Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions
Essential Europe
Operated by Globus
Tripcode: HF
Overview
Destination:
France,
Italy,
Duration:9 days
Type:Group tour (max 18)
Travel Period
April 2026 - October 2027
9 days from Rome to Paris
Basilicas, boutiques, and bistros. Cathedrals, canals, and cafés. Peaks, pasta, and pastries. This tour of Essential Europe goes beyond the “must-sees” to include the “must-dos,” the “must-discovers,” and the “must-devours.” As you travel and taste your way through Italy, Switzerland, and France, you’ll delightfully take a big bite out of your bucket list. The rolling Tuscan hills, the soaring Swiss Alps, plus mind-boggling mounds of Italian gelato, Swiss chocolate, and French éclairs are all awaiting from Rome to Paris on this delectable tour of Europe’s most popular destinations. Cruising through Europe’s breathtaking scenery, captivating architecture, and greatest chapters of history has never been easier as you motor by private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, ride an elevator to the courtyard of a medieval Swiss castle, and board a high-speed train for a scenic journey through the French countryside from Basel to Paris.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Rome so you can plan your day your way.
All This. Included
Special Features included in this Tour: • Globus Choice excursions in Rome − included in your tour with your choice of a guided walking tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or a guided walking tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum • Guided walking tour in Florence includes a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo’s David statue• Private Venice Canal boat ride, orientation walk, and glass blowing demonstration• [LF] Dinner at a local Venice restaurant followed by a private water-taxi ride along the Grand Canal• Visit the [LF] Courtyard of Castelgrande for a light lunch paired with wine• Walking tour of Lucerne, see the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge• Ride a high speed TGV train from Basel to Paris• Guided walking tour in Paris to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters• Scenic dinner cruise on the Seine River
Basilicas, boutiques, and bistros. Cathedrals, canals, and cafés. Peaks, pasta, and pastries. This tour of Essential Europe goes beyond the “must-sees” to include the “must-dos,” the “must-discovers,” and the “must-devours.” As you travel and taste your way through Italy, Switzerland, and France, you’ll delightfully take a big bite out of your bucket list. The rolling Tuscan hills, the soaring Swiss Alps, plus mind-boggling mounds of Italian gelato, Swiss chocolate, and French éclairs are all awaiting from Rome to Paris on this delectable tour of Europe’s most popular destinations. Cruising through Europe’s breathtaking scenery, captivating architecture, and greatest chapters of history has never been easier as you motor by private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, ride an elevator to the courtyard of a medieval Swiss castle, and board a high-speed train for a scenic journey through the French countryside from Basel to Paris.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Rome so you can plan your day your way.
All This. Included
Special Features included in this Tour: • Globus Choice excursions in Rome − included in your tour with your choice of a guided walking tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or a guided walking tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum • Guided walking tour in Florence includes a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo’s David statue• Private Venice Canal boat ride, orientation walk, and glass blowing demonstration• [LF] Dinner at a local Venice restaurant followed by a private water-taxi ride along the Grand Canal• Visit the [LF] Courtyard of Castelgrande for a light lunch paired with wine• Walking tour of Lucerne, see the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge• Ride a high speed TGV train from Basel to Paris• Guided walking tour in Paris to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters• Scenic dinner cruise on the Seine River
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinner
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
Welcome to Rome!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
ROME
Spend your day your way in Rome
Explore more of Rome with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)* For operational reasons, schedule changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Explore more of Rome with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Rome of the Caesars
Time travel to ancient Rome! Stand in the Colosseum and let your imagination be captured by stories of gladiator games and emperor reigns. Delve deeper into the Rome of the Caesars with a guided walk through the Roman Forum, once the beating heart of the Roman Empire; see the Palatine Hill considered to be the birthplace of Rome.
The Papal City
Explore the Papal City for a guided visit of the extensive Vatican Museums. Lift your eyes to the heavens in the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece ceiling fresco, then continue to St. Peter's Square to see the breathtaking St. Peter's Basilica. Stroll along the Via della Conciliazione to admire Castel Sant'Angelo, the former Papal Fortress.
Historic Faith: Rome Jewish Ghetto and Saint Mary Major Basilica
Follow your guide on to the Jewish Ghetto to hear of its long and storied history¿from the ruins of Republican and Imperial Rome to the medieval age; from the Renaissance Ghetto to the construction of the Synagogue and the ultimate tragic affront of Nazi deportation suffered by the oldest Jewish community in Europe. Taste a traditional Kosher pastry, then continue on to magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary the Major. Built in the 4th century to celebrate a miraculous August snowfall, the basilica was rebuilt in the 5th century with continued embellishments ever since. See the papal basilica¿s Room of the Popes and the famed five-story so called "Bernini staircase".
ROME–FLORENCE
Fine Art in Firenze
Leave the hustle and bustle of Rome behind as you relax for a scenic drive past the olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills of Umbria and Tuscany. Arrive in Florence, 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 free time to explore more of Florence “La bella.” (B) 186 mi / 300 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art Home to a wealth of Rennaissance 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.
Leave the hustle and bustle of Rome behind as you relax for a scenic drive past the olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills of Umbria and Tuscany. Arrive in Florence, 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 free time to explore more of Florence “La bella.” (B) 186 mi / 300 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art Home to a wealth of Rennaissance 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.
