Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Rome, capital of the Ancient World
Tour begins: 2:30 PM, Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi. A transfer is included from Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to the Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi. Your adventures in Italia Bella begin with a walking tour of the center of Rome including the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain, where you can make a wish to “ensure” a return trip to the Eternal City; after your tour, enjoy a real treat – tartufo (ice cream truffles). Gather with your fellow explorers tonight for a festive welcome reception followed by dinner at your hotel overlooking the beautiful Borghese Gardens. Meals D

Day 2 – See the sights of Imperial Rome
Step back in time as you discover antiquities of the Roman Empire in Rome, the capital of Italy and the most influential city in the ancient world. Take a fascinating journey through history on a city tour today; visit the massive Colosseum, where you’ll have your picture taken with Roman Centurions, and the ruins of the Forum, the heart of Imperial Rome. Spend the rest of the day exploring Rome as you please. Meals B

Day 3 – Explore Vatican City & Eurostar to Florence
The world’s smallest independent nation – Vatican City – is yours to explore with a local expert today. Tour St. Peter’s Basilica and view some of the great art in the Vatican Museums, displayed in palaces that were originally built for wealthy popes during the Renaissance. See the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel; the artist Michelangelo, who considered himself a sculptor rather than a painter, spent four years painting this masterpiece on his back. Travel first-class aboard the high-speed Eurostar train to Florence for a three-night stay. Meals BLD

Day 4 – Discover Florence’s art & Pisa’s Leaning Tower
Admire the treasures of Florence today, Tuscany’s city of art and the birthplace of the Renaissance. An art history professor will tell you what you should look for on a guided walking tour that includes a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, established in 1563 as the first art school in Europe, where you’ll see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David. After lunch, set off for Pisa, a city whose impressive navy and great success in foreign trade during the Middle Ages led to vast wealth, reflected in the historic buildings you’ll visit today. Tour the magnificent Duomo (cathedral), dating back over a thousand years; the graceful 12th-century Baptistry; and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, completed in 1350, whose celebrated tilt has been reduced to about 13 feet by modern engineers. Spend a free evening in Florence. Meals B

Day 5 – Visit the Uffizi and learn how to make pizza
See some of the greatest art of the Renaissance – including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s painting of The Holy Family – during a visit to Florence’s Uffizi Gallery. Accumulated over the centuries by the Medici family, part of this collection has been on display here since the 1580s, making the Uffizi the world’s oldest art gallery. Switch gears this evening when you learn the secrets of pizza-making firsthand, with a hands-on demonstration at a local restaurant! Meals BD

Day 6 – Take the Eurostar to Venice, city of canals
Board a sleek Eurostar train once again for another first-class, high-speed rail trip, this time to Venice. A private boat will be waiting to take you to the heart of the city for a buffet lunch and a walking tour of St. Mark’s Square; see the Doges’ Palace, perhaps the most beautiful Renaissance palace in Italy, and an eloquent example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Enjoy a relaxing and memorable ride aboard one of the city’s famed gondolas, serenaded as you glide along! Meals BL

Day 7 – Experience remarkable Venice as you wish
Spend the whole day exploring this city of canals with your family as you wish today, seeing the sights you’ve read about, perhaps sampling some gelato – served warmer and often creamier than traditional ice cream. If you climb to the top of St. Mark’s Bell Tower, you’re certain to take home great photos! Join us for a farewell reception and dinner tonight as we say arrivederci to our adventure in Italia Bella. Meals BD

Day 8 – Journey home
Tour ends: Venice, Italy. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Westin Excelsior, Venice Lido Resort to Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. Allow a minimum of 2 1⁄2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

8 Days / 7 Nights from $3,350 plus airfare
(7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 4 Dinners)

Price Per Person
Double   Triple   Quadruple   Single
$3630    $3434      $3350      $4323

Children 11 and under Discount $100
Children under 18 must be booked in a room with at least one adult. Quadruple accommodations are not available for four adults.

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Your family’s comfort is important to us. Ask us about booking an additional hotel night before your journey begins and be sure to consider our Guest Protection Plan offering important travel advantages, including a money-back refund if your travel plans change.

