St. Paul's to St. Peter's: 12 days from London to Rome
Visit the Eiffel Tower, London Eye & Swiss Alps
Enjoy a 12-day European journey that starts in London (home to St. Paul's Cathedral) and ends in Rome (home to St. Peter's Square) - and has you experiencing parts of France, Switzerland and Italy in between!
This is an escorted tour which provides many extra benefits, including:
- Stress-free: Everything is planned – transportation, accommodations, tours, some meals, and more.
- Secure: All travelers, staff, and drivers must be fully vaccinated.
- Free: Tour will arrange free COVID test, if required for flight home.
- Save time: VIP skip-the-line access to popular attractions.
- Insider knowledge: Expert tour guides with prime understanding of the area's culture and safest travel routes.
Click here to learn more about all the benefits these escorted tours offer!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to London (LHR) and from Rome (FCO)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar
- 2 nights in London at the Hotel Novotel London West or the Holiday Inn London- Kensington High Street
- 2 nights in Paris at the Courtyard by Marriott Paris Arcueil
- 2 nights in Lucerne at the Royal Luzern
- 2 nights in the Venice area at the Hotel Poppi
- 1 night in Montecatini at the Settentrionale Esplanade
- 2 nights in Rome at the Park Hotel dei Massimi
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including:
- City sightseeing with a local guide in Paris, Florence, and Rome
- Entry to Roman Forum and Colosseum in Rome
- Canal boat ride and glassblowing workshop in Venice
- Visits to Verona, Lugano, Verona, Montecatini, and Pisa
- Buffet breakfast daily
- 2 dinners
- Host service in London
- Services of a Professional Travel Director (starting on Day 3)
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
- Eurostar train transportation from London to Paris (standard class)
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
*Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
**Note: Porterage is no longer offered on this tour. Travelers will be responsible for transporting their own luggage for the duration of their tour.
Great Ways to Explore
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Encounter charming cities and exceptional scenery as you travel through France's Burgundy region and the Swiss Alps.
- With all the legwork and logistics taken care of for you, you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery.
-
Pack comfortable shoes for your city tours in Paris, Florence, Rome, Lucerne, Lugano, Verona, Venice and more!
-
Enjoy the convenience of staying at handpicked hotels, strategically selected to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.
-
Spend two days in the iconic city of London, seeing and doing as you wish - optional excursions are also available.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Begin your vacation in London with two overnights and leisure time to make your own discoveries in this lively city (with or without the assistance of a local host). Cross the English Channel by Eurostar train to Paris - where your 2-night stay includes guided sightseeing that highlights the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower. Then, enjoy time to explore the French capital at your own pace.
Head southeast through Burgundy to picture-perfect Lucerne in Switzerland. Visit Lugano in the Italian-speaking Swiss canton of Ticino before crossing into Italy. Stop in Verona to see Juliet’s balcony, and in beautiful Venice, where you’ll enjoy two overnights, a canal boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, and free time to experience “la dolce vita” on your own. In Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” enjoy a guided walking tour that introduces you to Santa Croce, Signoria Square, Palazzo Vecchio, and more.
Admire the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa before spending two nights in the “Eternal City” of Rome, with guided sightseeing that highlights St. Peter’s Square, the Roman Forum, and the mighty Colosseum.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to London (LHR) and from Rome (FCO)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar
- 2 nights in London at the Hotel Novotel London West or the Holiday Inn London- Kensington High Street
- 2 nights in Paris at the Courtyard by Marriott Paris Arcueil
- 2 nights in Lucerne at the Royal Luzern
- 2 nights in the Venice area at the Hotel Poppi
- 1 night in Montecatini at the Settentrionale Esplanade
- 2 nights in Rome at the Park Hotel dei Massimi
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including:
- City sightseeing with a local guide in Paris, Florence, and Rome
- Entry to Roman Forum and Colosseum in Rome
- Canal boat ride and glassblowing workshop in Venice
- Visits to Verona, Lugano, Verona, Montecatini, and Pisa
- Buffet breakfast daily
- 2 dinners
- Host service in London
- Services of a Professional Travel Director (starting on Day 3)
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
- Eurostar train transportation from London to Paris (standard class)
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
*Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
**Note: Porterage is no longer offered on this tour. Travelers will be responsible for transporting their own luggage for the duration of their tour.
-
Encounter charming cities and exceptional scenery as you travel through France's Burgundy region and the Swiss Alps.
- With all the legwork and logistics taken care of for you, you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery.
-
Pack comfortable shoes for your city tours in Paris, Florence, Rome, Lucerne, Lugano, Verona, Venice and more!
-
Enjoy the convenience of staying at handpicked hotels, strategically selected to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.
