European Dream - End Paris, Small Group
European Dream - End Paris, Small Group
$6295
European Dream - End Paris, Small Group
11 Days Starting in Venice, Italy and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne, Paris
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Eco Conscious, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "European Dream - End Paris, Small Group" tour, a captivating journey through Italy, Switzerland, and France. Begin in Venice, where you'll cruise to St. Mark's Square and witness the art of glassblowing. In Rome, explore the Colosseum and Vatican Museums with priority access. Discover Florence's Renaissance treasures and indulge in Tuscan wines at Machiavelli's home. Traverse the Swiss Alps to Lucerne, where you'll ascend Mount Stanserhorn via a solar-powered cable car. Conclude in Paris, exploring iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Enjoy authentic dining experiences, including a Venetian Welcome Dinner and a celebration at Paris's La Coupole. This tour offers a blend of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and culinary delights, ensuring an unforgettable European adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals Included: Dinner
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. Savor 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 neighborhood.
Day 2: The Magic Of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 center. 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?
Day 3: Villa Machiavelli And Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Head into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. Meet your local host for a guided tour through the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Nicolo Machiavelli, with an included special opening of his private office where he wrote 'The Prince'. Visit the Italian garden with views of Florence and the historic cellar, which has a secret underground tunnel connecting the cellars to the oldest restaurant in Italy. Savor a tasting of wines made from the vineyards surrounding the home, accompanied by delicious samples of local Tuscan fare. Your journey continues as you follow the course of the Tiber to 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.
Day 4: Papal And Imperial Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your Local Expert, visit the Vatican Museums. Insight provides special fast-track entry to avoid the crowds and admire the Papal art collection. Inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Continue inside the cavernous St. Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith, to see another Michelangelo masterpiece, the Pietà, as well as the splendid dome. Leave Vatican City to cross the Tiber and stand outside the Colosseum, imagining yourself back in the days of the gladiators. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 5: Umbria And Onto Florence Relaxed Start
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Accommodation Name: Villa Neroli, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Meet chef Lorenzo at his family farm in Umbria. Explore the art of Italian cooking during an entertaining pasta demonstration and delicious lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine. Continue on to your hotel in Florence.
Day 6: Renaissance Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Accommodation Name: Villa Neroli, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin the morning by joining a Local Expert in Florence to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. You also visit the open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces in Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Renaissance capital. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower?
Day 7: Across The Alps To Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head north towards the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world, before traveling alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, down to scenic Lake Lucerne. Upon return in Lucerne, see the town's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Then, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit Church.
Day 8: Lucerne And Mt. Stanserhorn
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Breathe in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. With the day free, there is plenty of time for shopping for delectable chocolate in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers? At night, you are offered a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
Day 9: Sights And Delights Of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. With the evening free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Why not visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows?
Day 10: The Flavors Of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your exploration of Paris today starts with Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join an local food lover as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, indulge in refined French cuisine during your dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole, frequently visited by the French entertainer Josephine Baker.
Day 11: Au Revoir Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: on
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to your traveling companions as your journey comes to an end. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
What's Included
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Authentic Dining
Enjoy a special Venetian Welcome Dinner with wine at Principessa, situated in the heart of this historic city. Savor a tasting of wines made from the vineyards surrounding the home of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Nicolo Machiavelli, accompanied by delicious samples of local Tuscan fare. Indulge in refined French cuisine during your Celebration Dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole in Paris.
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Insight Experiences
Meet your Local Expert for a guided tour through the house of Nicolo Machiavelli in Tuscany. Explore the art of Italian cooking with Chef Lorenzo in Umbria. Visit the Vatican Museums with special priority entry to avoid the crowds and gives you behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase.
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Top Rated Highlights
Visit St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. See the Colosseum in Rome. Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery in Florence. During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris.
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MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
Witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts center in Venice. Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar panels and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included and must be booked separately.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered.
Please refer to the itinerary for included meals. -
Personal Expenses
Expenses of a personal nature like souvenirs, laundry, and drinks not specified in the itinerary are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are available at an additional cost.
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Airport Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers outside the itinerary start and end dates or additional nights accommodation are not included.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch with Wine (LW)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Tuscany: Meet your Local Expert for a guided visit through the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Niccolo Machiavelli, with a special opening of his private office where he wrote 'The Prince.'
- Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Venice portion of the tour?
In Venice, you will have the opportunity to witness the ancient skill of glassblowing at a traditional arts center, which supports the survival of this craft. Additionally, you will enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Venetian fare.
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What can I expect during the visit to Mount Stanserhorn?
During the visit to Mount Stanserhorn, you will journey to the summit on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy. At the top, you can enjoy spectacular views, walk along scenic pathways, and possibly hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger about local wildlife and flora.
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What dining experiences are offered in Paris?
In Paris, you can choose to explore the Montorgueil district or join a local food lover to sample local treats. In the evening, you will indulge in refined French cuisine during a dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Venice?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Venice involves witnessing the skill of glassblowers at a traditional arts center, supporting the survival of this craft and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Rome?
In Rome, you will visit the Vatican Museums with fast-track entry, admire Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, and stand outside the Colosseum. You will also have a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes to see its well-preserved Byzantine mosaics.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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