Recommended age: 8+
 

Colosseum ~ St. Peter’s Basilica ~The Vatican ~ Florence ~ High-Speed Eurostar ~ Venice ~ Doges’ Palace ~ St. Mark’s Square ~ Pisa

Meet a Roman Centurion at the Colosseum during a guided tour of ancient Rome. Look up at the amazing Sistine Chapel ceiling on a visit to the Vatican Museums. Listen to an art historian and see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David and other treasures in Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Learn the secrets of pizza making at a local Italian restaurant. See firsthand how far the Leaning Tower really leans when you visit the famous structure in Pisa. Ride the high-speed Eurostar train to Florence as well as to Venice, where you can explore this city of canals aboard one of its famed gondolas.
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Itinerary

Day 1 – Ciao bella Rome
Tour begins: 6:30 PM at Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi. The sweet life begins with an included transfer from Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to the five-star Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi, located in the heart of Rome near the Borghese Gardens. Your week begins with a welcome reception and dinner this evening. Meals D

Day 2 – Meet a gladiator and make a wish
Visit the famous Colosseum, “entertainment central” in ancient Rome. 55,000 thrill-seeking Roman citizens could all find seats to watch Gladiators battle, chariots race, and even ships engage in mock sea battles. Don’t be surprised if a Gladiator turns up in a family portrait – your tour really brings the Colosseum to life! A walking tour visits Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Legend has it that if you turn your back, throw a coin into the fountain over your shoulder and wish for it hard enough, you’ll return to Rome someday. Visit the Gothic Santa Maria sopra Minerva Basilica and the Church of St. Ignatius, which was once the chapel for the Roman College (and its “school auditorium”) – today it is the site of important concerts. Before you say good night, we’re taking you on a wonderful tour of the city; the lampposts are lit, the fountains illuminated and a beautiful warm glow envelops the remaining traces of an ancient world. Meals B

Day 3 – The amazing treasures of Vatican City
When you visit the Vatican today, you may be surprised to find out that you are no longer in Italy! Yes, it’s the home of the Pope and the center of the Catholic Church – but when you’re in Vatican City, you are not in Italy any more – it’s a separate nation. You’ll see great art in the Vatican Museums, displayed in palaces that were originally built for wealthy popes during the Renaissance. See Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel; Basilica of St. Peter; and St. Peter’s Square. Vatican City has its own postal service, radio station, stores, libraries, burial places, a diplomatic corps, and army – the Swiss Guards. Meals B

Day 4 – Enter the time capsule of Pompeii
Travel from Rome to Naples through the Italian countryside by the fast TAV train, and then it’s on to Pompeii. On August 24th in 79 AD, mighty Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii and everyone who lived there under tons of hot ash and pumice. The city entirely disappeared until 1748, when it was accidentally “discovered,” and excavations began. As you walk the streets of Pompeii today and visit some of its buildings, you’ll be able to clearly imagine what life was like in the first century. You’re then off to Sorrento, where a walking tour of the city will reveal why the song Come Back to Sorrento is such a favorite for people who have been here before. Your room at the Hilton Sorrento Palace overlooks the sparkling Gulf of Naples and the unmistakable sight of Mount Vesuvius. Meals BLD

Day 5 – Ride in a convertible on the Isle of Capri
From Sorrento, take a trip across the Gulf of Naples by jet foil to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Once there, board a private, smaller boat to explore Capri’s rugged coast; see the famous Blue Grotto and the amazing Faraglioni rocks. After lunch in the town of Capri, and some time to yourself, your family joins the international jet set! Take a fabulous ride in a private convertible along the cliffs of the Anacapri road and back to Capri’s pier. Return by jet foil to Sorrento, where the rest of the day and the evening are free to explore on your own. Meals BL

Day 6 – A private cruise and a special evening
You’re in for a treat today as you drive along the awesome Amalfi Coast on a road that rises, falls, twists and turns like a roller coaster – looking way down to the water far below will take your breath away. In Positano, which clings tightly to the cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea, take a walking tour before boarding a private boat for a cruise to Amalfi, where you’ll get a completely different view of the coast. If the weather cooperates, there may be an opportunity for a swim at a “hidden beach” before lunch. A walking tour of the lovely medieval town of Amalfi, along its labyrinth of winding streets, includes the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. They’ve been making paper in Amalfi since the 12th century – today you’ll visit a paper mill and learn how to make paper at a paper factory. After returning to Sorrento, you’re off for a visit to a family-run countryside farm to learn how cheese and other local products are made. You’ll also learn about one of the uses for this cheese when a local chef teaches you how to make your own pizza at our special farewell dinner! During the meal, discover the magic of Neapolitan music. Naples has played an important role in Italy’s musical traditions, from popular songs like O Sole Mio to classical music and folk music. Local folk traditions inspired this folk music – and lead you and your family to a lesson in how to dance the rhythmic (and energetic!) Tarantella. Spend a perfect evening sharing your memories of the “sweet life” you found in southern Italy! Meals BLD

