Eropa Contrast Tour 15 D

CODE TOUR : TRAFALGARRRR -ETGV

Contrasts of Europe

15 day tour from US$4.000

 

THE BEST HIGHLIGHTS :

• London
,
• Paris
,
• Nice
,
• Monte Carlo
,
• Venice
,
• Florence
,
• Rome

Day 1

ARRIVE LONDON (2 nights)

Welcome to London! Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a Welcome Drink.

Hotel: Park Plaza County Hall (SF)

 

Day 2

LONDON SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE

This morning a half-day sightseeing tour features the famous Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. The rest of your day is free. Perhaps visit Camden Market, walk through Kensington Gardens, visit the Natural History Museum or take a Thames cruise to the Tower of London. Don't forget to take in a show at one of the world famous West End London theaters before leaving this fashionable city!

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

 

Day 3

LONDON - PARIS (3 nights)

This morning you will be transferred to St. Pancras Station. Here board the ultra-modern high-speed Eurostar train to Paris. Delight in the scenery through Kent and Northern France en route to glamorous Paris. On arrival a coach will transfer you to your hotel.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Novotel Tour Eiffel (F)

 

Day 4

PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE

After breakfast an expert guided sightseeing tour takes you from the Place de la Concorde along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Next ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views over this well designed city. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Later perhaps enjoy a cabaret show or try some french onion soup in a brasserie!

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

 

Day 5

PARIS AT LEISURE

A full day to relax and explore. Your Tour Director will be happy to assist you to discover more of this beautiful and elegant city by suggesting the various options available.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

 

Day 6

PARIS - NICE (2 nights)

Transfer to Paris' Gare de Lyon where you board the TGV Mediterranée, one of the French fleet’s most recent trains. Your journey takes you through the hills of Burgundy, along the Rhône Valley, past the villages of Provence and the Luberon to the French Riviera. Admire stunning coastal scenery en route to elegant Nice. On arrival an orientation shows you the Promenade des Anglais, the Place Massena and 'le vieux Nice'. Then, after a Highlight Dinner of Niçoise in a local restaurant, head for Monte Carlo where you have the chance to 'break the bank' at one of the casinos!

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Boscolo Plaza (SF)

 

Day 7

DAY EXCURSION TO CANNES

This morning after a leisurely breakfast a number of options are available for you to consider. You can either relax in Nice and enjoy the beaches or take the coach to Cannes for the morning with your Tour Director. The annual Cannes Film Festival makes this one of the most glamorous destinations in France! Return to Nice after lunch and then perhaps consider an excursion to St Paul de Vence.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

 

Day 8

NICE - VENICE (3 nights)

Today a drive along the coastline as you leave France and enter into Italy. Your touring coach will take you across the Veneto Plains and into the magical city of Venice for a relaxing three-night stay close to St. Mark's Square.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Boscolo Bellini (F)

 

Day 9

VENICE ORIENTATION AND AT LEISURE

This morning your Tour Director will take you on a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where you will see the Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Next enjoy a demonstration of Murano glass-blowing in one of Venice’s oldest workshops. Then time to enjoy the delights of this romantic city.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

 

Day 10

VENICE WALKING TOUR AND AT LEISURE

A full day at leisure in this unique city. Enjoy an included walking tour with a local expert guide from St. Mark’s Square to the fish market close to the Rialto Bridge. Why not join an optional excursion to see some of the islands in the lagoon and have a delicious lunch? Or perhaps explore the narrow 'calle' and shop on the Rialto Bridge. This evening perhaps relax over cocktails in the hotel bar.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

 

Day 11

VENICE - FLORENCE (2 nights)

This morning you will board your train for the Renaissance city of Florence. Your train makes its way through the forested Apennine Mountains and into the region of Tuscany where the landscape so beloved of artists features terraced olive groves, vineyards and dark green cypress trees. This afternoon your local expert guide takes you on a walking tour of this magnificent city. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce where you will see the tombs of Galileo, Machiavelli, Dante and Michelangelo. See the Piazza Signoria with many statues on display, the multi-colored marble Duomo and Bell Tower designed by Giotto. Enjoy the superb views over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Tonight enjoy a Highlight Dinner of local in a popular trattoria.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Ambasciatori (F)

 

Day 12

FLORENCE AT LEISURE

Today is completely at leisure so you have time to discover more or maybe shop for high quality leather and 18-carat gold. Tonight, it is suggested that you try out the local Tuscan cuisine and Chianti wine in one of the many outdoor restaurants in Florence.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

 

Day 13

FLORENCE - ROME (2 nights)

This morning embark on your high-speed train journey which takes you past the peaceful scenery of Umbria to the 'Eternal City'. On arrival at Rome's Termini station your local expert guide will take you on an in-depth sightseeing tour by coach. Highlights include a visit to St. Peter's Basilica where you will see Michelangelo's ‘Pieta’ and enjoy views of the Forum and Circus Maximus. An included visit to the Colosseum will show you where and how gladiatorial events took place during Roman times.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Atlantico (F)

