The best of Europe, Rome to Paris in 14 days
Rome, a countryside stay in Tuscany, Renaissance Florence, the canals of Venice, Bavarian castles, the Swiss Alps, Burgundy and Paris. At least 16 group sightseeing events, at no extra cost.
Rome, a countryside stay in Tuscany, Renaissance Florence, the canals of Venice, Bavarian castles, the Swiss Alps, Burgundy and Paris. At least 16 group sightseeing events, at no extra cost.
Your route across Europe
Italy, Germany, Switzerland and France. All stops but one are for 2 nights, so you live each place instead of rushing through it.
Fourteen days, day by day
Here's what you'll see and do on our 2026-2027 14-day Europe tour:
Day 1Rome, ItalyRoman Nights & First Impressions
Your European adventure begins in the Eternal City. Meet your fellow travelers, wander through Rome's charming streets, and soak up the city's magic as illuminated piazzas, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain provide a spectacular introduction to Italy.
We'll gather at our hotel in Rome at 3 p.m. for a group meeting. After an orientation walk through our neighborhood, we'll celebrate the start of our European adventure with dinner together, followed by a la dolce vita-style floodlit walk through the heart of Rome, lacing together lively campos, classy piazzas, the magnificent Pantheon, and the splashy Trevi Fountain.
Day 2RomeWalking Through Ancient History
Experience the grandeur of Ancient Rome as legendary sites like the Colosseum and Roman Forum bring centuries of history to life. The afternoon is yours to explore, whether that means visiting the Vatican, uncovering hidden corners, or lingering over a perfect gelato.
We'll do some time-traveling this morning as a local guide takes us on a walking tour through the ancient heart of Rome, telling us vivid tales as we stroll around the outside of the larger-than-life Colosseum and into the history-drenched Roman Forum, ending with the spectacular Pantheon. You'll be set free for the rest of the day to explore more of Rome. Consider a modern-day pilgrimage to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (reserve in advance) or simply soak up more of Rome's artistic, historic, and cultural heritage (don't forget to taste some refreshing gelato along the way).
Day 3Umbria · TuscanyTuscan Hills & Timeless Villages
Journey through the heart of Italy to the hilltop town of Orvieto before arriving in the rolling countryside of Tuscany. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, enjoy the slower pace of rural Italy, complete with local wine, traditional cooking, and unforgettable scenery.
Today we'll drive into Umbria and stop at the region's grand hill town of Orvieto, where we'll meet our local expert, take a tour of this deservedly-famous hill town and visit Orvieto's dramatic cathedral. You'll have time to wander the back lanes and find lunch at a charming trattoria. Then, we'll wind our way through the verdant Tuscan hills to our village hotel. This afternoon you'll have time to take a scenic walk amid the peaceful vines and olive groves, relax by the pool, or taste some of our host's family-made wines. Before we sit down to a hearty country-style dinner together, we'll see how it's made, as our chef gives us a special Tuscan cooking demonstration.
Day 4FlorenceFlorence: Cradle of the Renaissance
Step into one of Europe's greatest artistic treasures as Florence reveals its stunning architecture, Renaissance history, and world-famous masterpieces. From grand cathedrals to hidden piazzas, every corner tells a story.
This morning, we'll drive to Florence, park our bus, and hop on a convenient tram into the city center. We'll meet our local guide and take a Renaissance walking tour of the city's historic center — learning how Brunelleschi's cathedral dome and Ghiberti's Baptistery doors helped define this world-changing era. Next we'll tour the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Leonardo, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more. Then we'll set you free to enjoy lunch and explore more of Florence. You might try climbing Brunelleschi's Dome (reserve in advance) or visiting the Accademia Gallery (reserve in advance), home to Michelangelo's rough-hewn Prisoners and his greatest sculpture, David. Later this afternoon, we'll return to our countryside hotel, with time to relax and freshen up before dinner together.
Day 5VeniceThe Magic of Venice
Arriving by boat, Venice makes an unforgettable first impression. Glide along the Grand Canal, stroll through winding alleyways, and watch the city come alive as evening settles over its glittering waterways.
