Highlights of Italy, Switzerland & France

Your journey begins on your overnight flight.

Benvenuto in Italia, and welcome to Rome! If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a friendly representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. You can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure and join us for a welcome dinner at the hotel (included). This is your chance to get to know your fellow travelers over food and a glass of wine and to learn about the exciting days ahead. (D)

Discover the highlights of Rome on a morning sightseeing tour of the Eternal City. You’ll see outside views of the Roman Forum, the center of ancient Roman life, as well as the exterior of the world-famous Colosseum. Experience the statues, fountains, and cobblestone expanse of the Piazza Navona, plus the lavish Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps where Audrey Hepburn’s Princess Ann enjoyed the perfect chocolate gelato in Roman Holiday.

The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy, with plenty of time to explore the Vatican City and Vatican museums if you choose. (B)

Note: Touring the Vatican Museums requires walking up several staircases and 2-3 hours of walking.

Depart Rome this morning and travel north into the picturesque Umbrian countryside. During a leisurely lunch stop, you’ll have the chance to ride the funicular up to the ancient town of Orvieto, where you can explore the rich history of this charming town and admire a variety of Etruscan, Medieval, and Renaissance art. The Orvieto funicular, a cliff cable railway that first opened in 1888, uses water and gravity to transport its cars up and down the hillside.

The Tuscan city of Florence is considered the cradle of the Renaissance, renowned for its culture, art, and historical monuments. When you arrive, you will have the chance to uncover the city’s secrets on a walking tour. See the 13th century Duomo featuring Brunelleschi’s dome and Giotto’s Campanile. Marvel at Ghiberti’s golden “Gates of Paradise” doors at the Baptistery of St. John, and cross the Arno River via the world-famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. Accommodation in Florence. (B)

There is so much more to discover on your full day of leisure. What new treasures await you? Along with Renaissance art and architecture, Tuscany is famed for its excellent shopping and unbeatable cuisine. Expect to find perfect pastas, beautiful baked goods and wonderful wine. You can also spend the day enjoying one of our incredible optional tours. (B)

After a lunch stop in Parma, take a tour of Milan, one of the world’s leading cities for high fashion. Your walking tour will include Piazza del Duomo, the main central square, which is surrounded by several important buildings such as the striking Gothic cathedral, and the Royal Palace of Milan. You’ll also have a chance to see La Scala Opera House, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an impressively ornate indoor shopping arcade built in 1865. (B,D)

Welcome to Switzerland! Cross the border into the “Playground of Europe,” stopping for lunch in Lugano before continuing to scenic Lucerne. This small city situated on the banks of Lake Lucerne is one of Europe’s prettiest. Clean and compact, Lucerne is known for its panoramic mountain views and breathtaking architecture. Its colorful, exceptionally preserved Old Town is a must-see. You will have the chance to explore this part of the city on foot during today’s afternoon walking tour. (B)

Spend the day at your leisure in Lucerne. There is so much to do in the heart of Switzerland for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and foodies, plus every other kind of traveler! If you love the good life, then Lucerne definitely has something for you. (B)

Take the scenic route to Paris. Travel by highspeed train at up to 200 miles per hour from Switzerland to France, enjoying scenery as you go.

Note: For security purposes, porterage of luggage is not available. Guests are responsible for transporting their own luggage in the train station and on the train. (B)

Start your day with a panoramic tour of Paris, the world- famous City of Light! Take in the sights as your motor coach ventures past Champs-Elysées, known for its grandeur. You’ll also see the Arc de Triomphe, a symbol of French history, the Grand Palais and Alexander III Bridge, Notre Dame and Île de la Cité, and Place de la Concorde, one of Paris’s most historic and scenic locations. View the Latin Quarter, chic St. Germain, and the iconic Louvre, as well as the Luxembourg Gardens. Plus, no trip to Paris would be complete without seeing the famous Eiffel Tower. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy the city at your own pace. (B, D)