Flavors of Europe - End London, Classic Group

Flavors of Europe - End London, Classic Group

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9 Days From

$5011

Flavors of Europe - End London, Classic Group

9 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in London, United Kingdom

Visiting: Rome, Florence, Santa Margherita Ligure, Lucerne, Paris, London

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

N812UZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $5011

NB: Prices correct on 18-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Europe with the "Flavors of Europe - End London, Classic Group" tour. This adventure begins in the historic city of Rome, where you'll explore its ancient treasures and savor authentic Roman cuisine. Travel through the picturesque landscapes of Italy, including the stunning Cinque Terre and the cultural heart of Florence. Experience the breathtaking Swiss Alps, with a memorable ascent to Mount Stanserhorn via a solar-powered cable car. In Lucerne, enjoy a leisurely exploration of its charming streets and iconic landmarks. The journey continues to Paris, where you'll immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture, from its iconic landmarks to its delectable culinary delights. Conclude your European odyssey in London, after a scenic high-speed train journey from Paris. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and culinary indulgence across Italy, Switzerland, France, and England.

Highlights

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    Choice Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.
    • Paris: Join an avid local food lover on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.

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    Top Rated Highlights

    • Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
    • Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you through vibrant backstreets, showing you how modern life takes place around ancient treasures.
    • Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.
    • Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with dedicated time to explore one of the charming fishing villages.
    • Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
    • Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
    • Paris: Experience the magic of Paris with Insight Vacations as you explore its iconic sights, landmarks, and charming streets. Meander along the picturesque banks of the River Seine, delving into the rich history of its beautiful bridges and renowned landmarks, including the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Whether from the comfort of your coach or a scenic vantage point, immerse yourself in the timeless stories that bring this enchanting city to life.

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    Make Travel Matter

    Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit. 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. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 15: Affordable and Clean Energy & Life on Land.

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    Authentic Dining

    Rome: Savor a four-course dinner complete with wine, to the rich tremolo of some of Italy's best-loved opera.

    Lucerne: Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening and hand-pick your preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.

    Paris: Join an avid local food lover on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.

    Paris: Rendezvous with your newfound friends at La Coupole for a rousing dinner with wine.

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    Insight Choice

    Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.

Places You'll See

The Eiffel Tower

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome

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Location: Rome

Accommodation: Bettoja Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio, Rome.

Accommodation Name: Bettoja Massimo D'Azeglio, Rome

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Rome is one of the world’s most historic cities, filled with classical antiquities, medieval buildings, renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Transfers to your hotel depart Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Then this extraordinary city is yours to discover. Later, join your Travel Director for dinner and enjoy the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travelers.

Day 2: Rome With The Locals Relaxed Start

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Location: Rome

Accommodation: Bettoja Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio, Rome.

Accommodation Name: Bettoja Massimo D'Azeglio, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces, and your morning walking tour with a Local Expert includes this in abundance. Toss a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain and see the best-preserved monument from the Roman period - the Pantheon, before enjoying free time to do as the Romans do, in Piazza Navona. Perhaps join a tour inside the Catacombs with our local expert. This evening, enjoy a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Admire the stunning 9th-century Byzantine mosaics illuminated for this exclusive visit as you view the legendary well and renowned chapels.

Day 3: The Vatican And Florence

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Location: Florence

Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.

Accommodation Name: Bettoja Massimo D'Azeglio, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with your Local Expert they introduce you to the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Enjoy fast-track entry to avoid the crowds and admire the Papal art collection. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Your travels continue through peaceful Umbria and Tuscany, to arrive at the city of Florence. A Local Expert will accompany you to the Duomo, where the Gates of Paradise adorn the baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city. Lined with fountains and statues, it acts as an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Take time to gaze at Neptune and David as you explore the historic city center.

Day 4: The Cinque Terre And Italian Riviera

Location: Santa Margherita Ligure

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa, Rapallo.

