Trip Itinerary-2023

2023 SAMPLE TOUR SCHEDULE:

Venice, The Alps, and Paris

Day 1: Overnight flight to Italy

Depart North America on an overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2: Venice via Verona

Meet your Tour Director at the airport in Milan, a city that integrates its past into the present better than any other. Travel via bus to Verona, home of Rome and Juliet and an ancient Colosseum. Enjoy lunch, sightseeing, and a debrief from your overnight flight. 

Day 3: Sightseeing of Venice | Visit Islands of Murano and Burano | Gondola Ride

• Morning: Transfer by bus to the water taxi, which will bring you to the city of Venice (30mins). Meet the local guide in central Venice for a walking tour (1hr30mins). The walk will cover some of the area around St. Mark’s and ends under the clock tower in the square. The group will walk by the Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal, and the Bridge of Sighs. Either before or after the walking tour, the group will also travel by boat to the islands of Murano and Burano. On the island of Murano, the group will see a glass-blowing demonstration (15mins) which teaches students the history and tradition of Venetian glass. On the island of Burano, the group will have free time to wander along the canal, marvel at the colorful houses decorating the island, and admire the island's famous lace.

• Afternoon: Free time to explore Venice. The group will also enjoy a ride through Venice's canals on a famous gondola. Note that the order in which the islands are visited will vary. Please also note that Venice is an extremely complicated city to navigate, even with maps. The group should be told to follow the yellow signs on the sides of buildings: “Per Rialto” and “Per San Marco” to return to designated meeting point.

• Evening: Late afternoon transfer back to the hotel via water-taxi and bus (1hr). Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Transfer to Switzerland via Como | Lake Como Cruise

• Morning: Transfer by bus to Como (4hrs). Upon arrival, the group will take a boat cruise on Lake Como to Bellagio.

• Afternoon: Enjoy free time for lunch and exploring Bellagio, a village whose scenery has inspired poets and young lovers for centuries. You’ll have time to take in Bellagio’s classic beauty before traveling to Switzerland (3hrs).

• Evening: Check into hotel. Group will not visit Lucerne this day. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: Walking tour of Lucerne| Optional Swiss Alps Experience | Optional Swiss Folklore Evening

• Morning: Depart hotel and transfer to central Lucerne (1hr). The Tour Director will lead the group on a walking tour to see the Lion Monument (20min) followed by a tour of central Lucerne including the Chapel Bridge (45min).

• Afternoon: Free time for an early lunch and further explore or...

Add this in-depth excursion: Swiss Alps Experience

Venture to the roof of the Swiss Alps, atop one of the majestic peaks that tower over charming Lucerne. Take a boat across Lake Lucerne and ride a cog railway to the top of either Mount Pilatus (best known for its steep railway and its iconic craggy summit) or Mount Rigi (beloved for its original mountain railway and its history as a favorite spot of Mark Twain). Enjoy the splendid views of the quaint villages and fields of Switzerland as you trek along the mountain with your group. (Note: Warm clothes and appropriate shoes recommended).

• Evening: Dinner at the hotel. Free time for the evening or...

Add this in-depth excursion: Swiss Folklore Event

Opt to join us for a bit of Swiss tradition. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal, including the chance to try fondue—the Swiss National Dish! Afterwards, watch a show, complete with yodeling, traditional dancing, and Alpine horns. Note: Groups traveling from October to mid-April will enjoy Swiss music during their meal instead of the show.

[Those not participating in the optional will return to hotel for dinner (1hr).]

Day 6: Travel by TGV train to Paris

• Morning: Transfer by bus to the train station in Basel or Zurich. Groups will arrive at the train station approximately one hour before departure. Luggage space is limited on trains; please pack lightly and have passport available for check-in.

• Afternoon: Arrive at the Paris train station. Load luggage onto bus to take to the hotel. The Tour Director will then lead the group into central Paris.

• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Day 7: Sightseeing of Paris | Optional Versailles

• Morning: Depart from the hotel and pick up the local guide for the sightseeing tour of Paris. The tour will include driving by the major sights in the city. There will be a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower and the tour will end near the Opera or Arc de Triomphe.

• Afternoon: Free time for lunch and further exploration or...

Add this in-depth excursion: Versailles

Continue with the bus and guide to Versailles. Free time for lunch upon arrival (1hr). Interior visit of the chateau (1hr) and free time to visit the gardens (1hr). Groups with more than 30 travelers will be split into two smaller groups. Return to Paris where the bus will drop the group off in a central location if there is free time, otherwise the group will go straight to dinner at a local restaurant. [Those not participating in the optional will have a free afternoon and meet at dinner].

• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, the Tour Director may offer the chance to take a boat ride along the Seine River (for an additional cost).

Day 8: Walking tour of Paris | Visit Notre Dame | Visit the Louvre

• Morning: The Tour Director will lead a walking tour along the Seine River which ends on Île de la Cité where you will see Notre Dame – note that views and entrances will be restricted due to current reconstruction. Self-guided visit to the Louvre (1-2hrs).

• Afternoon: Free afternoon in Paris.

• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Day 9: Flight home

Transfer to the Paris airport for flight home.