QuoVadis Holidays - European Tours

1Mon 8 Jul - ARRIVE PARIS

Welcome to Paris!
After making your own way to your tour hotel and checking in, you have time to relax. Later this afternoon we enjoy a Welcome Drink and tour briefing at our hotel. We then head for the banks of the River Seine where we enjoy an included evening dinner cruise and see some of Paris' most famed sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the immense facades of the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Afterwards we ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views over the city. We finish the evening with an illuminations tour, a perfect introduction to the 'City of Light'! (HD)

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2Tues 9 Jul - CHAMPAGNE EXCURSION

This morning we travel by coach to the town of Épernay, where some of the finest champagnes in the world are produced. We visit one of France's most famous champagne houses, Moët et Chandon. Here we take a special private tour to explore the oldest and most exclusive parts of their cellars and learn the secrets behind the making of these legendary wines. After the cellar visit a tasting of their finest Cru, Dom Perignon! This afternoon we drive through the vineyards and hills to nearby Reims. Here we enjoy an included orientation tour of the magnificent 12thC Gothic Cathedral where the Kings of France were crowned for 600 years. After free time we are whisked back to Paris by France's famous fast train, the TGV.(B)

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3Wed 10 Jul- PARIS AT LEISURE

A free day to explore Paris at leisure. Perhaps an optional excursion with a local guide to visit the Louvre – world's largest museum, with famous exhibits including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo? This evening you may wish to enjoy our final night in Paris with dinner and drinks at your choice of two cabarets in town, an evening of exciting acts and wonderful entertainment. (B)

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4Thurs 11 Jul - PARIS – LOIRE VALLEY

This morning we make our way into the famed "Val du Loire"-The Loire Valley. Our lunch stop is at one of the most recognizable chateaux in the world – Château de Chambord. Your visit includes entry into this beautiful castle with time to admire its façade, double helix staircase and rooftop both designed by Leonardo da Vinci. We then continue to the city of Tours in the heart of the Loire Valley. Tonight an evening at leisure to relax or perhaps explore Tours and enjoy a local meal by the beautiful half-timbered houses in the picturesque Place Plumereau. (B)

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5Fri 12 Jul - CHATEAUX EXCURSION

Today we visit the nearby quaint market town of Amboise with its chateau set imposingly above the Loire River. As part of your orientation tour you will see the grounds of the chateau and it’s tiny Gothic chapel that houses Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb. After some time to explore the town we venture further south to visit one of the jewels of “Val du Loire” – Château Chenonceau. One of the most photographed of all the Loire chateaux, its location set across the Indre River makes it truly unique. Resplendent with numerous arches, buttresses and towers set in magnificent gardens you will have time to enjoy a visit to the castle and the gardens as well as time for a leisurely lunch. This evening perhaps join us for a winery visit for a brief tour and tasting of their local wines before visiting a “Troglodyte Cave” for dinner in Montlouis-sur-Loire? Our chosen restaurant for our optional dinner was once a quarry which provided the stones used to build the beautiful chateaux in the area. There in this unique restaurant we have a fine dinner of local specialties. (B)

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6Sat 13 Jul - LOIRE VALLEY – LYON

Today we depart the Loire Valley and drive into the heart of the Burgundy and Beaujolais wine regions to the medieval town of Beaune. Here we enjoy Pommard wine tasting at a pretty local chateau, before we continue to the city of Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France. Our orientation tour shows us the 19th century elegance of the Place Bellecour, the Old Town and also the Rivers Saone and Rhone. An evening at leisure to explore the many amazing local restaurants or “bouchon” of this famed gastronomic city. (B)

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7Sun 14 Jul - LYON – ZERMATT

We cross today into stunning Switzerland, passing by the city of Geneva and continuing along the spectacular shores of Lake Geneva. Gaze at the beautiful scenery as we make our way to cultural Montreux for lunch then visit famed Chateau du Chillon set on a rocky islet, immortalized by Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. We continue to Tasch, transferring up to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt. This evening an orientation of this picture-postcard alpine village.There is then the option to join us for an evening of Swiss specialties of cheese, meat and chocolate fondues in a cosy local chalet perhaps?! (B)

