Nothing in recent times has stirred the interest in the life and works of Leonardo Da Vinci as the best-selling book, The Da Vinci Code. The controversial novel has spawned a new-found level of interest in the history, art and culture of Europe as it weaves its thrilling tale against the backdrop of some of the world's greatest cities.

Now Trafalgar gives you the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Da Vinci on a truly memorable vacation. You will witness firsthand not only the incredible locations featured in the story, but many other legendary sights as you journey through Italy, France, Switzerland, England and Scotland.

And who better to take you on this unforgettable journey than Trafalgar? We have been showing people the sights of Europe for almost 60 years, with an unrivalled reputation for quality, service and value for money. Discover why we're proud to be known as the world's favorite touring company.

We invite you to join us on a once in a lifetime vacation and experience for yourself the unforgettable Trail of Da Vinci.

 

Operator	Trafalgar Tours
Offer	Offer valid through 12/4/2006
Itinerary	Day Destination Description Day 1  Rome On arrival in Rome you are met and transferred to your hotel, where you will have time to relax and unwind or start exploring the Eternal City, before we meet with our Tour Director and fellow travellers this evening. Find out more about your tour at a welcome dinner followed by dinner in a Roman trattoria. (Highlight Dinner) Day 2  Rome Today we enjoy a full day sightseeing of Rome with our local guide. We start with a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, visit St Peter’s Basilica and St Peter’s Square designed by Bernini. Our tour now explores the sights and monuments accociated with Dan Brown’s powerful novel “Angels and Demons” .We then see the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo which was the meeting point of the Illuminati. Cross the Tiber and view the Forum, the mighty Colosseum and enjoy a walking tour of Piazza Navona and Bernini’s Four Rivers Fountain in front of the Church of St Agnes in Agony. Our walk continues to the Piazza del Pantheon where we visit this ancient building and where so many mysteries wereunravelled in the book. We will also visit the Piazza del Popolo and the church at Piazza Barberini where murder and fire broke out! An exciting day of mystery and myth! (Buffet Breakfast) Day 3  Florence After breakfast we leave the delights of Rome and and drive through the Chianti wine-producing region of Tuscany to Renaissance Florence. On arrival a sightseeing tour on foot including the Cathedral, Baptistry, Signoria Square and visiting Santa Croce Basilica is an incredible introduction to this Renaissance city. The rest of the day is at leisure – maybe visit one of the many museums. Dinner this evening is at the hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Day 4  Milan We travel into Northern Italy this morning to Milan. With our local guide we visit Santa Maria delle Grazie where Da Vinci’s Last Supper is displayed. Our guide will then take us to Il Duomo, the Galleria and the famous La Scala Opera House. The rest of the day is at leisure. (Buffet Breakfast) Day 5  Geneva Today we leave Milan and head to the Italian Lakes driving along Lake Maggiore. We stop at elegant Stresa opposite the picturesque Borromean Islands. Then we drive up into the foothills of the Alps climbing towards Switzerland and the Simplon Pass. Driving along the Rhone Valley we reach Geneva. The Jet d’Eau, United Nations Building and the Reformation Monument are all highlighted on our orientation tour on arrival. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Day 6  Paris Today leaving the shores of Lake Geneva, we drive through the region of the Jura, dotted with small towns and villages to the border of France at Vallorbe. Then through the hills near Besancon, into Burgundy, where we stop to take a picture of Savigny-Les-Beaune vineyards. Next on past Auxerrois vineyards and through Fontainbleau forest and past the Palace of Francis I, the renaissance king who brought Leonardo to France. Finally we arrive in Paris. (Buffet Breakfast) Day 7  Paris Our guided sightseeing will begin at the Place Vendome where the Hotel Ritz is to be found. From here you will be taken on an included walking tour of the major sights featured in the Da Vinci Code. You will walk along the rue de Rivoli and across the Palace du Carousel, where Sophie Neveu and Langdon start their flight from the Louvre. Here you can see the Arc de Triomphe, Place due Carrousel and look down on the inverted pyramid. Across the river Seine, you will be taken to see the church of St Sulpice where Silas goes in search of the Holy Grail. This Neo Classical church built in the 17th century has a narrow brass strip which marks the original zero longitude line, the Rose Line used as a reference point in the book. This is in the St Germain area close to the Jardin de Luxembourg and the famous Boulevard St Michel. The remainder of the day is free for you to contemplate, explore and relax! (Buffet Breakfast) Day 8  Paris After breakfast we take you to the Louvre, where you can see the Mona Lisa and the other paintings mentioned in the early chapters of the Da Vinci Code. Stand in the underground entrance hall below Pei's pyramid and decide for yourself whether it is magnificent or 'a scar on the face of Paris'.Tthe Mona Lisa is once again hung in the newly refurbished Salle des États. The first floor of the Denon Wing of the Louvre is largely dedicated to Italian paintings and it is here you can see the paintings mentioned in the early chapters of the book. You will have some free time for further exploration if you wish. Later this afternoon we depart for our tour of Chateau de Villette – fictional home of Sir Leigh Teabing, for an evening of history, culture and cuisine! We will have a guided tour of the Chateau de Villette, followed by fine gourmet dining accompanied by fine wine in a spectacular setting! (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner) Day 9  Paris Free day at leisure for you to enjoy the French capital. (Buffet Breakfast) Day 10  London After breakfast we say goodbye to Paris and travel to Calais to board our ferry to Dover, and follow Robert Langdon in his quest to solve the Da Vinci code, to London. (Buffet Breakfast) Day 11  London Our tour of London this morning takes us to Temple Church, situated in Inner Temple, where the search began for the Holy Grail. We then drive down Fleet Street, passing Kings College where with the help of a resident researcher Langdon and Neveu searched for the meaning in the clue “in London lies a knight a pope interred”. Past Trafalgar Square and Whitehall before our included visit to Westminster Abbey. The rest of your day is free for your own exploration. (English Breakfast) Day 12  London Today is yours at leisure to discover the more of traditional sights of London. You could even visit The National Gallery to see some more of Da Vinci’s painting. The choice is yours! (English Breakfast) Day 13  Edinburgh We depart London by train to Edinburgh this morning, taking in the scenery along the way. On arrival into Edinburgh you will have some free time before we have dinner at the hotel. (English Breakfast / Dinner) Day 14  Edinburgh With our local guide this morning we visit the imposing castle, enjoy views of Holyrood House and the Royal Mile. Then we leave Edinburgh to visit the Rosslyn Chapel. The chapel has been described as a “Tapestry in Stone”, and Knights Templar claim that the ornate stonemasonry is a secret code which when broken will reveal the whereabouts of the Holy Grail! (Engish Breakfast) Day 15  Edinburgh Time to bid farewell as we transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (English Breakfast)
Dates/Pricing	Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available! Date Description Price From Quote September 16, 2006 †Land Only $3,485.00 (USD) October 07, 2006 †Land Only $3,485.00 (USD) November 07, 2006 †Land Only $3,299.00 (USD) December 04, 2006 †Land Only $3,299.00 (USD)
Disclaimer	* Please note The December departure itinerary in Paris will operate in a different order, but all inclusions will be provided. †Prices are per person, land only and based on double occupancy. Single room supplement summer departures (9/16 & 10/7): $1,050.00 and winter departures (11/7 & 12/4): $830.00. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to and from Europe (available upon request for additional cost), airport taxes and fees, passport and visa fees, insurances of all kinds and meals not detailed in the itinerary. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. *Days 9 & 10 vary slightly depending on departure date. Call for details. CST# 2077132-20