If you have never been to Europe or would like to see more of it, then this is the tour for you. Just imagine, you’ll be traveling with other Jehovah’s Witnesses through several countries visiting the most exciting cities in all of Europe. The tour includes a tour escort who travels with you for the entire trip as this is the most comprehensive tour available for the price. It is also the best time of the year to travel as it is less crowded. Breakfast is included every day plus four dinners.

THE ITINERARY WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
Mar. 14 Depending on your departure city, everyone will fly overnight from their hometown to LONDON, ENGLAND. After your airplane has reached a cruising altitude, dinner will be served followed by a movie and a few hours of rest as you cross the Atlantic Ocean to begin one of our most popular tours. (Reserve now as this popular tour sells out each year.)

Mar. 15 Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the first two nights in London. Balance of the day will be free to start exploring the exciting city of London. (See Awake, 10/06, p. 15) London is one of the most visited cities in the world.

Mar. 16 After breakfast, you’ll see London’s Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and much more. (See Awake 10/06, p. 15 and 10/10, p.17) Afternoon free to take a ride in a doubledecker bus to visit the British Museum, Tower of London, Harrods famous department store or you can take a train to tour the WATCHTOWER BRANCH OFFICES. Visit an English pub for some fish and chips and perhaps attend a London play.

Mar. 17 Board our deluxe motorcoach for a scenic drive to the English Channel. Here you will admire the White Cliffs of Dover as you cross the channel by boat to France and then on to PARIS, “The City of Lights,” Europe’s most romantic city for two exciting nights. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a “Welcome” drink with your Tour Director.

Mar. 18 Today, you will see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, the river Seine and more. You will then take the elevator to the second level of the Eiffel Tower for a spectacular view. Balance of the day will be free to shop or visit the Louvre Museum. There are more perfume shops in Paris than any place in the world.

Mar. 19 This morning, depart Paris and travel through the French wineproducing vineyards passing the hilltop Castle of Chateauneuf. You will then enter Switzerland with views of Swiss chalets and the stunning Alps. Arrive LUCERNE for a tour in one of the prettiest cities in Europe including the famous Covered Wooden Bridge. Here you can shop for Swiss watches and chocolates. Tonight a Swiss dinner is included at the hotel.

Mar. 20 Today, you will see the Swiss Alps as you travel to Italy passing the Lake Region, a popular retreat for aristocrats since Roman times. Next, see the Chianti vineyards and the olive groves as you begin to enter the romantic city of VENICE that’s built on 114 islands in the sea. This city of canals and gondolas is the only city without cars with over 150 canals used as streets. Gondolas and motorboats are used for taxis, making everyone simply fall in love with Venice. You may want to take an optional gondola ride where you will be serenaded as you pass the palaces of the Grand Canal which is an experience in itself. (See Awake 5/07, p. 23 and 5/22/04, p. 16) Tonight, a delicious pasta dinner is included.

Mar. 21 Since no cars are allowed in Venice, you will enjoy a cruise on the canal followed by a walking tour to St. Mark’s Square to view the Bridge of Sighs and Doge’s Palace. See a glass blowing demonstration and then later, drive across the Apennine Mountains to the renaissance city of FLORENCE where there is another Italian dinner included.

Mar. 22 Since there are no cars allowed in the center of the city, there will be a walking tour of Florence with its impressive sculptures. See Giotto’s Bell-Tower, Piazza Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio shopping bridge that spans the river. Shop for great buys on gold jewelry and leather items such as gloves, shoes, handbags, blouses, scarves and ties. Continue through the countryside on a scenic drive to ROME, the “Eternal City,” where you will stay for the last two nights in Europe.

Mar. 23 Today, you will see all the highlights of Rome including St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the largest church in all of Christendom where you will be shown the “Divine Name” three times and Michelangelo’s masterpiece, The Pieta. (Awake, 7/8/01, p. 14) Next, cross the River Tiber to see the Roman Forum plus the magnificent Colosseum, site of gladiatorial fights and Circus Maximus, where “Ben Hur” chariot-style races were once held. (Awake, 4/8/91, p. 24 and 7/8/01, p. 14) Enjoy shopping and a cup of cappuccino or a pizza by the famous Spanish Steps or at the Trevi Fountain. (Awake 8/07, p. 15) Tonight, a “Farewell Dinner” with wine is included.

Mar. 24 Everyone will be transferred to the Rome Airport for the return flights to the U.S.A. Enjoy lunch and a movie before arriving in your home city. Touring with friends from other parts of the country is something you will not forget as you have now seen the Best of Europe!