I got a list optionals from Cosmos. Any worth taking? I don't think some of these are part of my trip. I believe they sent me all possible optionals, for every trip in Europe.

Brussels
Evening City Sightseeing
See the main sights of this city which has something for all tastes and interests. Visit the beautiful Grand Place with its 17th century guild houses. End the evening with a visit to a typical Brussels historical cafe to enjoy a glass of old fashioned Belgian beer.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $29

Florence
Tuscan Flavours
A lovely evening with musical entertainment at a restaurant in the Tuscan countryside. You'll be served an aperitif, a choice of five courses, red and white wine, mineral water, coffee, and a glass of sparkling Italian spumante.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $63

Uffizi Gallery
Admire the world's greatest collection of Italian and Florentine
art. The gallery showcases works by Leonardo da Vinci,
Botticelli, and Michelangelo.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $40

London
A Taste of London Daily April to October
Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion
includes a tasty four-course dinner with wine at a first class restaurant close to the famous Tower Bridge followed by an illumination cruise on the River Thames taking in many well known landmarks.
Apr 15, 2007-Oct 15, 2007 $99

Afternoon Excursion to Windsor Castle Daily
Enjoy your guided visit to the Queen's favorite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The highlight is the newly refurbished state rooms.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $59

Tower of London and Crown Jewels Afternoons daily
Let your guide bring the 900-year-old Tower Of London to life before you inspect the fabulous Crown Jewels. Afternoons daily.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $59

Lucerne
Mount Stanserhorn
A trip up the Stanserhorn mountain for breathtaking views is an experience not to be missed. The Mt. Stanserhorn Railway is a combination of an old-time funicular, which has romantic 100-year-old carriages with fringed curtains, and a modern aerial cable car, which takes you to the 6,300 ft. peak in about
30 minutes.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $50

Scenic Lake Cruise
An hour's guided cruise on the most beautiful lake in
Switzerland gives you an introduction to this lovely city from a completely different aspect. With its many bays, it offers superb panoramas of the surrounding landscape. The area is rich in historical associations, particularly the William Tell legend.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $29

Swiss Folklore Evening
Contrary to belief, not all Swiss can yodel or blow the alp horn, but those you will meet at your after-dinner folklore party are real experts. They entertain you with merry melodies on the accordion and traditional dances, while you sample cheese fondue and a drink of your choice.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $52

Paris
Cabaret Show
A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to a typical
cabaret show. A magical evening, either at the Nouvelle Eve situated in the heart of Pigalle or at the Paradis Latin built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel. A glass of champagne is served during the show.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $80

Farewell Dinner & Montmartre
Start the evening with a visit to Montmartre, the heart of Bohemian Paris, with time to see the Sacre-Coeur Church. After a panoramic view of the city, proceed to a restaurant for a memorable four-course dinner with an aperitif and wine.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $72

Versailles Sun King's Palace (Sat-Sun)
Historic Versailles is the beautiful, recently restored palace of Louis XIV, the Sun King. After the guided tour of the palace, you can stroll in the magnificent terraced gardens with their fountains and statues. The Palace of Versailles is open every day except Mondays and bank holidays. On these days, tour directors will offer alternative sights to be visited.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $68

Rhine River
Lorelei And Its Castles
Cruise down the most legendary section of the mighty Rhine passing the Lorelei Rock. Hear the story (and maybe the song) of the Lorelei. Travel through the Rhine's narrow gorge, and see its castles, steep fjord-like mountains, half timbered wine villages and terraced vineyards perched high above you. This
cruise will be a highlight of your cultural voyage along the Rhine Valley. Note that the Rhine between Bingen and Koblenz was declared a protected UNESCO World Cultural Heritage this year.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $25

Rome
Castelli Romani With Dinner
Drive through the ancient villages in the Alban Hills, a
landscape of rare beauty, myths, legends and history. Take pictures of the Pope's summer residence, Castel Gandolfo. Then to Frascati where one of the famous local white wines is included with your dinner in a tavern.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $63

Tivoli With Dinner
Tivoli is infinitely rich from all points of view, and its enchanting Villa d'Este gardens are undeniably one of the most famous water parks of Europe. Enjoy dinner with wine accompanied by music in a local restaurant.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $58

Treasures Of Rome BN & Dinner
A night tour including some of the city's fountains and majestic squares: Piazza Barberini, Triton Fountain, Via Veneto, Villa Borghese, and Trevi Fountain. Finish the evening with a meal in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music included.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $63

Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
A tour around the Vatican museums to admire the beautiful tapestry gallery and the Sistine Chapel with masterpieces by Botticelli and Signorelli. See the "Genesis" and Michelangelo's "Last Judgement."
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $63

