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Basilicas, boutiques, and bistros. Cathedrals, canals, and cafés. Peaks, pasta, and pastries. This tour of Essential Europe goes beyond the “must-sees” to include the “must-dos,” the “must-discovers,” and the “must-devours.” As you travel and taste your way through Italy, Switzerland, and France, you’ll delightfully take a big bite out of your bucket list. The rolling Tuscan hills, the soaring Swiss Alps, plus mind-boggling mounds of Italian gelato, Swiss chocolate, and French éclairs are all awaiting from Rome to Paris on this delectable tour of Europe’s most popular destinations.
The Globus Difference
Go Beyond the Guidebooks. For more than 95 years, we’ve been sharing the world’s most fascinating places with travellers, getting you up close to our local favourites – and our favourite locals. For extraordinary journeys across the globe, go beyond the guidebooks, beyond expectation, and beyond the ordinary tour with Globus.
Globus Cares
The Globus family of brands is committed to sustainable travel practices, and we make it our responsibility to protect the people and places we visit around the world. We are proud to support initiatives that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
*Advertised price based on per person twin share on 22 August 2027 departure. Correct as of 19 August 2026.
Inclusions
Superior hotels
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
Expert Tour Director & Local Guides (with headsets)
Immersive excursions
VIP access to the iconic sites
First-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
Itinerary
Day 1 | Welcome to Rome!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: dinner
Day 2 | Spend your day your way in Rome
Explore more of Rome with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Rome of the Caesars
Time travel to ancient Rome! Stand in the Colosseum and let your imagination be captured by stories of gladiator games and emperor reigns. Delve deeper into the Rome of the Caesars with a guided walk through the Roman Forum, once the beating heart of the Roman Empire; see the Palatine Hill considered to be the birthplace of Rome.
The Papal City
Explore the Papal City for a guided visit of the extensive Vatican Museums. Lift your eyes to the heavens in the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece ceiling fresco, then continue to St. Peter's Square to see the breathtaking St. Peter's Basilica. Stroll along the Via della Conciliazione to admire Castel Sant'Angelo, the former Papal Fortress.
Free time this afternoon and evening to explore more.
*For operational reasons, schedule changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Meals: breakfast
Day 3 | Fine Art in Firenze
Leave the hustle and bustle of Rome behind as you relax for a scenic drive past the olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills of Umbria and Tuscany. Arrive in Florence, one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for a visit of the Academy of Fine Arts, to see Michelangelo’s David statue, followed by a walk through the historic centre, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. This afternoon free time to explore more of Florence “La Bella.”
Meals: breakfast
Day 4 | Benvenuti a Venezia
Today cross the Apennine Mountains and River Po to reach Venice. On arrival take a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breathtaking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark’s Square. Disembark for an orientation walk to St. Mark’s Square and a noted vetreria to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. After some free time to explore independently, Globus Local Favorite enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before traveling like a VIP with a private water taxi ride along the Grand Canal.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 5 | Spectacular Switzerland
Today leave Italy and cross the border into Switzerland. Arrive in Bellinzona and Globus Local Favorite take the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande where you will savour a light lunch of local specialties accompanied by the Merlot wine for which the Ticino area is famous. Later, en route to Lucerne, enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps interrupted only by the St. Gotthard Road tunnel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 6 | Sweet Sights of Switzerland
This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). The rest of the day and evening are free for you to get better acquainted with this alpine gem.
Meals: breakfast
Day 7 | French Connection
Drive to the medieval city of Basel, the Swiss city located on the French and German borders and straddling the River Rhine. Board a high-speed TGV train to Paris. Relax and watch the French countryside pass by. Arrive in Paris this afternoon giving you plenty of time to get acquainted with this iconic city*.
*For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.
Meals: breakfast
Day 8 | C’est Magnifique in the City of Light
The morning is yours to either explore independently or join an optional excursion. Your sightseeing this afternoon is composed of a guided walk to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner cruise on the River Seine, with incredible sights of celebrated landmarks*.
*For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 9 | Safe travels for your onward journey
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals: breakfast
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
