Detailed Main Tour Itinerary
This tour is based on the Essence of Europe organized by EF Educational Tours; however
the daily activities have been substantially augmented by the VIU tour leader to reflect
the group’s focus on art and culture. You may view the EF detailed daily itinerary at
www.eftours.ca/eliterature/DBD/13/EEU.pdf
Day 1 – Overnight Flight to Germany
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Frankfurt aboard an
internationally recognized airline.
Day 2 – Frankfurt-Heidelberg
Transfer via private motor coach to the scenic town of Heidelberg and discover its
medieval charms on a guided tour. You’ll visit the town’s ancient castle, perched on a
precipice over the Rhine.
Day 3 – Heidelberg-Munich
Transfer to Munich and enjoy a walking tour of the old city.
Day 4 – Munich
After a guided sightseeing of Munich, take an included excursion to Dachau, a former
Nazi concentration camp. If you prefer, opt to visit the incredible Deutsches Museum,
the world’s largest science and technology museum or stop by the Pinakothek Museums
with their great collections of modern and contemporary art.
Day 5 – Munich-Venice
Transfer via Innsbruck, Austria.
Day 6 – Venice
Experience the romance of Venice
during this morning’s guided sightseeing
tour of the historic Doge’s Palace, once
the political heart of this powerful
maritime empire. Admire St. Mark’s
Square with its great Byzantine styled
basilica. This afternoon, explore the
wandering streets and canals of this
medieval city and consider opting for
gondola tour of the canals.
Day 7 –Venice-Rome
Day 8 – Rome
This morning, visit the Vatican City and the Vatican Museum where you will see the
Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo along with many other treasures. Continue with a
guided tour of Imperial Rome including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Later take
a walking tour of Rome visiting the famed Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and
Spanish Steps before dinner.
Day 9 – Rome-Florence
Day 10 – Florence
Spend the day exploring medieval Florence – the centre of the early Italian Renaissance.
View the famous Duomo cathedral, traverse narrow streets to the Ponte Vecchio, and
chose from a number of options provided by faculty to view important artistic sites.
Day 11 – Lucerne Region, Switzerland
A local guide introduces you to Lucerne. With your tour leader, study the Renaissance
and Baroque styles when you visit the Jesuit church and residence, then traverse the
Chapel Bridge to explore old town Lucerne with its picturesque painted buildings and
perhaps opt to visit the small Rosengart gallery with faculty leaders and see its wonderful
collection of contemporary art as well as the Picasso Museum. The balance of the day is
free; consider joining an optional excursion up Mount Pilatus.
International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the
right to change this itinerary without advanced notice to meet with local conditions at the
time of travel. We appreciate you understanding.
Day 12 – Lucerne Region-Alsace Region, France
Known for its fascinating blend of French and German culture and quaint houses and
canals, the town of Colmar also possesses numerous famous German art pieces such as
Grunewald’s renowned Issenheim Altarpiece.
Day 13 – Alsace Region-Paris
Arrive in Paris. Enjoy a walking tour along the Seine river and visit Notre Dame
Cathedral, opt to view the remarkable stained glass at Ste. Chapelle and/or visit the
Musee d’Orsay with its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
Day 14 – Paris
This morning take a guided tour of Paris and then opt to accompany faculty leaders to
visit the Louvre and view art pieces including the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory.
Free afternoon or join an optional excursion to Versailles, the opulent Baroque estate of
King Louis XIV with its incredible gardens and furnishings.
Day 15 – Paris-London
Board the Eurostar, Europe’s high-speed train for the three hour trip to England. In the
afternoon take a guided sightseeing tour of London. See St. Paul’s cathedral and cross the
“wonky bridge” over the Thames to visit the Tate Modern, famous for its contemporary
art.
Day 16 - London
Stroll through the heart of London on a walking tour in the morning and later choose to
accompany a faculty leader to either the Victoria and Albert - the world’s largest museum
of decorative arts and design, or the British Museum and view its incredible collection of
Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Asian art; as well the British Museum contains the world’s
largest collection of prints and drawing including the work of Michelangelo.
Day 17
Depart for Home. Your tour director will assist you with the transfer to the airport.
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Extension: LONDON FOR 2 NIGHTS (optional)
Accompany VIU faculty and tour more of the galleries and museums in London or take
an optional excursion to Bath and Stonehenge.
Consider attending a Shakespearean play
at the Globe theatre, or a musical, opera,
or play, attend an instrumental evening the options are endless. Your tour leader
will provide information on these events
later.
Day 17 Spend the day with your faculty tour
leaders exploring the National Gallery
which houses one of the greatest
collections of Western European
painting in the world from NeoByzantine panels to the great French
Impressionists.
Day 18 - Enjoy a free day or in the
morning join your tour leader to travel to
Hampton Court (entrance and travel
costs), King Henry Vlll’s country home
which is said to have inspired the Palace
of Versailles. Enter the recreated Tudor
world, view the classical Baroque wing,
stroll the gardens and maze, and enjoy
an intimate insight into royal life. The
rest of the afternoon is yours to explore
London.