European Dream – End Paris

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. Savour 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 neighbourhood.

In the morning, prepare to embrace this awe-inspiring 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 visit to a traditional Venetian glassblowing workshop, where you’ll see how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert artisans, preserving centuries-old skills. 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 specialities and wine?

Head into the Apennines for an exclusive visit to Fattoria di Bagnolo, a historic Tuscan estate owned by the noble Bartolini Baldelli family for generations. After a personal welcome from a family member who shares the estate’s story, trace its journey from Machiavelli’s era to its 1852 revival as the Marquis’ summer residence. Explore the villa, atmospheric cellars and vineyards with views across the Chianti hills then savour a tasting of the estate wines paired with the family’s own olive oil. Later, follow the Tiber onwards to the Eternal City of Rome.

With your Local Expert, enjoy fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums to explore centuries of Papal history and art, including works by Raphael and classical sculptures collected by the Popes. In the Sistine Chapel, examine Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling fresco, painted between 1508 and 1512. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church, to admire Michelangelo’s Pietà and the dome he designed. Cross the Tiber to reach ancient Rome and stand before the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre ever built. This afternoon is at leisure. On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums may be restricted. You'll still enjoy the atmosphere of St. Peter's Square during your visit to the Vatican City, and if tickets are unavailable to the Vatican Museums, you'll instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to iconic Roman art and archaeology.

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.

Begin the morning by joining a Local Expert in Florence to view the multicoloured 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. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Renaissance capital, famous for the quality of luxury goods. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower?

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 travelling alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, down to scenic Lake Lucerne. Upon arrival to Lucerne, see the 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.

Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels takes 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.

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 centre 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?

Discover Paris through the eyes of your Local Expert on a panoramic tour of the City of Light. Take in the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and elegant Champs-Élysées before seeing Place de la Concorde, one of the city’s grandest squares and the site of the guillotine during the French Revolution. Admire the Louvre Museum, another of Paris’ most recognisable landmarks, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant where you’ll savour French cuisine.

Bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport.