Essential Europe

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2 - ROME Spend your day your way in Rome Explore more of Rome with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.

Rome of the Caesars
Time travel to ancient Rome! Stand in the Colosseum and let your imagination be captured by stories of gladiator games and emperor reigns. Delve deeper into the Rome of the Caesars with a guided walk through the Roman Forum, once the beating heart of the Roman Empire; see the Palatine Hill considered to be the birthplace of Rome.
Historic Faith: Rome Jewish Ghetto and Saint Mary Major Basilica
Follow your guide on to the Jewish Ghetto to hear of its long and storied history¿from the ruins of Republican and Imperial Rome to the medieval age; from the Renaissance Ghetto to the construction of the Synagogue and the ultimate tragic affront of Nazi deportation suffered by the oldest Jewish community in Europe. Taste a traditional Kosher pastry, then continue on to magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary the Major. Built in the 4th century to celebrate a miraculous August snowfall, the basilica was rebuilt in the 5th century with continued embellishments ever since. See the papal basilica¿s Room of the Popes and the famed five-story so called "Bernini staircase".
The Papal City
Explore the Papal City for a guided visit of the extensive Vatican Museums. Lift your eyes to the heavens in the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece ceiling fresco, then continue to St. Peter's Square to see the breathtaking St. Peter's Basilica. Stroll along the Via della Conciliazione to admire Castel Sant'Angelo, the former Papal Fortress.

Free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)

* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.



Day 3 - ROME - FLORENCE Fine Art in Firenze Leave the hustle and bustle of Rome behind as you relax for a scenic drive past the olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills of Umbria and Tuscany. Arrive in Florence, one of Italy's most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for a visit of the Academy of Fine Arts, to see Michelangelo's David statue, followed by 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. This afternoon free time to explore more of Florence "La bella." (B)
186 mi / 300 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world's most magnificent art Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.


Day 4 - FLORENCE - VENICE Benvenuti a Venezia Today cross the Apennine Mountains and River Po to reach Venice. On arrival take a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breath taking 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, [LF] enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before traveling like a VIP with a private water taxi ride along the Grand Canal. (B,D)
162 mi / 260 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Indulge in the tastes and traditions of true Italian cuisine in the home of seafood, pasta, and wine in Venice. A cruise on the Grand Canal is the perfect grand finale! Buon appetito!


Day 5 - VENICE - BELLINZONA, SWITZERLAND - LUCERNE Spectacular Switzerland Today leave Italy and cross the border into Switzerland. Arrive in Bellinzona and [LF] take the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande where you will savor a light lunch of local specialties accompanied by the Merlot wine for which the Ticino area is famous. Later, en-route to Lucerne, enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps interrupted only by the St. Gotthard Road tunnel. (B,L)
342 mi / 550 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC SPOTS Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages; today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.


Day 6 - LUCERNE Sweet Sights of Switzerland This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the "saddest sculpture in the world," and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). The rest of the day and evening are free for you to get better acquainted with this alpine gem. (B)

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.


Day 7 - LUCERNE - BASEL - PARIS, FRANCE French Connection Drive to the medieval city of Basel, the Swiss city located on the French and German borders and straddling the River Rhine. Board a high-speed TGV train to Paris. Relax and watch the French countryside pass by. Arrive in Paris this afternoon giving you plenty of time to get acquainted with this iconic city.* (B)
404 mi / 650 km

* For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Gliding across the French countryside at warp speed is an experience to write home about. Pass by the rows of vineyards on your way from Basel to Paris and get in the mood for the wine and song awaiting in the City of Light.


Day 8 - PARIS C'est Magnifique in the City of Light The morning is yours to either explore independently or join an optional excursion. Your sightseeing this afternoon is composed of a guided walk to discover one of Paris's iconic quarters. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner cruise on the River Seine, with incredible sights of celebrated landmarks.* (B,D)

* 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 in a corner cafe, your hearts are set on sharing France's captivating City of Light any time you please.


Day 9 - PARIS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Special Notes

  • During the spring and summer, we recommend that you wear lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes.
    During the fall and winter, we recommend that you wear layered clothing to ensure comfort in cold weather.
  • In order to protect your personal property, please bring any valuable items with you at all times. Please do not leave any valuable items on the bus or at the hotel, attraction or restaurant. Tours4Fun, local operators, drivers and tour guides are not responsible for any theft or loss at any location.
  • Depending on your arrival time, your hotel room may not be available until the afternoon. Most hotels allow check-in between 1:00pm-3:00pm, however some charge a fee for early check-in. Please check at the hotel desk to see if you may store your luggage at the hotel if you wish to explore the city on your own before check-in.
  • This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.
  • If any of the attractions are closed due to Covid-19, the guide will arrange the itinerary based on the actual situation on the tour date. Please understand. Thanks.

Reservation Process and E-Ticket

1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.
 

Terms and Conditions

- Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
- Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
- Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
- Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
- Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.

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Easy Book
  Tour Name   Essential Europe
  Tour Code  
HF
  Tour Duration    9 Days
  Start City:   Rome
  End City:   London
  Price From   $3,749.00   See in Cart
(not including airfare)
globus

 
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Pricing (Per Person)

Land Start Date Price From:
2026-04-05 $4,299.00 See in Cart
2026-05-03 $4,599.00 See in Cart
2026-05-06 $5,729.00 See in Cart
2026-05-20 $5,459.00 See in Cart
2026-05-24 $4,619.00 See in Cart
2026-06-14 $4,689.00 See in Cart
2026-06-17 $5,689.00 See in Cart
2026-06-28 $4,519.00 See in Cart
2026-07-05 $4,519.00 See in Cart
2026-07-29 $5,179.00 See in Cart
 

Features

  • City Highlights
  • Travelers Notes
  • Special Features included in this Tour:
    - Globus Choice excursions in Rome ? included in your tour with your choice of a guided walking tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or a guided walking tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum
    - Guided walking tour in Florence includes a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo's David statue
    - Private Venice Canal boat ride, orientation walk, and glass blowing demonstration
    - [LF] Dinner at a local Venice restaurant followed by a private water-taxi ride along the Grand Canal
    - Visit the [LF] Courtyard of Castelgrande for a light lunch paired with wine
    - Walking tour of Lucerne, see the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge
    - Ride a high speed TGV train from Basel to Paris
    - Guided walking tour in Paris to discover one of Paris's iconic quarters
    - Scenic dinner cruise on the Seine River
  • Notes
  • For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

    For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.
    For small group departures (HF-K), Paris city sightseeing is on Day 7 instead of Day 2.
  • Transportation
  • Tags
  • ADRIATIC SEA|BASEL|BELLINZONA|CLASSIC|EUROPE|FIRST-CLASS|FLORENCE|FRANCE|GL_EU_PANORAMA|GL_EUROPE|GL_FRANCE|GL_ITALY|GL_SWITZERLAND|GL_WINTER|GLOBUS|ITALY|LUCERNE|MEDITERRANEAN SEA|PANORAMA|PARIS|Private Touring|RAIL JOURNEY|ROME|ST GOTTHARD|SWITZERLAND|TA_RAIL|TUSCANY|VENICE
  • Meals
  • 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinner
  • Related Option Title
  • Essential Europe
  • UNESCO Sites
  • Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona|Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome|Paris Banks of the Seine|Vatican City|Venice and its Lagoon
  • Private Touring
  • 6 guests in a party: $3,228*
    18 guests in a party: $889*
  • Product Group
  • Essential Europe
  • Title
  • Essential Europe