From St. Paul's to St. Peter's

Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts at the hotel are available to help you make the most of your stay.

London's calling with a free day to explore on your own or join in the brilliant fun of an optional excursion. Rise and shine this morning for an optional guided excursion to see the sights of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and more, crowned by a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral.

This afternoon, consider an optional visit to Windsor Castle or the Tower of London – home of the Crown Jewels. This evening, a traditional dining experience followed by a guided nighttime cruise along the Thames River, delivers some of the capital's most beautiful, illuminated sights. (B)

Transfer to the railway station and board the Eurostar train across the Channel to Paris with your Tour Director. Spend the next two nights in Paris, a world-class city with more familiar landmarks than almost any other city in the world. This afternoon, enjoy some of these sights during the included city tour with a Local Guide. Today's Distance by train: 212 mi/ 342 km (B)

Explore Paris at your own pace today or join one of the optional excursions available today. This evening, bid bon soir to Paris with an optional dinner and evening drive through the City of Light. (B)

Fascinating, ever-changing scenery greets you today. Enjoy views of Fontainebleau Forest, the wine-growing area of Burgundy, prosperous farms, and tidy, half-timbered villages as you head through the alpine heart of Switzerland to the picture-book Lucerne area. Today's Distance: 379 mi/ 610 km (B)

One of Switzerland's finest cities, Lucerne is nestled amid its snow-capped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and graced by the clear mountain waters of the Reuss River. The orientation includes the Lion monument, erected in memory of the 800 Swiss Guards who defended Louis XVI and his wife. Also admire the famous wooden Chapel bridge with its splendid frescoes. Don't miss the chance to join an optional excursion for a panoramic ride to ascend one of Switzerland's famous mountains. (B)

More wonderful alpine scenery awaits as you drive towards the mountain ranges of the St. Gotthard Pass. Once through its great tunnel, start your scenic descent into the warmer and sunnier ambiance of Canton Ticino, then cross into Italy and drive through the Po Valley to the Venice area, romantically nestled in the heart of a picturesque lagoon. Do you believe in magic? An optional evening boat ride on Giudecca Canal, dinner in a local restaurant, and St. Mark's square at night will remove all doubt! Today's Distance: 339 mi/ 545 km (B)

Venice is more like a magical film set than a real-life city, with crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and busy little piazzas (squares). Your orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark's Square and is followed by a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. A range of optional excursions are available. (B/D)

Travel south across the Apennines into the gentle and hilly countryside of Tuscany. Enjoy a guided walking tour through Florence to discover its Renaissance treasures, then continue to the Medieval town of Pistoia. Today's Distance: 205 mi/ 330 km (B/D)

This morning in Pisa, hop on a mini-train to the famed Square of Miracles to view the Leaning Tower. Then, journey south to Rome. Today's Distance: 252 mi/ 405 km (B)

The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome's landmarks from St. Peter's Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. * (B)

Arrivederci, Roma. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)