FLORENCE–VENICE
Benvenuti a Venezia
Today cross the Apennine Mountains and River Po to reach Venice. On arrival take a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breathtaking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark’s Square. Disembark for an orientation walk to St. Mark’s Square and a noted vetreria to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. After some free time to explore independently, [LF] enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before traveling like a VIP with a private water taxi ride along the Grand Canal. (B,D) 162 mi / 260 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Indulge in the tastes and traditions of true Italian cuisine in the home of seafood, pasta, and wine in Venice. A cruise on the Grand Canal is the perfect grand finale! Buon appetito!
Today cross the Apennine Mountains and River Po to reach Venice. On arrival take a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breathtaking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark’s Square. Disembark for an orientation walk to St. Mark’s Square and a noted vetreria to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. After some free time to explore independently, [LF] enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before traveling like a VIP with a private water taxi ride along the Grand Canal. (B,D) 162 mi / 260 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Indulge in the tastes and traditions of true Italian cuisine in the home of seafood, pasta, and wine in Venice. A cruise on the Grand Canal is the perfect grand finale! Buon appetito!
VENICE–BELLINZONA, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE
Spectacular Switzerland
Today leave Italy and cross the border into Switzerland. Arrive in Bellinzona and [LF] take the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande where you will savor a light lunch of local specialties accompanied by the Merlot wine for which the Ticino area is famous. Later, en route to Lucerne, enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps interrupted only by the St. Gotthard Road tunnel. (B,L) 342 mi / 550 kmLOCAL FAVORITE HISTORIC SPOTS Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages; today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.
Today leave Italy and cross the border into Switzerland. Arrive in Bellinzona and [LF] take the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande where you will savor a light lunch of local specialties accompanied by the Merlot wine for which the Ticino area is famous. Later, en route to Lucerne, enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps interrupted only by the St. Gotthard Road tunnel. (B,L) 342 mi / 550 kmLOCAL FAVORITE HISTORIC SPOTS Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages; today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.
LUCERNE
Sweet Sights of Switzerland
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 sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). The rest of the day and evening are free for you to get better acquainted with this alpine gem. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Serenity is found in a gaze across the stunning panoramas of the Swiss Alps above the lovely city of Lucerne. Spend time at leisure with a stroll through its magnificent medieval architecture and peaceful alpine lake.
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 sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). The rest of the day and evening are free for you to get better acquainted with this alpine gem. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Serenity is found in a gaze across the stunning panoramas of the Swiss Alps above the lovely city of Lucerne. Spend time at leisure with a stroll through its magnificent medieval architecture and peaceful alpine lake.
LUCERNE–BASEL–PARIS, FRANCE
French Connection
Drive to the medieval city of Basel, the Swiss city located on the French and German borders and straddling the River Rhine. Board a high-speed TGV train to Paris. Relax and watch the French countryside pass by. Arrive in Paris this afternoon giving you plenty of time to get acquainted with this iconic city.* (B) 404 mi / 650 km* For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Gliding across the French countryside at warp speed is an experience to write home about. Pass by the rows of vineyards on your way from Basel to Paris and get in the mood for the wine and song awaiting in the City of Light.
Drive to the medieval city of Basel, the Swiss city located on the French and German borders and straddling the River Rhine. Board a high-speed TGV train to Paris. Relax and watch the French countryside pass by. Arrive in Paris this afternoon giving you plenty of time to get acquainted with this iconic city.* (B) 404 mi / 650 km* For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Gliding across the French countryside at warp speed is an experience to write home about. Pass by the rows of vineyards on your way from Basel to Paris and get in the mood for the wine and song awaiting in the City of Light.
PARIS
C’est Magnifique in the City of Light
The morning is yours to either explore independently or join an optional excursion. Your sightseeing this afternoon is composed of a guided walk to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner cruise on the River Seine, with incredible sights of celebrated landmarks.* (B,D)* For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner café, your hearts are set on sharing France’s captivating City of Light any time you please.
The morning is yours to either explore independently or join an optional excursion. Your sightseeing this afternoon is composed of a guided walk to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner cruise on the River Seine, with incredible sights of celebrated landmarks.* (B,D)* For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner café, your hearts are set on sharing France’s captivating City of Light any time you please.
PARIS
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Globus
At Globus, we’re not just hooked on travel as a destination, but on the way travel makes you feel. Our promise is to craft adventures you’ll want to re-live forever. Our story began more than 90 years ago, when a young Swiss Antonio Mantegazza began transporting tourists across Lake Lugano on his rowboat, sharing stories and revealing local secrets along the way. On that lake, Globus was born. Discovering a passion for tourism and a knack for business, Antonio’s services expanded beyond river transport to bus touring, from Switzerland to Europe and then, the world. After 90 years curating travel wonderment, our passion for curating the perfect trip remains. At Globus, we have the experience and local knowledge to craft immersive adventures that make you feel alive. Expect to see all the major sites, but then go deeper, to the beating heart of every new discovery. As they say, when you’re in the moment, it’s not what you know, but who you know, and you’ll quickly discover our Tour Directors know all the local secrets and insider tips. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination. It's time to tour with Globus.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$5,899
$5,605
*
Member price from
$5,605*
per person twin share
8 nights
Check departuresCan't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Call 1800 850 888Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
You might also like
7 days
Group tour (max 18)5 daysGroup tour (max 18)9 daysGroup tour (max 18)2d68abc5b0037baee1208cc7ae5eca15
Tour
© 2026 Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) All rights reserved.