Overview
Essential Europe
Basilicas, boutiques, and bistros. Cathedrals, canals, and cafés. Peaks, pasta, and pastries. This tour of Essential Europe goes beyond the “must-sees” to include the “must-dos,” the “must-discovers,” and the “must-devours.” As you travel and taste your way through Italy, Switzerland, and France, you’ll delightfully take a big bite out of your bucket list. The rolling Tuscan hills, the soaring Swiss Alps, plus mind-boggling mounds of Italian gelato, Swiss chocolate, and French éclairs are all awaiting from Rome to Paris on this delectable tour of Europe’s most popular destinations. Cruising through Europe’s breathtaking scenery, captivating architecture, and greatest chapters of history has never been easier as you motor by private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, ride an elevator to the courtyard of a medieval Swiss castle, and board a high-speed train for a scenic journey through the French countryside from Basel to Paris.
Highlights of Essential Europe
Travelers Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $2,287*18 guests in a party: $668*
Related Tours
HF|Essential EuropeHFT|With London
Related Option Title
Essential Europe
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
Product Group
Essential Europe
UNESCO Sites
Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona|Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Paris Banks of the Seine|Venice and its Lagoon
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 light lunch; 3 three-course dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2
ROME When in Rome ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.
Day 3
ROME–FLORENCE Fine Art in Firenze FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts. See Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze Gates of Paradise, and Signoria Square. Free time to browse. (B) 174 mi / 280 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
Day 4
FLORENCE–VENICE Benvenuti a Venezia VENICE Take a private boat ride, followed by an orientation walk, including, St. Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs, and a glassblowing demonstration. Free time to browse before [LF] dinner at a local restaurant followed by a private water-taxi ride through the Grand Canal. (B,D) 174 mi / 280 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Indulge in the tastes and traditions of true Italian cuisine in the home of seafood, pasta, and wine in Venice. A cruise on the Grand Canal is the perfect grand finale! Buon appetito!
Day 5
VENICE–BELLINZONA, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE Spectacular Switzerland BELLINZONA [LF] Take the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande and enjoy a light lunch with local specialties and Merlot wine for which the Ticino area is famous. Scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard en route to Lucerne. (B,L) 342 mi / 550 kmLOCAL FAVORITE HISTORIC SPOTS Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.
Day 6
LUCERNE Sweet Sights of Switzerland LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Serenity is found in a gaze across the stunning panoramas of the Swiss Alps above the lovely city of Lucerne. Spend time at leisure with a stroll through its magnificent medieval architecture and peaceful alpine lake.
Day 7
LUCERNE–BASEL–PARIS, FRANCE French Connection BASEL Board the high-speed TGV train to Paris. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 404 mi / 650 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Gliding across the French countryside at warp speed is an experience to write home about. Pass by the rows of vineyards on your way from Basel to Paris and get in the mood for the wine and song awaiting in the City of Light.
Day 8
PARIS C’est Magnifique in the City of Light PARIS Free time this morning. Guided sightseeing this afternoon includes orientation drive and Seine River cruise. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner café, your hearts are set on sharing France’s captivating City of Light any time you please.
Day 9
PARIS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2023-04-08 | 2023-04-09 | 2023-04-17 | $3399 | $0 | $3399 | HF30409 | Please Call |
| 2 | 2023-04-22 | 2023-04-23 | 2023-05-01 | $3469 | $0 | $3469 | HF30423 | Please Call |
| 3 | 2023-04-29 | 2023-04-30 | 2023-05-08 | $3509 | $0 | $3509 | HF30430 | Not Available |
| 4 | 2023-05-13 | 2023-05-14 | 2023-05-22 | $3939 | $0 | $3939 | HF30514K | Please Call |
| 5 | 2023-05-27 | 2023-05-28 | 2023-06-05 | $3499 | $0 | $3499 | HF30528 | Not Available |
| 6 | 2023-06-10 | 2023-06-11 | 2023-06-19 | $3589 | $0 | $3589 | HF30611 | Not Available |