Day 7 – Journey home
Tour ends: Sorrento. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hilton Sorrento Palace to Naples Airport. Allow a minimum of 2 1⁄2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

7 Days / 6 Nights from $2,780 plus airfare
(6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 3 Dinners)

Price Per Person
Double   Triple   Quadruple   Single
$3290     $2942     $2780       $4328

Children 11 and under Discount $100
Children under 18 must be booked in a room with at least one adult. Quadruple accommodations are not available for four adults.

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Your family's comfort is important to us. Ask us about booking an additional hotel night before your journey begins and be sure to consider our Guest Protection Plan offering important travel advantages, including a money-back refund if your travel plans change.

Recommended age: 8+
 

Embark on a royal journey through time in two of Europe’s most exciting capital cities. Visit London’s majestic castles, steeped in the history and pageantry of centuries-old traditions; soar high above the River Thames on the world’s highest observation wheel and meet celebrities at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. A rail journey under the English Channel speeds you to Paris, where the Eiffel Tower, Versailles Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the artists of Montmartre welcome you with joie de vivre.
 

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Madrid, capital of Spain
Tour begins: The Westin Palace, Madrid at 6:00 PM. You’ll be met upon arrival at Madrid’s Barajas Airport for an included transfer to your palatial hotel, The Westin Palace, Madrid, set right in the center of this historic capital city. Settle in for an overnight stay and join us for a welcome dinner tonight. Meals D

Day 2 – Take a walk through history in Toledo
Not far from Madrid sits the magical hilltop town of Toledo, once the ancient capital of Spain, a favorite riverfront setting for the painter El Greco and today a national landmark. It’s not just its history that will inspire visions of 16th-century life. It’s also a great place to explore, with narrow streets that twist and turn past great eye-popping, jaw-dropping Gothic buildings and bakeries that tempt your sweet tooth with brightly decorated marzipan confections that look too good to eat – well almost! Spend the morning walking through the pages of history, before hopping aboard a fast train in Madrid for a ride to Seville. Meals BLD

Day 3 – Dance the flamenco and dine on tapas
Some say that Seville is the romantic heart of Andalucía, where images of castanet-clicking gypsies, flower-filled balconies, flamenco dancers, prancing horses, and colorful fiestas come alive. That’s a pretty accurate description of the cultural traditions you’ll experience during your stay, giving you a real taste of what it is like to live in Andalucía. We’ll give you an overview of Seville’s enchanting city neighborhoods on a sightseeing excursion that takes you past tiny squares, whitewashed houses decked with cascading flowers, Moorish towers and Gothic cathedrals. Then it’s all aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a ride down cobblestone streets to the Cathedral – the largest in Spain – listed in the Guinness Book of Records for being so big! Be sure to look up to see the Giralda, the 308-foot-high minaret built by the Moors way back in 1184. But there’s another claim to fame that you might want to know about this Gothic church – in addition to being the burial sight of Spanish kings Alfonso X and Ferdinand III, it is also the alleged tomb of the great explorer Christopher Columbus, who discovered the New World for Spain in 1492. The word flamenco actually denotes a way of life in southern Spain, but you’ll discover its more familiar meaning when you take a flamenco dance class with a local expert. Dinner tonight introduces another favorite Spanish pastime as you take a tapas tour, sampling a variety of tasty Andalucían specialties as you go from one tapas restaurant to the next along the ancient streets of Old Seville. Meals BD

Day 4 – Meet those amazing Andalucían horses
You don’t have to be a horse lover to get excited about today’s visit to one of the most famous equestrian schools in all of Spain, but we’re pretty sure you’ll be impressed by all that you see. Located in Jerez de la Frontera, famous for its locally produced sherry, this school trains some of the most beautiful horses in the world to dance, mesmerizing audiences with spinning pirouettes, high-kicking caprioles and more. You’ll be able to meet these dancing horses up-close in the stables, watch them perform their amazing choreographed steps during a show and view memorabilia of their renowned exploits in the museum. Enjoy free time to explore Seville on your own this afternoon and evening; there are parks to explore, colorful squares to discover, monuments to admire and great outdoor cafés which satisfy everyone’s appetite for fun. Meals BL

