9-Day Southern European Gems: Budapest to Vienna, Venice, Munich, Rome (Architectural Wonders)

After breakfast, it's off to Vienna, the capital of Austria, to see Schonbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Imperial family and preferred living quarters of Empress Maria Theresa; Stadtpark (City Park), home of the gilded bronze statue of Johann Strauss; the Austrian Parliament Building; the world-famous Vienna State Opera; and Hofburg Palace.

  
After a stroll along the Kartnerstrasse we'll arrive at St. Stephen's Cathedral. Tickets for a Viennese Waltz concert may also be arranged (at your own expense).

After breakfast, we'll head up into the Alps to fabled Mondsee, a town situated on the shores of Lake Mondsee, home to the medieval Mondsee Abbey. The cloister church was used as the site for the wedding in The Sound of Music. After arriving in Munich, we'll visit Marienplatz, a central square in the city center, and New Town Hall, which has continuously housed the city council, the mayor's office, and part of the the administrative body since 1874.
  
Our hotel for the evening will be in Munich or a neighboring city.

After breakfast we'll take the mountain roads farther into Switzerland, slowly winding our way up to the snow-capped giants of the Alps. Once in Engelberg, we'll take the gondola 45 minutes up to Mount Titlis, 10,623 feet above sea level.
  
We'll go inside a glacier cave and stroll across Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe's highest suspension bridge. You may opt to have your lunch at one of the several dining establishments at the peak (own expense).
  
Afterwards we'll drive to picturesque Lucerne to see the Lion Monument and venture into the narrow alleyways to find the perfect souvenir. 

After breakfast, we'll head south to the design and couture-conscious city of Milan. On our tour of the city you will see Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest shopping arcade in the world; the legendary opera house La Scala; the storied Sforza Castle; and the ostentatious Gothic of Milan Cathedral.

Overnight in Venice or a nearby city.
 

Spend the morning in the company of a knowledgeable local guide as you explore Venice, the most magical of cities. Begin with a waterbus ride to San Marco Island, a memorable crossing of the lagoon that gives you a real taste of the city's charm as you approach the dreamy spires and distinctive waterside buildings. Once on the island you'll be led around some of Venice's best-known locations, beginning in the Piazzo with the Basilica di San Marco, a stunning piece of Byzantine architecture.
You'll also see the legendary Bridge of Sighs, which appears on many a postcard or picture of Venice and connects the old prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace.
Afterwards you'll have a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at close quarters with a demonstration by Murano glassblowers; their exquisite creations make excellent souvenirs. Of course, the ultimate Venice activity is to ride through the warren of waterways on a gondola, and for most people this optional excursion is a must.  Step on board, relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Afterwards, you can wander through the ancient winding alleys, and visit nostalgic cafés or restaurants to enjoy a variety of delicious foods. Transfer to Rome in the afternoon.
 

Morning departure to explore Rome's landmarks: the Arch of Constantine and the magnificent Vittoriano Monument. Afterwards, visit the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, and tour St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church globally. This great structure, built during the European Renaissance, is the masterpiece of Italy's finest architects and artists, taking 120 years to complete. The dome of the cathedral is a perfect architectural marvel, and the square is grand and awe-inspiring. Inside the basilica, you'll find St. Peter's tomb, and Michelangelo's only signed sculpture, the "Pietà," remains housed here.
In the afternoon, depart for Florence, known as the cradle of culture.
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On this day you will be introduced to the sights and sounds of Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. We'll head up to the Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of Florence, then to a local workshop to see how Florence's fine leather goods are made.

Afterwards, we'll set out on foot to the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River, the Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Uffizi, which houses one of the finest art collections in the world. At Pisa, our last stop of the day, you will be free to wander; be sure to have your camera ready when you enter the Square of Miracles and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery come into full view.

We finish our evening by continuing on to Genoa nearby city for an overnight stay.
 

A breathtaking drive along one of the most sublime stretches of Mediterranean coastline awaits as we say goodbye to Italy and hello to Monaco.

Our walking tour will take us first to the Prince's Palace of Monaco, then on to the Courthouse, the Oceanographic Museum and Saint Nicholas Cathedral, the resting place of Grace Kelly. We'll then travel to the Fragonard Perfume Factory to learn about the perfume-making process. At the end of the guided tour you will be able to purchase one of the fragrances for yourself. Next we'll visit Nice for a sampling of the scrumptious local cuisine.

We'll stop over in Cannes to see the Palais des Festivals et des Congres, host of the city's annual international film festival, and then make our way to Avignon nearby city to check in to the hotel.
 

 Depart in the morning and arrive in Dijon around noon. Dijon has been the capital of the Burgundy region since the early 11th century and is known as the "City of the Dukes of Burgundy" due to its well-preserved historical landmarks. Its tranquility and simplicity are captivating, and wandering through the ancient medieval architecture is truly mesmerizing. Notable attractions include the Duke's Palace (now an art museum), Notre-Dame Cathedral, Liberté Street, the Gate of Guillaume, known as the "Little Arc de Triomphe", and Place François Rude. You can also enjoy a glass of Burgundy wine and experience the proud local wine culture.
Note: Today includes long transfers with shorter sightseeing time.