European Escape
European Escape
Tour Overview
On this Escape, you can experience Europe’s most popular destinations without the crowds—and even better—without the high-season prices. Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucerne, and Paris—these exciting and vibrant cities await you on this thrilling European tour. Guided sightseeing tours will highlight the must-see attractions, including the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum the ancient arena of the Gladiators in Rome; the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, where you will see Michelangelo’s famous David statue; the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, dating back to the 14th century; and a Seine cruise in Paris, where you’ll want your camera ready to capture the magnificent views of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.Other highlights of this guided tour of Europe are a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Rome, a pasta dinner in Venice, and a stop in the town of Lugano with its sparkling lake surrounded by the Alps. But that’s not all…throughout this European Escape, Globus has arranged VIP access for you. So, you won’t be waiting in long lines to enter the Vatican Museums in Rome or the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. We work behind the scenes to minimize the lines and wait times, so you can maximize the fun. It’s a trip of a lifetime available at a price that screams, “Let’s go!”
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Rome,Italy
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2: Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
ROME When in Rome ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time late afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY 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 one of the great masterpieces in history.
Day 3: Rome,Florence
Location: Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
ROME–FLORENCE Fine Art in Firenze Scenic drive en route to Florence.FLORENCE Guided walking tour includes the Academy of Fine Arts and Signoria Square. Free time. (B) 193 mi / 310 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & 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, Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
Day 4: Florence,Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
FLORENCE–VENICE Benvenuti a Venezia VENICE ISLAND Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Orientation includes St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs followed by a glassblower demonstration. This evening [LF] dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 174 mi/ 280 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge’s Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison’s interrogation rooms.
Day 5: Venice,Lugano,Switzerland,Lucerne
Location: Lugano
Meals Included: Breakfast
VENICE–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE Life on the Lake LUGANO Free time before a scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard tunnel en route to Lucerne. (B) 342 mi / 550 kmFREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake’s northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano’s Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.
Day 6: Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LUCERNE Sweet Sights of Switzerland LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. Free time this afternoon. (B,D)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,Paris,France
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
LUCERNE–PARIS, FRANCE Drive through the vineyards of Burgundy with views of beautiful castles and pass the Fontainebleau Forest en route to Paris. PARIS Free time this evening. (B) 423 mi / 680 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Glide across the Swiss and French countryside. Pass by Princess- style castles on your way to Paris and get in the mood for the song awaiting in the City of Light.
Day 8: Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
PARIS C’est Magnifique in the City of Light PARIS Guided sightseeing includes an orientation drive and a Seine River cruise. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY 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 whenever we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner café, you’ll love Paris anytime.
Day 9: Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.PARIS Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Guided Sightseeing in Rome
Guided sightseeing in Rome includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum.
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Guided Walking Tour in Florence
Guided walking tour in Florence includes the Academy of Fine Arts and Signoria Square.
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Private Boat Ride in Venice
Private boat ride on the canals of Venice, with an orientation including St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs.
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Walking Tour in Lucerne
Walking tour in Lucerne includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge.
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Guided Sightseeing in Paris
Guided sightseeing in Paris includes the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and a Seine cruise.
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Accommodation
Accommodation in Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucerne, and Paris at specified hotels.
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Meals
Meals include breakfast daily and several dinners as specified in the itinerary.
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Transport
Travel between destinations includes scenic drives through the Swiss Alps and Burgundy vineyards, a private boat ride on Venice's canals, and a Seine cruise in Paris.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and processing are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select 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 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 tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Paris Banks of the Seine|Venice and its Lagoon
Accommodation
Rome:Radisson Blu RomeFlorence:Grand Hotel MediterraneoFlorence:Hotel Royal FirenzeVenice:Carlton on the Grand CanalLucerne:AstoriaParis:AC Hotel Paris Porte MaillotParis:Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Notes
The Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible, but the entrance and route differ from those of the included guided visit.For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.
Meals
8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the European Escape tour?
The tour includes scenic drives through the Swiss Alps and Burgundy vineyards, a private boat ride on Venice's canals, and a Seine cruise in Paris.
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What are some of the highlights of the guided sightseeing in Rome?
The guided sightseeing in Rome includes visits to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum.
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What can I expect during the walking tour in Florence?
The walking tour in Florence includes visits to the Academy of Fine Arts and Signoria Square, with some free time to explore.
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What activities are included in the Venice portion of the tour?
In Venice, the tour includes a private boat ride on the canals, an orientation that covers St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs, and a glassblower demonstration.
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What will I see during the walking tour in Lucerne?
The walking tour in Lucerne includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge, with free time in the afternoon.
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What are the highlights of the guided sightseeing in Paris?
The guided sightseeing in Paris includes the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and a cruise on the Seine River.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays at Starhotels Michelangelo or Starhotels Metropole in Rome, Hotel Royal Firenze or Grand Hotel Mediterraneo in Florence, Carlton on the Grand Canal in Venice, Astoria in Lucerne, and Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel or AC Hotel Paris Porte Maillot in Paris.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.