European Highlights

Welcome to London! Uniformed Globus Hosts are available for assistance.

Chill the Champagne! This morning, meet your Tour Director and travel companions and board the high-speed Eurostar train to travel through the Eurotunnel into France. Arrive in Paris this afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to either explore this iconic city independently or join an optional excursion. * (B) 305 mi / 492 km * For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded. TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Take the fast train to Paris on the Eurostar - the only high-speed rail directly linking the UK to France. Since 1994, passengers have been whisked through the longest section of underwater tunnel in the world in comfort with speeds up to 200 mph.

J’adore Paris This morning, your sightseeing is composed of a guided walk to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters, plus a scenic cruise on the River Seine with incredible views of celebrated landmarks. 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 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 of a corner café, your hearts are set on sharing France’s captivating City of Light any time you please.

Spend your day your way in Dijon This morning drive to Dijon, the historical capital of Burgundy. Explore more of Dijon with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Who Knew? Parcours de la Chouette (The Owl Path) follows little owls set in the sidewalks of the Old Town, leading visitors past the main sights of Old Dijon. On a guided walking tour, hear legendary stories and see the city highlights, including the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and Place Darcy. At the end of the tour, enjoy a gift of classic Dijon gingerbread specialties. Dijon in Black and Red See Dijon's main highlights on a walking tour with your Local Guide to stroll along the charming cobblestone streets and through elegant squares. Visit a ¿boutique de vin¿ (wine shop) in the historic center to sample the celebrated local Burgundy wines and crème de cassis, the smooth textured blackcurrant liqueur - a Dijon original. Free time this afternoon and evening to enjoy a city that is renowned for its delightful blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. (B) 199mi/ 320 km

The Lush Life & Lion Hearts A scenic drive through the French countryside, then cross the border into Switzerland. Arrive in Lucerne and join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief sculpture and the 14th-century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore this alpine gem. (B) 217 mi / 350 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Lion Monument in Lucerne is a moving commemoration of the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution. As one of Switzerland’s most iconic monuments, more than a million visitors stand before this touching tribute each year. One such visitor, Mark Twain, described the sculpture of a mortally wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."

Sweet Sights in Lucerne Enjoy a morning of free time before departing for Bergamo. En-route enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps interrupted only by the St. Gotthard Road tunnel. Cross the border into Italy to reach Bergamo. This evening, relax and enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B,D) 177 mi / 285 km 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.

Higher Love Take a [LOCAL FAVORITE] funicular ride to Bergamo Alta, the old town strategically located on a hill. Enjoy an orientation walk to see the most important squares and palaces. Later drive to Venice and take a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breathtaking 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, [LOCAL FAVORITE] enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before traveling like a VIP with a private water taxi ride along the Grand Canal. (B,D) 143 mi / 230 km LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEMS Aim higher with a visit to Bergamo Alta, A convenient funicular ride takes you to the very heart of “Città Alta” - right in the Shoe Market square which has long been home of the shoe trade. Stroll through the picturesque streets, alleys, and squares to savor the medieval charm the city managed to preserve through time.

Italian Beauties Back to mainland Italy, drive across the River Po and Apennine Mountains to reach Florence, one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your local guide for 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. Later, take a scenic drive past the rolling green hills of Tuscany and Umbria en-route to Rome. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 342 mi / 550 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent architecture. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, including the sights of Signoria Square, Florence offers spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.

When in Rome Discover the timeless beauty of Rome with a guided sightseeing of 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 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 the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)