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8Mon 15 Jul - ZERMATT SIGHTSEEING

This morning we take a magnificent excursion up to the Klein Matterhorn. Enjoy stunning views as we ascend to Furi and Trockener-steg before boarding Europe's highest cable car to arrive on the snow-capped "top of the world" at 3883 meters. Magnificent panoramas of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Italy and France, explore the glacier tunnels, walk out on the snow or simply enjoy the spectacular views from the viewing decks. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure. Perhaps take a mountain walk or simply spend the whole day relaxing in the clean mountain air of our resort hotel. (B)

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9Tues 16 Jul - ZERMATT – LUGANO

This morning we descend to Tasch and re-join our coach. Driving via Brig we follow in the footsteps of Napoleon as we drive up to the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the mountains from the 2,005 meter alpine road. Cutting through into northern Italy we stop on the gentle shores of Lake Maggiore where the premier attraction are the Borromean Islands. Our lake cruise takes us to Isola dei Pescatore for some free time for lunch before heading across to Isola Bella, the largest and most famous island, renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. After a visit to the palace and spectacular gardens we continue on to Lugano, one of the countries most popular resort cities. Known as the "Monte Carlo of Switzerland", Lugano is nestled beautifully amongst towering mountains by its deep turquoise lake. After checking into our hotel perhaps join us as we enjoy a Lake Cruise which will take us to our Highlight local Dinner at a famous "grotto"? (B)

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10Wed 17 Jul – LUGANO SIGHTSEEING

This morning we ride up the 121 year-old Monte San Salvatore funicular through hillside suburbs to the top of the mountain. At the summit is a restaurant and trails with spectacular views of the lake on both Italian and Swiss sides. After descending, the remainder of the day is then free to explore this ritzy Swiss resort town. Perhaps shop for watches, souvenirs, chocolate, relax at one of the local "lido" beaches or try your luck at the Casino tonight! (B)

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11Thurs 18 Jul – LAKE COMO EXCURSION

Today a wonderful excursion to famous Lake Como, widely regarded as being the most beautiful in Italy. Driving to Menaggio, we board a boat that takes across to Varenna, a pretty fishing village with narrow stone streets and steep cobblestoned staircases. Next we continue to the storybook village of Bellagio. The town's location is often said to be one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. Time for a quick lunch before we take a beautiful cruise past the villas of the rich and famous to the silk capital of Como. A lively and pleasant town with a lovely historical center and a scenic location at the southern end of Lake Como. Some free time before returning to our hotel in Lugano for our included dinner. (B,D)

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12Fri 19 Jul - LUGANO – MILAN –
ST MARGHERITA –  incl. PORTOFINO)

Travelling south we reach the fashion capital, Milan. An orientation of the beautiful Duomo, Piazza del Duomo and famed glass-roofed shopping Galleria. After some free time for lunch, we continue further south and reach the Mediterranean and finally the popular seaside resort of Santa Margherita. On arrival we take a short ferry ride to the exclusive and elegant village of Portofino, epitome of "La Dolce Vita"! Admire the gaily-coloured houses, browse the boutiques or watch the mega-yachts moored in the harbour from a café or bar. Returning to Santa Margherita, the next two full days are ours to explore this beautiful section of the "Gulf of Poets"- close to the famed Italian Cinque Terre. (B,D)

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13Sat 20 Jul - CINQUE TERRE EXCURSION

This morning we depart by local boat to the villages of the beautiful Cinque Terre - a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. This wild but hospitable coastline, at one time could only be reached by boat or train. Visiting a few of the villages we also have the opportunity to walk a section of the famous“Via dell’Amore” between two villages. Later, we return to our hotel by local train where the remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to explore the café’s, trattoria and ristorante in vibrant Santa Margherita. (B)

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14Sun 21 Jul - ST MARGHERITA AT LEISURE

A full day at leisure to explore or relax in this splendid and popular seaside resort. Perhaps lie on the beach and swim in the Mediterranean, head to another nearby seaside village or return to the Cinque Terre. Later, perhaps join your fellow group members for a Highlight Seafood Dinner in a local restaurant? (B)

