Great European Essence Tour
12 days
Day 1
ARRIVE at London
Land in London, the famous “Fog City” in the UK. Then transfer to the hotel for rest and relaxation.
Day 2
London
In the afternoon, visit the British Museum, one of the three major museums in the world. See rare treasures such as the Egyptian mummies, Greek shrines, the Rosetta stone, and more.
Then head to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. After dinner in Chinatown, return to the hotel.
Projected lodging: Holiday Inn at Kings Cross or similar.
Day 3
Paris
After a rich breakfast, head to the Tower of London on the River Thames to see the world’s largest diamond – the Star of Africa, otherwise known as the Cullinan Diamond.
Then head to St. Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben, and the Capitol. In the afternoon, enjoy an English-style lunch.
After lunch, take a "European Star" bullet train to Paris. After arriving in Paris, take a charter bus to the hotel for rest and relaxation.
Projected lodging: Novotel La Defense or similar.
Day 4
Paris
After breakfast, visit Paris’ most popular landmarks such as the Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde and other places of interest.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to sightsee, shop or rest at your own pace.
Projected lodging: Novotel La Defense or similar.
Day 5
versailles
After breakfast, visit the Palace of Versailles and its iconic Imperial Garden.
In the afternoon, visit the Louvre and see famous art pieces such as: "Venus de Milo," "Winged Victory" and the "Mona Lisa."
In the evening, enjoy the world famous "Moulin Rouge" cabaret performance at your own expense. (Optional)
Projected lodging: Novotel La Defense or similar.
Day 6
lucerne, Switzerland
In the morning, head to Switzerland's famous tourist destination, the scenic city of Lusen.
Visit the Lion Monument, the Chapel Bridge, the water tower on the shores of Lake Lucerne, and the beautiful lakes and mountains.
Feel free to browse and take home world-famous Swiss watches, sabers, or delicious chocolates.
Projected lodging: Hotel Astoria or similar.
Day 7
lucerne, switzerland > milan, italy
In the morning, take in the majestic view of "Titlis Mountain." Take the cable car at the Yingge Fort (optional), which includes a 360-degree rotating carriage.
In the afternoon, head to Milan, the second largest city in Italy. Visit the Milan Cathedral in the city centre, and the Scala Opera House with the largest stage in Europe, the famous Manuel II Street.
Projected lodging: Crown Plaza or similar.
Day 8
Milan > Pisa > ROme
Depart for Pisa in the morning and visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. This tower was built in the 12th century and still remains tilted, and is known as one of the wonders of the world.
Then, follow the sun road to the Eternal City: Rome.
Projected lodging: Melia Roma Aurelia Antica or similar.
Day 9
Rome > vatican > florence
Head to the Vatican in the morning and visit St. Peter's Basilica which hosts Michelangelo's famous "Holy" stone carving, which is the most important treasure of the Holy Sea along with St. Peter's Tomb and Throne.
Then visit the Colosseum, the Commune, the Arc de Triomphe, the Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon of Roman times. Before leaving, don't forget to “throw copper coins and revisit Rome.”
In the afternoon, head to the cradle of the Renaissance: Florence.
Projected lodging: Hotel West Florence or similar.
Day 10
Florence > Venice
In the morning, take a walking tour and visit the Old Bridge, Signoria Square, the Old Palace and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.
If you are interested, you can arrange to visit the high-end leather goods store.
In the afternoon, you can watch Shakespeare's story of "Romeo and Juliet" at your own expense. (Optional)
Projected lodging: Novotel Venice or similar.
Day 11
Venice > burano
After breakfast, take a boat to the island of Burano (Color Island), famous for its handcrafts. The island’s colorful exterior walls are like walking into a fairy tale world of Venice. Aside from its colorful houses, lace products and handicrafts are the main specialty of the island.
Then take the water taxi to St. Mark's Square and visit the St. Mark's Church Bell Tower, Dodge Palace, and Bridge of Sighs. Special arrangements are made to visit the 100-year-old crystal glass factory and enjoy the process of making glass.
You will have free time this day to enjoy the rest of Venice and take an optional ride on one of the city’s iconic Gondola boats.
Day 12
Venice > United states
In the morning, head to the airport to return to the United States.
