7-Day Taste of Europe Tour from Lucerne: Switzerland, Italy and France

After boarding in Lucerne, you will head south through spectacular Switzerland into northern Italy, where your first stop will be Milan, fashion capital of the world. Your orientation tour will introduce you to the city’s iconic sights, including the vast Gothic cathedral (Duomo).

You’ll also see the planet’s oldest shopping mall, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where you can wander among the boutique shops and take lunch in one of the refined cafes. After enjoying the many delights of Milan, you’ll head to another vintage Italian city: Venice.

Spend the morning in the company of a knowledgeable local guide as you explore Venice, the most magical of cities. Begin with a waterbus ride to San Marco Island, a memorable crossing of the lagoon that gives you a real taste of the city’s charm as you approach the dreamy spires and distinctive waterside buildings. Once on the island you’ll be led around some of Venice’s best-known locations, beginning in the Piazzo with the Basilica di San Marco, a stunning piece of Byzantine architecture.

You’ll also see the legendary Bridge of Sighs, which appears on many a postcard or picture of Venice and connects the old prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.

You’ll also see the legendary Bridge of Sighs, or Ponte Dei Sospiri, which appears on many a postcard or picture of Venice and connects the old prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.

Afterwards you’ll have a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at close quarters with a demonstration by Murano glassblowers; their exquisite creations make excellent souvenirs. Of course, the ultimate Venice activity is to ride through the warren of waterways on a gondola, and for most people this optional excursion is a must. Step aboard, relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Transfer to Rome in the afternoon.

Your day in Rome starts with a visit to the smallest country in the world, The Vatican City, which lies at the heart of the Italian capital.

Here you’ll marvel at St Peter’s Basilica, home to Pope Francis and arguably the most significant site in Christianity. The exquisitely beautiful Basilica has been present here for almost 1,700 years and contains a bewildering collection of paintings, frescoes and design crafted by some of humanity’s most famous artists, which you can explore.

Alternatively, you can choose to add on the optional Sistine Chapel tour to view Michelangelo’s famous painted ceiling.

After lunch, take a step even further back in time as you visit Italy’s unrivaled Roman relics. An optional guided tour of the Collosseum, built in AD 72, is highly recommended.History comes to life as you imagine yourself witnessing gladiatorial combat inside the spectacular Amphitheatre, or alternatively you can walk at your leisure around the outside to admire the facade of this ancient wonder.

After the Colosseum, get up close to the nearby Arch of Constantine, which dates back to the fourth century AD, then spend some further free time enjoying Rome, sampling the rich and creamy delights of “gelato” Italian ice cream.

Your voyage of cultural discovery continues as you get to know Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to some fabulous architecture and fine art. Begin the day by taking in a wonderful panoramic overview of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, which boasts glorious vistas over the red roofs, Arno River and ancient city walls out towards the surrounding countryside.

Next you can see a demonstration of the traditional craft of leather working at close quarters in a local workshop, and you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase some of the high-quality leather items for which the city is famous. From here you’ll enjoy a guided walk around Florence’s many highlights, including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo and Campanile Tower.

Next you can see a demonstration of the traditional craft of leather working at close quarters in a local workshop, and you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase some of the high-quality leather items for which the city is famous. From here you’ll enjoy a guided walk around Florence’s many highlights, including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo and Campanile Tower.

You’ll pass the Uffizi Gallery, which contains one of the most notable art collections in Florence. You’ll have free time to see the city further, to shop or to watch the world go by from a street side cafe, before travelling on to your next destination, Pisa.

Here you are free to wander, but be sure to have your camera ready to get a shot of the iconic Leaning Tower, the famous bell tower in the ‘Square of Miracles’, which also contains the centuries-old Cathedral and Baptistery, after that we are transferring towards a city nearby Genoa in the late evening for stay. Please note we will not stay in Genoa and we will not visit the city Genoa.

A breath-taking drive along one of Europe’s most famous stretches of Mediterranean coastline awaits as you say arrivederci to Italy and head for Monaco. This small principality, enclaved in François chicane’s beautiful, home to the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix.

A walking sightseeing tour here takes you to the grand Prince’s Palace, where you’ll have some free time to soak up the refined atmosphere, before continuing on to view the 1920s Courthouse, the Cliffside Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral, where Grace Kelly is buried.

A walking sightseeing tour here takes you to the grand Prince’s Palace, where you’ll have some free time to soak up the refined atmosphere, before continuing on to view the 1920s Courthouse, the Cliffside Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral, where Grace Kelly is buried.

We then travel a little further to visit the famous Fragonard Perfume Factory. Here you’ll be taken on a fascinating guided tour around this working factory. Next it’s Nice, where you’ll stop for lunch to sample some excellent local cuisine and warm-hearted hospitality. Your journey continues to Cannes, where many a movie star has enjoyed the sweet smell of success. Be sure to take the opportunity to snap some photos of the Palais des Festival, home to the city’s annual international film festival, before transferring to overnight in a city nearby Avignon. Please note we will not stay in Avignon and we will not visit the city Avignon.

Take a well-earned rest today as you sit back and enjoy great views of the changing rural charms of the French countryside on the journey north to Paris.

After boarding the coach in Paris, sit back and enjoy a scenic journey across classic French countryside en route to mountainous Switzerland. You’ll pass through Basel, which is located at the point where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, before arriving back at the picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne, nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Swiss Alps. Before leaving the tour, here you’ll get to see Lucerne’s famous landmarks, including Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and some wonderfully preserved Baroque and Gothic architecture, followed by some free time to shop or take pictures. In Lucerne you will conclude your tour and be part of a truly memorable journey.