Departures available: 10th May 2012 to 11th Oct 2012
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Playgrounds of Europe
11 DAYS FROM £3515
Follow the trail of mega-yachts, luxury villas, designer stores and chic cafes from the glistening lakes of Italy to the glamour of the French Riviera. One minute you're spirited away for dinner by private launch in Venice, the other you're joining the elite in St. Moritz or calling in by boat to the resort of Portofino.
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Alternative tour suggestions
If the tour or departure date you have selected is sold out or not exactly what you are looking for, the alternative options below still have places available and maybe exactly what you are after.
- Contrasts of Italy by Rail
- Glimpse of Europe
- Italian Discovery
- Italian Vogue
- Milan and Italian Treasures
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Tour Pace
Leisurely Lively
Tour experience
Scenic City
Included Sightseeing
- Milan See the Gothic Milan Cathedral and La Scala Theatre, with ample time for shopping.
- Lake Como Visit the town of Como, dominated by its marble cathedral. Drive past beautiful villas and resort villages.
- St Moritz Board the panoramic viewing carriages of the Bernina Express for one of Europe's outstanding train journeys.
- Venice Drift through the canals accompanied by musicians on a gondola serenade. See St Mark's Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs and witness a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration.
- Florence Marvel at Michelangelo's original statue of David in the Academy of Fine Arts, see the marble Cathedral, Giotto's belltower, the 'Gates of Paradise', Piazza Santa Croce and the open-air gallery of Signoria Square.
- Tuscany Travel through the famous Chianti vineyards and taste some of the local wine.
- Pisa See the famous leaning tower and Cathedral.
- Portofino Take a short cruise along the Ligurian coast to the exclusive and elegant village of Portofino.
- Eze Explore the narrow streets of the medieval village.
- Monaco Drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit, walk through the old town to see the Royal Palace and visit the Cathedral.
Included Dining
- Welcome Drink with your Tour Director at Lake Maggiore (WD)
- 10 buffet breakfasts (BB)
- 2 three-course dinners with wine in Florence and Viareggio (D)
- Cruise by private launch to an historic restaurant tucked behind St Mark's Square
- for a Highlight Dinner with wine (HD)
- Farewell Dinner with wine at a delightful restaurant on the Côte d'Azur (FD)
- 14 included meals in total
Included Private Car UK Transfers
- Exclusive door to door airport transfers
Included Flights
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Day 1 (Door to Door)
Arrive Milan (2)
Enjoy your private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your flight to Milan. After being greeted by your Tour Director at Milan's Malpensa Airport, our transfer departs for the Italian Lake District at 09:00 & 12:30. Settle in to our luxury hotel set on the stunning shores of Lake Maggiore, overlooking the enchanting Borromean Islands. This evening, you are invited to a Welcome Drink, followed by time to relax.
Hotel: Villa & Palazzo Aminta (D)
Day 2
Milan sightseeing
Get a taste of Italy's renowned fashion capital today. A short drive brings us to the vibrant city of Milan where we see the magnificent Cathedral, with its impressive façade and the world famous La Scala Theatre. Linking the two is the elegant, glass vaulted shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, lined with luxury boutiques. There is ample time for shopping, or to sip a cappuccino in one of the cafés. Afterwards we return to our lakeside oasis for time at leisure. (BB)
Hotel: Villa & Palazzo Aminta (D)
Day 3
Lake Maggiore - Como - St Moritz
We drive over to enchanting Lake Como, considered by many as the jewel of the Italian Lakes for its superb mountain setting. We stop a while in the town of Como, dominated by its marble cathedral, set in the narrow streets of the old town. See why this lake has long been a favourite of films stars, writers, diplomats and royalty as we journey along the sparkling water's edge, lined with beautiful villas and resorts. Next we head north through the town of Chiavenna and cross into the Grisons, the largest of the Swiss cantons. We take thirteen hairpin bends up the Maloja Pass to reach the Engadine Region. Our destination is the chic resort of St Moritz. (BB)
Hotel: Schweizerhof (D)
Day 4
St Moritz - Venice (2)
We board the panoramic viewing carriages of the Bernina Express for one of Europe's outstanding train journeys. Enjoy a visual feast of glaciers, lakes and forest as we ride this roller-coaster route up the Bernina Pass, only to descend via a series of sharp zigzags and complex loops! End of the line is in the Italian town of Tirano. After free time for lunch, we re-join our coach and continue down to the fertile plains on to romantic Venice. Our exclusive 5-star luxury hotel is set on its own private Island, overlooking St. Mark's Basin, Giudecca Island and the Lido. As evening descends we are collected by private launch to arrive in style at our historic restaurant, nestled behind St Mark's Square. After a magical evening, savour the moment on our return cruise across the lagoon with the lights of Venice twinkling all around. (BB, HD)
Hotel: San Clemente Palace (D)
Day 5
Venice sightseeing
Venice was once one of the greatest trading centres of the world. The city's wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St Mark's Basilica. We also admire the Doge's Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola serenade through the romantic canals. The afternoon is entirely yours to lose yourself in the hidden parts of the city. (BB)
Hotel: San Clemente Palace (D)
Day 6
Venice - Florence (2)
After a pleasant morning's drive we arrive in the beautiful rolling countryside of Tuscany and continue to Florence, known for its Renaissance art and architecture.We join our local guide for a tour of the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's beautiful statue of David. We continue to the multi-coloured marble cathedral, Giotto's belltower and 'Gates of Paradise' before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, an open air museum and still the political heart of Florence. Perhaps pause for a refreshing gelato before strolling on to Piazza Santa Croce famous for its cathedral and luxury shops. Our downtown hotel is full of charm and character and only a stone's throw from the cathedral. (BB, D)
