European Wonderland
European Wonderland
European Wonderland
11 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Rome, Florence, Venice, Como, Lucerne, Paris
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FSPLZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe with the "European Wonderland" tour, exploring the cultural treasures of Italy, Switzerland, and France. Begin your adventure in Rome, where you'll dive into the rich history of the Colosseum and indulge in a pizza-making experience. Discover the artistic legacy of Florence and the medieval charm of Siena, before heading to the romantic canals of Venice for a unique glassblowing and mask-making experience. Traverse the stunning landscapes of Lake Como and the Swiss Alps, arriving in Lucerne to uncover its historic treasures. Conclude your journey in the vibrant city of Paris, with a scenic Seine River cruise and a visit to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy luxury accommodations, expert guidance, and a blend of cultural experiences and leisure time, making this tour a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Rome Dive Into Culture Family Fun
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals Included: Dinner
Buckle up Bambini – we're off on a grand adventure through Europe, launching our Family Experience in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. This evening we enjoy dinner with our travel companions, we Dive Into Culture with a Family Fun experience and learn how to make a pizza that would make any Italian mamma proud.
Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome And The Colosseum
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delve into the open-air museum that is Rome, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. We then enjoy an in-depth, guided visit to the Colosseum before seeing Circus Maximus; once the site of celebrated chariot races.
Day 3: Admire Siena And Florence Make Travel Matter Connect With Locals
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore the medieval playground of Siena, strolling to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo where you’ll imagine the fun and fanfare that the festive Palio bareback horse race brings to the city twice a year against the backdrop of colorful flags and emblems. You’ll journey to Florence this afternoon where the Cradle of Renaissance comes alive in ways you could never imagine. You’ll go back in time and learn how Florence drove innovation and imagination all those centuries ago. This evening we head to a real 12th-century castle in the Tuscan countryside to Connect With Locals for a Be My Guest dinner. As you walk through its stony halls, you’ll be thrilled to learn about the plot hatched by the Pazzi family against the Medici rulers of Florence centuries ago. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal featuring homegrown produce in the magnificent grand hall and be inspired by the dedication and passion of your hosts, the Baj Macario family who are committed to running the estate in harmony with nature.
Day 4: Explore Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast
The treasures of the Medici family are on full display as we delve into the centuries of art, architecture and tumultuous history. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the city. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, the hub of the city, and view the magnificent marble Duomo. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Why not visit the Boboli Gardens or tick off great masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery? You could also join an Optional Experience to snap a selfie next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa before returning to Florence and pounding the pavements in search of the city's tastiest gelato.
Day 5: Journey To Bologna And On To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Accommodation Name: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Apennine Mountains to the city of Bologna where you will join a Local Specialist to view the city's Kissing Towers and Il Gigante, commonly known as Neptune's Fountain. Ditch your diet and indulge in the delicious flavors of what is widely regarded as the gastronomic capital of Italy – chase tortellini around your plate or twirl Spaghetti Bolognese like a local. This afternoon, we arrive in the island city of Venice. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring with the family or enjoy an Optional Experience gondola ride through Venice's labyrinthine canals.
Day 6: Discover The Floating City Of Venice Make Travel Matter Family Fun
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Accommodation Name: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take to the water and cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Join your Travel Director to see the iconic and unexpected highlights of the city - the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile with its five bells. Enjoy an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness first-hand the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing. You’ll learn how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass to make the exquisite and delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir as a reminder of this special visit. Then, join a Local Specialist for a Family Fun experience to learn about the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks, with an opportunity to create your own colorful alter egos. This afternoon, consider a lagoon cruise to the colorful island of Burano, on an Optional Experience, for a mouth-watering meal.
Day 7: Onwards To Lake Como And Engelberg
Location: Como
Accommodation: H+ Hotel & Spa
Accommodation Name: H+ Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
We travel through the Italian Lake District bound for Switzerland this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch in the laid-back lakeside town of Como, which for centuries has served as the crossroads between Central Europe and the Mediterranean. We continue through Alpine landscapes, past Lugano and through the St. Gotthard tunnel into central Switzerland, before arriving in Engelberg.
Day 8: Uncover Lucerne’S Treasures
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation: H+ Hotel & Spa
Accommodation Name: H+ Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk across the flower-lined 14th-century wooden Chapel Bridge and into a land of lakes and lions. See the giant lion hewn from sandstone rock to commemorate the heroism of the Swiss Guards during the French Revolution. Ascend one of the magnificent surrounding mountains during an Optional Experience or spend the afternoon sampling the rich flavors of delicious Swiss chocolate.
Day 9: Off To Magical Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Novotel Center Bercy
Accommodation Name: Novotel Center Bercy
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Switzerland, we cross the mighty Rhine River and into France, traveling through the Burgundy wine region to the 'City of Light'. This evening, amble up grand boulevards and through tiny cobblestone lanes in search of the French treasures you'll have an opportunity to sample tomorrow.
Day 10: Explore Paris’S Sights
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Novotel Center Bercy
Accommodation Name: Novotel Center Bercy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a Local Specialist on a guided sightseeing tour which includes a drive along the Champs-Élysées with views of the magnificent Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Now, take to the water for a leisurely cruise on the Seine River with spectacular views of the city's bridges and life on the river. This evening, we close the curtains on an epic family adventure through Europe, celebrating with our travel companions and Travel Director at a special dinner.
Day 11: Farewell Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
For now, it's time to say au revoir to your fellow travelers at the end of an unforgettable experience.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
The tour includes daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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Eurostar high-speed train from Paris to London
The tour includes a Eurostar high-speed train journey from Paris to London.
What's Not Included
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip is not included in the tour cost.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
Family Fun
- Rome: A cooking experience with all the trimmings! Learn how to make tasty Italian pizza from an expert and then share your masterpiece with the family.
- Venice: Discover the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks and paint and decorate your own.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the European Wonderland tour?
The tour includes a variety of cultural experiences such as learning to make Italian pizza in Rome, visiting a glassblowing factory and a mask-making studio in Venice, and enjoying a traditional Tuscan buffet with olive oil and wine tasting at a 12th-century castle in Florence.
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How does the tour support sustainable tourism?
In Venice, the tour supports sustainable tourism by visiting a glassblowing factory, which helps preserve the traditional craft and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and includes alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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What meals are included in the European Wonderland tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals, with a total of 5 dinners and 10 breakfasts provided.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Rome and ends in Paris, with pick-up from Leonardo da Vinci airport and drop-off at Charles de Gaulle airport.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Venice?
In Venice, highlights include a scenic cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square, visiting the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and St. Mark's Basilica, and participating in a glassblowing demonstration and mask-making experience.
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What optional experiences are available during the tour?
Optional experiences include a gondola ride in Venice, a lagoon cruise to Burano, and a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions