Highlights of Italy, Switzerland & France

Depart for Rome

Your journey begins on your overnight flight.

Arrive in Rome

Bienvenuto in Italia, and welcome to Rome! If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a friendly YMT representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure until the included dinner at the hotel begins. This is your chance to get to know your fellow travelers over food and a glass of wine and to learn about the exciting days ahead. (D)

Rome City Tour

Discover the highlights of Rome on a sightseeing tour of the Eternal City. Today’s sights include outside views of the Roman Forum, the center of daily Ancient Roman life; the exterior of the world-famous Colosseum; the statues, fountains, and cobblestone expanse of the Piazza Navona; the lavish Trevi Fountain; and the Spanish Steps where Audrey Hepburn’s Princess Ann enjoyed the perfect chocolate gelato in Roman Holiday.

During free time this afternoon and evening, you will have the time to explore the legendary Vatican City and Vatican museums if you choose. (B)

Note: Touring the Vatican Museums requires walking up several staircases and 2-3 hours of walking.

Orvieto and Florence

Depart Rome this morning and travel north into the picturesque Umbrian countryside. During a leisurely lunch stop, you’ll have the chance to ride the funicular up to the ancient town of Orvieto, where you can explore the rich history of this charming town and admire a variety of Etruscan, Medieval, and Renaissance art. The Orvieto funicular, a cliff cable railway, first opened in 1888 and uses water and gravity to transport its cars up and down the hillside.

The Tuscan city of Florence is considered the cradle of the Renaissance, renowned for its culture, art, architecture, and historical monuments. When you arrive, you will have the chance to uncover the city’s secrets on a walking tour of many of Florence’s highlights. See the 13th century Duomo with the Brunelleschi dome and Giotto’s Campanile; Ghiberti’s golden “Gates of Paradise” doors at the Baptistery of St. John; and the Ponte Vecchio. (B)

Florence

There is so much more to discover on your full day of leisure in Florence. What new treasures await you? Along with Renaissance art and architecture, the city is famed for its excellent shopping and unbeatable cuisine. Expect to find perfect pastas, beautiful baked goods, wonderful wine, and the legendary Bistecca alla Fiorentina—perhaps the finest steak in the world.

You can also spend the day enjoying one of our incredible optional tours. (B)

Milan

After a lunch stop in Parma, take a tour of Milan, one of the world’s leading cities for high fashion. Your panoramic sightseeing tour highlights will include Piazza del Duomo, the main central square surrounded by several important buildings including the striking Gothic cathedral and the Royal Palace of Milan. You’ll also have a chance to see Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an impressively ornate indoor shopping arcade built in 1865, and La Scala Opera House. (B, D)

Lucerne

Welcome to Switzerland! Cross the border into the “Playground of Europe,” stopping for lunch in Lugano before continuing to scenic Lucerne. This small city situated on the banks of Lake Lucerne is one of Europe’s prettiest. Clean and compact, Lucerne is known for its panoramic mountain views and breathtaking architecture. Its colorful, exceptionally preserved Old Town is a must-see that you will have the chance to explore on foot during today’s afternoon walking tour. (B)

Lucerne Leisure Day

Spend the day at your leisure in Lucerne. There is so much to do in the heart of Switzerland for foodies, history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and every other kind of traveler. If you love the good life, then Lucerne will have something right up your alley. You also have several exciting optional tours available to choose from. (B)

Lucerne to Paris via Highspeed Train

Take the scenic route to Paris. Travel by highspeed train at up to 200 miles per hour from Switzerland to France, enjoying scenery as you go. (B)

Note: Guests are responsible for transporting their own luggage in the train station and on the train. For security purposes, porterage of luggage is not available.

Paris

Start your day with a panoramic tour of Paris, the world-famous City of Light! Our coach will drive you past Bercy, the F. Mitterrand National Library, the Bastille, the Marais, the Latin Quarter, St. Germain, the Louvre, the Pyramid, the Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme, the Concorde, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides, the Trocadéro, and of course the famous Eiffel Tower. (B, D)

Depart for Home (B)