Day 5 – Go inside La Mezquita
Centuries of Moorish rule left a permanent imprint on towns like Córdoba and Granada, two of the very places you’ll visit today. Your first stop is Córdoba, once the grandest and most important city in all of Europe, and renowned as a center of advanced learning in art, architecture and science in the 10th century. The Moors chose this city as their capital in 711 AD, building their dazzling monument, La Mezquita, to stand as testimony to their powerful achievements. After the city fell to the Spanish King Ferdinand, this world-renowned mosque was reborn as a Roman Catholic Church. Discover the town’s ancient sights on a guided walking tour, followed by free time to explore on your own. Granada is your final destination this afternoon. The last city to fall from Moorish power, Granada is wonderland of cultural and scenic treasures, and sits majestically under the shadow of the snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountains. Meals BD

Day 6 – Explore a real-life Moorish palace
Moorish rulers lived in Granada for more than seven centuries before surrendering it to Spanish monarchs in 1492. But before they relinquished their beloved Arab kingdom, they built one of the most magnificent palaces on the Continent, the Alhambra. Take a guided tour with a local expert this morning, going inside the Royal Palace, always a highlight of any visit, and strolling through the fountain-filled gardens of the Generalife. Your royal journey continues during lunch at a historic hilltop castle in nearby Jaen, home to olive trees by the thousand, restored Arab baths and ornate churches. Have you ever heard of the legendary, albeit somewhat delusional, conquistador Don Quixote? You’ll hear the story of his adventurous exploits as we drive to Consuegra en route to Madrid, showing you where Don Quixote jousted with windmills that he presumed were giant invaders! Spend the next two nights in Madrid, where more Spanish adventures await. Meals BL

Day 7 – See treasures in museums, palaces & stadiums
Once you see the different treasures of Spain’s capital city, you’ll probably agree that Madrid is also the capital of cool. Your day starts with a guided visit to the Museo del Prado, just a short walk from your hotel. With more than 7,000 paintings from all over the world, the museum offers art for every style and taste. Look for works by Spain’s most famous painters: El Greco, who loved to paint the sights of Toledo; Francisco de Goya, whose work includes the grotesque “black paintings”; and the incomparable Diego Velazquez, whose use of light in his paintings is amazing. A city sightseeing tour brings you to the Royal Palace for a look inside and to the Plaza Mayor, bustling with cafés and shops. Soccer fans will cherish a visit to the 75,000-seat Real Madrid stadium, hosting games of international proportions. Say adios to Spain at our farewell dinner tonight, highlighted by an electrifying “night lights” drive through Madrid. Meals BD

Day 8 – Journey home
Tour ends: Madrid, Spain. A transfer from The Westin Palace, Madrid to Madrid’s Barajas Airport is included. Allow a minimum of 2 1⁄2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

8 Days / 7 Nights from $3,285 plus airfare
(7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 5 Dinners)

Price Per Person
Double $3390   Triple $3285   Quadruple $3439   Single $4020

Children 11 and under Discount $200
Children under 18 must be booked in a room with at least one adult. Quadruple accommodations are not available for four adults.

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Your family's comfort is important to us. Ask us about booking an additional hotel night before your journey begins and be sure to consider our Guest Protection Plan offering important travel advantages and a money-back refund if your travel plans change.

Recommended age: 8+
 

Madrid’s Royal Palace ~ Gothic Toledo ~ Fast Train to Seville ~ Flamenco Class ~ Equestrian School ~ La Mezquita ~ The Alhambra ~ Castle of Jaen ~ Consuegra Windmills ~ Museo del Prado ~ Real Madrid Stadium

From Madrid to Seville to Granada, southern Spain tells tales of ancient conquistadors and swash-buckling adventurers around every bend. See what the painter El Greco saw in the narrow streets of Toledo, unchanged since the 16th century. Ride aboard a horse-drawn carriage, take flamenco lessons, and dine on tapas as you experience centuries-old cultural traditions in Seville. Andalucían horses have played starring roles on Spanish battlefields and in modern-day movies; meet them up-close during a visit to an equestrian school. The Moors called Córdoba home in the 8th century, leaving candy-striped La Mezquita for you to explore in the 21st century. There’s nothing quite like The Alhambra to inspire visions of regal Arab kingdoms; the “giant” windmills of Consuegra to conjure up Don Quixote; or the Museo del Prado to showcase Spain’s most famous works of art. Experience them all with your family on this amazing journey back in time. Olé!
 

