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12 Days, 11 Meals

Day 1: New York, USA – Paris, France
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2: Arrival in Paris, France.
The day is free to rest or to start exploring the splendid French capital. At 6 p. m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a special welcome dinner with wine at one of Paris’ fine restaurants. (D)
Hotel: Mercure Montmartre ****

Day 3: Paris.
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Champs-Elysées. For a panoramic view, take the elevator to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Afternoon at leisure. An optional afternoon excursion to the Palace of Versailles is available. Tonight, a lively cabaret show might just be the ticket. (B)
Hotel: Mercure Montmartre ****

Day 4: Paris–Lyon.
This morning, we will take TGV bullet train (second class) to Lyon, France’s second-largest city. Drive up to Fourviere Hill with its basilica to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the city and its Roman ruins. (B)
Hotel: Mercure Chateau Perrache ****

Day 5: Lyon-Geneva, Switzerland.
After breakfast, we head east to Geneva, home of United Nations. Your orientation tour of Geneva, the city where John Calvin and John Knox preached, includes the United Nations Headquarters, Red Cross Headquarters, the World Council of Churches Headquarters, and a stop at the Reformation Monument. Also visit St. Peter’s Cathedral, where John Calvin served. Balance of the day is at leisure. (B)
Hotel: Ramada Encore ****

Day 6: Geneva– Monte Carlo, Monaco–Nice, France.
This morning, we will head south to Monte Carlo, Monaco, drive along the very famous Formula 1 “Grand Prix” circuit and stop in the luxurious Casino Square surrounded by beautiful gardens and hotels. Later, we discover the natural beauty of the “Moyenne Corniche” going to Nice, the sophisticated “Queen of the Riviera with beautiful panoramic stops all along the road, having a stop to visit the wonderful eagle nest village of Eze and its very nice tapestry specialty. Then you will enjoy a guided visit of the Perfume Factory. Then we will continue to Nice, enjoy this enchanting resort on the Côte d’Azur at your own pace. Browse through the elegant shops or stroll along the Promenade des Anglais.
Hotel: Best Western New York ****

Day 7: Nice–Pisa–Florence.
Past French and Italian border to Pisa, where you stop for pictures of its amazing Leaning Tower. Arrive in Florence, “Cradle of Renaissance” art and architecture. In the evening, we enjoy a dinner with Tuscan specialties at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Hotel: Plaza ****

Day 8: Florence–Venice.
During your walking tour with a Local Guide, visit the magnificent Cathedral. Admire Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gate of Paradise,” and sculpture-studded Signoria Square. Time to shop for Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry. Early afternoon departure for a fast and easy ride on the Highway to Venice, world famous water town. (B)
Hotel: Europa Hotel Mestre ****

Day 9: Venice - Bologna.
Highlights of your walking tour with a Local Guide are St. Mark’s Square and its basilica, lavish Doges’ Palace and the Bridge Of Sighs. Also watch skilled Glassblowers fashion their delicate objects. Exciting optional Gondola Ride and activities are available. Early evening, we drive to Bologna, home of the oldest university in the Western world, followed by a city orientation of famous two towers and Piazza Maggiore. (B)
Hotel: Diana ****

Day 10: Bologna–Rome.
After breakfast, we drive on the Highway of the Sun to the “Eternal City.” Arrive Rome in the afternoon, you are free to rest or explore this stunning city. (B)
Hotel: Diana ****

Day 11: Rome - Vatican.
Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the world famous monumental St. Peter’s Square and Basilica. Cross the Tiber River and visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, where Roman legions marched in triumph. Then, time for independent activities and exciting optional Ostia Antica excursion possibilities. (B)
Hotel: Diana ****

Day 12: Rome – New York
Your homebound flight from Rome arrives the same day. (B)