Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrive in Rome, Italy. (Mon.) Time to rest or start exploring the “Eternal City.” At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 3:
Discover Ancient Rome & the Vatican. (Tue.) Morning sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world-famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. Continue to monumental ST. PETER’S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit one of the New 7 Wonders of the World®, the COLOSSEUM. Here, you’ll learn about life as a gladiator and get a FAMILY PICTURE WITH A GLADIATOR (if available). Finish your tour at the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman legions marched in triumph. Afternoon at leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for exciting optional excursions. (BB)

Day 4:
Explore Renaissance Florence & See the Famous David. (Wed.) This morning, drive north to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Follow your Local Guide to visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo’s celebrated David and admire the magnificent cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gate of Paradise,” and sculpturestudded SIGNORIA SQUARE. In the afternoon, time to check out the enticing shops with Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry. Tonight, enjoy a festive PIZZA PARTY at a local restaurant where an Italian chef demonstrates just how Italian pizzas are made! (BB,D)

Day 5:
Cruise Venice’s Canals & Create Your Own Venetian Mask. (Thu.) Drive across the Apennine Hills and through the plains of the mighty River Po to Venice. Enter the city in style by PRIVATE BOAT. Enjoy a unique experience: create your own VENETIAN CARNIVAL MASK. Then walk through narrow streets along the canals and across scenic bridges to ST. MARK’S SQUARE with its byzantine Basilica. Take pictures of the Clock Tower, lavish Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Free time to wander at whim or join an optional gondola serenade. A PASTA DINNER at a local restaurant is included. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Journey through the Lake District to the Swiss Alps. (Fri.) Travel past Romeo and Juliet’s Verona and past Milan to Lake Maggiore. Stop in Stresa and explore its little streets, then continue over the impressive Simplon Pass reaching the Swiss Valais renowned for its famous mountain resorts. In Täsch, board the COG RAIL MOUNTAIN TRAIN to climb the last few miles up to the picturesque village of Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn. (BB)

Day 7:
Admire the Matterhorn. (Sat.) With free time in Zermatt this morning, you may choose to take an optional excursion up Europe’s highest open-air railway on Gornergrat Mountain to experience incomparable panoramic views of Switzerland’s loftiest peaks, including the famed Matterhorn. In the late afternoon, continue to Lake Geneva for an overnight in Lausanne, home to the International Olympic Committee. (BB,D)

Day 8:
Ride the Famous “TGV” Train to Paris. (Sun.) Depart for Paris this morning on board the famous high-speed “TGV” TRAIN. Upon arrival in Paris, ride the elevators to the top of the EIFFEL TOWER and enjoy spectacular views of the city. This evening, why not take part in an optional dinner experience at a Parisian restaurant followed by an illumination drive? (BB)

Day 9:
Discover the “City of Light” & Visit Notre Dame. (Mon.) This morning, explore the world capital of chic and style with a Local Guide and admire its most famous sights: the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and visit NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL. Afternoon and evening at leisure. An optional excursion to the Louvre Museum is available. (BB)

Day 10:
At Leisure in Paris. (Tue.) Today is at leisure for exploration on your own, or consider an excursion to Disneyland Paris. Tonight, a farewell dinner has been included at a local restaurant to celebrate the success of your European vacation. (BB,D)

Day 11:
Depart Paris. (Wed.) Your homebound flight from Paris arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

ROME:
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing including headsets, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Colosseum, and Roman Forum; family picture with a gladiator (if available)

FLORENCE:
Guided sightseeing including headsets, visit the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo’s David, admire the cathedral and Signoria Square; pizza party at a local restaurant

VENICE:
Private boat ride; Venetian Carnival mask making; orientation including St. Mark’s Square; pasta dinner at a local restaurant

ZERMATT:
Mountain train; orientation

LAUSANNE–PARIS:
By “TGV” train

PARIS:
Ascend the Eiffel Tower to the top floor; guided sightseeing, visit Notre Dame; farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sat.) Board your transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Cheers, London! (Sun.) Time at leisure today to rest before your adventure begins, or you may choose to set out on your own to discover London. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (D)

