Tripology

Depart US on American Airlines for your overnight flights to Rome

Arrive in Rome, complete Immigration and pick-up luggage. Meet with our motorcoach and transfer to Lucca along the Mediterranean coast into Tuscany with stop in Pisa for photo of the tower. Welcome Tuscan dinner with wine included in tour (B*, D)

Overnight: Hotel San Lucca Palace, Lucca 4 star for 3 nights

Hotel is within the city walls in a medieval square, dating back to 1540, placed at the start of Via San Paolino, an ancient tract of the "Decumano" which runs from Piazzale San Donato to Piazza San Michele.

Today we will have a top local guide explore the history and city of Lucca. Provincial capital of Lucca, the see of an archbishop, lies in the northwest of Tuscany, on the left bank of the River Sergio, almost 25km/16mi inland from Viareggio. The Alpi Apuane are to the north of the town, the Monti Pisani to the south. Lucca ... More

was the home of the sculptor Matteo Civitali (1436-1501) and the composer Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), whose birthplace is now a museum and open to the public.

We take the train from Lucca to Montrerosso al Mare. The Cinque Terre, which is a protected stretch of rocky coastline on the Riviera di Lavante, extends from Monterosso al Mare to Riomaggiore at its southeastern tip. The name refers to five villages which cling to the cliffs. They were once only accessible by sea.

Semi-Private Tour

Optional: Side tour to Florence by train available for art & history. Top Florence guide will meet you at the train station.

Travel from Lucca to Bologna, where we meet-up with our local guide and explore this historic city. Its charming brick buildings and porticoed streets and medieval palaces are clustered around the two central squares, Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno, and flanked to the south by the churches of San Petronio and San Domenico. Here we will find Archiginnasio, part of the University of Bologna, one of the oldest in Europe.

Jewel of the Dalmatian coast, girded in 9th century walls that rise sheerly from the water's edge, Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe--and miraculously escaped serious damage in the recent war. Within the ancient fortifications is a labyrinth of alleyways and a striking Renaissance boulevard called the 'Stradun.' Off the beaten path and a step back in time, Dubrovnik is not only beautiful, it is an architectural marvel. This medieval walled city is over 1,000 years old and virtually untouched by the modern world. Be sure to visit the oldest pharmacy in Europe, located in the Friars Minor monastery. Optional: Side tours available. (B, L, D)

Day ay sea

We meet our top local guide and motorcoach on the quay and explore nearby Ephesus, one of the greatest cities of antiquity and one of the best restored. As you walk along the marble paving, you can almost hear the steps of marching Roman legions, or the ardent preaching of St. Paul addressing the Ephesians. Side tour included in your tour. (B, L, D).

There may not be a more picturesque spot in Europe than this sky-high island set on a cliff overlooking the glittering Aegean. Whitewashed stern to stern, the island's architectural curves and angles merge into an unforgettable mélange. You can ride a donkey or cable car to the top of the cliff, or visit Akrotiri, possibly the lost city of Atlantis. Optional: Side tours available. (B, L, D)

Though once ruled by Venetian Doges, Turkish sultans, and Napoleonic invaders, today Corfiots are outspokenly Greek. Corfu is the greenest of the Greek isles, where the vineyards and olive orchards thrive among rugged mountains. Admire the medieval Palace of Phrourio, the 17th century icons in St. George's church, or the shady solitude of Mon Repos park. Optional: Side tours available. (B, L, D)

Day at sea

Venice: we disembark and take a private transfer to Marco Polo airport and our flight to London. On arrival transfer into central London and our hotel.

Today we take a backstreets of London guided sightseeing tour with one of London's top guides



London is the second most popular European city visited by Americans!

Life in London is fast and hectic; it never stops and is constantly changing. So whether this is your first trip to London or one of many, be prepared to be amazed. For alongside the monuments of its past, there is a dynamic, creative London in the food, theater, fashion industries and much more. The Beefeaters are still there, as are the red buses, but modern London is more diverse and exciting than you could ever imagine.

If this is your first trip to London, then the Major sights are a must. Probably the most familiar is Big Ben sitting above the Houses of Parliament. Nearby is Westminster Abbey, whose aisles and transepts are filled with tombs and monuments honoring some of Britain’s greatest public figures. Another important church is St. Paul's Cathedral, built by the great architect Sir Christopher Wren. Just a short distance from St. Paul's we will find the Tower of London, which has served as royal residence and repository of the crown jewels. (B)

Explore London on your own.



This evening you have a choice of any of London’s top shows, with best seats available (early reservation required for the best seats). (B)

Late morning private transfer to London Heathrow airport and our flights home to the USA

(B, L*, T*)

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (T) Tea (D) Dinner (*) Airline meals