WESTERN EUROPE DISCOVERY FRANCE – SWITZERLAND – ITALY – VATICAN

DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY – PARIS

Guests gather at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where the tour leader will assist with check-in for the flight to Paris via Istanbul.
Estimated Flight Schedule:

• TK163: SGN – IST | 22:15 – 05:30
• TK1831: IST – CDG | 08:20 – 11:10 or TK1821: IST – CDG | 07:15 – 10:00

Overnight on board.

DAY 2: PARIS CITY TOUR (Lunch, Dinner)

11:10: Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), guests complete immigration procedures.
The group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning a sightseeing tour of Paris.

Highlights:

• Seine River Cruise: Experience one of the most iconic activities in Paris with a scenic cruise along the Seine River, which stretches over 776 km across France. The section flowing through Paris is the most celebrated, lined with more than 30 historic bridges and magnificent architectural landmarks. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, the riverbanks showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage and offer one of the best panoramic views of Paris. (Cruise ticket included.)
• Eiffel Tower (Photo stop only): Visit the world-famous symbol of Paris and France, an enduring masterpiece of engineering and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
• Louvre Museum (Photo stop outside): Admire the exterior of the world’s largest art museum and one of the most historic cultural institutions in Europe.
• Galeries Lafayette: Enjoy free time for shopping at Paris’s iconic department store, renowned for luxury brands, fashion, cosmetics, and gourmet specialties.

Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Paris or the surrounding area.

DAY 3: PARIS – METZ (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning: After breakfast, guests check out of the hotel. The group continues sightseeing in Paris:

• Champs-Élysées Avenue: Known as the “Avenue of Paradise”, it is one of the most beautiful avenues in the world and home to many luxury boutiques in the “City of Light” – Paris.
• Arc de Triomphe: One of France’s most iconic landmarks. The monument has witnessed many important historical events and features numerous famous sculptures depicting historical battles, especially “The Marseillaise” by renowned sculptor François Rude.
• Les Invalides: A famous historical landmark in Paris. Built by King Louis XIV in the late 17th century, it allows visitors to learn more about French military history and visit the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the most influential figures in French history.
• Place de la Concorde: Located at the eastern end of Champs-Élysées Avenue, along the Seine River, with one side bordering the Tuileries Garden in the 8th arrondissement. Concorde is one of the most famous and largest squares in Paris, the second largest in France after Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux, and among the largest squares in the world.
• Pont Alexandre III: One of the most beautiful and iconic bridges in Paris, renowned for its elegant Beaux-Arts architecture and stunning views of the Seine River.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, the group departs for Metz (approximately 331 km).

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Metz or the surrounding area.

DAY 4: METZ – STRASBOURG – COLMAR/MULHOUSE (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and depart for sightseeing:

• Metz Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz): One of the most remarkable Gothic cathedrals in France, famous for its impressive architecture and magnificent stained-glass windows.
• Place d’Armes: A historic square located in the heart of Metz, surrounded by significant architectural landmarks.

Continue the journey to Strasbourg. Visit:

• Palais Rohan: A masterpiece of Baroque architecture in Strasbourg, built next to Strasbourg Cathedral in the 1730s based on the designs of Robert de Cotte.
• Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg): A magnificent Gothic cathedral and one of the most iconic landmarks of Strasbourg.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The group continues to Colmar, a charming town often affectionately known as the “Little Venice” of France. Visit:

• Colmar Old Town: A small yet charming historic district that captivates visitors with its picturesque streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and unique atmosphere.
• “Little Venice” (La Petite Venise): Located along the Lauch River, this enchanting area is considered one of the most beautiful places in Europe, featuring colorful streets, charming squares, fountains, and historic museums reminiscent of a fairy-tale village.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Afterwards, continue to Mulhouse. Overnight stay in Mulhouse or the surrounding area.

DAY 5: MULHOUSE – SCHAFFHAUSEN – ZURICH (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, guests check out and depart for Schaffhausen (approximately 144 km). Visit:

• Rhine Falls: One of the largest and most famous waterfalls in Europe, located on the Rhine River at the border between Switzerland and Germany. The waterfall is formed by powerful streams of water cascading down from a great height, creating a spectacular and captivating natural landscape. The roaring sound of the water and the impressive waves offer visitors an unforgettable visual and auditory experience. (Boat ride is not included.)

The group continues to Zurich (approximately 51 km).

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue sightseeing:

• Zurich Old Town (Altstadt): A must-visit destination for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can capture beautiful moments among historic buildings decorated with impressive murals, as well as charming medieval-style architecture that creates a magical and attractive atmosphere.
• Grossmünster Church: Located in Zurich’s Old Town, Grossmünster is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The highlights of the church include stained-glass windows by Sigmar Polke, a Romanesque crypt, Romanesque capitals in the church and cloister, stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti (1932), bronze doors by Otto Münch (1935 and 1950), and the Reformation Museum located in the cloister.
• Lake Zurich: One of Switzerland’s largest lakes, formed by glaciers from the Alps and stretching across several small towns. It is one of Zurich’s most popular tourist attractions.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Check in at the hotel and overnight stay in Zurich or the surrounding area.