We'll take a scenic drive to Venice today, stopping for lunch along the way. At the edge of the lagoon, we'll board a vaporetto boat for an "am-I-really-here?" Grand Canal ride to our hotel in the historic heart of this seductive city. Tonight we'll take an alleys-and-canals orientation stroll to St. Mark's Square and enjoy dinner together. Later, your guide will organize an optional gondola ride for this romantic, uniquely Venetian experience. If the moon is out, it will hit your eye like a big pizza pie.
Day 6VeniceLost in Venice
Spend the day discovering Venice beyond the postcards. Cross elegant bridges, wander through quiet canalside neighborhoods, uncover local cafés, and embrace the joy of getting wonderfully lost in this floating city.
This morning our local guide will take us on a winding walking tour through Venice, blending historic and modern-day stories of this one-of-a-kind treasure, and giving us a local's perspective on Venice's fascinating past…and its uncertain future. We'll finish our morning walk in St. Mark's Square. The rest of your day is free to visit St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, or the Titian- and Tintoretto-packed Accademia art gallery. Better yet, get lost (remember, it's an island) exploring the alleys, cruising the canals, and "crawling" the pubs.
Day 7Bavaria, GermanyAcross the Alps to Bavaria
Leave Italy behind and travel through dramatic mountain landscapes where the Dolomites meet the Austrian Alps. Your day ends in the storybook setting of Bavaria, where medieval charm and alpine hospitality await.
Today we say "ciao, Venezia" as we hop back aboard our bus and drive north into Germany, on a breathtaking all-day drive through the Dolomites and over the Austrian Alps, stopping en route for lunch together in a characteristic Italian-Tirolean village. Our destination is the medieval Bavarian town of Füssen, perched on the border — both historically and geographically — between Germany and Austria. After some time to settle in, we'll gather together for a hearty dinner. Prost!
Day 8BavariaCastles, Peaks & Alpine Adventures
Explore the fairy-tale splendor of Neuschwanstein Castle, perched high among the mountains. The afternoon offers the freedom to choose your own adventure, from scenic walks and cycling to relaxing in a traditional Bavarian beer garden.
It's a short drive and a half-hour hike to "Mad" King Ludwig's deservedly famous Neuschwanstein Castle. We'll tour the castle, take a break for lunch, and (weather permitting) stop for some free time to enjoy the alpine scenery, grab a coffee, or if you're feeling brave, barrel down a mountain luge run (optional) before heading back to our countryside hotel. This afternoon you'll be free to visit another nearby castle, take a bike ride in the countryside, or just relax at a quaint café or outdoor beer garden before dinner in hotel.
Day 9Swiss AlpsInto the Heart of Switzerland
Travel through postcard-perfect landscapes of crystal lakes and towering mountains on your way to the breathtaking Lauterbrunnen Valley. This is Switzerland at its most spectacular.
Today we'll take a scenic drive past pristine mountains and sparkling lakes as we climb high into the heart of the Swiss Alps to our destination — the magnificent Berner Oberland, flanked by towering, waterfall-laced cliffs and crowned by a trio of Switzerland's most formidable peaks: the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Tonight we'll share a hearty Swiss dinner together at our creaky old chalet in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Day 10Swiss AlpsA Day in the Swiss Alps
Today is yours to experience the Alps your way. Hike among snow-capped peaks, ride scenic mountain railways, soar by gondola above dramatic valleys, or simply pause to admire some of Europe's most magnificent scenery.
The day is all yours to enjoy some of Europe's most dramatic scenery. You may consider a mountain excursion that combines a narrow-gauge railway, a gondola lift, and a spectacular alpine walk above the tree line, surrounded by a panorama of cut-glass peaks…or ride a gondola lift up to the Schilthorn at 10,000 feet, loiter in the thin air, and hike down…or wander through the valley and walk to the thundering Trümmelbach Falls, a unique set of waterfalls encased behind the valley walls. All three meals of the day will be available in the hotel buffet at your convenience.
Day 11Burgundy, FranceThe Flavors of Burgundy
Cross into France and discover the rustic elegance of Burgundy. Stroll through a medieval town, sample celebrated local wines, and enjoy a warm welcome in one of France's most beloved culinary regions.
This morning we'll hop aboard our bus and roll into the French countryside, passing pastures and vineyards, for a fitting introduction to small-town life in the heart of Burgundy. This afternoon we'll drop our bags at the hotel, stop by the hotel buffet for a short lunch then take an orientation walk through our medieval town's center, before enjoying a tasting of Burgundy's world-renowned wines and a hearty Burgundian dinner. Boeuf Bourguignon, anyone?