 

Day 14

ROME AT LEISURE

A full day at leisure to explore this incredible city. Why not take an optional excursion to the Sistine Chapel or visit the Catacombs? Then perhaps windowshop along the Via Condotti or explore the streets of Trastevere. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

 

Day 15

DEPART ROME

It's 'arrivederci' to Rome and your Tour Director as this memorable tour comes to an end.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

 

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

• London Sightseeing featuring views of Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.
• Paris Sightseeing includes views of the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées, the Place de la Concorde and the ascent of the Eiffel Tower.
• Nice Orientation includes the Promenade des Anglais, the Place Massena and 'le vieux Nice'.
• Monte Carlo Evening excursion to see the famous casinos.
• Venice Canal cruise by private motor launch. See St. Mark's Square, the Basilica, Bridge of Sighs and Doge's Palace. Visit a traditional glassblowing factory. Guided walking tour of 'Secret Venice' to the Rialto Bridge and famous fish market.
• Florence Views of Signoria Square and the marble Duomo. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce. View the city from Piazzale Michelangelo.
• Rome Views of the Forum and Circus Maximus. Included visits to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum.

Dining Highlights

• Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in London.
• 14 buffet breakfasts.
• 1 three-course dinner with local wine.
• 2 local highlight restaurant dinners with wine on the French Riviera and in Florence.
• Farewell Dinner with wine in Rome.

First Class Travel Highlights

• First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges and tips, hotel baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• porterage is not included at train stations except for St Pancras in London.
• Touring by air-conditioned coach with reclining seats.
• The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
• A qualified local city guide in London, Paris, Venice, Florence and Rome.
• Eurostar high-speed train journey from London to Paris.
• TGV Mediteranée train journey from Paris to Nice.
• High-speed train journey from Venice to Florence.
• All rail service is reserved in standard class.
• A stylish wallet, travel documents and Welcome on Tour book with map.
• Airport transfers are provided on Day 15. 

OPTIONAL TOUR :

• IN FLORENCE

JEWELS OF THE RENAISSANCE

A guided tour of the Accademia allows us to appreciate the most controversial sculpture in Italy, Michelangelo’s David. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.

Code: FLOT01

Adult Price: 34 EURO

 

LUNCH OR DINNER WINE MUSIC IN THE TUSCAN HILLS

Take a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to a delightful regional restaurant set among the pines and cypress trees. Here a feast of gastronomic specialities awaits, accompanied by song and music.

Code: FLOT03

Adult Price: 57 EURO

 

PISA THE ARNO VALLEY

A half day excursion along the picturesque Arno Valley, through the land of Leonardo near Empoli, to ancient Pisa. Time to visit the Square of Miracles with its famous Cathedral, Baptistry and Leaning Tower within the imposing city walls.

Code: FLOT06

Adult Price: 39 EURO

 

FLORENTINE DINNER WITH ENTERTAINMENT

Sample the flavours of medieval Florence, during an evening of good food and music at a distinctive historic venue. (Subject to availability).

Code: FLOT12

Adult Price: 66 EURO

• IN NICE

THE CORNICHES LUNCH OR DINNER

We take a scenic excursion along the Riviera Corniche Roads, enjoying spectacular views along perhaps the most beautiful coast in Europe. We reach the ‘Grand Corniche’ - the highway which follows the ancient Aurelian Way. We continue to our restaurant where we will enjoy a typical meal of specialities from the French Riviera. (Drinks included).

Code: NCET08

Adult Price: 65 EURO

• IN PARIS

SEINE CRUISE PARIS BY NIGHT

Paris at night is a city transformed. Enjoy this superb 'city of light' as we take a leisurely cruise on the popular river boats under the bridges of Paris, admiring the wonderful buildings which adorn the banks of the River Seine. Afterwards, as we drive through this amazing city, we stop at some vantage points for you to capture these fascinating sights on camera. (In High Summer, this tour may take place before sunset).

Code: PART02

Adult Price: 32 EURO

 

VERSAILLES THE PALACE GARDENS

We leave the bustle of the city for the splendour of Versailles. Created by the “Sun King” Louis XIV, the palace became the envy of every other European ruler. Our guide takes us through the State apartments, including the famous Hall of Mirrors. All of this enhanced by our excellent audio system. Afterwards, take a stroll through the symmetrical tree-lined gardens. (NB. This optional is subject to availability).

Code: PART07

Adult Price: 60 EURO

 

NOUVELLE EVE CABARET DINNER

Dinner with wines included at one of the most prestigious cabaret shows in town! Enjoy an evening of exciting acts, stunning tableaux and wonderful entertainment - including, of course, the world famous Can-Can. A Parisian night that you will never forget!

