Essential Europe
9 Days
Tour Description
Basilicas, boutiques, and bistros. Cathedrals, canals, and cafés. Peaks, pasta, and pastries. This tour of Essential Europe goes beyond the “must-sees” to include the “must-dos,” the “must-discovers,” and the “must-devours.” As you travel and taste your way through Italy, Switzerland, and France, you’ll delightfully take a big bite out of your bucket list. The rolling Tuscan hills, the soaring Swiss Alps, plus mind-boggling mounds of Italian gelato, Swiss chocolate, and French éclairs are all awaiting from Rome to Paris on this delectable tour of Europe’s most popular destinations.
Cruising through Europe’s breathtaking scenery, captivating architecture, and greatest chapters of history has never been easier as you motor by private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, ride an elevator to the courtyard of a medieval Swiss castle, and board a high-speed train for a scenic journey through the French countryside from Basel to Paris.
Traveller Notes
- We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Cruising through Europe’s breathtaking scenery, captivating architecture, and greatest chapters of history has never been easier as you motor by private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, ride an elevator to the courtyard of a medieval Swiss castle, and board a high-speed train for a scenic journey through the French countryside from Basel to Paris.
Traveller Notes
- We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Priced From:
$ 6439pp *
Start Location: Rome, Italy
End Location: Paris, France
Major Destinations: Bellinzona ,Lucerne,Paris,Venice,Florence,Rome
Breakfast Meals Included:
8
Lunch Meals Included:
1
Dinner Meals Included:
3
Itinerary
Day
1
ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
Welcome to Rome!
Already in Rome and can?t wait to start your tour? Make the most of Day 1 with an unforgettable optional excursion departing from your hotel this morning! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day
2
ROME
When in Rome
ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free afternoon. * (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 the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.
Day
3
ROME-FLORENCE
Fine Art in Firenze
FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts. See Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze Gates of Paradise, and Signoria Square. Free time to browse. (B) 174 mi / 280 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 Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the 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
VENICE Take a private boat ride, followed by an orientation walk, including, St. Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs, and a glassblowing demonstration. Free time to browse before [LF] dinner at a local restaurant followed by a private water-taxi ride through the Grand Canal. (B,D) 174 mi / 280 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES Indulge in the tastes and traditions of true Italian cuisine in the home of seafood, pasta, and wine in Venice. A cruise on the Grand Canal is the perfect grand finale! Buon appetito!
Day
5
VENICE-BELLINZONA, SWITZERLAND-LUCERNE
Spectacular Switzerland
BELLINZONA [LF] Take the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande and enjoy a light lunch with local specialties and Merlot wine for which the Ticino area is famous. Scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard en route to Lucerne. (B,L) 342 mi / 550 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
HISTORIC SPOTS Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.
Day
6
LUCERNE
Sweet Sights of Switzerland
LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT 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-BASEL-PARIS, FRANCE
French Connection
BASEL Board the high-speed TGV train to Paris. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 404 mi / 650 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Gliding across the French countryside at warp speed is an experience to write home about. Pass by the rows of vineyards on your way from Basel to Paris and get in the mood for the wine and song awaiting in the City of Light.
Day
8
PARIS
C'est Magnifique in the City of Light
PARIS Your sightseeing is composed of a guided walk to discover one of Paris' iconic quarters. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner cruise on the River Seine, with incredible sights of celebrated landmarks* (B,D)
*Note: For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Paris program cannot be excluded.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS 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 anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner cafe, your hearts are set on sharing France's captivating City of Light any time you please.
Day
9
PARIS
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates & prices
Dates
Prices
Status
Departure Date :
2025-10-12
Return Date :
2025-10-20
Single :
8569 NZD
Triple :
6569 NZD
Twin :
6799 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2025-10-05
Return Date :
2025-10-13
Single :
8899 NZD
Triple :
6899 NZD
Twin :
7129 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2025-09-21
Return Date :
2025-09-29
Single :
9269 NZD
Triple :
6989 NZD
Twin :
7289 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-09-14
Return Date :
2025-09-22
Single :
8879 NZD
Triple :
6879 NZD
Twin :
7129 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-08-13
Return Date :
2025-08-21
Single :
9769 NZD
Triple :
7889 NZD
Twin :
8139 NZD
On Request
Departure Date :
2025-07-27
Return Date :
2025-08-04
Single :
8239 NZD
Triple :
6599 NZD
Twin :
6769 NZD
On Request
Departure Date :
2025-07-06
Return Date :
2025-07-14
Single :
8559 NZD
Triple :
6709 NZD
Twin :
6929 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-06-29
Return Date :
2025-07-07
Triple :
6779 NZD
Twin :
6999 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-06-18
Return Date :
2025-06-26
Single :
10539 NZD
Triple :
8429 NZD
Twin :
8579 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-06-15
Return Date :
2025-06-23
Single :
8969 NZD
Triple :
6969 NZD
Twin :
7219 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-06-01
Return Date :
2025-06-09
Single :
8969 NZD
Triple :
6969 NZD
Twin :
7219 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-05-25
Return Date :
2025-06-02
Single :
8969 NZD
Triple :
6969 NZD
Twin :
7219 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-05-21
Return Date :
2025-05-29
Single :
10459 NZD
Triple :
8199 NZD
Twin :
8529 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-05-18
Return Date :
2025-05-26
Single :
8969 NZD
Triple :
6969 NZD
Twin :
7219 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-05-11
Return Date :
2025-05-19
Single :
8969 NZD
Triple :
6969 NZD
Twin :
7219 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-05-04
Return Date :
2025-05-12
Single :
8949 NZD
Triple :
6989 NZD
Twin :
7219 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-04-27
Return Date :
2025-05-05
Single :
8709 NZD
Triple :
6809 NZD
Twin :
7059 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-04-06
Return Date :
2025-04-14
Single :
8309 NZD
Triple :
6439 NZD
Twin :
6689 NZD
Sold Out