Bella Italia Escape

Experience the sights and bites of delicious Rome, Sorrento, and more with an off-season escape to Italy—without the higher prices and crowds of the busy season. Begin in the eternal city of Rome. Visit the Colosseum to imagine the spectacle of gladiator games, and see the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome. Join an exclusive visit to the centuries-old Papal Palace and Barberini Gardens at Castel Gandolfo. Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment. Also visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica to see the artist’s magnificent La Pietà. Sculpted in Carrara marble, this Renaissance masterpiece depicting Christ in his Mother’s lap is the only piece Michelangelo signed. Visit Capua’s Amphitheater and hear of Spartacus’ gladiator training here. In lovely Sorrento, see St. Antonino’s church, named for the city’s patron saint, and enjoy a free day to relax in this beautiful setting. En route back to Rome, explore legendary Pompeii—the excavated Roman city that was destroyed in 79 AD by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption, and preserved by ash. Conclude your Italian escape in Rome with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

This Scenic Switzerland by Train tour is the perfect way to see Switzerland’s breathtaking mountains, charming mountain resorts, fascinating old towns, and beautiful lakes—all while you relax in first-class aboard Switzerland’s famous trains. You’ll overnight in Zurich, the Lucerne area, Lausanne, Zermatt, and St. Moritz. One of the highlights of this Switzerland train tour is the train journey aboard the Glacier Express from Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the majestic Matterhorn, to glitzy St. Moritz, one of the world’s most famous resorts. From your carriage windows, marvel at the thundering waterfalls, impressive snow-capped peaks, glacial ice fields, lush meadows, and picture-perfect villages. Another highlight of this Switzerland train tour is the journey aboard the Bernina Express from St Moritz to Tirano, Italy. Travelling on the highest railway across the Alps, you’ll witness glistening glaciers, stunning mountain streams, and alpine scenery, and you’ll travel through tunnels and over bridges that are engineering masterpieces! But that’s not all…in Zermatt, you’ll also experience the Gornergrat open-air cog railway, Europe’s highest. You’ll journey over remarkable bridges, through tunnels, and past rocky ravines and beautiful lakes. The views of the Matterhorn from the top are nothing short of spectacular! Other train journeys you’ll experience on this tour through Switzerland are the Montreux-Oberland Bernois Panoramic train to Montreux, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and known as the “Swiss Riviera.” You’ll feel like you are immersed in the landscapes passing you by. Stunning scenery and thrilling train rides…there’s no better way to see scenic Switzerland! So grab your camera and get ready for an amazing, value-minded holiday!

From Spain to France to Italy, this affordable tour along the Mediterranean Coast, features vibrant cities, historic sites, and stunning scenery. You’ll stay in Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille, the Venice area, and Rome. You'll also overnight in the French Riviera and the Cinque Terre area. The highlights of this budget travel adventure across the Mediterranean region include an excursion to the famous Cinque Terre area, a name given to five medieval fishing villages on the sea. The area is noted for its natural beauty with terraces built into the mountainside on cliffs that drop down into the sea and for its breathtaking views. You'll also spend time on the French Riviera, where you'll have the chance to visit a perfume workshop in Èze and time to explore on your own. Plus, enjoy stunning scenery as you drive along the most fascinating landscapes and visit cameo villages such as Cuenca, Collioure, Cassis and iconic cities like Verona or Barcelona! Your Local Guides will reveal the must-see sights on your sightseeing tours of Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, and Rome. You’ll see Rome’s iconic landmarks, such as the Vatican and the Colosseum. You’ll be introduced to Venice with a boat ride to world-famous St. Mark's Square. In Marseille, France's oldest city, visit the Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde, which sits at the highest point in Marseille with stunning views of the city. In Assisi, visit the St. Francis Basilica, burial place of the saint and home to beautiful frescos by Giotto. Designed by a team of experienced Tour Directors, this Mediterranean tour to Spain, France, and Italy has been perfectly planned for value-minded travellers wanting a wonderful, yet affordable, Mediterranean holiday.