Journey to the Cultural Heart of Europe
Below is a sample itinerary of a past Goway Group. It is provided to give you an idea of what we have already done & what you might also consider doing.
However, because of timing, your own group's special interests and budget, we expect to custom make a program just for you. Contact your favorite travel agent click on "Inquire about this Trip" to fill out a request for a group quotation.
Historical and cultural experiences are at the heart of any group itinerary to Europe and our ‘Journey to the Cultural Heart of Europe” Tour will not disappoint. France and Italy are the focus in our sample itinerary with landmarks so well known they are an indelible part of our lives -- from the romance of Paris and Venice to the remnants of the Roman Empire in Roma to the Renaissance of Firenze – these are the landscapes and histories the beg to be discovered. The list of sights and activities is as varied as it is endless, and, if your group has a special interest, we will do our best to incorporate it into your customized itinerary.
Fly Hometown to Paris
Arrive Paris
Welcome to magical Paris. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel. D
Accommodation: 3 nights
In Paris
After a delicious breakfast in our hotel, we join our coach for a tour to see all the famous landmarks that we have all come to know including Concorde Square, Louvre Museum, Seine river and its bridges, French Academy, Hotel de Ville (City Hall), the Latin Quarter with the Sorbonne and the Pantheon, Arch of Triumph, Champs-Elysees Avenue, Invalides with the dome of Napoleon's Tomb and the Opera House.
There will be some free time at Cite Island with the Palace of Justice, Sainte Chapelle, Notre-Dame Cathedral and a walking tour of Montmartre, near Sacre-Coeur Basilica and the artists square. Our afternoon is free. Tonight we soak up the local ambience with a dinner at a local restaurant. BD
In Paris
A great day today as we experience two of the most famous icons of Paris: the Eiffel Tower and a cruise on the Seine River where we will be able to admire the most beautiful monuments from a different perspective. Our afternoon and evening are free. B
Coach Paris to Reims via Versailles
We travel south to Louis XVI’s castle at Versailles, one of the most visited spots on the globe. Our guide will bring back to life the Palace of Versailles where, from 1682, Louis XIV officially installed the court and government of the Kingdom. In particular, you will discover the Great Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s Apartments. Walkthrough the gardens of Versailles at the end of the excursion.
There will be free time to stroll through these French gardens surrounded by sculptures made from 1661. From Versailles we continue on to Reims, one of the main gastronomic centres of France for both wine production and culinary delights. Vines have existed in the Champagne region for over two thousand years. From the Roman invasion to the 16C, this region's history was closely associated with the production of still red wines, then “vin gris” (not grey wine, but off-white tinged with pink) before producers began to take advantage, towards the end of the 17C, of the natural tendency of Champagne wines to become effervescent. The town centre offers both the elegance of its Art Deco facades as well as its relaxed atmosphere which prevails in the streets and on the café-terraces.
Tonight we enjoy a relaxed dinner at our hotel. BD
Accommodation: 2 nights
In Reims
Spending a night in Reims allows us to enjoy all the city has to offer from its UNESCO cathedral, food and chocolate stores, gourmet restaurants, brasseries and of course Champagne.
This afternoon we take a tour to Champagne Martel, one of the famous champagne houses in Reims. Here we will explore their underground caves to learn more about the techniques of winemaking “from grape to champagne” through pressing, first fermentation, blending, bottling, second fermentation, remuage, disgorgement, corking and finally labeling. A glass of champagne will be served at the end of our tour. B
Fly Reims to Rome (via Paris)
We transfer to the airport for our flights to the city of Rome. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel for the evening. Dinner is included tonight at our hotel. BD
Accommodation: 4 nights
In Rome
On our exclusive private tour today we will experience all of Ancient Rome, skipping the lines, on this half-day tour which covers the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Our tour will begin atop Colle Oppio ("Opium Hill") with a panoramic view of the Colosseum, modern Rome’s most recognizable landmark and one of Ancient Rome’s most vital social centers. From there we will descend to our special Skip the Line access to the Colosseum. Once inside, an expert guide will take us through the bloody past of the amphitheatre as we listen to tales of gladiators, mock sea battles and executions.
After a brief rest at the Arch of Constantine, we will arrive at the Palatine Hill- the most famous of the 7 hills of Rome. From here you will admire the views of the Roman Forum and Nero’s Circus Maximus where chariot races were once held. Romulus and Remus were said to have been found on the Palatine by the she-wolf who nursed and raised them. Legend holds that Romulus went on to found Rome. Our last stop is a walk along the “Via Sacra” or “Sacred Way” which is the main path through the Roman Forum that once sparkled with festivals and triumphal processions.
It ends at the Temple which houses the altar where Julius Caesar was cremated. Visitors from around the world still leave flowers and candles at this site today. B
In Rome
Highlights of your city tour include Piazza dell'Esquilino, Republic Square, the Mermaids Fountain, Villa Borghese, Castel St. Angelo. We’ll also have a wonderful drive alongside the Tiber River. An optional tour of the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel can be arranged. B
Free day
We have a free day to explore this amazing city on our own. A delicious dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant. BD
Coach Rome to Florence
Sit back and enjoy the sights from our coach as we make our way to stunning Firenze, the living centerpiece of the Renaissance Era. A welcome dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant. BD
Accommodation: 2 nights
In Florence
Our morning tour includes a drive along the romantic Viale dei Colli up to Piazzale Michelangelo where we stop to admire the wonderful panorama of the city, one of the most beautiful in the world. From here we will proceed by coach through the old city center where our local guide will take us on a walking tour of the Duomo complex: Giotto's bell tower, the Baptistery with its bronze doors including the famous Porta del Paradiso and a visit to the interior of the Cathedral with the magnificent Cupola del Brunelleschi. Our afternoon is free. B
Coach Florence to Venice
After breakfast at our hotel, we hop on our coach for the journey to romantic Venice and our 2 night stay. Dinner tonight is included at a local restaurant. BD
Accommodation: 3 nights
In Venice
With our local guide, we skip the entrance line to St. Mark’s Basilica and learn the history behind the walls that hold the secrets of how the city, built on swamps, became one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. From the square, we enter a labyrinth of narrow passageways and alleys to discover the “real Venice.” We’ll visit the Campo Santa Maria Formosa and join the discussion on Venetian architecture as we admire the Gothic palaces lining the square. Tonight a special farewell dinner is included at a local restaurant. BD
In Venice
We have a free day today to explore this fascinating city on our own. B
Fly Venice to Hometown
We transfer to the airport for our flights home. B
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