19 Day Best of Italy & Switzerland

Welcome to Rome!  
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D) 
 

Spend your day your way in Rome. 
Explore more of Rome with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion. Choose between guided sightseeing to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, plus see St.Peter’s Square, St.Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’Angelo, or a guided visit to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the hub of Imperial Rome.Enjoy free time later this afternoon and evening to explore more of this charismatic city. * (B) 
* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.  
 

The Tilted Tower  
Stop in Pisa to visit the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the location of one of the most recognizable monuments in the world – the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Later, arrive at your hotel in the Tuscan spa town of Montecatini. (B)  
TOUR HIGHLIGHT 
See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to this hub of European medieval art in Pisa’s beautiful piazza.
 

Italian Beauties  
Florence is one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for a visit of the Academy of Fine Arts, to see Michelangelo’s David statue, followed by a walk through the historic center, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore more of Florence “La Bella”.  
(B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT 
Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are treated to some of the world’s most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Renaissance 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. 
 

Voyage to Venice 
Today, drive across the Apennine Mountains and River Po to reach Venice. (B)  
TOUR HIGHLIGHT  
Today's drive to Venice takes you through a shifting tapestry of Italian landscapes. From Tuscany’s soft green hills and vineyards through the wide open fields of Emilia Romagna and Veneto’s flat countryside crossed by rivers and canals, the scenery continually changes. As you approach the Venetian Lagoon, the land gradually gives way to water. The lagoon stretches out like a calm, shimmering basin, dotted with tiny islands, fishing huts, and wooden poles rising from the surface to guide boats along the channels. 
 

Benvenuti a Venezia  
Embark on a private boat ride before meeting your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing walk. See St. Mark’s Square, with its landmark columns and Basilica, and visit the ornate Doge’s Palace with the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a favorite vetreria (glass factory), meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to meander along the canals and through the traditional Venetian calli and campi  (alleyways and squares).  (B) 
TOUR HIGHLIGHT  
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, gets its name from the prisoners sighing as they took in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison’s interrogation rooms. 
 

Medieval Marvels  
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Apennine Mountains to the stunning hilltop town of Assisi, an important center for both religion and art, and birthplace of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide for a walking tour in the medieval center which includes a visit to the Basilicas of St. Clare and St. Francis. (B,D)  
TOUR HIGHLIGHT  
Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity and founded the Franciscan Order. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the Saint is buried. 
 

Time Standing Still in Pompeii  
Together with a Local Guide, visit the incredible excavations of Pompeii. As you walk along the ancient streets, hear about day-to-day life under the Roman Empire and discover what happened when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Later, travel by jetfoil across the Bay of Naples to the captivating island of Capri. Upon disembarkation take a funicular ride from the harbor to Capri village.  (B,D)  
TOUR HIGHLIGHT  
The fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii is a treasured glimpse into Roman life near the Bay of Naples. This once thriving and sophisticated Roman city was consumed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, with its residents and structures buried beneath inescapable ash and stone. See the preserved site of excavated ruins that reveal remarkable frescoes, artwork, and artifacts within its streets and the dwellings of the people who perished here. 
 

Coves & Cliffs on the Clear Blue Sea 
Join your Local Guide this morning to explore the idyllic isle of Capri. Travel to the pretty village of Anacapri perched high on the island and visit the famous Villa San Michele. Later, take the funicular to Marina Grande and board a boat for [LF] a spectacular, scenic cruise around the island (weather permitting). This afternoon and evening are at leisure to experience more of the island. (B) 
TOUR HIGHLIGHT  
Visit stunning Villa San Michele perched high above the breathtaking Bay of Naples. Swedish physician Axel Munthe dedicated much of his life to the construction of the villa and surrounding gardens. His masterpiece, the Story of San Michele, recounts of his wish for a “house open to the sun and wind and the voice of the sea, like a Greek temple, and light, light, light everywhere!”  
 

