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.

A full day to revel in our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London's landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, we recommend our optional Taste of London excursion with dinner, followed by a guided illumination cruise on the River Thames. (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. Today's Distance by train: 212 mi/ 342 km (B)

Paris is a world-class city with more familiar landmarks than almost any other city in the world. This morning, see some of these sites during the included city tour with a Local Guide. Sign up for the optional excursions available to complete your Paris experience. (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: 423 mi/ 680 km (B)

One of Switzerland's finest cities, Lucerne is nestled amid its snowcapped 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. A selection of optional activities completes the day: a ride on the "cabrio" cable-car to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course, time to shop for an authentic Swiss watch. (B)

More wonderful alpine scenery awaits as you drive into the mountain ranges that surround the massive 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 Lombardy plains to Romeo and Juliet's Verona, known as "Little Rome" for its splendid ancient Roman arena still standing in its former glory and hosting many concerts and festivals during the summer season. Overnight in the Venice area. Today's Distance: 317 mi/ 510 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 walk through Florence to discover its Renaissance treasures, then continue to Montecatini. Today's Distance: 187 mi/ 302 km (B/D)

This morning in Pisa, hop on a mini-train and reach the famed Square of Miracles to view the Leaning Tower. Then, journey south to Rome. Tonight, consider an optional excursion to discover the city by night-a floodlit spectacular of shimmering fountains, magnificent churches, and piazzas-followed by dinner. Today's Distance: 245 mi/ 395 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. Don't miss out on the opportunity to visit the treasures of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel on our optional excursion. (B)

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