Day one – overnight flight to Rome
Today you will board an overnight flight to Rome.

Day two - overnight Monte Cassino area
This morning we will arrive in the bustling Italian capital, Rome. You’ll be able to sit back and rest as we
travel about an hour and a half southward to the region of Monte Cassino where a comfortable little hotel
awaits. This afternoon, you’ll be able to rest and freshen up from your travel. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a nice
welcome dinner at our hotel. (Early dinner)

Day five – travel to Pisa and onto Florence
Rise and Shine! Today is a busy day of travel as we head northward to the legendary city of Pisa. You’ll see plenty of interesting sights along the way - we’ll stop for a picnic lunch en route. This afternoon you will arrive in Pisa where you will visit the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) with a local guide. You’ll see the famous Leaning Tower and the Baptistry.  We’ll tour the interior of the Duomo, Pisa’s stunning medieval cathedral and we’ll also see the Campo Santo, which is a monumental cemetery dating from the middle ages. In Pisa you will discover the heavy toll which Allied bombing took on some of Italy’s (and humanity’s) irreplaceable cultural treasures, you’ll begin to truly understand the significance of the Nisei soldier’s contribution to the liberation of Europe. During the course of this 13-day tour you’ll learn with your own eyes and you will develop a true appreciation for the culture and history of Europe. Pisa is a good starting point. By the time we reach the overwhelmingly historic city of Florence this afternoon, you’ll have followed in some of the footsteps of the 442nd’s campaign in the summer and early fall of 1944 along the famous Arno River. (B, D)

Day six – exploring Florence
Today after a hearty breakfast at our hotel we will set out to explore Florence, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. We’ll take a walking tour with a local guide in the heart of the historic district. You’ll learn that Florence is one of the greatest art centers that the world has ever seen (geniuses like Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci worked here and left an indelible mark on society and culture). Our walking tour will include all of the important highlights and will end at the impressive Duomo, Florence’s most iconic landmark. You will be able to enjoy lunch on your own in the heart of the city. An afternoon tour to a museum (perhaps to see Michelangelo’s David) or leisure and shopping time are possible. (B)

Day seven - exploring Tuscany (overnight in Florence)
A fine day of sightseeing and adventure begins today as we head for the hills on a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside. We’ll visit the remarkable gothic town of Siena, famous for it’s medieval streets where we will also tour it’s ancient cathedral. We’ll enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch in the Sienese hills where Chianti wines are produced.  After lunch, we’ll visit a local winery followed by a visit to an olive farm.  Later in the day, we’ll travel to nearby San Gimignano where you can roam the maze of cobbled streets and small squares, grab a gelato and walk between San Gimignano’s famous 14 towers. After a fine day of sightseeing throughout Tuscany, we will return to our comfortable little hotel in Florence where a nice informal dinner awaits. (B, L, D)

Day eight - travel through Switzerland to rural France
A busy day of travel today as we shift from the story of the 442nd’s Italian military campaign, to the story of the liberation of France and the legendary tale of the Lost Battalion. To do so, we have a lot of territory to cross! You’ll likely enjoy the scenery along the way as we’ll be crossing some of the prettiest areas in Europe. We’ll stop at a Swiss truck stop en-route to France for dinner. Tonight we will arrive in a charming French town where we will spend the next two nights. (B, D)

Day nine - Visit Bruyeres region - Lost Battalion
Today we will explore the French region of the Vosges around the historic towns of Bruyeres and Biffontaine where the 442nd fought valiantly against Hitler’s troops in October and November of 1944. You’ll learn all about the exploits of the Nisei in  France as well as the famous Lost Battalion. It is remarkable to imagine how these young Japanese-American soldiers must have felt, thousands of miles away from home - battling at the very doorstep of the German Reich - facing a formidable German foe, in the cold of November! Aside from historical interest, the region is very scenic to visit. Even people who are not military history buffs enjoy this day greatly. Tonight you’ll enjoy a nice rustic French meal. (B, L, D)

Day ten - Visit Champagne Region, travel to Paris.
An exciting day as we leave the Vosges for the French region of Champagne. After an interesting visit to a fine Champagne-maker, we travel to nearby Epernay where we will visit several important sites relating to the
United States’ involvement in WWI. One of the highlights of the day will be a visit to the Chateau Thierry War Monument. Afterwards, we’ll travel eastward to the French Capital, Paris. After the dark stories of a difficult war campaign, the happy, glittering lights of Paris, Europe’s “City of Light” will be a wonderful change of pace. Tonight we’ll celebrate the freedoms we all enjoy with a fine tour of vibrant Paris at night - and a fabulous dinner! (B, L, D)

Day eleven - Paris
A fine day of sightseeing begins today as you explore the city with Philippe on foot, by bus and by Paris famous Metro (subway) system. You’ll see all of the major highlights of the French Capital, including the Arcde-Triomphe, Notre-Dame, The Champs-Elysees and more! This afternoon, you’ll have free time for shopping or exploring any aspect of the city that interest you. As always, Philippe will be on hand to help you find whatever you are looking for during your free time. This evening, you’ll experience a classical music concert in a spectacular setting before a wonderful farewell dinner in a magnificent French restaurant. (B, D)

Day twelve - Paris, return flights home
This morning, after a hearty French breakfast, Philippe will take you to Paris’ Charles-de-Gaulle Airport where you will board a return flight home. (B)

(this tour itinerary is subject to change)

Join a small group tour to Europe led by a thoughtful and well-experienced tour leader.  For the past 18 years, Philippe Thériault has been escorting guests exclusively for Yamato Travel Bureau. He’s dependable, knowledgeable, fun-loving and patient.  Most importantly, he’s passionate about travel. His priority is to make your tour operate as smoothly as possible so that you can focus on enjoying each destination.  Philippe’s tours are small and friendly. Group sizes generally range from 5 to 15 guests. Smaller groups make it possible for us to show you more and to visit places that larger bus groups can’t.

This tour includes:
- a tour leader who will accompany your small group (see “Philippe Thériault” below)
- land transportation within Europe as described in the itinerary
- accommodations in carefully selected hotels and inns
- most of your meals: 9 dinners; 4 lunches; breakfast each day
- entrance fees to all of the activities described in the itinerary
- local tours with local guides in Monte Cassino, Rome, Florence and Paris

This tour does not include:
- transatlantic airfare:
Your tour begins in Rome, Italy (airport code FCO Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport) and ends in Paris,
France (airport code CDG Charles-de-Gaulle airport).

Rates:
- Peak travel season (April, May, June, July, August, September)
$ 5400.00 per person in double occupancy $ 6250.00 per person in single occupancy
- Off peak travel season (January, February, March, October, November, December)
$ 5000.00 per person in double occupancy $ 5950.00 per person in single occupancy
Based on a group of six passengers - please call us for a quote based on specific dates