Day 1 : Welcome to Venice
Welcome to the Queen of the Adriatic, known for its unique waterscapes and rich cultural heritage. Transfers depart from Venice Airport and journey to the hotel by water taxi. What better way to start your dream holiday than in true Venetian style? Join your Travel Director for a dinner at a local restaurant. Savour a cocktail at twilight whilst being serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians, and admire the tranquillity of St. Mark's Square long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels. Return to your canal-side hotel in the quiet, peaceful authentic neighbourhood.
Accommodation : Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Day 2 : The Magic of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start
In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. Visit St. Mark's Square, dominated by its magnificent basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower. Also in the square stands the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace which is connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Accommodation : Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Day 3 : Villa Machiavelli and Rome
Journey through the lush Tuscan countryside. Meet your local host for a guided tour through the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Nicolo Machiavelli. Savour a light lunch and a tasting of wines made from the vineyards surrounding the estate. Your journey continues as you follow the course of the Tiber to your hotel in the Eternal City of Rome. Enjoy a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes. Gaze in awe at the well preserved Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening's experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini.
Accommodation : Room 007 Select, Rome
Day 4 : Papal and Imperial Rome
With your Local Expert, visit the Vatican Museums. Insight provides fast-track entry to avoid the crowds and admire the Papal art collection. Inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling, before visiting St. Peter's Basilica.
Accommodation : Room 007 Select, Rome
Day 5 : Umbria and onto Florence Relaxed Start
Meet chef Lorenzo at his family farm in Umbria. Join an entertaining pasta demonstration and delicious lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine.
Accommodation : Villa Neroli, Florence
Day 6 : Renaissance Florence
Accommodation : Villa Neroli, Florence
Day 7 : Across the Alps to Lucerne
See Lucerne's proud Lion Monument, the covered Chapel Bridge and the Baroque Jesuit Church.
Accommodation : Astoria Lucerne
Day 8 : Lucerne and Mt. Stanserhorn
Accommodation : Astoria Lucerne
Day 9 : Sights and delights of Paris
Journey through the rural French countryside of Burgundy, famous for its vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light. During your time in Paris, see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, facades of the Louvre and banks of the Seine, with its many romantic bridges. See the Place de la Concorde, Champs Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.
Accommodation : Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Day 10 : The Flavours of Paris
Explore Paris with Insight Choice, choose to explore Montorgueil or join a food lovers' tour. This evening indulge in refined French cuisine at the iconic restaurant L'Alsace.
Accommodation : Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Day 11 : Au revoir Paris
Bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Alternatively, you may depart for London via Gare du Nord with the return Eurostar option.