Day 12ParisParis Through the Centuries
Arrive in the City of Light and trace its fascinating history from the banks of the Seine to the lively Latin Quarter. From Gothic masterpieces to charming streets, Paris immediately captivates.
Today we'll leave the rolling hills of beautiful Burgundy and journey to our grand finale in captivating Paris. On arrival, we'll meet our local guide and take a stroll through the city's early history, beginning at its birthplace, the Ile de la Cité. We'll learn about two of the world's most important Gothic churches: the resilient and legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral and the exquisite Sainte-Chapelle, before continuing on to the lively, bohemian Latin Quarter. Your evening is free for exploration and dinner in hotel.
Day 13ParisParisian Masterpieces & Farewell Celebrations
Explore the treasures of the Louvre before spending your final afternoon enjoying Paris at your own pace. As evening falls, gather one last time to celebrate the journey, the memories, and the friendships made along the way.
This morning we're off to the magnificent Louvre Museum. With a smartphone in hand, our local guide's voice will guide you through the works of Raphael, Delacroix, and Leonardo and timeless treasures that include Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and hundreds more. The rest of the afternoon is yours to visit museums such as the Orsay, Rodin, and Orangerie, or perhaps take a walk down the Champs-Elysées, visit the Eiffel Tower or Versailles Palace. Tonight we'll have our final dinner together, sharing memories and toasting our newly made friends. Salut!
Day 14ParisAu Revoir, Europe
After breakfast, it's time to begin the journey home. Leave with a camera full of photos, a heart full of memories, and stories from an unforgettable adventure across Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and France.
Breakfast is included this morning, but there are no scheduled group activities, as our flight home is expected to depart around midday or in the early afternoon. Our bus will be waiting at the hotel to take the group to Charles de Gaulle Airport. Just a few hours later, we will arrive back at JFK Airport, carrying with us unforgettable memories, new friendships, and stories that will last a lifetime. Au revoir!
Plus, you'll get all this, too
Price per person, by room type
Your tour price is guaranteed and locked in the moment you make your deposit.
Optional assistance & cancellation insurance
The price depends on your age when you purchase it, not your age when you travel. It must be added to your first payment at the time of booking.
Payment schedule
A deposit secures your place. The final payment is due no later than 30 days before departure.
| Room | Total | First payment | Final payment |
|---|
Choose your dates
Groups are capped at 21. Private rooms for solo travelers are limited on every departure.
Planned hotels, all very central
We chose central locations so you can explore comfortably on your own, in 3 and 4-star hotels for quality rest.
All hotels are reserved and confirmed. They are listed as planned accommodations because unforeseen circumstances may require last-minute changes, in which case hotels of a similar category and location will be provided. Room assignments are made by each hotel at check-in.
What's included, day by day
Plus one breakfast and one dinner served on the flight. The other 7 lunches are free on purpose: we'll often be sightseeing far from the hotel, and Italy and France are full of local restaurants, cafés and markets to discover at your own pace.
| Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|
If a flight or trip is moved up, that day's buffet breakfast is swapped for a picnic-style breakfast.
Your flight and our bus
Direct group flight
- Departures are usually late afternoon or evening, around 5, 7 or 9 PM. You arrive in Rome between 7 and 11 AM local time the next day.
- Arrive at the airport at least three hours early. A tour guide meets the whole group at the departure gate for a short welcome meeting.
- Large international aircraft with comfortable seating. Two meals are served on board, on the way there and back.
- Our local guide welcomes the group in the arrival hall in Rome, after customs and baggage claim.
Private, modern bus
- Latest-generation buses with about 45 seats, so they're never full, with plenty of space between seats.
- Reclining seats, air conditioning, and a microphone for your guide's explanations.
- Leave backpacks and umbrellas on board during visits. Some buses have USB outlets, so a portable battery is a good idea.
- Seating follows the order in which reservations are made. Book early to sit toward the front, and book together to sit together.
Memories they still talk about
Yes. Prices start from $3,990 per person in a double or triple room, including the direct group flight from New York (JFK) and airline taxes.
A small, friendly group of 15–21 people, led full-time by a professional local guide with local experts along the way.
