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Bring history to life on your Europe travels as you learn about life as a Roman gladiator and try your hand at pizza-making on an epic Europe family trip filled with carnival masks, medieval castle banquets and tons of fun for the whole family.
Bring history to life on your Europe travels as you learn about life as a Roman gladiator and try your hand at pizza-making on an epic Europe family trip filled with carnival masks, medieval castle banquets and tons of fun for the whole family.
Buckle up Bambini – we're off on a grand adventure through Europe, launching our Family Experience in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. This evening we enjoy a Kickoff Party with our travel companions where we Dive Into Culture with a Family Fun experience and learn how to make a pizza that would make any Italian mamma proud.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Crowne Plaza St. Peter's
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Kickoff Party
Day 2
Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Delve into the open-air museum that is Rome, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that will see you rub shoulders with St. Peter and the thousands of pilgrims that flock to the impressive square that bears his name. See Michelangelo's famous Pietà statue in St. Peter's Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. Imagine the once thunderous applause of excited spectators as they cheered their gladiators to victory inside the Colosseum, and the roar of chariots circling Circus Maximus.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Admire Siena and Florence
Explore the medieval playground of Siena, strolling to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo where you’ll imagine the fun and fanfare that the festive Palio bareback horse race brings to the city twice a year against the backdrop of colourful flags and emblems. You’ll journey to Florence this afternoon where the Cradle of Renaissance comes alive in ways you could never imagine. You’ll go back in time and learn how Florence drove innovation and imagination all those centuries ago, ending your captivating encounter with an important time in world history with a sweet and rich cioccolata calda, which will leave the whole brood wanting more. This evening we head to a real 12th-century castle in the Tuscan countryside to Connect With Locals for a Be My Guest dinner and unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. As you walk through its stony halls, you’ll be thrilled to learn about the plot hatched by the Pazzi family against the Medici rulers of Florence centuries ago. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal featuring homegrown produce in the magnificent grand hall and be inspired by the dedication and passion of your hosts, the Baj Macario family who are committed to running the estate in harmony with nature.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Grand Mediterraneo
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
TODAY'S INCLUDED HIGHLIGHT EXPERIENCE
Day 4
Explore Florence
The treasures of the Medici family are on full display as we delve into the centuries of art, architecture and tumultuous history. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the city. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, the hub of the city, and view the magnificent marble Duomo. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Climb a tree or two in Boboli Gardens, tick off great masterpieces in Uffizi Gallery or see Renaissance history brought to life in the Palazzo Vecchio's Children's Museum. You could also join an Optional Experience to snap a selfie next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa before returning to Florence and pounding the pavements in search of the city's tastiest gelato.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
Journey to Bologna and on to Venice
Cross the Apennine Mountains to the city of Bologna where you will join a Local Specialist to view the city's Kissing Towers and Il Gigante, commonly known as Neptune's Fountain. Ditch your diet and indulge in the delicious flavours of what is widely regarded as the gastronomic capital of Italy – chase tortellini around your plate or twirl Spaghetti Bolognese like a local. This afternoon, we arrive in the island city of Venice. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring with the family or enjoy an Optional Experience gondola ride through Venice's labyrinthine canals.
Take to the water and cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Join your Travel Director to see the iconic and unexpected highlights of the city - the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile with its five bells. Dive Into Culture on your unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness first-hand the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing. You’ll learn how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass to make the exquisite and delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir as a reminder of this special visit. Then, join a Local Specialist for a Family Fun experience to learn about the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks, with an opportunity to create your own colourful alter egos. This afternoon, consider a lagoon cruise to the colourful island of Burano, on an Optional Experience, for a mouth-watering meal.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Onwards to Lake Como and Engelberg
We travel through the Italian Lake District bound for Switzerland this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch in the laid-back lakeside town of Como, which for centuries has served as the crossroads between Central Europe and the Mediterranean. We continue through Alpine landscapes, past Lugano and through St. Gotthard tunnel into central Switzerland, before arriving in Engelberg.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - H+ Hotel & Spa
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 8
Uncover Lucerne’s Treasures
Walk across the flower-lined 14th-century wooden Chapel Bridge and into a land of lakes and lions. See the giant dying lion hewn from sandstone rock to commemorate the heroism of the Swiss Guards during the French Revolution. Ascend one of the magnificent surrounding mountains during an Optional Experience or spend the afternoon sampling the rich flavours of delicious Swiss chocolate.
From Switzerland, we cross the mighty Rhine River and into France, travelling through the Burgundy wine region to the 'City of Lights'. This evening, amble up grand boulevards and through tiny cobblestone lanes in search of the French treasures you'll have an opportunity to sample tomorrow.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Centre Bercy
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 10
Explore Paris’s Sights
Join a Local Specialist on a guided sightseeing tour which includes a drive along the Champs-Élysées with views of the magnificent Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Now, take to the water for a leisurely cruise on the Seine River with spectacular views of the city's bridges and life on the river. This evening, we close the curtains on an epic family adventure through Europe, celebrating with our travel companions and Travel Director at a special Farewell Dinner.
Leaving Paris behind, we journey past the Somme battlefields and cross from Calais to Dover. We arrive in London later this afternoon where our family holiday comes to an end.
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About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
10 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
15 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Kickoff Party, 10 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Family Fun
A cooking experience with all the trimmings! Learn how to make tasty Italian pizza from an expert and then share your masterpiece with the family.
Family Fun
Discover the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks and paint and decorate your own.
Connect With Locals
The Pazzi and de Medici feud is brought to light in this visit to the 12th-century Castle of Trebbio where you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan Be My Guest buffet, explore the cellars, and indulge in olive oil and wine tasting.
Dive into Culture
Witness the exquisite craft of glassblowing, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftsmen have perfected over the centuries.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Dine in a 12th-century castle near Florence and learn all about the plot that was hatched here to depose the Medici family, through your visit helping to preserve the castle.
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore Rome, Florence, Bologna and Paris with a Local Specialist
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Discover Siena, Venice and Lucerne
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Visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum in Rome, a glassblowing factory and a mask-making studio in Venice
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View the ancient sites of Rome, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, scenic Lake Como, the spectacular alpine scenery of Switzerland, the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne and the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and the White Cliffs of Dover
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See the vineyards of Burgundy and the Somme Battlefields in France
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Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice and along the Seine River in Paris
This trip ends at the Crowne Plaza Kings Cross hotel.
Shared Rooming: Room Share is not available on this trip. Single rooms are not available unless travelling as part of a family group.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.