Sorrento
Magical Island Tour
This romantic island, one of the jewels of the Mediterranean Sea, has always inspired artists and poets. Once the "In" place for Roman emperors, today it is a rendezvous for the jet set. Take a chair lift to Monte Solaro for a breathtaking view of the
entire Bay of Naples or visit Capri Miniature if the chair lift is closed.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $45

Sorrento Flavours
Enjoy an evening out dining in a typical local restaurant.
Mixed starter, choice of pizza or pasta, dessert, wine, mineral water and coffee or tea or the famous Sorrento lemon liquor included.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $31

Sorrento Traditional Musical
Enjoy an evening of Neapolitan songs and dances presented on stage with a continuous change of scenery. Included is free flowing wine, spumante or soft drinks that are served before and after the show on a beautiful terrace overlooking the Bay of Naples and the port of Sorrento.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $33

Tarantella
A cheerful evening with music and sparkling wine. Watch a performance of the intriguing Tarantella, a 17th-century Neapolitan folk dance that was thought to cure the bite of the tarantula.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $25

Venice
By Night And Caffe Florian
Enjoy a motorboat ride along the impressive Giudecca Canal with your tour director's commentary of the most important sights. A leisurely walk to St. Mark's Square, past famous buildings, small bridges and inner canals, will take you to the historical Caffe Florian with its orchestra playing Italian and international old favorites. You will be served two drinks of your choice - beer, soft drinks, glass of wine, hot beverages - or ice cream.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $52

Discover The Venetian Lagoon
By private boat cross the lagoon to the picturesque fishing island of Burano with its gaily painted houses. See lace makers at work; then there's time to explore this unforgettable island on your own before returning to Venice.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $30

Gondola Serenade
This is one of the highlights of any European holiday - a
gondola ride through centuries-old canals, under famous
arched bridges, and past lavish palaces and quaint piazzas.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $50

Venetian Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely walk to St. Mark's Square, passing famous buildings, small bridges and inner canals. The TD will take you to a typical Venetian restaurant for an aperitif before your four-course dinner including wine, mineral water and after dinner coffee.
Mar 22, 2007-Mar 21, 2008 $60

We were on the From Rome to London trip and took many optionals in some of the cities you will visit:

Rome: Vatican and Sistine Chapel - wonderful tour with wonderful guide (Nemo/Memo?). . We also saw St. Peter's because we asked him to take us there (it is not part of this optional but should be). . We also did the Rome at night tour and the restaurant was wonderful, more delicious food than you could possibly eat and all the wine you could drink and seeing the city and fountains at night was very memorable. Both of these were worth the price.

Florence: We did the tuscan meal at night at a wonderful villa. The food, again, was outstanding and the owner of the villa was a real entertainer. Again, lots of food and all the wine you can drink. The Uffizi was not offered as we were only in Florence overnight and for a city tour in the morning and there was no time, unfortunately. I know if you try to go on your own, there may be a long wait and in order or purchase tickets ahead of time you would have to know your time schedule.

Venice: We did the Venetian dinner and it was not as good as the others, but seeing Venice at night was very memorable. We did the gondola ride on our own for the same amount of money, but we were the only people on the gondola. If you go with the optional, you will share the ride.

Lucerne: We did the Mt. Titlus trip and it was probably one of the most memorable things we did. You mention a different trip, but seeing the mountains and the ride up the mountain is breathtaking.

Paris: We did the farewell dinner and Montmartre and it, again, was wonderful. Montmartre is fun and the dinner was excellent as was the wine and entertainment. For us it was the last time we'd all be together and that made it more special.

We did our own Golden Tour of London as our stay was an add-on day for us but it included the Tower of London. There is much to see there and it takes a good bit of time but very worthwhile. Our tour was an entire day and included Westminster, Changing of the Guard, Tower of London (with included lunch), walking over the Millenium bridge, photo op of St. Paul's, a boat ride on the Thames and a ride on the London Eye. All for $125 per person, which was very reasonable.

We enjoyed every one of our optionals and found the convenience more than worth what it cost since time is so limited and finding your way around takes awhile. Have a great trip!

That is funny that you replied. I am re-reading your previous trip review. It is very thorough. Thank you for the great information. Although, you guys are either very lucky or very positive people. Especially compared to the other reviews from Cosmos.

How long are you going to be in Paris? There should be a tour for the Louvre (1.5 hr long). . For our upcoming "Wonders of Europe" tour, we plan to sign up for that one as well as the farewell dinner.

I'll be in Paris the last two days of the trip. I thought the optional tour was Versailles. I think my tour (Focus on Italy and Paris) does an optional Cabaret the first night, then Versailles the next day. I was presuming that I would be on my own, most of Paris.
Maybe I am wrong.

