St. Paul's to St. Peter's: 12 days from London to Rome
Fully Escorted Tour
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!
Escorted tours offer expert guides who provide deep local insights and worry-free planned itineraries. Enjoy the company of like-minded travelers, visit hidden gems not found on typical tours, and enjoy peace of mind with a travel support system.
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 Copthorne Tara Hotel London
- 2 nights in the Paris area, at Hotel Ibis Styles Paris Porte d'Orleans
- 2 nights in Lucerne at the Holiday Inn Express Luzern Kriens
- 2 nights in the Venice area at the Hotel Poppi
- 1 night in Montecatini at the Settentrionale Esplanade
- 2 nights in Rome at the BV Oly Hotel
- 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, and service charges
*Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
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.
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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.
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 Copthorne Tara Hotel London
- 2 nights in the Paris area, at Hotel Ibis Styles Paris Porte d'Orleans
- 2 nights in Lucerne at the Holiday Inn Express Luzern Kriens
- 2 nights in the Venice area at the Hotel Poppi
- 1 night in Montecatini at the Settentrionale Esplanade
- 2 nights in Rome at the BV Oly Hotel
- 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, and service charges
*Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
-
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.
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.
Prices From:
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
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The hotel serves Hot and cold buffet breakfasts (surcharges apply). Recreational amenities include a fitness facility. This 4-star property has a business center and offers a meeting/conference room, secretarial services, and audio-visual equipment. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) is available in public areas. This London property has event space consisting of banquet facilities and conference/meeting rooms.
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!
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.
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!
The ibis Styles Paris Porte d'Orléans hotel is located in Montrouge, on the doorstep of the 14th arrondissement, and only 15 minutes from Montparnasse train station and central Paris. This 3-star hotel features 115 comfortable, colorful, spacious and soundproofed rooms. With a stylish, colorful ambiance, the hotel's spacious guestrooms are equipped with soft duvets and relaxation pillows, bringing you optimum comfort for a truly restful night. Les Quatre Saisons bar is perfect for getting together with friends for a drink in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. There is also a 24-hour snack service offering sweet and savory treats.
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.
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.
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 - Holiday Inn Express Luzern Kriens
The Holiday Inn Express Luzern Kriens provides guests with a wide array of lifestyle comforts, in a convenient location just 5 minutes from Lucerne city center by train. The famous Mount Pilatus is nearby as well, and special walking areas and jogging trails can be found just around the corner from the hotel. It features comfortably designed and ecological, water-based air-cooled guestrooms, each equipped with free high-speed Wi-Fi, flat screen televisions, coffee & tea facilities, and more.
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 - BV Oly Hotel
BV Oly Hotel is located in a quiet part of Rome's business district. Amenities for this modern hotel include on-site parking, a daily breakfast buffet, and an on-site restaurant that serves authentic Italian cuisine and other culinary specialties. Additionally, the front desk is available 24/7 to accommodate guests around the clock.
Guest rooms include a private bathroom with a shower, a minibar, safe, TV, and air-conditioning. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi and room service.
The hotel is a 10 minute walk to San Paolo Metro Station giving guests easy travel access. The Colosseum is just 4 metro stops away, and Piazza Silvio d'Amico is a 4 minute walk from the hotel.
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.