European Sampler
For the traveler with limited time, who is looking for a broad overview of the diverse culture and landscape of Europe. This tour is a perfect introduction, mixing blockbuster sights, small town charm, and some jaw-dropping scenery. From the ancient world of Rome we’ll wind our way up through the villages, art and edibles of Italy, breath deep in the thin air and snow capped peaks of the Swiss Alps, savor the good life in the vineyards of Burgundy and finish off in the city of lights.
The tour will start June 23, 2010 in Rome, Italy and end on July 7, 2010 in Paris, France. You would need to leave the US on June 22, 2010 to arrive in Rome on the morning of June 23. You will need to arrive at Rome airport before noon on June 23 in order to meet your guide for transportation to our first hotel. Departure from Paris can be any time on July 7.
The tour is 14 nights, 15 days, and the cost is $5150 per person. Note: this tour was custom designed for a private client with a total of four people traveling on the tour. If you would like information about scheduling this tour for your private group, please contact us.
Price includes: accommodations in comfortable, characteristic hotels, all in central locations; all ground and rail transportation from arrival in Rome to departure from Paris; breakfast each morning; entry and tour of all sights mentioned in the itinerary; the services of your Hand Crafted guide, who also acts as driver, interpreter, and window on European culture and history.
Not included: airfare to and from Europe; meals other than breakfast; free time transportation and sightseeing.
The tour is 14 nights, 15 days, and the cost is $5150 per person. Note: this tour was custom designed for a private client with a total of four people traveling on the tour. If you would like information about scheduling this tour for your private group, please contact us.
Price includes: accommodations in comfortable, characteristic hotels, all in central locations; all ground and rail transportation from arrival in Rome to departure from Paris; breakfast each morning; entry and tour of all sights mentioned in the itinerary; the services of your Hand Crafted guide, who also acts as driver, interpreter, and window on European culture and history.
Not included: airfare to and from Europe; meals other than breakfast; free time transportation and sightseeing.
Day 1: Welcome to Rome
After meeting your guide at the airport in Rome, we’ll drive about one hour to our hotel in central Rome. After a chance to settle in and freshen up, we’ll get out and explore the historic heart of Rome, visiting the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Navona.
Day 2: Ancient Rome
Today we’ll explore the best of ancient Rome, the nerve center of Western civilization for more than a thousand years. Our stops will include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon. Late afternoon free for wandering and shopping on your own.
Day 3: Vatican City
A country-within-a-country, the independent state of Vatican City will be our focus today. We’ll start with an early morning visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, enjoying the peace and serenity before the storm of tourists arrive. After a break for lunch and a chance to climb the dome of the basilica we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, capping off with a visit to the Sistine Chapel.
Day 4: Hill Towns of Tuscany
Leaving Rome behind, we’ll drive about three hours north to the Tuscan hill town of Siena. Along the way we’ll stop for lunch in Orvieto, where we’ll also see the unique Apocalypse Fresco in the cathedral. Once in Siena we’ll visit the ornate interior of the cathedral, and take an orientation walk through the historic core to hear about the town’s history and bitter rivalry with Florence.
Day 5: Renaissance Art
We’ll drive an hour north to Florence, the capital of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance. Here we’ll visit the lively farmer’s market, see Michelangelo’s David, and tour the Uffizi Gallery. You’ll have some time for shopping before our late afternoon return to Siena.
Day 6: Towers and Cliffs
We’ll continue another three hours north to the Cinque Terre, five picturesque fishing villages that are virtually inaccessible to cars. Along the way we’ll stop in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower, as well as the neighboring buildings on what’s known as the Field of Miracles.
Day 7: Riviera Recharge
Day free to enjoy the Italian Riviera. Relax on the beach, ride the train, hike, or take a boat tour.
Day 8: Lakes and Mountains
We’ll experience a vast change in scenery on our longest drive of the trip, as we leave Italy behind and climb up into the Swiss Alps. We’ll stop along the way for lunch overlooking scenic Lake Maggiore , then cross into Switzerland. The last leg of our trip will be by train, as our home village of Zermatt is a car-free village.
Day 9: To the Top
We’ll explore the mountains surrounding Zermatt, either riding a cogwheel train up to the Gornergrat, or a cable car to Klein Matterhorn. Afternoon back in the village for relaxing an shopping.
Day 10: Profound France
From the heights of the Alps we’ll descend into France, driving about five hours to Beaune in Burgundy. This region encompasses everything that is storybook France—good food, great wine, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed, carefree lifestyle. After arrival in town, we’ll take a walk through the historic core, and visit the Hotel Dieu, a 15th century hospice.
Day 11: Vineyards and Castles
Beaune’s weekly farmer's market takes over the center of town today. We’ll line up with the other locals doing their shopping, and we’ll assemble a picnic lunch. With food in the bag, we’ll head out to the countryside for a lunch with a view. Afterwards we’ll visit La Rochepot, a beautifully preserved medieval castle.
