Today, discover the wonders of Florence, starting with a guided walking tour, featuring some of the city’s greatest attractions. See Piazza Santa Croce; world-famous Signoria Square; 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio with its collection of artistic masterpieces; Loggia dei Lanzi; the unique Duomo with Giotto’s Gothic Bell Tower and the Baptistry’s ornate bronze door known as the “Gate of Paradise.” (B,D)

Hotel – Wyndham Garden Florence (or similar)

Optional excursions available for purchase ( only available to be booked on tour with your tour director)

VIP Skip-the-line Uffizi Gallery Da Vinci, Giotto, Raphael, Titian, Michelangelo…this guided tour of the world’s foremost art gallery brings the masters to life. We’ll help you make the most of your time in Florence as you skip the long lines at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the city’s most popular attractions. From Rembrandt’s self-portraits to Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”, the greatest collection of Italian and Florentine art awaits!

Vistas of rolling hills, cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages form the backdrop as you journey into the heart of Tuscany. Stop in Pisa to enjoy a mini- train ride to the Square of Miracles and see the legendary Leaning Tower before continuing to Rome. (B)

Hotel –  Donna Laura Hotel or similar

Steeped in history, the “Eternal City” is 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)

Hotel – Donna Laura Hotel or similar

Optional excursions available for purchase ( only available to be booked on tour with your tour director)

Morning visit to the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel

On this fascinating excursion with a local guide you can stroll through the Vatican Museum and marvel at Michaelangelo’s famous creation in the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museum houses over 2000 rooms and 9 miles of the most extensive collections of art in the world. The Museums are brilliantly decorated and brim over with treasures and history and the local guide will share with you the stories and secrets contained within the Museum’s walls. In the Sistine Chapel you can marvel at Michaelangelo’s masterpiece, which is perhaps the greatest example of art anywhere and certainly the largest contiguous body by one painter. There are also some lesser masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel which are also worth seeing.

Treasures of Rome and Dinner

Enjoy an orientation drive past highlights including the cylindrical Castel Sant’Angelo containing the mausoleum of Roman Emperor Hadrian; the Palace of Justice, seat of the Supreme Court of Cassation and the Judicial Public Library; the Mausoleum of Augustus, a large tomb built by the emperor in 28 BC; the ancient 3rd-century Aurelian Walls; Villa Borghese with its expansive park, museums, lake, and fountains; the elegant Via Veneto, a famous street featured prominently in Fellini’s classic 1960 film “La Dolce Vita”; go down via Ludovisi and take a look at Piazza di Spagna and the Trevi Fountain before getting back on the bus at Villa Borghese (Piazzale Flaminio). Relax at a local restaurant for an included 3-course dinner with dessert, local wine, and authentic Roman atmosphere!

After breakfast transfer to Rome Airport today for your onward flight to Amsterdam.  Enjoy an overnight hotel stay to explore this exciting city.

** Important Info **
Please note that – Gratuities for your Tour Director and driver are not included and will need to be prepaid locally.

Embark your 8 day Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam onboard Avalon Waterways today.

Welcome to Amsterdam, the 17^th century capital of Holland, famed for its picturesque canals, vibrant culture, and architectural delights. Meander through charming neighbourhoods, take a bike ride or explore historic gems like the Anne Frank House and the Hague.

Welcome to Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful cities. A splendid mix of both old and new, spend your visit exploring both the Old Town, with its beautiful squares, local markets and historical monuments, and the modern city, which was rebuilt after World War 2. Plus, don’t miss the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, a World-Heritage listed sight!

Passing through the Rhine Gorge is sure to be one of the highlights of your river cruise. Pass rocky outcrops and cruise around twisting bends to the famous Lorelai or ‘murmuring rock’, where legend claims that enchanting maidens lured unsuspecting sailors to their watery graves. Later, call at Rudesheim, a true Rhine wine town surrounded by vineyards, whose fruits can be sampled in the many taverns around town.  

Welcome to Mainz, famed for its old town, half-timbered houses and medieval market squares. During your stroll through the town centre, be sure to visit the Marktbrunnen Renaissance fountain, the Romanesque Mainz Cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum.

Welcome to Strasbourg, the “Crossroads of Europe”. Located on the border of France and Germany, this historic town uniquely blends the traditional culinary and architectural styles of the two nations. Explore Strasbourg’s vibrant cobbled lanes and half-timbered homes, and don’t forget to delight in a pastry (or two!).

Welcome to Breisach, the perfect base to the mysterious Black Forest. This storybook town is the ideal gateway to uncover the wine and food-loving culture of this German region.