London to Rome Adventure

Day 1 London/Paris

On Day 1 we meet in London at 6pm and make our way by train to Paris (please refer to joining instructions for more information on where to meet).

Please note the trip departs London in the evening of Day 1 so it is imperative you arrive on time for departure soon after the 6pm Welcome Meeting. Please ensure you allow plenty of time for your journey to London to allow for any possible delays.

Estimated travel time: 4 hours

Day 2 Paris (1L)

After an orientation walk with your CEO, we will enjoy a picnic opposite the Eiffel Tower. Then you are free to explore on your own to discover the “je ne sais quoi” of the City of Lights. Paris has something for everyone and you can use your day here to picnic under the Eiffel Tower, explore the outstanding museums and churches, float down the Seine on a river cruise or people watch at one of the charming cafés.

Day 3-5 Interlaken (3B)

Spend the morning in Paris before travelling south into Switzerland.

Cruise through town on an orientation walk to get your bearings. Interlaken is known as the adrenaline capital of Switzerland due to its many adventure sports such as paragliding, skydiving, hang gliding, bungee jumping, rafting and more. For those who want to take it easy, get out and enjoy the Swiss Alps with a hike or a sailing trip on one of the nearby lakes.

As the hub for so many adventure activities, Interlaken attracts young and young-at-heart tourists, thus creating a bustling nightlife scene. Play hard during the day and harder at night if you wish. Or breathe in the fresh Alpen air and enjoy blissful sleep.

Day 6 Milan (1B)

Travel by train to Milan, Italy’s financial and fashion hub. Upon arrival enjoy an included orientation walk of the city.

Please note: if you are interested in seeing Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous artwork, the Last Supper, it is essential that you make a booking in advance for this afternoon (Day 6). You can book either over the telephone or online. The contact details are:
Telephone: +39 02 89421146, web: www.cenacolovinciano.org. **Please make your appointment for 3pm onwards (in case of possible delays arriving from Interlaken).

Much of Milan was destroyed during WWII, but it still has a few claims to fame, such as the Duomo, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and La Scala, one of the world’s best opera houses. Get used to the Italian pace of life here. Have an espresso, watch a football match, hit the Italian shops and consider going to the opera.

Overnight train to Rome, 9 hours.

Day 7 Rome

Rome is full of fabulous sites. Possibly the most recognized symbol of the city is the Colosseum, the scene of the bloody gladiator bouts for the entertainment of ancient Rome’s aristocracy. Take a tour around the old venue and then head over to the Palatine hill and the Roman Forum to see where it all began. Even with the bustle of modern day Rome whizzing past on Vespas you can still lose yourself in the fragmented columns and ancient ruins, conjuring images of the rich Romans sauntering by in togas.

From the Colosseum it’s not too much of a hike to Piazza Navona. Known for the Baroque buildings surrounding the square, and its beautiful central fountain, it’s truly a great place to walk, mingle with the Romans, and sip a cappuccino at one of the sidewalk cafés.

Next stop can be the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Sit among the young Italians cuddling on the steps or watch the rich and powerful shopping in the elegant boutiques nearby. Take a short walk over to the Fontana di Trevi to throw a coin over your shoulder backwards to ensure your return to this magical city.

When you’ve had enough of secular Rome, head to the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City. Located within the city of Rome, the Vatican City is a separate country ruled by the pope and the perfect place to see art and religion intertwined. Within the Vatican, you will find the famous St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church and the headquarters of Roman Catholicism. It is difficult to decide whether to look up, down, or to the side as there are treasures everywhere in the church: Bernini’s canopy, the dome, the treasury, the statue of St. Peter, the Pieta, and the grotto should all be seen, and it can be possible to attend services in the church.

The Vatican Museums are near the basilica and contain priceless works of art from ancient to modern times. There are many different galleries but seeing all of them is definitely not possible in one day, so do a little research before visiting and decide what you really want to see. There are countless pieces of art, including statues, busts, Renaissance paintings, tapestries, early icons and Egyptian artifacts, just to name a few. Two of the most well-known exhibits in the Vatican Museums are the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael rooms.

Although the Sistine Chapel is always very crowded, it is a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican. The magnificent frescoed ceiling of the chapel painted by Michelangelo depicts over 300 figures from the Book of Genesis, the most well-known being “The Creation of Adam,” showing God touching the finger of Adam. “The Last Judgment” on the west wall depicts a scene from the Book of Revelations.

It’s a good idea to book a ticket to the Vatican online from home or with some advice from your CEO as waiting until the day you arrive may well be too late! Ask your CEO for help booking tickets in advance.

Day 8 Rome (1B)

Depart at any time.