Your Itinerary
Day 1 - ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
Welcome to Rome!
At 5 pm, meet your Globus Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
When in Rome
Discover the timeless beauty of Rome with a guided sightseeing of the Eternal City. Be transported back to Ancient Rome when you stand in the Colosseum and hear stories of Gladiators and Emperors. Enter the Vatican City State for a visit of the extensive Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square, and the spectacular St. Peter's Basilica. Free time late afternoon and evening to take in more sights and experiences.* * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded. TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY 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 the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.(B)
Day 3 - ROME–ORVIETO–ASSISI-PERUGIA
Historic Hilltops
Depart Rome and drive into Umbria, the “green heart of Italy.” Stop in the hill town of Orvieto, perched dramatically on a plug of volcanic rock and dominated by a striking cathedral. Enjoy free time to explore Piazza del Duomo. Continue to the stunning town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, visit the Basilica named after him and browse the charming streets. Free time this afternoon and evening in the charming town of Perugia. 146mi / 235 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC FOOTSTEPS 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. 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.(B)
Day 4 - PERUGIA–FLORENCE–PADUA
Legendary Landmarks
Florence is one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for 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. Later, drive across the Apennine Mountains and River Po to arrive in Padua. An orientation drive will familiarize you with the city while an Italian aperitivo (pre-dinner cocktail) at Café Pedrocchi will give you a real taste of local life.261 mi / 420 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES They say aperitivo is life. Indulge in the Italian specialties served at Café Pedrocchi with a traditional cocktail before dinner. From the Latin word for ‘open,’ aperitivi cocktails or wine are served between 6 and 9pm as an opener to the evening meal. Alla salute!(B)
Day 5 - PADUA. EXCURSION TO VENICE
Spend your day your way in Venice
A short drive to Venice, before taking a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breath taking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark’s Square. On disembarking walk to an historic vetreria to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. Explore more of Venice with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Palaces & PontoonsYour Local Guide shares legendary stories on a Venice walking tour, featuring iconic St. Mark s Square, with views of its landmark columns, Basilica, and Clock Tower. Enjoy skip-the-line access and guided visit to magnificent Doge s Palace, with its lavish rooms and infamous Bridge of Sighs which offered a final glimpse of the outside world to prisoners crossing to prison.Location, Location, Location!Once described by Napoleon as "the world's most beautiful drawing room," St. Mark's Square remains the beating heart of Venice. After a short stroll through some picturesque calli (alleyways), take a seat in a historic café for a taste of Venetian café culture. Enjoy a refreshment served with unrivaled views of Venetian landmarks!Enjoy a leisurely evening. 56 mi / 90 km(B)
Day 6 - PADUA–VERONA–MILAN
Ladies & Gentlemen of Verona
Arrive in the elegant city of Verona, rich in history, but made famous by Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Enjoy a stroll to admire the main squares of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra, with its pink marble Roman Arena. Continue to the bustling city of Milan for an orientation walk to see famous landmarks including La Scala Opera House, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Duomo. This evening free time to familiarize yourself with some local specialties for dinner.155 mi / 250 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Stroll through the grand piazzas of Verona, where the tradition of La Passeggiata (leisurely stroll) is alive and well near the site of the ancient forum. Where fruits, vegetables, and spices once filled the market squares, now eateries and shops share the space with the ancient arts of sumptuous fountains, monuments, architecture, and people-watching.(B)
Day 7 - MILAN. EXCURSION TO LAKE COMO
Life on the Lake
Discover why Lake Como has attracted visitors since the Roman times as you take [LF] a private boat ride across it to the delightful town of Bellagio, known locally as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Keep your eyes out for celebrities as you saunter along the lakefront promenade and charming alleyways. Back in Milan, join your travel companions for a dinner at a local restaurant. 106 mi /170 kmLOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Glide on the gorgeous waters of Lago di Como on your private cruise to beautiful Bellagio - Lake Como’s most loved village with narrow streets and stunning views. A magical experience to take in Italy’s most famous lake.(B,D)
Day 8 - MILAN–LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND
Welcome to Switzerland
Flight to Zurich and transfer to Lucerne to start the Avalon portion of your vacation and meet your Cruise Director. Start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River and discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time enjoying some shopping in the city center.(B)
Lovely Lucerne
CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour, which includes the Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church. (B)
Day 10 - LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingCLASSIC En route to Basel, enjoy a special Highlight Excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).Continue to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,D)
Day 11 - BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:CLASSIC Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)
Day 12 - KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France or visit Alsace’s wine country today.Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN(B,L,D)
Day 13 - LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel,” OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square.This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)
Day 14 - RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 16 - AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:CLASSIC Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 17 - AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
