Insight: Rome to London June 28, 2007

Rome to London: escorted (singles & solo friendly event)
Featuring: London, Paris, Lucerne, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Venice, Florence, Rome
Tour Duration: 13 days
DAY 1 – THU – DEPART CANADA
Overnight flight to Rome.
DAY 2 – FRI – ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome! On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. There’s time at leisure to explore or relax: perhaps spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Grand Hotel Palatino.
DAY 3 – SAT – ROME SIGHTSEEING
A local guide introduces you to the grandeur of the city today. In the independent Vatican State, visit the superb Vatican Museums, housing a vast art collection gathered by Popes over the ages. Continue into the Sistine Chapel, glorious masterpiece of Michelangelo's fresco skills. Now enter St Peter's Basilica, seeing Michelangelo's early "Pieta" and Bernini's "Popes' Altar" sited above the spot where St Peter is reputed to have been crucified. Cross the Tiber to hear tales of the glory of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum. Tonight, stroll with your Tour Director to the elegant Spanish Steps before enjoying a Highlight Dinner of local cuisine, wine and entertainment. (BB,HD)
DAY 4 – SUN – ROME – FLORENCE
Head north, following the valley of the River Tiber, to reach Umbria’s hill-top towns and the beautiful region of Tuscany. View Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before walking to the magnificent Cathedral, the ‘Gates of Paradise’ and the living gallery of Signoria Square, political stage of the Florentines. Take time to shop for leather and gold products in this wonderful city before reaching the hotel. Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn. (BB,D)
DAY 5 – MON – FLORENCE – VENICE
Cross the Apennine Mountains, passing Bologna and the flood plains of the River Po to enjoy a scenic drive along the famous Brenta Riviera. See the magnificent classica villas that were once the summer residences of the Venetian nobility. Drive along the canal through Strà, Dolo and Mira to reach your hotel on the fashionable Venice Lido. Hotel: Biasutti. (BB,D)
DAY 6 – TUE – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Soak up the atmosphere as a private launch takes you across the Venetian Lagoon to St Mark’s Square. Hear the glorious history of ‘La Serenissima’, once one of the greatest trading centres of the world – the city’s wealth and power is demonstrated by the riches of St Mark’s Basilica. See the Doges’ Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs before visiting a glass showroom for a demonstration of traditional craftsmanship. Gondolas are an inseparable part of the image of Venice - find out why on your included Premium Highlight gondola ride along the peaceful canals. Don’t miss the chance to try the delicious seafood, freshly caught in the lagoon. (BB)
DAY 7 – WED – VENICE – LUCERNE
Visit Verona this morning where you can see Juliet’s balcony and the first century Roman arena, now used for the annual Verona Music festival. Then on through the Italian lake District to the Swiss Alps, with snow- covered mountain peaks and flower-bedecked chalets, to the delightful town of Lucerne. Hotel: Astoria. (BB)
DAY 8 – THU – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
Join your Tour Director to see the covered Chapel Bridge and the stirring Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss guards who died defending the King of France. Spend some time shopping for watches and chocolate. Enjoy an exciting included Highlight - an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Admire the stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks, including the Eiger and Jungfrau, before descending over mountain crags and pine forests back to terra firma. (BB,D)
DAY 9 – FRI – LUCERNE – PARIS
Pass the Swiss port city of Basel en route to France, skirting the Jura Mountains, and travelling through the wine producing area of Burgundy. Head for Paris where you stay for two fabulous nights. Hotel: Sofitel Bercy. (BB)
DAY 10 – SAT – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide to see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral before driving along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend the Eiffel Tower for views over the city before concluding the tour with a visit to Napoleon’s Tomb in the Église du Dôme. Spend the evening at leisure. (BB)
DAY 11 – SUN – PARIS – LONDON
Cross the battlefields of WWI en route to Calais and your voyage back to Dover. A short drive brings you back to London. Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch. (BB)
DAY 12 – MON – LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your half day sightseeing tour shows you Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The afternoon is free to explore or shop. (B)
DAY 13 – TUE – RETURN TO CANADA
Your tour ends with a transfer to the airport. (CB)
Hotels
There is an interesting variety of hotels, ranging from the modern Astoria in Lucerne and the Sofitel Bercy in Paris, to the more traditional Palatino in the heart of ancient Rome and the Biasutti on the Lido in Venice, home of the annual Film Festival.
Fellow Passengers
This tour provides the perfect introduction to the incredible cultural and scenic variety that Europe offers. It is also the perfect tour to take after spending time in Italy and wishing to explore further into northern Europe, ending in London.
Highlights
The awe-inspiring heritage of Rome, the artistic wealth of Florence, the magical waterscape of Venice, followed by the Alpine views from the summit of Mount Pilatus and the Parisian panorama from the Eiffel Tower, all culminate in the pageantry of London.
Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features
Excursions & Sights
Visit St Peter’s Basilica seeing Michelangelo’s early work ‘the Pieta’
Traditional Glass-blowing in Venice & leather-work demonstration in Florence
Views over Florence and the River Arno from Piazza Michelangelo
See the Cathedral, ‘Gates of Paradise’ & open-air gallery of Signoria Square in Florence
See the Palladian villas that line the Brenta Canal
Cruise to St Mark’s Square to see the Doges’ Palace, Bridge of Sighs & St Mark’s Basilica
See Juliet’s balcony and the Roman Arena in Verona
View the emotive Lion Monument & Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
See Notre Dame & drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Scenic Drives
Apennines, Italian Lakes, Swiss Alps & Burgundy
Guided City Tours
Indepth sightseeing tours in Rome, Florence & Paris
Orientation tours in Venice & Lucerne
Insight's First Class Services
Escorted by a professional Tour Director Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
Travel bag, document wallet, map book journal and information pack
Free departure transfer when booking our London hotel
Quality Dining

Meet Market Adventures Travel
1064 Coxwell Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada M4C 3G5
1-866-907-4006

Official Website: http://www.paragontravel.com/mmaadventures/young%20at%20heart/young%20at%20heart%20events/insight/london_june_details.htm