Your Paris leg of the trip sounds the same as our upcoming "Wonders of Europe" tour. If we sign up for the Cabaret show the first night, and do the included Paris tour, Louvre, Sersailles and farewell dinner, we will have little if any time on our own.
For now, we plan to skip the Cabaret show and follow Jeniceves' lead to go to Eiffel Tower the first night. Hopefully, the metro is not too difficult to handle.
Are you going to be in Paris on Monday and Tuesday? Since the Louvre is closed on Tuesday, maybe this is the reason the Louvre excursion is not included in your tour.

We arrive in Paris on Saturday night, just in time for the Cabaret show; which I am passing. I plan to go eat and see the Eiffel Tower, on my own.

But, according to the intenery, Sun we will have an Included guided tour of tons of places like the Eiffel Tour and Louvre. Or you can opt to pay $68 to go see some empty rooms and a pretty garden-Versailles.

I rather see more than just Versailles, when in Paris. After reading some of the old reviews, you don't have much time for anything if you go to Versailles. Actually, if you really want to do Versailles, it is only a 30min train ride if you go it alone. I plan on not.

Rome- My question however, is it worth paying $63 to be able to walk into the Vatican and Sistine Chapel? If booked directly, it is only 4 Euros. But, because I am in a Group and don't know Italian, it would be difficult for me to pick up the tickets.

Although not necessarily with Cosmos, I have read glowing reviews of the mountain ride in Lucerne and the lagoon trip in Venice. Also, from what I've read, there are 2 lines into the Vatican. One for tour groups and one for everyone else. The tour group line works much faster as they let those folks in first. And I don't know if you go on your own if you get a guided tour or if you just walk around.

Also, just curious, where did you read bad reviews about Cosmos? I'd like to read over those.

Rome- Vatican & Sistine Chapel

Entrance Fee for the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: 13 Euros
Entrance Fee for the Vatican Historical Museum: 4 Euros

Audio Guides: in 6 languages. 6.00 Euros

The Vatican provides guided tours for individuals:
-Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (2hrs) 23.50 Euros
-Vatican Gardens (2hrs) 12 Euros

Guided Tours for Groups:
-Vatican Museums and Sistine chapel (2hrs) 23.50 Euros
-Vatican Gardens & Sistine Chapel (3hrs) 26.50 Euros
-Vatican Gardens (2hrs) 13.50 Euros

How to Reserve:
It is necessary to book in advance by fax.
Bookings are valid only if you receive our fax confirmation to be shown at the "Guided Tours" desk on the day of the visit.

For guided tours of individuals, and advanced booking is needed from one month to one week to the date of the visit.

For guided tours of groups, an advanced looking is needed from two months to two weeks to the date of the visit.


Lucerne: I have heard a lot about Mt. Titlus, but the option sent to me was Mt. Stanserhorn. Is this the same place? Maybe they changed the option.

For Lucerne in our "Wonders of Europe" tour in Sep, the following optional excurisions are available:
Swiss Folklore Evening From To Currency/Price
22-Mar-2007 21-Mar-2008 USD $52.00
Contrary to belief, not all Swiss can yodel or blow the alp horn, but
those you will meet at your after-dinner folklore party are real
experts. They entertain you with merry melodies on the accordion and
traditional dances, while you sample cheese fondue and a drink of your
choice.


Scenic Lake Cruise From To Currency/Price
22-Mar-2007 21-Mar-2008 USD $29.00
An hour's guided cruise on the most beautiful lake in Switzerland gives
you an introduction to this lovely city from a completely different
aspect. With its many bays, it offers superb panoramas of the
surrounding landscape. The area is rich in historical associations,
particularly the William Tell legend.


Mount Titlis From To Currency/Price
22-Mar-2007 21-Mar-2008 USD $70.00
Drive to Alpine Engelberg to take the Titlis-Rotair, the world's first
revolving cable car, up to 10,000 feet where eternal snow resists even
the summer sun. A panoramic view all the way up with 360 degree vistas
of glaciers and icefalls. Also on the agenda is a visit to the Ice
Grotto.


The Titlis Ice Flyer From To Currency/Price
22-Mar-2007 21-Mar-2008 USD $8.00
An extension to the Mount Titlis excursion, the Ice Flyer is a
chairlift, specially equipped to protect travelers from wind, snow and
rain. The 2,460-foot journey lasts six minutes and you can enjoy an
absolutely unique and unforgettable ride just a few feet above the
Titlis Glacier.

Lucerne:
Okay, I guess I don't get Mt. Titlis.
I have the option of Mt. Stanserhorn instead.

The brochure states that it is a cable car ride to the summit of Mt. Stanserhorn.
Can anyone tell me if that is any good?

Does anybody know the names of the towns visited during the Rhine River cruise? We're trying to decide whether to skip the river cruise to explore the towns. Thanks!