Day 3:
Discover London & Ride the London Eye. (Mon.) Join your Local Guide for a memorable and fun morning of sightseeing including all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace. A special highlight is a “flight” on the LONDON EYE, the world’s tallest observation wheel with stunning views of the city. The afternoon is free. Tonight, why not take in one of London’s West End theatre shows? (FB)

Day 4:
Discover London. (Tue.) The whole day is free for independent sightseeing. Consider Madame Tussauds or the infamous London Dungeon. A suggestion for this afternoon: an optional excursion to Windsor Castle or the Tower of London. Maybe an optional dinner followed by a cruise on the River Thames? (FB)

Day 5:
Cross under the Channel & Visit the top of the Eiffel Tower. (Wed.) Board the high-speed EUROSTAR TRAIN to Paris. Upon arrival, ride the elevators to the top of the EIFFEL TOWER and enjoy spectacular views of the city. This evening, why not take part in an optional dinner experience at a Parisian restaurant followed by an illumination drive? (FB)

Day 6:
Discover the “City of Light” & Visit Notre Dame. (Thu.) This morning, tour the world capital of chic and style with a Local Guide and admire its most famous sights: the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Elysées. Visit NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL and admire its Rose Window. Balance of the day is at leisure. Exciting optional excursions are available to the Louvre Museum, to the bohemian area of Montmartre, or cruise the River Seine. Ask your Tour Director for suggestions. (BB)

Day 7:
Explore Paris. (Fri.) Today is at leisure for exploration on your own, or consider a full-day excursion to Disneyland Paris. Tonight, a farewell dinner has been included at a local restaurant to celebrate the success of your European vacation. (BB,D)

Day 8:
Depart Paris. (Sat.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

LONDON:
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing; ride on the London Eye

LONDON–PARIS:
By Eurostar train

PARIS:
Ascend the Eiffel Tower to the top floor; guided sightseeing, visit Notre Dame Cathedral; farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sat.) Board your transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Cheers, London! (Sun.) Time at leisure today to rest before your adventure begins, or you may choose to set out on your own to discover London. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (D)

Day 3:
Discover London & Ride the London Eye. (Mon.) Join your Local Guide for a memorable and fun morning of sightseeing including all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace. A special highlight is a “flight” on the LONDON EYE, the world’s tallest observation wheel with stunning views of the city. The afternoon is free. Tonight, why not take in one of London’s West End theatre shows? (FB)

Day 4:
Discover London. (Tue.) The whole day is free for independent sightseeing. Consider Madame Tussauds or the infamous London Dungeon. A suggestion for this afternoon: an optional excursion to Windsor Castle or the Tower of London. Maybe an optional dinner followed by a cruise on the River Thames? (FB)

Day 5:
Cross under the Channel & Visit the top of the Eiffel Tower. (Wed.) Board the high-speed EUROSTAR TRAIN to Paris. Upon arrival, ride the elevators to the top of the EIFFEL TOWER and enjoy spectacular views of the city. This evening, why not take part in an optional dinner experience at a Parisian restaurant followed by an illumination drive? (FB)

Day 6:
Discover the “City of Light” & Visit Notre Dame. (Thu.) This morning, tour the world capital of chic and style with a Local Guide and admire its most famous sights: the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Elysées. Visit NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL and admire its Rose Window. Balance of the day is at leisure. Exciting optional excursions are available to the Louvre Museum, to the bohemian area of Montmartre, or cruise the River Seine. Ask your Tour Director for suggestions. (BB)

Day 7:
Explore Paris. (Fri.) Today is at leisure for exploration on your own, or consider a full-day excursion to Disneyland Paris. Tonight, a farewell dinner has been included at a local restaurant to celebrate the success of your European vacation. (BB,D)

Day 8:
Depart Paris. (Sat.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

LONDON:
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing; ride on the London Eye

LONDON–PARIS:
By Eurostar train

PARIS:
Ascend the Eiffel Tower to the top floor; guided sightseeing, visit Notre Dame Cathedral; farewell dinner at a local restaurant
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in San José. (Sat.) Upon your evening arrival, you will be met by your Tour Director who will help you check into your hotel.