DAY 6: ZURICH – ENGELBERG – LUCERNE (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, guests check out and depart for sightseeing:

• Engelberg: Known as the “City of Angels”, Engelberg is famous for its majestic Alpine scenery and serves as the gateway to Mount Titlis.
• Engelberg – The “City of Angels”: This charming town is home to only a few hundred houses, each featuring unique architecture and distinctive beauty. Visitors often describe autumn in Engelberg as a journey through paradise, where nature and human creativity blend harmoniously — from lush green meadows at the foot of the magnificent Alps to peaceful wooden houses nestled along the riverside.
• Mount Titlis: Standing at over 3,200 meters above sea level, Mount Titlis offers all the elements of a perfect alpine destination. Visitors can admire breathtaking landscapes, immerse themselves in nature, and enjoy various recreational activities in both winter and summer. (Cable car ticket is not included.)

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, continue the journey to Lucerne.

Sightseeing:

• Lake Lucerne: One of the four largest and most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and charming villages.
• Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke): A historic wooden bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland, stretching approximately 240 meters across the Reuss River near the outlet of Lake Lucerne. It is the oldest surviving wooden covered bridge in Europe and one of Switzerland’s most iconic tourist attractions.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Check in at the hotel and overnight stay in Lucerne or the surrounding area.

DAY 7: LUCERNE – MILAN – VENICE MESTRE/PADUA (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, guests check out and depart for Milan (approximately 243 km).

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, visit:

• Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral): One of Milan’s most iconic landmarks, the cathedral impresses visitors with its unique and intricate exterior architecture. With delicate details and magnificent Gothic design, Duomo di Milano showcases grandeur and mystery. Beyond its stunning exterior, the cathedral also houses valuable artworks and a beautifully designed interior.
• Piazza della Scala: One of Milan’s most famous squares, located in the heart of the city.
• Teatro alla Scala (La Scala Opera House): Located at the northwestern corner of Piazza della Scala, this world-famous opera house is one of the most prestigious cultural symbols of Milan and European performing arts. In the center of the square stands the statue of Leonardo da Vinci, sculpted by renowned artist Pietro Magni. With its long history and distinctive architecture, La Scala attracts art and music lovers from around the world.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Free time for sightseeing and shopping at one of the world’s oldest and most elegant shopping arcades, featuring luxury boutiques and impressive architectural details.

The group continues the journey to Venice Mestre.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre or the surrounding area.

DAY 8: VENICE MESTRE – VENICE ISLAND – PISA (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, guests check out and begin sightseeing in Venice:

• Venice Island: Enjoy an unforgettable experience with a boat ride to admire the charming and romantic beauty of Venice from the water, including the city’s iconic architecture along both sides of the canals.
• St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco): A magnificent Byzantine architectural masterpiece and one of Venice’s most famous landmarks.
• Bridge of Sighs: Guests will have the opportunity to walk across this legendary bridge, which connects the former prisons to the interrogation rooms of the Doge’s Palace. The bridge is one of Venice’s most recognizable symbols and frequently appears on postcards and travel photographs.
• Murano Glass Workshop: Discover the traditional glassmaking techniques of Venetian artisans and enjoy the opportunity to purchase unique and exquisite Murano glass products.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue the journey to Pisa.

Sightseeing in Pisa:

• Leaning Tower of Pisa: One of Italy’s most famous landmarks. The tower has been reinforced with approximately 800 tons of lead counterweights to reduce its tilt. Guests can take memorable photos around the tower.
• Piazza del Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli – Square of Miracles): A vast walled area covering approximately 8.87 hectares in Pisa, Tuscany, Italy. It is an important center of medieval European art and one of the best-preserved architectural complexes in the world. The square is also considered a sacred site by the Catholic Church.
• Pisa Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni): Founded in 1152, it is the largest baptistery in Italy, standing 54.86 meters high with a diameter of 34.13 meters. Located within the Piazza dei Miracoli complex, it is an outstanding example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Pisa or the surrounding area.

DAY 9: PISA – ROME (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, guests check out and depart for Rome.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue sightseeing:

• Roman Forum: A rectangular plaza surrounded by the ruins of important ancient architectural structures in the heart of Rome. It was the center of political, religious, and social activities of ancient Rome.
• Colosseum: The symbol of the Roman Empire and one of the finest examples of preserved Roman architecture. The amphitheater was once used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and performances. (Outside visit only.)
• Trevi Fountain: A masterpiece of Baroque art and one of Rome’s most famous landmarks. Visitors often toss coins into the fountain as a tradition to wish for a return visit to the Eternal City of Rome.
• Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore): One of the oldest and most magnificent churches in Rome, housing the relic of the Holy Crib of the Infant Jesus. It is also considered one of the most important Marian churches in the world.
• Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna): One of Rome’s most iconic squares, famous for its elegant staircase and vibrant atmosphere.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Rome or the surrounding area.

DAY 10: ROME – VATICAN – AIRPORT (Breakfast, Lunch)

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and depart for sightseeing:

• St. Peter’s Square: One of the most famous squares in Vatican City, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and serving as the grand entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica.
• St. Peter’s Basilica: One of the holiest Catholic sites and one of the largest churches in the world. It is also the place where the Pope presides over many important religious ceremonies throughout the year.
• Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran: The cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) and the oldest of the four major basilicas of Rome. It is honored as the “Mother and Head of all Churches of the City and the World.”
• Free time for shopping and personal exploration.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for departure procedures and take the flight back to Vietnam (transit in Istanbul).
Scheduled flight:
TK1864 FCO – IST 19:55 – 23:35
TK162 IST – SGN 02:05 – 16:10 (+1)

Guests enjoy meals and rest on board.

DAY 11: HO CHI MINH CITY

16:10: Arrive in Vietnam. The tour ends. The tour guide says goodbye and looks forward to welcoming guests on future journeys.

IMPORTANT NOTES: The sightseeing locations in the itinerary may be adjusted flexibly depending on actual conditions and circumstances during the tour.