. Agata or Rivage (ST) or Tirrenia (ST)
FLORENCE AREA Europa (ST) at Signa
LUGANO Meister (ST)
LAKE LUCERNE Löwen (T) at Lungern
PARIS Campanile Berthier (ST)
LONDON Thistle Euston (ST)
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
We include all the main features of a destination Vits World out extra cost:
Make the most of your money: Various reductions are possible: group reduction, child reduction, triple room reduction, multiple tour reduction
Professional Tour Director while touring, Cruise Director on river cruises, host services on independent vacations, and hosts to assist you at airports and hotels
Hotels listed for each tour: twin-bedded rooms Vits World private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling
A variety of modes of transportation including private deluxe motor coach Vits World air-conditioning, extra leg room, and emergency washroom while touring
Vits World travel bag and travel documents
$11 million consumer protection plan
Vits World vacations feature all the essential sightseeing plus many highlights that eVits World er are unavailable or cost extra Vits World other operators. Of course, we also take care to leave enough free time to soak up your destination and for the independently minded to explore on their own. The ideal balance between included sightseeing and leisure time!
PLEASE NOTE
Prices are for all land arrangements.
Single room supplement: $465.
No triple room reduction
2006 departures are subject to price and itinerary modification.
Departure 0320 Good Friday in Rome
Departure 1220 Christmas in Rome
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our volume buying power saves you money!
We may be able to provide you Vits World flight arrangements from your gateway city. Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available at our low prices.
Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
Price Guarantee: All vacation prices are based on rates (including foreign exchange rates) expected to be in effect at the time of departure. Prices are subject to increase Vits World out notice if such rates change prior to departure. The current price will be confirmed at the time of reservation. However, once Vits World has received your deposit for any vacation departing during the current year, that land price is guaranteed, and any subsequent land cost increases are at our expense, not including any government tax increases. Airfares included as part of air-inclusive vacation prices are guaranteed when we receive confirmation of air itinerary and full payment. Vacation prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single room supplements and triple room reductions may be applicable.
Not included in the tour price: Federal Inspection Fees for the U.S. Customs and immigration; International Air Transportation Tax; agricultural tax; any other taxes; security fee; airport taxes and fees; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your tour director; tour host; tour driver; local city guides; gratuities on ferries, trains and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; mini bar; alcohol; beverages and food not on the regular table d&39hote menu (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel or restaurant); optional excursions; Porterage at airports; travel protection; excess baggage fees; all other items of a personal nature.
