European Escape (KEFX2027)

Day 1:
ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)



Day 2:
ROME When in Rome Discover the timeless beauty of Rome with a guided sightseeing in the Eternal City. Be transported back to Ancient Rome when you stand in the Colosseum and hear stories of Gladiators and Emperors. Enter the Vatican City State for a visit of the extensive Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter 's Square, and see the spectacular St. Peter's Basilica. Free time late afternoon and evening to take in more sights and experiences. *(B)

* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind 's greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel 's ceiling - a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo 's 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered one of the great masterpieces in history.



Day 3:
ROME-FLORENCE Fine Art in Firenze Leave the hustle and bustle of Rome behind as you relax for a scenic drive past the olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills of Umbria and Tuscany. Arrive in Florence, one of Italy 's most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for a visit of the Academy of Fine Arts, to see Michelangelo 's David statue, followed by a walk through the historic center, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto 's Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry 's “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. This afternoon free time to explore more of Florence “La bella.” (B)
193 mi / 310 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world 's most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Renaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo 's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.



Day 4:
FLORENCE-VENICE Benvenuti a Venezia Today cross the Apennine Mountains and River Po to reach Venice. On arrival take a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breath taking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark 's Square. Disembark for an orientation walk to St. Mark 's Square and a noted vetreria to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. After some free time to explore independently, [LF] enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. (B,D)
174 mi/ 280 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PIAZZA PERFECTION Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark 's Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge 's Palace - a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named after the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison 's interrogation rooms.



Day 5:
VENICE-LUGANO, SWITZERLAND-LUCERNE Life on the Lake Today leave Italy and cross the border into Switzerland. Visit the lakefront city of Lugano. Enjoy free time to admire the buildings and browse the stores in the pedestrian center, or to stroll along the lakeside promenade. Later, en route to Lucerne, enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps interrupted only by the St. Gotthard Road tunnel. Spend an evening at leisure in Lucerne. (B)
342 mi / 550 km

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake 's northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano 's Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.



Day 6:
LUCERNE Sweet Sights of Switzerland This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). The rest of the day and evening are free for you to get better acquainted with this alpine gem. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PEACEFUL PANORAMAS Serenity is found in a gaze across the stunning panoramas of the Swiss Alps above the lovely city of Lucerne. Spend time at leisure with a stroll through its magnificent medieval architecture and peaceful alpine lake.



Day 7:
LUCERNE-PARIS, FRANCE French Connection Leave the alpine scenery behind as you cross the border into France. Drive through the vineyards of Burgundy with views of beautiful castles and pass the Fontainebleau Forest en route to Paris. Enjoy an evening at leisure to start getting acquainted with the iconic city of Paris. (B)
423 mi / 680 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT With its rich history, iconic landmarks, artistic heritage, and style, Paris features on many bucket lists! It is a global hub for world class museums and galleries, you could say it has everything! However, the one thing it doesn 't have are “stop” signs for motorists, there is not even one “stop” sign in the whole of the city!



Day 8:
PARIS C 'est Magnifique in the City of Light! This morning, your guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive and a scenic cruise on the River Seine with incredible views of celebrated landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more independently or join an optional excursion. * (B)

*For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
J'ADORE PARIS! As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love whenever we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner café, you 'll love Paris anytime.



Day 9:
PARIS Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)