| 7 | 2023-06-10 | 2023-06-11 | 2023-06-19 | $3589 | $0 | $3589 | HF30611A | Please Call |
| 8 | 2023-06-24 | 2023-06-25 | 2023-07-03 | $3469 | $0 | $3469 | HF30625 | Not Available |
| 9 | 2023-06-24 | 2023-06-25 | 2023-07-03 | $3469 | $0 | $3469 | HF30625A | Not Available |
| 10 | 2023-07-08 | 2023-07-09 | 2023-07-17 | $3299 | $0 | $3299 | HF30709 | Not Available |
| 11 | 2023-07-22 | 2023-07-23 | 2023-07-31 | $3359 | $0 | $3359 | HF30723 | Available |
| 12 | 2023-08-05 | 2023-08-06 | 2023-08-14 | $3789 | $0 | $3789 | HF30806K | Not Available |
| 13 | 2023-08-19 | 2023-08-20 | 2023-08-28 | $3359 | $0 | $3359 | HF30820 | Not Available |
| 14 | 2023-09-02 | 2023-09-03 | 2023-09-11 | $3759 | $0 | $3759 | HF30903 | Available |
| 15 | 2023-09-09 | 2023-09-10 | 2023-09-18 | $3759 | $0 | $3759 | HF30910 | Available |
| 16 | 2023-09-16 | 2023-09-17 | 2023-09-25 | $3759 | $0 | $3759 | HF30917 | Available |
| 17 | 2023-09-23 | 2023-09-24 | 2023-10-02 | $3759 | $0 | $3759 | HF30924 | Available |
| 18 | 2023-09-30 | 2023-10-01 | 2023-10-09 | $4199 | $0 | $4199 | HF31001K | Available |
| 19 | 2023-10-07 | 2023-10-08 | 2023-10-16 | $3589 | $0 | $3589 | HF31008 | Available |
| 20 | 2023-10-14 | 2023-10-15 | 2023-10-23 | $4089 | $0 | $4089 | HF31015K | Not Available |
| 21 | 2024-04-06 | 2024-04-07 | 2024-04-15 | $3699 | $0 | $3699 | HF40407 | Available |
| 22 | 2024-04-20 | 2024-04-21 | 2024-04-29 | $3799 | $0 | $3799 | HF40421 | Available |
| 23 | 2024-04-27 | 2024-04-28 | 2024-05-06 | $3799 | $0 | $3799 | HF40428 | Available |
| 24 | 2024-05-11 | 2024-05-12 | 2024-05-20 | $4399 | $0 | $4399 | HF40512K | Available |
| 25 | 2024-05-25 | 2024-05-26 | 2024-06-03 | $3799 | $0 | $3799 | HF40526 | Available |
| 26 | 2024-06-08 | 2024-06-09 | 2024-06-17 | $3899 | $0 | $3899 | HF40609 | Available |
| 27 | 2024-06-22 | 2024-06-23 | 2024-07-01 | $3799 | $0 | $3799 | HF40623 | Available |
| 28 | 2024-07-06 | 2024-07-07 | 2024-07-15 | $3699 | $0 | $3699 | HF40707 | Available |
| 29 | 2024-08-24 | 2024-08-25 | 2024-09-02 | $3639 | $0 | $3639 | HF40825 | Available |
| 30 | 2024-08-31 | 2024-09-01 | 2024-09-09 | $3869 | $0 | $3869 | HF40901 | Available |
| 31 | 2024-09-07 | 2024-09-08 | 2024-09-16 | $3799 | $0 | $3799 | HF40908 | Available |
| 32 | 2024-09-14 | 2024-09-15 | 2024-09-23 | $3969 | $0 | $3969 | HF40915 | Available |
| 33 | 2024-09-21 | 2024-09-22 | 2024-09-30 | $3869 | $0 | $3869 | HF40922 | Available |
| 34 | 2024-09-28 | 2024-09-29 | 2024-10-07 | $4499 | $0 | $4499 | HF40929K | Available |
| 35 | 2024-10-05 | 2024-10-06 | 2024-10-14 | $3999 | $0 | $3999 | HF41006 | Available |
| 36 | 2024-10-12 | 2024-10-13 | 2024-10-21 | $4299 | $0 | $4299 | HF41013K | Available |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Mediterraneo | Classic Italian Art Deco hotel located downtown with soundproofed rooms. Modern amenities blend with original period furnishings and character. | Rome | Via Cavour 15 | First-Class |
| 2 | Grand Hotel Mediterraneo | Modern hotel situated on the banks of the river Arno, steps away from the city center. The Duomo and Palazzo Pitti are nearby. | Florence | Lungarno Del Tempio, 44 | First-Class |
| 3 | Leonardo Royal | The Leonardo Royal Venice Mestre, with its 244 rooms and suites, is the perfect place to enjoy a visit to the amazing city of Venice or organise your business trips and meetings. The hotel is just a few steps from Mestre railway station, from where you can easily get to to the city's highlights. Its modern rooms are airconditioned and provide a desk, a minibar and a private bathroom. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. Guests can also make use of the business center, work out at the gym or relax in the bar. | Mestre - Venezia | Via Ca Marcello 6 | First-Class |
| 4 | NH Laguna Palace | Modern hotel with conference facilities, moorings for almost 400 boats in adjoining marina; 25 minute shuttle to center of Venice. | Venice-Mestre | Viale Ancona 2 | First-Class |
| 5 | Astoria | Ideally located in the heart of Lucerne, surrounded by mountains, close to its lake boasting crystal clear waters, the historic old town, and famous Chapel Bridge. All 252 contemporary rooms have a minibar and Wi-Fi. There's a plush cocktail lounge, a stylish café, and a rooftop bar affording city views. Other facilities include a full equipped modern gym. | Lucerne | Pilatusstrasse 29 | First-Class |
| 6 | Les Jardins du Marais | In the centre of Paris, with 263 rooms and a tranquil garden, this delightful property is composed of nine 19th-century buildings and has 'small village' charm. Facilities include a restaurant, a bar/lounge, a fitness room and Free Wi-Fi access. | Paris | 74, Rue Amelot | Superior First-Class |
