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Contrasts of Europe 2013

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Champs ÉlyséesFlorenceSt Peter's Basilica
Champs Élysées
Florence
St Peter's Basilica
Map Image

Optionals

On every itinerary, we offer a range of optional excursions that allow you to further enhance your experience should you so choose. These are purchased when you are on your trip, via your Trafalgar Travel Director. Depending on the region visited these can be paid with cash or credit card.

  • FLORENCE

    • + JEWELS OF THE RENAISSANCE A guided tour of the Accademia allows us to appreciate the most famous and beautiful sculpture in Italy, Michelangelo's David, the symbol of Renaissance Man. Nothing can match the experience of meeting this masterpiece in person.

    • + PISA AND THE ARNO VALLEY WITH TUSCAN FARM HOUSE DINNER Visit the historical city of Pisa with its leaning tower, medieval squares and markets. Your expert local guide will tell you about this delighful and surprising city. You will have free time to shope, followed by a Fabulous Dinner Party with live music and drinks in an authentic Fattoria (working farm house) in the Tuscan country side. Wine tasting on the terrace. Fun under the Tuscan Sun.

  • VENICE

    • + LAGOON CRUISE WITH LUNCH OR DINNER Take some time off the beaten track! We are taken by private boat to the nearby islands in the lagoon of Venice. See the island of Murano where the glass blowers live. Lunch or dinner is taken at the picturesque 'Island of the fishermen', Burano, famous for its multicoloured houses and a photographer's paradise. Drinks are also included.

    • + VENETIAN MAGIC An unforgettable introduction to this unique and magical city! We cruise along the Grand Canal by private water taxi, admiring the magnificent and elegant palazzos. We see the Rialto Bridge and then reach 'the most beautiful outdoor drawing room in the world', St Mark's Square. Later during your Gondola Ride, you will glide along the picturesque smaller canals, sipping Italian champagne while a duo of musicians entertains. (with a drink in one of the historic cafes on St Mark's Square instead of during the gondola ride - Euro 73)

    • + VENICE PAST AND PRESENT Accompanied by a local expert we are taken into the magnificent Doges' Palace - home to the rulers of the Venetian republic for hundreds of years. We are shown the main highlights of the palace and its elegant courtyards, witnesses to the Serene Republic's glorious past. This will be followed by a guided tour through the winding streets and across medieval bridges, so that you can experience and appreciate what life is like for citizens of Venice in the present.

    • + VENEZIA THE SHOW WHICH TELLS THE STORY OF VENICE In the heart of historical Venice, this astonishing show is the perfect way to discover the history and culture of Venice in air-conditioned comfort. Immerse yourselves in the history of Venice as live performers combine with spectacular moving projections on the ceiling and walls around you, bringing to life the fascinating history and the amusing events of this city's glorious, and often scandalous past. An experience you will never forget! Included in the visit is the theatre's exhibition of Commedia dell'Arte Masks, meeting the cast, and a welcome with Venice's signature drink, the Bellini Cocktail or if you prefer, a coffee, chocolate or other light beverage.

  • PARIS

    • + MONTMARTRE VILLAGE AND ARTISTS SQUARE Dominated by the soaring Sacré Coeur Basilica with spectacular city views, all will be revealed by our local guide as you start with a train journey to explore this hill top village of narrow winding streets, unusual galleries, boutiques and the world famous Artists Square once home to Toulouse Lautrec, Picasso, and Utrillo's works. Today you can browse between easels and barter for original art. You will have free time to try the best French Onion Soup or maybe a French Crepe giving you a real flavour of Montmartre life.

    • + MOULIN ROUGE CABARET AND DINNER Dinner and Cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world famous Moulin Rouge - the original Paris cabaret - immortalized by the recent award winning film and featuring 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!

    • + NOUVELLE EVE CABARET AND DINNER Dinner with wines included at one of the most prestigious cabaret shows in town! Enjoy an evening of exciting acts, stunning tableaux and wonderful entertainment - including, of course, the world famous Can-Can. A Parisian night that you will never forget!

    • + SEINE CRUISE AND PARIS BY NIGHT Paris at night is a city transformed. Enjoy this superb 'city of light' as we take a leisurely cruise on the popular river boats under the bridges of Paris, admiring the wonderful buildings which adorn the banks of the River Seine. Afterwards, as we drive through this amazing city, we stop at some vantage points for you to capture these fascinating sights on camera. (In summer, this trip may take place before sunset).

    • + THE LOUVRE AND NOTRE DAME We enjoy a conducted tour of one of the finest art galleries in the world - the Louvre. A chance to admire the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo amongst the many thousands of exhibits in this former Royal Palace. We will also visit the interior of the great Cathedral of Notre Dame, with its glorious Rose Windows. In the event that the Louvre is unavailable, you will visit the artists' quarter of Montmartre.

    • + VERSAILLES - THE PALACE, GARDENS AND FOUNTAINS * We leave the bustle of the city for the splendour of Versailles. Created by the “Sun King” Louis XIV, the palace became the envy of every other European ruler. Our guide takes us through the State apartments, including the famous Hall of Mirrors. Afterwards, take a stroll through the symmetrical tree-lined gardens while the fountains play. (NB. This optional is subject to availability).

  • ROME

    • + ROMAN EVENING WITH DINNER A light hearted evening in Rome. We will relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal (drinks included), while live musicians entertain us. To complete our evening, we will drive along the Via Veneto, a location made famous by the film 'La Dolce Vita' and see how the Romans enjoy their city. A wonderful end to our day.

    • + ROMAN HIGHLIGHTS WITH THE CATACOMBS An extension to the included sightseeing tour which allows us to admire the artistic masterpieces collected and commissioned by the Popes and displayed in the Vatican Museums. See the famous Tapestry Gallery and Gallery of Maps then finally wonder at the masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Take your time - Michelangelo spent 11 years in the preparation of the vault and altar wall! Later we will leave the city centre to follow the Appian Way where we will visit the catacombs.

    • + ROMAN TREASURES Cameras at the ready for the many magnificent sights awaiting us. With our licensed local guide we will discover the many delights that Rome has to offer. These can only be truly appreciated by wandering slowly through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares which have developed over many centuries, creating an amazing legacy for us today, like the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona, with its lively cafes.

  • NICE

    • + THE CORNICHES LUNCH OR DINNER We take a scenic excursion along the Riviera Corniche Roads, enjoying spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. This is perhaps the most beautiful coast in Europe and an unforgettable experience. We continue to our restaurant where we will enjoy a typical meal of specialities from the French Riviera. (Drinks included).

Disclaimer
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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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