Yes. Optional single supplements are available — this tour has a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for an additional fee.
13 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 13 dinners, plus breakfast and dinner on the flights. The other 7 lunches are free so you can try local restaurants at your own pace.
No. The tour price is guaranteed and locked in the moment you make your deposit.
Tips are not included and are entirely optional. As a guideline, €5–10 per person for local guides and drivers is common.
-5% when paying in full, -5% for groups of 3 or more people, -5% for travelers over 65 years old, and -2% if you have traveled with us before.
Practical information
Everything here applies to each individual traveler, even if you travel with a partner or friends.
You need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. U.S. citizens generally do not need a visa for short tourist stays in most European countries.
Border officials may ask for your return flight details or hotel reservations. There are currently no mandatory apps or extra forms to complete before travel.
Most countries on this tour use the Euro (€). You can exchange dollars at most major U.S. banks, or withdraw euros from ATMs on arrival.
- Bring some euros in cash, including small bills, for markets, restrooms and small purchases.
- Don't bring large amounts of cash. Europe is very card-friendly.
- Bring a Visa or Mastercard and tell your bank about your trip. American Express is not accepted everywhere.
- A card with no foreign transaction fees saves you money.
Budget about $40–75 per person, per day for meals that aren't included.
A dedicated Tour Director travels with the group for the whole tour and is your main point of contact. In each destination, a Local Expert Guide joins us for sightseeing to bring the history and culture to life.
Guides are responsible for the entire group, so they may not be available for personal requests outside the tour program.
Tipping is optional and based on your satisfaction. As a general guideline, €5–10 per person for local guides and drivers is common.
Europe uses 220–240 volts and different outlets. We provide one power adapter per traveler on departure day.
To charge several devices at once, bring a small power strip or USB hub. Phones, tablets and laptops work with both voltages, but check hair dryers, curling irons and shavers before you pack them.
Europe is generally 6 hours ahead of New York. When it's 8:00 AM at JFK, it's 2:00 PM in Rome and Paris. For brief periods in spring and fall the difference is 5 hours.
The whole tour stays in the same time zone. Set your watch and phone to local time as soon as you land.
Bring enough prescription medication for the entire trip, ideally with a copy of the prescription, plus a small kit for colds, headaches, motion sickness or allergies. A few face masks can be useful in airports and crowded places.
All countries on the tour have excellent healthcare, but U.S. health plans often offer limited coverage abroad and Medicare generally does not cover care outside the U.S.
Our optional Travel Protection Plan ($220, or $250 if you are 75 or over) can cover emergency medical expenses, evacuation, trip interruption, cancellation for covered reasons, and baggage. It must be purchased at the time of booking.
Premiums are generally non-refundable. Keep receipts for any medical costs, as you may need to pay upfront and claim later.
Your phone should work in Italy, Switzerland, Germany and France if your carrier supports international roaming. Check travel passes with Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile before you go.
All hotels have free Wi-Fi. For data on the go, an international eSIM (for example Airalo or Holafly) is a convenient option if your phone is unlocked and compatible. Download offline Google Maps before you leave.
Secure your reservation
Book by phone, email, or in person. There's no need to visit our office if you live outside the area.
Send traveler details
For every traveler on the reservation:
- Full legal name, exactly as on your passport
- Residential address
- Mobile phone number and email
- A clear copy of your passport photo page
- Room type: double, triple or single
- Optional travel insurance: yes or no
Pay your deposit
$1,900Secures your place and the airline portion of your reservation. If you want the optional insurance ($220), add it to this payment. We can't hold a space without both your details and the deposit.
Final payment
30 daysThe balance is due no later than 30 days before departure, including any single supplement. You're welcome to pay earlier, or in full when booking for an extra 5% off.
Payment methods
We email you a payment confirmation once your payment is processed.
Paying by bank transfer
Include the traveler's full name and the tour name in the payment reference, then email us a copy of the confirmation. For example:
Ready to reserve, or have a question?
Please include your full name and the tour name when you contact us.
Request a call back
Leave your name and phone number. A tour expert will call you to answer your questions and help you reserve.
We only use your details to contact you about this tour.
Thank you, !
A tour expert will call you within one business day. If you'd rather talk now, call (757) 610-9870.