Code: PART09

Adult Price: 125 EURO

 

MONTMARTRE VILLAGE ARTISTS SQUARE

Dominated by the soaring Sacré Coeur Basilica with spectacular city views, all will be revealed by our local guide as you start with a train journey to explore this hill top village of narrow winding streets, unusual galleries, boutiques and the world famous Artists Square once home to Toulouse Lautrec, Picasso, and Utrillo's works. Today you can browse between easels and barter for original art. You will have free time to try the best French Onion Soup or maybe a French Crepe giving you a real flavour of Montmartre life.

Code: PART17

Adult Price: 33 EURO

 

MOULIN ROUGE CABARET DINNER

Dinner and Cabaret at the world famous Moulin Rouge - the original Paris cabaret - immortalized by the recent award winning film!

Code: PART24

Adult Price: 145 EURO

 

THE LOUVRE NOTRE DAME

We enjoy a conducted tour, enhanced by our excellent audio system, of one of the finest Art galleries in the world – the Louvre. A chance to admire the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo amongst the many thousands of exhibits in this former Royal Palace. We will also visit the interior of the great Cathedral of Notre Dame, with its glorious Rose Windows.

Code: PART28

Adult Price: 45 EURO

• IN ROME

ROMAN HIGHLIGHTS WITH THE CATACOMBS

An extension to the included sightseeing tour which allows us to admire the artistic masterpieces collected and commissioned by the Popes and displayed in the Vatican Museums. See the famous Tapestry Gallery and Gallery of Maps then finally wonder at the masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Take your time - Michelangelo spent 11 years in the preparation of the vault and altar wall! Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system. Later we will leave the city centre to follow the Appian Way where we will visit the catacombs.

Code: ROMT01

Adult Price: 65 EURO

 

ROMAN EVENING WITH DINNER

A light hearted evening in Rome. We will relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal (drinks included), while live musicians entertain us. To complete our evening, we will drive along the Via Veneto, a location made famous by the film 'La Dolce Vita' and see how the Romans enjoy their city. A wonderful end to our day.

Code: ROMT04

Adult Price: 57 EURO

 

INTRODUCTION TO ROME BY NIGHT PIAZZA NAVONA

Cameras at the ready for the many magnificent sights awaiting us as we 'do as the Romans do' and take an evening 'Passegiata', or evening stroll. We will discover the many hidden delights that Rome has to offer. These can only be truly appreciated by wandering slowly through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares which have developed over many centuries, creating an amazing legacy for us today, like Piazza Navona, with its lively cafes. Later we will ascend the 'Capitol Hill', just one of the features of this remarkable evening.

Code: ROMT41

Adult Price: 32 EURO

• IN VENICE

LAGOON CRUISE WITH LUNCH OR DINNER

A half day off the beaten track! We are taken by private boat to the nearby islands in the lagoon of Venice. See the island of Murano and the Hermitage of San Francesco del Deserto. Lunch or dinner is taken at the island of the ‘fisherman’ - Burano - a photographer’s paradise. Drinks are also included.

Code: VCET02

Adult Price: 65 EURO

 

VENICE PAST PRESENT

Accompanied by a local expert we are taken into the magnificent Doges’ Palace – home to the rulers of the Venetian republic for hundreds of years. We are shown the main highlights of the palace and its elegant courtyards, witnesses to the Serene Republic's glorious past. This will be followed by a guided tour through the winding streets and across medieval bridges, so that you can experience and appreciate what life is like for citizens of Venice in the present.

Code: VCET08

Adult Price: 34 EURO

 

VENEZIA THE SHOW WHICH TELLS THE STORY OF VENICE

In the heart of historical Venice, this astonishing show is the perfect way to discover the history and culture of Venice in air-conditioned comfort. Immerse yourselves in the story of Venice as live performers combine with spectacular moving projections on the ceiling and walls around you, bringing to life the fascinating history and the amusing events of this city’s glorious, and often scandalous past. An experience you will never forget! Included in the visit is the theatre's exhibition of Commedia dell'Arte Masks, meeting the cast, and a welcome with Venice's signature drink, the Bellini Cocktail or if you prefer, a coffee, chocolate or other light beverage.

Code: VCET13

Adult Price: 39 EURO

 

MAGICAL VENICE

A scintillating introduction to this magical city! First we cruise along the Grand Canal by private water taxis admiring the elegant Palazzos. We see the Rialto Bridge and then reach the ‘most beautiful outdoor drawing room in the world’ - St. Mark’s Square, where we will enjoy an included drink. Then enjoy a romantic gondola journey along canals full of character and colour, while musicians and singers entertain. See the magnificent and elegant palaces, witnesses of the past splendours of the ‘Serenissima’. (Without the drink, Euros 60)

Code: VCET86

Adult Price: 69 EURO

Child Prices: a 25% discount will apply to children under the age of 16 at time of travel. (Optionals for American tours are already discounted.)

 

Disclaimer
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe  SF: Superior First Class  F: First Class