Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Europe

We'll have a brief get-acquainted meeting at around 4 p.m. at our hotel in Rome. Then we'll take a walk through our neighborhood, followed by dinner together. Sleep in Rome (2 nights). No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 2: Majestic, Ancient Rome

Today we'll dive straight into the heart of ancient Rome as we do the Caesar shuffle through the Colosseum, Forum and Pantheon. The rest of the day is free to find the Roma of your dreams: climb the Spanish Steps, toss coins in a fountain, or walk the back streets sampling gelato along your way. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: Catholic Rome and Tuscany

This morning we'll take a rigorous (but unforgettable) tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica. After some free time for lunch, we'll head north into Tuscany, where we'll find our cozy countryside hotel and sit down to a hearty Tuscan feast. Sleep in Tuscany (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 4: Renaissance Florence

Get ready! Today we'll have a whirlwind tour of Florence's sights beginning with Michelangelo's David at the Accademia. Then we'll take an educational "Renaissance walk" to (and through) the masterpiece-packed Uffizi Gallery. We'll break for free time and lunch and then return to our rural hotel this afternoon where you'll have time to relax, take a walk or maybe swim before dinner. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 5: Discover Venice

After a morning drive through the agricultural heartland of Italy, we'll leave our bus and board a boat to ferry us to our hotel. Tonight, we'll take an orientation walk, ending at the historic, magical, moonlit St. Mark's Square. Sleep in Venice (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 6: Free Day in Venice

The entire day is yours. You can cruise between the different islands, discover Venice's hidden alleyways and canals, or take in some culture in the many museums and churches available to you. Or how about a vacation from your vacation spent swimming and relaxing on the beach? No bus (too much water). Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 7: Over the Dolomites to Austria

Leaving Venice, we'll say "Ciao" to Italy, cross over the Brenner Pass into Austria, and drive all afternoon to reach our country hotel, just outside the flower-boxed town of Reutte. Eat dinner and sleep in or near Reutte (2 nights). Bus: 8 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 8: Neuschwanstein Castle

It's a short drive and a half-hour walk to "Mad" King Ludwig's Neuschwanstein Castle. After lunch, we'll look for a summer luge to barrel down (weather permitting), and find free time to stroll along trails, bike down country roads, or kick back and relax at our peaceful hotel. Dinner is included. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 9: Scenic Drive to the Swiss Alps

Today we'll take a scenic drive, winding our way through Tirolean and Swiss forests, enjoying views of craggy peaks and pristine lakes. We'll climb into the heart of the Swiss Alps and to our hotel, which is in the magnificent Lauterbrunnen Valley. Sleep in our creaky old chalet in the Lauterbrunnen Valley (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 10: Free Day in the Alps

The day is all yours to hike, play or relax. If the weather is good, you may want to a take the narrow-gauge railway to trailheads near the majestic Eiger and Jungfrau peaks, loiter in the thin air and hike down. Or just wander through the meadows and play Heidi. For more Alpine thrills, ride a gondola lift up to the Schilthorn at 10,000 feet.  No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 11: Beautiful Burgundy

Today we'll roll into the French countryside, passing pastures and castles en route to "profoundly French" Burgundy. We'll check into our country hotel with plenty of time to relax and play. Tonight we'll have dinner together. Sleep in Burgundy (1 night). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 12: Paris and Medieval Marvels

This morning we'll visit the modern medieval construction sight of Guédelon, a 13th century castle being built exactly as it would have been 700 years ago. After lunch we'll drive into Paris and our driver will drop us off at our hotel, a croissant's toss from Paris' greatest sights. This afternoon we'll visit the stunning Notre-Dame cathedral, the brilliant stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle church, and take a walking tour through the historic heart of Paris. Sleep in Paris (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 13: Parisian Masterpieces

Our day begins with a visit to Paris' magnificent Louvre museum. This afternoon you're free to stroll along grand boulevards and parks, climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, or do some last minute shopping before we gather for a final dinner together. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 14: Tour Over After Breakfast

It's a breeze to reach Paris' airports by taxi, shuttle or public transportation. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Merci et au revoir!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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