Arrivederci, Roma  
This morning, board a jetfoil to reach the clifftop town of Sorrento. After a brief orientation, enjoy free time to browse the artisan stores, try local specialties, or just relax and watch the world go by. Return to Rome and join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)  
TOUR HIGHLIGHT  
Just as the sirens of Greek mythology lured sailors to the rocky shores of Sorrento, so we are drawn to its sun-drenched cliffs, where legendary authors like Byron, Goethe, Dickens, and Tolstoy soaked in the sun and local inspiration in the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Here, in the town of lemons,  give in to the sweet temptations of lemon gelato and limoncello to toast the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. 
 

Transfer to Zurich, Switzerland’s biggest city. (B,D) 
* Tour Director and travel companions will change for the second part of the itinerary.
 

Swiss Chocolates & Sweet Views  
This morning, join an orientation walk of Zurich’s Old Town and see the Fraumünsterkirche. Admire the panorama during a scenic drive along Lake Zurich and Lake Walen into the high Alps to reach the Principality of Liechtenstein. In the capital city of Vaduz, enjoy some free time for browsing and lunching. Later, reach the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz. Enjoy free time this afternoon to discover why it is nicknamed “Top of the World.” (B,D)  
TOUR HIGHLIGHT  
Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti. 
 

Legendary Lakes of Italy & Switzerland  
This morning, leave St. Moritz, cross the border into Italy and enjoy a scenic drive along the sparkling waters of Lake Como. Return to Switzerland and reach the elegant lakefront city of Lugano. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to admire the buildings, browse the stores in the pedestrian center, try some local specialties, or stroll along the lakeside promenade. (B)  
ENHANCED FREE TIME 
Explore 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 pastelcolored palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art. 
 

The Heights of Beauty 
This morning, drive to the Italian part of Lake Maggiore and visit the charming town of Stresa. Enjoy free time to explore and stroll along the promenade before a scenic drive takes you over the Simplon Pass, one of the most important alpine routes. Reach Täsch for a panoramic mountain train ride to the world-famous resort of Zermatt. (B,D)  
TOUR HIGHLIGHT 
Stresa is an example of Italy’s splendid elegance on Lake Maggiore, overlooking the surrounding islands. With natural beauty, ornamental gardens, and grand architecture, Stresa is a study in sophistication. Luxury villas and art nouveau hotels along the shores make for a perfect place to stroll. 
 

Peak Perfection  
Oozing tradition, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Zermatt offers an unforgettable experience. Marvel at the stunning mountainscapes and discover the picturesque village during a full free day at leisure. (B) 
ENHANCED FREE TIME 
Spend the day leisurely strolling around car-free Zermatt or join an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, an Alpine paradise of ski slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings, and unique views. An amazing experience you do not want to miss. 
 

Life on the Lake  
Depart Zermatt for a scenic drive through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhône Valley to reach Lake Geneva, the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore independently. (B,D) 
TOUR HIGHLIGHT  
The glistening waters of Lake Geneva lap against its French and Swiss shores in the serene surroundings of sublime vineyards and countryside. Belle Époque sailboats traverse the lakeshore amid castles, museums, and resort towns as they have for over a century. 
 

Coming Up Roses in Bern 
Arrive in beautiful Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. Join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour; see some of Bern’s most famous inhabitants at the Bear Park, stop at the Rose Garden for a panoramic view of the city, and stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old City with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower). Later, a short drive brings you to [LF] a traditional Swiss working farm for a delicious lunch before continuing to Lucerne. (B,L)  
TOUR HIGHLIGHT  
Explore the “City of Fountains,” Bern - the capital city of Switzerland, dating back to the 12th century. Take in the medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town) with its 6 kilometers of arcades and animated clock tower, then indulge in lunch at a local farm. 
 

Lion Hearted in Lucerne 
This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called “the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (Old Town). Later, prepare to have your breath taken away as you take [LF] a scenic railway ride to the top of Mount Pilatus. Receive a special souvenir cap as a memento. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,D) 
LOCAL FAVORITE  
EPIC RIDE Feel your heart soar as you ascend to the summit of magnificent Mount Pilatus, home to the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Look out for the legendary dragon and take in the heavenly vistas. Direct your gaze as far as the eye can see with views stretching as far as the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Down below, sparkling lakes catch the sun for a view unlike any other. 
 

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.  
A morning complimentary transfer to Zurich Airport is available in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich. (B)