-
Spend two days in the iconic city of London, seeing and doing as you wish - optional excursions are also available.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Begin your vacation in London with two overnights and leisure time to make your own discoveries in this lively city (with or without the assistance of a local host). Cross the English Channel by Eurostar train to Paris - where your 2-night stay includes guided sightseeing that highlights the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower. Then, enjoy time to explore the French capital at your own pace.
Head southeast through Burgundy to picture-perfect Lucerne in Switzerland. Visit Lugano in the Italian-speaking Swiss canton of Ticino before crossing into Italy. Stop in Verona to see Juliet’s balcony, and in beautiful Venice, where you’ll enjoy two overnights, a canal boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, and free time to experience “la dolce vita” on your own. In Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” enjoy a guided walking tour that introduces you to Santa Croce, Signoria Square, Palazzo Vecchio, and more.
Admire the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa before spending two nights in the “Eternal City” of Rome, with guided sightseeing that highlights St. Peter’s Square, the Roman Forum, and the mighty Colosseum.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to London!
Welcome to London! You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You will be on your own to explore London for the next two days, but uniformed hosts will be available at the hotel to help you make the most of your stay.
Transfer to hotel
Hotel Novotel London West, located in the Hammersmith neighborhood of London, is a sanctuary in the middle of the bustling capital. With three of London's main tube lines within a three minute walk of the hotel, easily access any of the city's main attractions including Big Ben, the London Eye, and Hyde Park. Spend an evening at the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre, renowned for live music and comedy, just steps from the hotel!
All of the 630 contemporary en-suite bedrooms are designed to keep noise at a minimum, perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. On site, Hotel Novotel London West offers a restaurant and a bar/lounge where guests can unwind with a drink. The 4-star property also offers access to a business center and a meeting/conference room.
Just moments away from the High Street Kensington Tube Station, the Holiday Inn is a stylish 4-star hotel in central London. Hop on the local bus just a two minutes' walk away and explore England's vibrant capital. The boutique shops of Kensington High Street are just around the corner, while several museums are all within a mile of the hotel.
Wake up to a buffet breakfast at the Boulevard Restaurant or finish the day with a taste of contemporary European cuisine. Access to the gym is free and, for a fee, you can relax in the sauna and swim laps in the indoor pool. Grab a light lunch, afternoon tea or a glass of wine with friends in the relaxed Lounge Bar. Kids stay and eat free!
Day 2. London
After breakfast, you will have a full day to savor this majestic and vibrant city. Start the day off with a visit to Buckingham Palace, where you can see the iconic Changing of the Guard! You'll also want to see Big Ben, the Tower of London, and perhaps even treat yourself to a ride on the London Eye.
Day 3. London - Paris, France
Board the Eurostar train to Paris. Here you'll be met by your Tour Director and luxury motorcoach. Overnight for the first of two nights in Paris.
Train to Paris!
Located near the Porte de Versailles, the Courtyard Paris Arcueil offers the perfect blend of style and convenience. Just blocks away from the Paris suburb of Montrouge and 15 minutes by train to central Paris, you'll be removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, but close enough to all the major attractions. Settle into a tastefully designed guest room, equipped with a large flat-screen TV, ergonomic work area and a mini-fridge. Walk from our hotel to both the Laplace RER B and Porte d'Orleans Metro stations, which will take you anywhere you need to go.
Enter the modern Hotel Forest Hill Paris located opposite the City of Science and Industry to find clean, simple yet elegant lodgings. The Hotel offers free Wi-Fi, 24 hour reception that can provide tourism information, and a daily buffet breakfast, as well as a drink at the Hippo Cafe bar or a classic meal in the hotel's restaurant, the Hippopotamus. Guests can find the Ourcq Canal just a 5 minute walk away, enjoy concerts at the Philarmonie de Paris and Zenith music hall, both of which are an 11 minute walk away, or take the Porte de la Villette Metro station which is mere feet away to iconic landmarks like the Louvre.
Rooms are equipped with flatscreen satellite TVs, a radio, a telephone, a minibar, a hairdryer, a private bathroom, and bright decour as well as a carpeted floor.
Day 4. Paris
Paris is a world-class city that probably has more familiar landmarks than almost any other city in the world. This morning, see them during your included city tour.
Day 5. Paris - Lucerne, Switzerland
Your day will be filled with fascinating, ever-changing scenery today. Take in the views of Fontainebleau Forest, the wine-growing area of Burgundy, then prosperous farms and tidy half-timbered villages as you head through the Alpine heart of Switzerland to picture-book Lucerne, for the first of two overnights.
Transfer to Switzerland
Check-in - Hotel Royal Luzern
Feel right at home in this charming traditional 5-story hotel nestled right above a quiet street. Admire its interesting architecture, enjoy its amazing location overlooking the Bay of Lucrene, and gawk at its breathtaking views of Mount Pilatus Burgenstock and Rigi.