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive London / A private double-decker bus ride Tour departs: 11:00 AM from London’s Heathrow Airport. Welcome to London, one of Europe’s most delightful capital cities. You will be spending the next four nights in the heart of London, minutes from landmark sights. Board a private double-decker bus for a fun-filled sightseeing excursion this afternoon – it’s a perfect introduction to some of the most famous sights in London. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight as you get to know your fellow travelers. Meals LD

Day 2 – Tower of London and a ride on the London Eye Meet an English “Beefeater” today before exploring the infamous Tower of London – it has served as both a castle and prison through the centuries! See the Bloody Tower and the priceless Crown Jewels, and then board a riverboat for a scenic cruise along the Thames River. You will experience a different view of the city from your glass pod on the British Airways London Eye; the world’s highest observation wheel takes you 450 feet above the Thames River. Meals BL

Day 3 – Windsor Castle and Wicked in the West End theatre district See how English royalty live on a visit to Windsor Castle; built by William the Conqueror in 1070, it has been home to the kings and queens of England for over 900 years! When Queen Elizabeth is in residence, a flag called the Royal Standard flies from the Round Tower; at other times, you’ll see the Union Flag. View Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, dating back to 1924; this exquisitely detailed miniature palace even has a tiny wine cellar that contains real wine. London’s West End is the largest theatre district in the world, dating back to 1663. Tonight you’ll get a chance to experience the magic of theatre when you attend a performance of the hit musical Wicked; this “spectacular spectacle” reveals that you’ve not been told the whole story about the Land of Oz... Meals B

Day 4 – Explore London’s famous museums A choice of activities today includes visiting one of two popular museums. Mingle with superstars and your favorite celebrities on a visit to Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum where everyone looks real – or see Egyptian mummies, including animals, on a guided tour of the British Museum. The remainder of the day is free. Meals B

Day 5 – Travel First Class aboard Eurostar to Paris Travel First Class aboard the high-speed Eurostar train today for a journey that takes you from London to Paris in just two hours and fifteen minutes, the fastest time ever, with an amazing ride under the English Channel. We’ll introduce you to the city on a sightseeing tour, and then check you into your hotel, overlooking Tuilerie Gardens. Dinner tonight is at Montparnasse Tower, boasting phenomenal views of the Eiffel Tower and the glittering city below. Meals BLD

Day 6 – Tour the Palace at Château de Versailles Standing about a half hour outside of Paris, Château de Versailles, one of the most extravagant palaces in Europe, virtually glitters with gold! During a guided tour this morning, you won’t be surprised to learn that Louis XIV spent a lot of money building this royal residence –it would cost more than $2 billion to build today. Hear stories about life in the palace, and stroll through its beautiful formal gardens. You’ll be back in Paris before lunch, where you can explore as you wish – your hotel is close to the famous Musée du Louvre; the world’s largest palace and museum, it houses some of the greatest art in the world. Meals B

Day 7 – Visit Notre Dame and Montmartre Some say that Notre Dame is the true heart of Paris, reigning proudly over the Ile de la Cité and the River Seine since the 12th century. You’ll have a chance to tour this huge Gothic cathedral with a local expert today, seeing the bell tower made famous by Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. For centuries, Parisian artists have flocked to Montmartre where they draw, paint, and sketch. A guided walking tour takes you through this hilltop village for a chance to see them at work. Enjoy free time to explore this afternoon before we treat you to a private farewell dinner cruise on the River Seine. Bid au revoir to Paris under the glow of the city lights tonight. Meals BD

Day 8 – Journey home Tour Ends: 9:30 AM at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Persons departing at other times should secure their own transportation to the airport. Allow a minimum of 2 1⁄2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

8 Days / 7 Nights from $3,694 plus airfare
(7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 3 Dinners)

Price Per Person
Double   Triple   Quadruple   Single
$3890    $3694       $3890      $5164

Children 11 and under Discount $100
Children under 18 must be booked in a room with at least one adult. Quadruple accommodations are not available for four adults.
 

Embark on a royal journey through time in two of Europe’s most exciting capital cities. Visit London’s majestic castles, steeped in the history and pageantry of centuries-old traditions; soar high above the River Thames on the world’s highest observation wheel and meet celebrities at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. A rail journey under the English Channel speeds you to Paris, where the Eiffel Tower, Versailles Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the artists of Montmartre welcome you with joie de vivre.