Exploring the Beauty of Paris and the History of Italy

Kick off this 11-day adventure by losing yourself under the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower at night. Then, a quick plane ride whisks you away to Italy where you’ll trade baguettes for gelato in Venice. After wandering along the canals, your next stop is Florence before your trip culminates with a visit to the Colosseum in Rome. This vacation includes:

• Round-trip airfare from New York City
• Airline taxes and fuel surcharges
• Flight from Paris to Venice
• 2 nights of accommodations at Kyriad Bercy Village in Paris
• 2 nights of accommodations at Hotel Amadeus in Venice
• 2 nights of accommodations at Grand Hotel Mediterraneo in Florence
• 3 nights of accommodations at Grand Hotel Palatino in Rome
• Transportation between cities via Standard rail with reserved seats
• Daily breakfast

Paris

Every visitor to Paris eventually finds the Seine river, which bisects the city on its route from Dijon in the Alps out to the English Channel. Centuries-old bridges span the iconic waterway, linking the once-bohemian Left Bank to the Right Bank. Several of Paris’s most revered attractions sit directly on the riverfront, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is located on the Seine’s oblong-shaped isle, Île de la Cité.

• Take in the view from the top of Notre-Dame Cathedral instead of the Eiffel Tower for a chance to see Gothic architecture up close.
• Romantic spot: The steps in front of the Sacre-Coeur basilica offer gorgeous nighttime views of the city.
• The cafés: Head to Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore to sip coffee where Hemingway, Camus, Picasso, Sartre, and de Beauvoir once did.

Venice

No matter where you go in Venice, you’re hardly ever more than a few feet from the water. The city is built along the Mediterranean coast amid a winding system of canals, and the best way to explore it is by boat. Hop one of the local waterbuses—called vaporetti in Italian—to travel to the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, and other sites along the Grand Canal as well as to the small islands that surround the city center.

• Peggy Guggenheim Collection: This modern art museum houses seminal works in Cubism and other styles. Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and Max Ernst (to whom Guggenheim was married) are all represented.
• Doge’s Palace: Once the residence of the city’s supreme ruler, this 14th-century Venetian Gothic icon today serves as a museum celebrating Venice’s history and culture.
• **We know it’s touristy . . . ** but you’ll kick yourself if you miss out on riding a gondola along the Grand Canal. Your gondolier might even serenade you.

Florence

Florence is a hub of Renaissance art and Italian design. It was the longtime home of such artists as Michelangelo and Botticelli, and fashion behemoth Gucci got its start here centuries later. While you’re in Florence, be sure to check out Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery or the Galleria dell’Accademia, where Michelangelo’s David stands.

• Ponte Vecchio: Butchers originally worked the stalls along this covered stone bridge across the Arno River. Today it’s loaded with vendors selling jewelry, cheap watercolors, and souvenir trinkets.
• Giotto’s Bell Tower: If you want to get a good snapshot of the Duomo from above, climb the neighboring bell tower, which stands at 277 feet tall.

Rome

Rome is a city of contrasts—where Vespa scooters whiz past ancient ruins, and photo-snapping tourists share picturesque plazas with impossibly chic fashionistas sporting designs from top Italian designers. Here are some things to see during your stint in the Eternal City:

• Villa Borghese gardens: Nearly 200 acres of naturalistic landscaping, ponds, and wooded areas make up Rome’s most beloved park.
• Trevi Fountain is flowing again after a long restoration. Take a moment to toss a coin in; legend has it that if you do, you’re destined to return to Rome.
• Epic architecture: Visit the majestic Colosseum to see where gladiators once battled lions (and one another) for glory in ancient Rome. Go early to avoid long lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal? Airfare is available from the New York City metro area. The departure airport (JFK, EWR or LGA) will be advised at the time of booked based on availability. The supplemental fee to depart from a city that isn’t included is subject to departure date and availability at the time of booking.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal? Yes, you may extend your trip for a supplemental fee at the time of booking. Please call Gate 1 Travel at (800) 682-3333 for more information.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available? The dates available are listed on each option.

4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available? You can either choose another date or be refunded by Groupon. We suggest calling Gate 1 Travel at (800) 682-3333 to redeem your vouchers as soon as possible so that you do not run into this problem.

5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room? Children under 12 do not need a Groupon voucher. Different occupancy arrangements can be requested at the time of redemption. Contact Gate 1 Travel directly for child fares (800) 682-3333.

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