Take a stroll along the water to the city center of Lucrene, just minutes from the hotel. After a day of exploring, relax in your spacious, airy room that boasts free WiFi, ample natural light, and traditional decor with a modern twist.
Day 6. Lucerne
Lucerne is one of Switzerland's finest cities, nestled amid its snowcapped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. Embark on a tour getting acquainted with the city today.The rest of the day is yours to explore (and/or shop!) at your leisure.
Day 7. Lucerne - Lugano - Verona, Italy - Venice Area
See more wonderful Alpine scenery as you drive into the mountain ranges that surround the massive St. Gotthard. Once through its great tunnel, you'll start your scenic descent into the warmer and sunnier ambiance of the Canton Ticino. Stop in beautiful Lugano, the cross into Italy and drive through the Lombardy plains to Verona, where you'll have some time for sightseeing. Overnight for the first of two nights in the Venice area.
Transfer to Italy
Check-in - Hotel Poppi
Experience true Italian hospitality at this elegant hotel located right in between Venice and Padua. Family managed since 1965, Hotel Poppi combines modern facilities with classic charm. Relax in your soundproof room that comes decorated in a classic style - the perfect setting after a long day of exploring.
Treat yourself to a delicious meal at their on-site restaurant, which boasts a mouthwatering menu of regional Venetian fare! After dinner, unwind with a glass of local wine or sip on an espresso at the classy hotel bar.
Sightseeing Visit to Lugano
Make a stop in Lugano, where you can take a stroll along the lakeside promenade. Its Swiss-Mediterranean mix can be seen in the culture, architecture, and of course - cuisine! Enjoy views of the main square, sprinkled with pastel-colored buildings, with Switzerland's famous mountains as the backdrop.
Day 8. Venice
Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and busy little piazzas. 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 Tip For Your Trip: Dinner is included today.
Venice Boat Ride with a visit to a Glassblowing Workshop
Enjoy a tour passing through some of Venice's most breathtaking highlights! Your adventure starts with a scenic boat ride, where you'll see why Venice is known as "The Sinking City."
You'll then be treated to a glassblowing workshop! Venetian glass is world-famous, with Murano glass being the most well-known and unique. You'll learn all about the process and discover firsthand what makes Venetian glass so special.
Day 9. Venice Area - Florence - Montecatini
Start the day by journeying south across the Apennines into the gentle and hilly countryside of Tuscany. Then, it's on to Florence for an included walking tour with a local guide. Overnight in Montecatini.
A Tip For Your Trip: Dinner is included today.
Transfer to Florence
Enjoy the splendor that comes with four stars while staying at the Settentrionale Esplanade. Enjoy an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, a bar and lounge, conference rooms equipped with audio-video equipment, an outdoor pool, a garden, concierge and tour and ticket services, currency exchanges, and private parking is available.
Rooms are airy and comfortable, and features a flat-screen satellite TV, air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, and private bathrooms complete with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Florence is just 25 miles away, while Peretola Airport and Pisa is 22 miles away. Lucca is closest, and a mere 14 miles away.
Situated just a short walk from the center of Montecatini Terme, you'll truly feel at peace during your stay at the Grand Hotel Regina. Big spaces, comfortable rooms, and high-end restaurants await you this 4-star accommodation. Treat yourself to an authentic Tuscan meal at the on-site restaurant or wind down with a cocktail at the American Bar. During the warmer months, guests can enjoy a dip in the outdoor swimming pool!
Stay in one of the rooms decorated in the Art Nouveau style, and each with their own personality. Your base in Tuscany awaits!
Guided Walking Tour of Florence
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city overflowing with history, art, and architecture waiting to be discovered! Explore the must-see sights of the city with a local guide.
You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio; Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry, known as the “Gate of Paradise.”Day 10. Montecatini - Pisa - Rome
This morning, stop in Pisa, then journey south to Rome. Spend the first of two nights in Rome.
Transfer to Rome
Check-in - Park Hotel dei Massimi
The Park Hotel dei Massimi offers a wide selection of elegant rooms that function as the perfect weekend break hotel accommodation in Rome. The hotel is a superior 4-star hotel complex in northwest Rome offering a total of 85 luxury, well-furnished rooms complete with air conditioning, TVs, complimentary WiFi and more. Hotel amenities include a complimentary breakfast buffet, rooftop garden, snack bar, restaurant, internet corner and shuttle service. The hotel is within easy access by metro or car to the major sites of Rome.
Day 11. Rome
Embark on a sightseeing tour of Rome today!
Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rome
Day 12. Depart Rome
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You will be transferred to the airport in time to begin your journey home.