Hotel: Brunelleschi (D)
Day 7
Florence at leisure
The joys of Florence are varied so today is entirely free for your own personal exploration. Head down to the Ponte Vecchio, haggle for leather goods at the market around San Lorenzo or relax amid the terraces of the Boboli Gardens. By night, make the most of warm summer evenings by following the locals to the buzzing covered markets for rustic Florentine dishes. Alternatively, dine alfresco with crisp table-top linen and crystal glassware. (BB)
Hotel: Brunelleschi (D)
Day 8
Florence - Pisa - Viareggio
Sleep in, relax over breakfast and read the paper. Midmorning we board our coach for a drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills. In one of the small bucolic towns, typical of the area, we stop for a taste of local Chianti wine. Next we head for the coast, pausing on the way at the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa, which leans 5.5 degrees (about 15 feet) from the perpendicular. Take time to explore the Square ofMiracles before heading for the famous Italian Riviera and our historic and prestigious 5-star hotel on Viareggio's sea front. (BB, D)
Hotel: Grand Principe di Piemonte (D)
Day 9
Viareggio - Portofino - Nice (2)
This morning the Highway of the Flowers takes us along the enchanting Italian Riviera, with fine views of the Mediterranean. We enjoy a short cruise (weather permitting) along the Ligurian coast to the exclusive and elegant village of Portofino, epitome of La Dolce Vita. Stay a while in the fashion boutiques of the old town, the café bars in Piazzetta or watch the yachts moored in the harbour. Next we continue to glamorous Nice, queen of the Riviera. Take a stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or browse in the exclusive boutiques. (BB)
Hotel: Boscolo Exedra (D)
Day 10
Monaco and Eze excursion
Today we drive to Monaco to walk through the old town and to see the Royal Palace, the yacht-filled harbour and the Cathedral where the late Prince Ranier and Princess Grace are buried. Then we continue to the medieval village of Eze, perched high on a rock above the Mediterranean. After time to explore the narrow streets in this spectacular village we return to Nice for an afternoon at leisure. As night time closes in we have reservations for an end-of-tour Farewell Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. (BB, FD)
Hotel: Boscolo Exedra (D)
Day 11 (Door to Door)
Depart Nice
Our tour draws to a close this morning. Transfers are available to Nice International Airport for your return flight back to the UK. On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting private car for your door to door transfer to your home. (BB)
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Hotel Brunelleschi (D)
Located in the middle of the historical downtown area of Florence, Hotel Brunelleschi is in a prime location, with views of Florence Cathedral. Right in the centre of Florence, the Hotel is perfectly placed for seeing all the sights. The Hotel is a Renaissance-style building set in a restored Byzantine tower and medieval church. The Duomo and all other museums are within walking distance, with only a 5 minute walk to the famous Uffizi Gallery. The popular Santa Elisabetta restaurant on the first floor serves classic Florentine food and the roof terrace offers panoramic views across Florence. For guests wishing to keep fit whilst away from home the fitness room with technogym facilities is the perfect solution.
Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte (D)
Behind its impressive façade, Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte has five floors of themed accommodation with a Michelin-starred restaurant, two bars and a stunning panoramic rooftop bar beside a heated outdoor pool. The Hotel is close to the beach and promenade of Viareggio and is placed at the heart of the town. Within the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte's is a wellness centre, complete with sauna, massage and aesthetic treatments, a Jacuzzi and waterfall as well as a rooftop pool.
San Clemente Palace Hotel & Resort (D)
Placed on a private crescent shaped Island, in the heart of a Lagoon, the San Clemente Palace Hotel & Resort is uniquely located in Venice. All traces of the islands history have been preserved in the tradition of a grand hotel for the most discerning traveler. San Clemente Palace Hotel & Resort features an outdoor swimming pool, and a wellness centre with sauna, Jacuzzi and fitness centre., also within the hotel and surrounding island are a Tennis Court, Sauna, Fitness Centre, Golf Course (within 3 km), Solarium, Spa & Wellness Centre, Massage, Hot Tub, and Turkish/Steam Bath.
Villa E Palazzo Aminta (D)
This 5-star Stresa hotel is housed in an elegant building and is the only hotel in front of the Borromeo Islands, making for a perfect example of the fine architecture of the area. Located in a fantastic position on Lake Maggiore, the hotel boasts of panoramic views over one of the most romantic Lakes in Italy and the Borromean Islands. Facilities include a private Beach, tennis court, outdoor pool, bar and restaurant, a world class spa - with Turkish bath, a whirlpool and a variety of massages and beauty treatments, bikes are available to rent.
Hotel Schweizerhof (D)
Quiet yet centrally located, the Schweizerhof hotel can be found right in the centre of the village of Weggis and only a few steps away from the lake promenade and the ship landing stage. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and lakeside terrace.
Boscolo Exedra (D)
Set in an impressive white marble building from the 1800s, Exedra A Boscolo Luxury Hotel is located in Piazza della Repubblica. It features a panoramic rooftop terrace with swimming pool. A panoramic glass lift connects the wellness centre with the rooftop terrace. Guests can choose from 3 restaurants serving meat, salad and fish dishes.
Dates and prices
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Prices based on per person sharing a twin or double room. For single room supplements and triple room reductions please call for details.
