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 Paris. Then we'll take a walk through our neighborhood, followed by dinner together. We'll end our first evening together with a cruise on the river Seine. Sleep in Paris (2 nights). No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 2: Historic, Artistic Heart of Paris

We'll kick off our tour with a visit to Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Latin Quarter. We'll catch our breath over lunch, then visit the Impressionist-packed Orsay Museum. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: Parisian Masterpieces and Burgundy

Our day begins with a visit to Paris' magnificent Louvre museum. Then we'll roll into the French countryside, passing pastures and vineyards en route to "profoundly French" Burgundy. After an orientation to town, we'll gather for a sampling of this region's famous wines. Sleep in Beaune (1 night). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: Scenic Drive to the Swiss Alps

Today we leave the rolling hills of beautiful Burgundy, and climb high into the heart of the Swiss Alps to our hotel, which is nestled in the magnificent Lauterbrunnen Valley. Sleep in a creaky old chalet in the Lauterbrunnen Valley (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 5: Spectacular Hikes in the Alps

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

Day 6: The Hills are Alive in Austria

Today we'll take a scenic drive, winding our way through Swiss and Tirolean forests, enjoying views of craggy peaks and pristine lakes. Our destination is a country hotel just outside the flower-boxed town of Reutte, Austria. Eat dinner (included) and sleep in or near Reutte (2 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 7: 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 and season permitting), and find free time to stroll in the woods or relax at our peaceful hotel. Dinner is included. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 8: Over the Alps to Venice

We'll cross the Alps and drive all day to Venice, where we'll leave the bus and board a boat to our hotel in the historic heart of the city. Tonight, we'll take an orientation walk to magical, moonlit St. Mark's Square. Sleep in Venice (2 nights). Bus: 8 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 9: The Seductive Charms of Venice

After a morning walking tour, you are free all day to tour St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Accademia art gallery — or shop, explore the alleys, cruise the canals, and "crawl" the pubs. No bus (too much water). Walking: moderate.

Day 10: The Timeless Allure of Tuscany

Today we'll say 'Ciao Venezia' and drive south into Tuscany. We'll wind our way through the Tuscan hills where we'll find our cozy countryside hotel and sit down to a hearty Tuscan feast together. Sleep near Florence in Tuscany (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 11: Renaissance Florence

This morning we'll head straight to the heart of Florence for a day immersed in the Renaissance. We'll start with Michelangelo's David at the Accademia, then a local guide will take us on a walk through the historic core of Florence, ending with a tour of the masterpiece-packed Uffizi Gallery. We'll return to our rural hotel late this afternoon where you'll have some free time to relax, take a scenic stroll and catch up on your journal. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 12: Ancient and "Village" Rome

This morning we'll drive straight to the heart of Rome, where we'll spend the afternoon touring ancient Rome, as we do the Caesar shuffle through the Colosseum, Forum and Pantheon. Tonight let's celebrate la dolce vita, with a fountain-splashing, after-dinner stroll through the intimate heart of the city. Sleep in Rome (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 13: St. Peter's and the Vatican Museum

This morning is devoted to Catholic Rome. We'll tour the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica. Your afternoon is free to find the Roma of your dreams: climb the Spanish Steps, toss coins in fountains, visit more ancient sites, or do any last-minute shopping. Tonight we'll gather for a final dinner together. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 14: Tour Over After Breakfast

It's a breeze to reach Rome's airports by taxi or train. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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