European Dream - End London, Small Group
European Dream - End London, Small Group
$6600
European Dream - End London, Small Group
11 Days Starting in Venice, Italy and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Venice, Florence, Rome, Vatican City, Umbria, Pisa, Lake Lugano, Saint Gotthard Tunnel, Lake Lucerne, Lucerne, Mount Stanserhorn, Paris, London
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Live the European dream on this 11-day guided tour. Luxuriate in Rome, explore the Vatican with fast track entry VIP access, take an exhilarating open top cable car up Lucerne's Mt. Stanserhorn in Switzerland and dine in opulence at La Coupole in Paris. Venturing out in Italy, you'll get a genuine taste of fresh local cuisine among the canals of Venice. After your local Travel Director guides you through the stunning vineyard covered plains of Umbria, two all encompassing nights begin in Florence—breathing in an ambience of fine wine, cobbled streets and green marble cathedrals. Paris delivers at the finish with iconic sights, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and the Champs Élysées.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theatres, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighbourhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.
- Paris: Join a local food lover on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
Top Rated Highlights
- Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
- Rome: Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure.
- Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.
- Florence: See the historic neighbourhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
- Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
- Paris: Experience the magic of Paris with Insight Vacations as you explore its iconic sights, landmarks, and charming streets. Meander along the picturesque banks of the River Seine, delving into the rich history of its beautiful bridges and renowned landmarks, including the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Whether from the comfort of your coach or a scenic vantage point, immerse yourself in the timeless stories that bring this enchanting city to life.
Make Travel Matter
Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 15: Affordable and Clean Energy & Life on Land.
Authentic Dining
Venice: Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a delicious Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Sample traditional Venetian fare and soak up the ambiance of this charming city, and get to know each other before you embark on your journey together.
Tuscany: Enjoy a tasting of locally made wines and sample delicious Tuscan snacks in the underground cellar of Machiavelli's home. While here you will visit the Italian gardens and be privy to a private opening of the office where he wrote 'The Prince.'
Umbria: Explore the art of Italian cooking with Chef Lorenzo followed by a tasty lunch.
Lucerne: Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening and hand-pick your preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
Paris: Rendezvous with your newfound friends at La Coupole for a rousing dinner with wine.
Insight Choice
Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theatres, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighbourhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.
Paris: Join a local food lover on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the Queen of the Adriatic, known for its unique waterscapes and rich cultural heritage. Transfers depart from Venice Airport and journey to the hotel by water taxi. What better way to start your dream holiday than in true Venetian style? Join your Travel Director for a dinner at a local restaurant. Savour a cocktail at twilight whilst being serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians, and admire the tranquillity of St. Mark's Square long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels. Return to your canal-side hotel in the quiet, peaceful authentic neighbourhood.
Day 2: The Magic Of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. Visit St. Mark's Square, dominated by its magnificent basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower. Also in the square stands the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace which is connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Day 3: Villa Machiavelli And Rome
Location: Florence, Rome
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Head into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. Meet your local host for a guided tour through the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Nicolo Machiavelli, with an included special opening of his private office where he wrote 'The Prince'. Visit the Italian garden with views of Florence and the historic cellar, which has a secret underground tunnel connecting the cellars to the oldest restaurant in Italy. Savour a tasting of wines made from the vineyards surrounding the home, accompanied by delicious samples of local Tuscan fare. Your journey continues as you follow the course of the Tiber to the Eternal City of Rome. Enjoy a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes. Gaze in awe at the well preserved Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening's experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini.
Day 4: Papal And Imperial Rome
Location: Vatican City, Rome
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your Local Expert, visit the Vatican Museums. Insight provides fast-track entry to avoid the crowds and admire the Papal art collection. Inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Continue inside the cavernous St. Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith, to see another Michelangelo masterpiece, the Pietà , as well as the splendid dome. Leave Vatican City to cross the Tiber and stand outside the Colosseum, imagining yourself back in the days of the gladiators. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 5: Umbria And Onto Florence Relaxed Start
Location: Umbria, Florence
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Accommodation Name: Villa Neroli, Florence
Meals Included: Lunch
Meet chef Lorenzo at his family farm in Umbria. Explore the art of Italian cooking during an entertaining pasta demonstration and delicious lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine. Continue on to your hotel in Florence.
Day 6: Renaissance Florence
Location: Florence, Pisa
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Accommodation Name: Villa Neroli, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin the morning by joining a Local Expert in Florence to view the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. You also visit the open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces in Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Renaissance capital. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower?
Day 7: Across The Alps To Lucerne
Location: Lake Lugano, Saint Gotthard Tunnel, Lake Lucerne, Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head north towards the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world, before travelling alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, down to scenic Lake Lucerne. Upon arrival to Lucerne, see the town's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Then, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit Church.
Day 8: Lucerne And Mt. Stanserhorn
Location: Lucerne, Mount Stanserhorn
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Breathe in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. With the day free, there is plenty of time for shopping for delectable chocolate in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers? At night, you are offered a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
Day 9: Sights And Delights Of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the rural French countryside of Burgundy, famous for its vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. With the evening free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Why not visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows?
Day 10: The Flavours Of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your exploration of Paris today starts with Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join an local food lover as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, indulge in refined French cuisine during your dinner at the iconic restaurant L'Alsace.
Day 11: Au Revoir Paris
Location: Paris, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London. On arrival, you are transferred to the Insight London hotel where your trip ends.
What's Included
-
Meals
3 Dinners with Wine, 10 Breakfasts, and 2 Lunches with Wine are included.
-
Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Paris.
-
Local Experiences
Join a local food lover on a walk through the streets of Paris, visiting patisseries, boulangeries, and chocolatiers.
-
Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights.
-
Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included.
-
Baggage Handling
Baggage handling is included, with bags delivered to your hotel door.
-
Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
-
Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) is included.
-
Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
-
Welcome Dinner in Venice
Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant in Venice.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a cruise to the island of Burano or a visit to the Tuscan town of Pisa are not included.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Tuscany: Meet your Local Expert for a guided visit through the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Niccolo Machiavelli, with a special opening of his private office where he wrote 'The Prince.'
- Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique experiences are included in the Venice part of the tour?
In Venice, you will witness the ancient skill of glassblowing at a traditional arts center, and enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant with your Travel Director and fellow travelers.
-
What activities are available in Paris during the tour?
In Paris, you can choose between exploring the Montorgueil district to learn about community life or joining a local food lover to explore small shops and sample local treats. Additionally, you will have a dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole.
-
How does the tour support sustainable practices?
The tour includes a visit to a glassblowing workshop in Venice that supports the survival of traditional crafts and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11. In Stanserhorn, the cable car is powered by solar energy, supporting Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 15.
-
What is the dining experience like in Tuscany?
In Tuscany, you will enjoy a wine tasting and sample Tuscan snacks in the underground cellar of Machiavelli's home, with a special opening of his private office where he wrote 'The Prince.'
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes transfers from Venice Airport by water taxi, travel in a luxurious air-conditioned coach with double legroom, and a high-speed Eurostar train from Paris to London.
-
What are some of the highlights of the tour in Rome?
In Rome, you will have fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums, admire Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, and enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.




100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."