Day 12: Medieval Paris
Our last leg of the journey takes us three hours from Beaune to the city of Paris. After checking in to our hotel we’ll get out and explore the foundations of this magnificent city on the island where it all started. Along the way we’ll visit Notre-Dame cathedral and wander the Latin Quarter.
Day 13: Best of Paris
We’ll start the morning by seeing the best of the Louvre, including statues by Michelangelo and paintings by daVinci. Afterwards we’ll walk along the Champs-Elysées, see the Arc de Triomphe and ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Day 14: A Living Masterpiece
From Paris we’ll take a short day trip to Giverny, where Monet build his home and gardens, arguably his greatest work of art. Late afternoon back in Paris for some free time shopping, and then prepare for tomorrow’s departure.
Day 15: Depart Paris
Tour over after breakfast. You’ll be transported to the airport for your departure.
After meeting your guide at the airport in Rome, we’ll drive about one hour to our hotel in central Rome. After a chance to settle in and freshen up, we’ll get out and explore the historic heart of Rome, visiting the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Navona.
Day 2: Ancient Rome
Today we’ll explore the best of ancient Rome, the nerve center of Western civilization for more than a thousand years. Our stops will include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon. Late afternoon free for wandering and shopping on your own.
Day 3: Vatican City
A country-within-a-country, the independent state of Vatican City will be our focus today. We’ll start with an early morning visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, enjoying the peace and serenity before the storm of tourists arrive. After a break for lunch and a chance to climb the dome of the basilica we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, capping off with a visit to the Sistine Chapel.
Day 4: Hill Towns of Tuscany
Leaving Rome behind, we’ll drive about three hours north to the Tuscan hill town of Siena. Along the way we’ll stop for lunch in Orvieto, where we’ll also see the unique Apocalypse Fresco in the cathedral. Once in Siena we’ll visit the ornate interior of the cathedral, and take an orientation walk through the historic core to hear about the town’s history and bitter rivalry with Florence.
Day 5: Renaissance Art
We’ll drive an hour north to Florence, the capital of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance. Here we’ll visit the lively farmer’s market, see Michelangelo’s David, and tour the Uffizi Gallery. You’ll have some time for shopping before our late afternoon return to Siena.
Day 6: Towers and Cliffs
We’ll continue another three hours north to the Cinque Terre, five picturesque fishing villages that are virtually inaccessible to cars. Along the way we’ll stop in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower, as well as the neighboring buildings on what’s known as the Field of Miracles.
Day 7: Riviera Recharge
Day free to enjoy the Italian Riviera. Relax on the beach, ride the train, hike, or take a boat tour.
Day 8: Lakes and Mountains
We’ll experience a vast change in scenery on our longest drive of the trip, as we leave Italy behind and climb up into the Swiss Alps. We’ll stop along the way for lunch overlooking scenic Lake Maggiore , then cross into Switzerland. The last leg of our trip will be by train, as our home village of Zermatt is a car-free village.
Day 9: To the Top
We’ll explore the mountains surrounding Zermatt, either riding a cogwheel train up to the Gornergrat, or a cable car to Klein Matterhorn. Afternoon back in the village for relaxing an shopping.
Day 10: Profound France
From the heights of the Alps we’ll descend into France, driving about five hours to Beaune in Burgundy. This region encompasses everything that is storybook France—good food, great wine, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed, carefree lifestyle. After arrival in town, we’ll take a walk through the historic core, and visit the Hotel Dieu, a 15th century hospice.
Day 11: Vineyards and Castles
Beaune’s weekly farmer's market takes over the center of town today. We’ll line up with the other locals doing their shopping, and we’ll assemble a picnic lunch. With food in the bag, we’ll head out to the countryside for a lunch with a view. Afterwards we’ll visit La Rochepot, a beautifully preserved medieval castle.
Day 12: Medieval Paris
Our last leg of the journey takes us three hours from Beaune to the city of Paris. After checking in to our hotel we’ll get out and explore the foundations of this magnificent city on the island where it all started. Along the way we’ll visit Notre-Dame cathedral and wander the Latin Quarter.
Day 13: Best of Paris
We’ll start the morning by seeing the best of the Louvre, including statues by Michelangelo and paintings by daVinci. Afterwards we’ll walk along the Champs-Elysées, see the Arc de Triomphe and ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Day 14: A Living Masterpiece
From Paris we’ll take a short day trip to Giverny, where Monet build his home and gardens, arguably his greatest work of art. Late afternoon back in Paris for some free time shopping, and then prepare for tomorrow’s departure.
Day 15: Depart Paris
Tour over after breakfast. You’ll be transported to the airport for your departure.