Overview
Other highlights of this guided tour of Europe are a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Rome, a pasta dinner in Venice, and a stop in the town of Lugano with its sparkling lake surrounded by the Alps. But that’s not all…throughout this European Escape, Globus has arranged VIP access for you. So, you won’t be waiting in long lines to enter the Vatican Museums in Rome or the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. We work behind the scenes to minimize the lines and wait times, so you can maximize the fun. It’s a trip of a lifetime available at a price that screams, “Let’s go!”
Itinerary
Welcome to Rome!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
When in Rome
ROME: Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time late afternoon. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind's greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel's ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo's 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered one of the great masterpieces in history.
Fine Art in Firenze
Scenic drive en route to Florence.
FLORENCE: Guided walking tour includes the Academy of Fine Arts and Signoria Square. Free time. (B) 193 mi / 310 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 Renaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
Benvenuti a Venezia
VENICE ISLAND: Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Orientation includes St. Mark's Square and the Bridge of Sighs followed by a glassblower demonstration. This evening dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) 174 mi/ 280 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark's Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge's Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison's interrogation rooms.
Life on the Lake
LUGANO: Free time before a scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard tunnel en route to Lucerne. (B) 342 mi / 550 km.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake's northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano's Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.
Sweet Sights of Switzerland
LUCERNE: Walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. Free time this afternoon. (B/D)
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.
Drive through the vineyards of Burgundy with views of beautiful castles and pass the Fontainebleau Forest en route to Paris.
PARIS: Free time this evening. (B) 423 mi / 680 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Glide across the Swiss and French countryside. Pass by Princess- style castles on your way to Paris and get in the mood for the song awaiting in the City of Light.
C'est Magnifique in the City of Light
PARIS: Guided sightseeing includes an orientation drive and a Seine River cruise. (B)
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 whenever we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner café, you'll love Paris anytime.
Safe Travels Until We Meet Again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- We've packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world's most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- And that's not all! Your tour includes a private boat ride in Venice and a cruise on the River Seine.
- 8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
- Rome: Radisson Blu Rome (First-Class):
Radisson Blu Rome is situated just a few minutes away from Via Veneto & the city's historic center. It has 285 sophisticated, air-conditioned rooms, all fully equipped with an LED TV, Free Wi-Fi, a minibar, desk and a bathroom furnished with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Classic Mediterranean delicacies, an aperitivo or a glass of Champagne can be enjoyed on the stylish 7th floor roof restaurant and bar and there is also a fitness room. - Florence: Hotel Cellai (First-Class):
Located in the historic heart of Florence, this upscale 55-room boutique property is housed in a restored 19th-century townhouse with elegant parlors, vaulted wooden ceilings and original Tuscan artwork. There is a bar in the antique library that works on an honor-system, a charming rooftop garden with city views and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout. Breakfast is served in a lavish mirrored room on a long table decked out with silver candelabras and complimentary tea, coffee and cake are served between 5 and 7 pm daily. - Florence: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (First-Class):
Modern hotel situated on the banks of the river Arno, steps away from the city center. The Duomo and Palazzo Pitti are nearby. - Venice: Carlton on the Grand Canal (First-Class):
A plush traditional Venetian style hotel set in a majestic four story building with refined interiors such as Murano glass wall lamps and gilt-edged furniture. Perfectly placed on the Grand Canal, with a vaporetto stop right outside and close to the main train station, this property offers great transportation access with the Rialto Bridge close by. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property which has an elegant fine-dining restaurant, a lobby bar, and a lovely rooftop terrace where drinks are served with views of the spired city skyline as a backdrop. 145 air-conditioned classically styled guestrooms offer coffee/tea-making facilities. - Lucerne: Astoria (First-Class):
Ideally located in the heart of Lucerne, surrounded by mountains, close to its lake boasting crystal clear waters, the historic old town, and famous Chapel Bridge. All 252 contemporary rooms have a minibar and Wi-Fi. There's a plush cocktail lounge, a stylish café, and a rooftop bar affording city views. Other facilities include a full equipped modern gym. - Paris: AC Hotel Paris Porte Maillot (First-Class):
This modern property places guests in the epicenter of the style and energy of the 17th arrondissement, just steps away from the Porte Maillot metro offering easy access to the city's famous attractions. Spacious air-conditioned guestrooms feature pillow top beds with premium duvets, LED TVs, and bathrooms with walk-in showers or baths. The main restaurant serves bistro-style dishes and the vibrant bar offers a happy hour and snacks. There is a fitness center and free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- The Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible, but the entrance and route differ from those of the included guided visit.
- For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
- For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'European Escape' Reviews
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Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
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