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15Mon 22 Jul - SANTA MARGHERITA – PISA - LUCCA - FLORENCE

This morning we journey to the town of Pisa for a quick photo stop of it’s Leaning Tower in The Field of Miracles. After a short journey we arrive in Lucca – its churches, squares and palazzo perfectly preserved within its encircling ramparts. An orientation and some free time for lunch before we head to beautiful Renaissance Florence. Tonight maybe a Highlight Dinner set in the hills above Florence including a visit to a working 13thC Tuscan monastery and then a very unique “Monks dinner” in a wonderful local ristorante. Perhaps try the famous monks “Imperial Drops”!? (B)

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16Tues 23 Jul - FLORENCE AT LEISURE

A guided walking tour with local expert this morning shows you all the main sights including the Duomo, Giotto’s bell tower and the beautiful ‘Gates of Paradise’ adorning the Baptistery. Then visit Signoria Square, filled with works of art and finally pause in Santa Croce square, overlooked by it’s basilica, the final resting place of Galileo and Michelangelo. Afterwards perhaps join an optional excursion for a guided tour of the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s amazing Statue of David. The remainder of the day and evening is then free at leisure to enjoy this beautiful Renaissance city. Perhaps shop for Florentine leather and gold or continue sightseeing at your own pace in search of the perfect gelati! (B)

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17Wed 24 Jul - FLORENCE – TUSCANY

This morning we take a delightful drive through cypress and olive groves to San Gimignano, Tuscany's most famous hilltop town which has remained intact since the 14th century and today is UNESCO World Heritage. We admire the Salucci and Chigi Towers and it's Cathedral. Time for lunch before we continue through Chianti country to arrive at our lovely Tuscan Villa hotel for two nights near the walled village of Monteriggioni. Some free time this afternoon to relax by the pool before perhaps joining us at the nearby walled village itself to enjoy dinner at a typical Tuscan restaurant for an evening to remember with beautiful local specialties and wine? Viva Italia! (B)

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18Thurs 25 Jul - TUSCANY EXCURSION

Enjoy a drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, the epitome of picture postcard Italy. Along the way we pass beautiful old farmhouses, olive groves and the famous Chianti vineyards. Here we visit a wonderful winery near Radda for a tour and then tasting of the local product. Then, a drive through typical Tuscan hills before reaching hilltop Panzano. Here maybe join us for a local lunch and to taste some of the most famous products of Tuscany? After lunch a visit to the beautiful Greve-in-Chianti for time to perhaps further taste the local wines and produce and explore this delightful Chianti village. Later return to our hotel for time to relax before an included dinner at our hotel. (B,D)

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19Fri 26 Jul - TUSCANY – SIENA – ROME

Today we begin with a visit to the lovely medieval city of Siena. The narrow cobble-stoned streets, lined with palaces and patrician mansions, lead to Campo Square, scene of the famous Palio horse race. Free time to perhaps climb the famed bell-tower and then have lunch and explore this beautiful city. We then continue to the "Eternal City" of Rome to which all roads lead! We enjoy a walking tour with a local guide, which takes you to sites such as the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona with its pavement cafes, 17th century fountains and architecture. Perhaps have your portrait painted by one of the street artists! There is then some free time for you to explore the ristorante and trattoria of the beautiful square for dinner, before returning to our hotel. (B)

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20Sat 27 Jul - ROME AT LEISURE

Included today is a visit to the awe-inspiring St Peter's Basilica with a local guide. Perhaps join an optional excursion to visit the Vatican Museums to see the treasures of the Popes and admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling inside the Sistine Chapel? This afternoon is free to enjoy the "Eternal City" at leisure or join an excursion into the ancient Colosseum with our local guide. As dusk sets in for our final evening we enjoy a celebratory 'Farewell Dinner' at a local restaurant with great food, wine and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. (B,HD)

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21Sun 28 Jul - DEPART ROME

Our memorable tour sadly comes to an end after breakfast, where you may make your own way to the airport or continue your time in Rome at your own pace. Arriverderci Roma! (B)

KEY: (B) Breakfast - (HL) Highlight Lunch - (D) Dinner - (HD) Highlight Dinner

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