Day 2:
Explore Poas & Arenal Volcanoes. (Sun.) This morning, journey through coffee and sugar plantations on the way to POAS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK. With close-ups of Poas Volcano’s enormous crater and deep green lake, you may witness one of its sporadic geyserlike eruptions. Stop in the local town of Zarcero before continuing on to Arenal to relax in hot springs or perhaps take a thrilling zip-line ride through the forest canopy and fly more than 275 feet high through the air. From the comfort of your resort this evening, enjoy the spectacle of Arenal’s bright red lava coursing its way down from the cone—an awesome sight indeed. (B,L)

Day 3:
Hiking in Arenal National Park. (Mon.) Travel to La Fortuna, a small town at the slopes of the Arenal Volcano, which rises to 5,350 feet. From here, pass into ARENAL NATIONAL PARK to hike the trails and listen for the constant sound of volcano rumblings. Next, visit ECO TERMALES FORTUNA HOT SPRINGS for a leisurely dip in the natural hot spring waters inside the forest. While relaxing, observe the many different species of birds found in this region. (B,D)

Day 4:
River Cruise in Palo Verde National Park. (Tue.) This morning, pass the shimmering waters of Arenal Lake, surrounded by emerald, sloping hills of dense forest, before reaching the wildlife sanctuary of PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK. A CRUISE on Tempisque River highlights this rich ecosystem that combines rivers, marshland, mangroves, and dry forest. Watch out for crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, and thousands of birds that migrate to Palo Verde! Arrive this afternoon at the white sand beaches of Tamarindo on the Pacific coast in the Guanacaste area. (B,L)

Day 5:
Beach Time. (Wed.) Free time today allows for a day at the beach. Perhaps try snorkeling or even a surfing lesson! Alternately, you may opt for a guided visit of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, known as Costa Rica’s Yellowstone. Explore the steamy sulfur water ponds and pungent fumaroles that punctuate this jungle, home to toucans, monkeys, and many other exotic animals. (B)

Day 6:
Sky Walk in Monteverde Cloud Forest. (Thu.) Depart for Monteverde, one of the most famous nature reserves in Costa Rica. A naturalist-guided SKY WALK tour in MONTEVERDE takes you on a network of hanging bridges, trails, and platforms built inside the cloud forest canopy. Its main purpose is to offer a different perspective of the tropical forest, while being specially designed to reach all the different layers mostly within primary forests. During your tour, keep an eye out for Resplendent Quetzal, beautifully colored birds often found in this area. (B,L)

Day 7:
Explore Santa Elena Cloud Forest. (Fri.) On today’s guided walk through SANTA ELENA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE learn how this highland forest experiences nearly 100-percent humidity throughout the year. Warm northeasterly trade winds filled with moisture blow in over the Atlantic and up the Continental Divide where they cool and condense to form clouds, bathing the forest in a constant soft mist. The cloud forest here receives an incredible 12 feet of rain every year, creating a lush, green garden of mosses, ferns, flowers, and epiphytes growing thickly on every tree with dangling roots and vines sweeping across the trails. Home to many species of insects, amphibians, and mammals, the air is rich with the sounds of birds, the occasional scurrying of small mammals on the forest floor, and even the roars of howler monkeys. (B,L)

Day 8:
Visit a Local Town. (Sat.) Returning to San José, visit the town of SARCHI. For centuries this town has been a production center of Costa Rica’s famous hand-painted oxcarts. Here you will have a chance to shop for unique souvenirs. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner, ending a colorful discovery of Costa Rica. (B,D)

Day 9:
Depart San José. (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Dates & Prices

SAN JOSÉ:
City orientation; farewell dinner

POAS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK:
Tour Poas Volcano National Park

ZARCERO:
Visit the local town

ARENAL:
Hiking tour at Arenal Volcano National Park; visit to Eco Termales Hot Springs and Arenal Lake

PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK:
Guided river cruise through park

GUANACASTE BEACHES:
Leisure time

MONTEVERDE:
Guided Sky Walk tour; walking tour of Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

SARCHI:
Visit town; shop for souvenirs