Accommodation Name: B and B Park Hotel Suiss, Santa Margherita Ligure

Meals Included: Breakfast

The famous Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre are a highlight of your journey. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat (weather permitting). Please note that the cruise is weather dependent. Spend time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. Continue to your resort on the Italian Riviera. Savor authentic Italian cuisine with a delicious dinner.

Day 5: Across The Alps To Lucerne

Location: Santa Margherita Ligure

Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.

Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Pass Milan as you head north for 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. Travel alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, down to scenic Lake Lucerne, where you are leisure for the rest of the afternoon.

Day 6: Lucerne’S Lakes, Mountains And Lion

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Location: Lucerne

Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.

Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-roof deck cable car, powered by solar panels, takes you to the summit. Stroll along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, and discover the local wildlife and flora. Upon returning to Lucerne, visit the town's iconic Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and admire the Baroque Jesuit Church. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure—perhaps shop for fine watches and delectable Swiss chocolates. This evening, enjoy a selection of fine restaurants to choose from during your Dine-Around evening.

Day 7: Sights And Delights Of Paris

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Location: Paris

Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 center 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?

Day 8: The Food And Flavors Of Paris

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Location: Paris

Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your day with an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join an avid foodie to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, indulge in refined French cuisine during your Celebration Dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole, frequently visited by the French entertainer Josephine Baker.

Day 9: Au Revoir Paris

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Location: London

Accommodation Name: The Cumberland, London

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, bid farewell to your traveling companions as your journey comes to an end. Travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London. On arrival, you are transferred to the Insight London hotel where your trip ends.

What's Included

  • Dining Summary

    The tour includes 4 dinners with wine and 8 breakfasts.

  • Additional Included Highlights

    Personal radio headsets are provided for visits to famous highlights, hotel and restaurant tips are included, and all taxes and porterage charges at hotels are covered.

  • Insight Experiences

    Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit, with the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics illuminated for your visit.

  • Well-being

    Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board.

  • Transfers

    Transfers to and from the airport are included if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Bettoja Massimo D'Azeglio in Rome, Indigo in Florence, Grand Bristol Resort & Spa in Rapallo, Astoria in Lucerne, and Le Méridien Etoile in Paris.

  • Transport

    Travel by high-speed Eurostar train from Paris to London is included.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as visiting world-famous cabaret shows in Paris are not included.

  • Weather-dependent Activities

    The boat cruise to the Cinque Terre is weather dependent and may not be included if conditions are unfavorable.

  • Transfers for Non-Itinerary Flights

    Transfers are not included for flights that are outside the itinerary start and end dates unless additional nights are booked with Insight Vacations.

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Insight Experiences

  • Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
  • Vatican: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned coach featuring double the standard legroom. Enjoy a scenic journey through Europe, including a high-speed Eurostar train ride from Paris to London, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the Bettoja Massimo D'Azeglio in Rome, the Indigo in Florence, the Grand Bristol Resort & Spa in Rapallo, the Astoria in Lucerne, and Le Méridien Etoile in Paris. Enjoy a final night at The Cumberland in London, ensuring a restful end to your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome during an after-hours visit, where you can admire the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. In Lucerne, you will explore Mount Stanserhorn on a solar-powered open-roof deck cable car and have the opportunity to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger.

  • What activities are available in Paris during the tour?

    In Paris, you can choose to explore the Montorgueil district to experience community life or join a local food lover to sample local treats and delicacies. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a Celebration Dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole.

  • How does the tour support sustainable travel?

    The tour supports sustainable travel by including a visit to Mount Stanserhorn, where you will travel on a solar-powered cable car. This experience supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for Affordable and Clean Energy and Life on Land.

  • What dining experiences are offered on the tour?

    The tour offers a variety of dining experiences, including a dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant in Rome, a Dine-Around Evening in Lucerne where you can choose from a selection of restaurants, and a Celebration Dinner at La Coupole in Paris.

  • What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive in Rome, where transfers from Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport to your hotel are provided. The day is yours to explore the city, and in the evening, you will join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception to meet your fellow travelers.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.