European Escape Tour

VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Other highlights of this guided tour of Europe are a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Rome, a pasta dinner in Venice, and a stop in the town of Lugano with its sparkling lake surrounded by the Alps. But that’s not all…throughout this European Escape, Globus has arranged VIP access for you. So, you won’t be waiting in long lines to enter the Vatican Museums in Rome or the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. We work behind the scenes to minimize the lines and wait times, so you can maximize the fun. It’s a trip of a lifetime available at a price that screams, “Let’s go!”

We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring in spacious comfort by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach or mini-bus. Free Wi-Fi is included on board your coach and in most hotel lobbies and common areas.
ITINERARY

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Dinner

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 time late afternoon.

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 one of the great masterpieces in history. Breakfast

DAY 3 ROME–FLORENCE
Fine Art in Firenze Scenic drive en route to Florence.
FLORENCE Guided walking tour includes the Academy of Fine Arts and Signoria Square. Free time. 193 mi / 310 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, Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments. Breakfast

DAY 4 FLORENCE–VENICE
Benvenuti a Venezia VENICE ISLAND Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Orientation includes St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs followed by a glassblower demonstration. This evening dinner at a local restaurant. 174 mi/ 280 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge’s Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison’s interrogation rooms. Breakfast/Dinner

DAY 5 VENICE–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE
Life on the Lake LUGANO Free time before a scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard tunnel en route to Lucerne. 342 mi / 550 km

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake’s northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano’s Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art. Breakfast

DAY 6 LUCERNE
Sweet Sights of Switzerland LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. Free time this afternoon.

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. Breakfast/Dinner

DAY 7 LUCERNE–PARIS, FRANCE
Drive through the vineyards of Burgundy with views of beautiful castles and pass the Fontainebleau Forest en route to Paris.
PARIS Free time this evening. 423 mi / 680 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Glide across the Swiss and French countryside. Pass by Princess- style castles on your way to Paris and get in the mood for the song awaiting in the City of Light.

Breakfast Breakfast
DAY 8 PARIS
C’est Magnifique in the City of Light PARIS Guided sightseeing includes the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and a Seine cruise.

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 whenever we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner café, you’ll love Paris anytime. Breakfast

DAY 9 PARIS
Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Note:
This tour is available for 10 days with extension to London, upon request