Our journey through Continental Europe begins as we board our international flight to Paris.

Arrive in the Paris and greet our Peony Tours’ representative in the arrivals hall. We are transferred to our deluxe hotel and we can relax for the remainder of the day.

We begin our exploration of this enchanting city as we drive southwest to the leafy suburb of Versailles to visit one of France’s grandest palaces. The Palace of Versailles was the center of political power in France for over a century and has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for 30 years. After touring the opulent chateau we drive to the Louvre Museum, where we can admire a staggering collection of art including its ‘Pièce de résistance,’ the Mona Lisa. Later in the afternoon we enjoy a scenic drive to see Paris’ historic landmarks; the Eiffel Tower, Opera House, Place de La Concord, Champs Elysee and the Arc de Triomphe. (B, D)

Today we take a scenic drive to Lucerne, passing by serene landscapes of rolling hills and green pastures. The gateway to central Switzerland, Lucerne enjoys a beautiful lakeside setting and an impressive panorama of the eternally snow-capped Swiss Alps. After dinner this evening we may relax in the hotel or take a stroll in the city, walking along frescoed houses and cobblestone streets. (B)

We begin our city tour at the medieval Kapell(Chapel) Bridge, Lucerne’s most renowned landmark and one of oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe. We then visit the Lion Monument, a moving sculpture of a dying lion which was hewn into the face of a rock and is considered one Switzerland’s best-known monuments. Enjoy the afternoon free at leisure to walk around Old Town and browse the local specialties, including the famous Swiss watches. We may take an optional cable car ride to the peak of Mt. Pilatus to enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of Lucerne and the surrounding region. Later in the afternoon we drive south of Lucerne to Milan, where we stay overnight. (B, D)

The stylish city of Milan (Milano) is Italy’s economic capital and its most cosmopolitan city; powerful in fashion, finance and football. We take a city tour of the treasures that survived WWII’s damage, including the renowned its cathedral, La Scala opera house and the famed statue of Da Vinci. Later in the afternoon we drive to city of Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the romantic setting for Shakespeare’s legendary Romeo & Juliet. We take a brief tour of this charming city and visit Casa Giulietta (Juliet’s House), and then board our coach to drive to Venice, stopping overnight In Quarto d’Altino. (B, D)

We arrive in the mesmerizing city of Venice and begin our tour with a visit to the opulent St. Mark’s Basilica. The Byzantine basilica is renowned for its golden mosaics and its interior houses many of Venice’s greatest treasures. We continue to visit the dazzling St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs, an architectural masterpiece. An optional gondola ride along the Grand Canal showcases unforgettable views of Venice’s inspiring architecture and timeless scenery. Later in the day we drive to the spa town of Montecatini, where we stay overnight. (B, D)

This morning we drive to Pisa and visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. We continue to drive to Florence, a captivating city set amongst rolling hills of olive groves and vineyards. The birthplace of the Renaissance and the home of the Medici, Florence houses some of the world’s greatest artistic treasures. Upon arrival we take a walking tour to some of the city’s landmarks, including the Duomo, the “Doors of Paradise” at the Baptistry, Signoria Square and the Franciscan St. Croce Basilica, which houses Michaelangelo’s Tomb. After our city tour we depart to Rome by coach. (B)

Known for centuries as the ‘capital of the world,’ Rome is home to a timeless collection of monuments from lost empires. Our city tour begins with a visit to the Vatican City, the world’s smallest sovereign state, where we visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica. No trip to here would be complete without a visit to the Colosseum, the iconic symbol of Rome. We continue to visit the Roman Forum, Constantine’s Triumphal Arch, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Later in the afternoon we have some free time to take a stroll around Via Condotti. This evening we gather for a festive farewell dinner. (B, D)

AB=American Breakfast | B=Breakfast | L=Lunch | D=Dinner DP=Dinner Party|
DH=Dinner at Hotel | DS=Dinner and Show