Galaxy Far Far Away Tour 2016

Our adventure into the Star Wars Universe begins with an alpine flavour as everyone arrives in the city of Geneva. Known as a worldwide center for diplomacy, it includes many of the agencies of the United Nations. The city also hosts the highest number of international organizations in the world, and was where the Geneva Conventions were signed to help with how prisoners of war are treated. I wonder what the Trade Federation would’ve made of it?

You will be given detailed instructions on how to meet up with our Geek Nation Tours representative and the rest of the tour participants at the hotel (please note that you’ll always be in constant contact with our representative).

Everyone will have the day to relax and explore Geneva. You could take a relaxing walk alongside the impressive Lake Geneva, enjoy a visit to the beautiful Cathedral St. Pierre or even take a trip to the Favarger chocolate shop, famous for their local Swiss delicacies. After your exploration of this strange new system, make sure you return in time for the welcome evening meal. This’ll be a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers, talk all things Star Wars and share in the excitement of what’s to come. Try not to be late, the Dark Lord (your tour rep) might not look kindly on tardiness.

Overnight Location: Geneva, Switzerland

In keeping with the science-fiction theme, we shall heading to the world famous particle physics laboratory in Cern, home of the Hadron Collider. They use the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter – the fundamental particles. The particles are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives the physicists clues about how the particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. The force is strong with these physicists.

We will be given a morning tour of this fascinating facility, to learn more about the fundamental research they do. I’ve even heard they’re working on some sort of huge space station, nicknamed the Death Star?

After some lunch, we’ll enjoy a relaxing coach journey, taking in the wondrous countryside of Switzerland.  We will also be watching a Star Wars movie on the journey, and you’ll get to take part in the first chapter of the Star Wars trivia quiz.

Late afternoon, we will arrive in Lucerne, near the Swiss Alps. Located in central Switzerland, this city long been a popular tourist destination. Visitors come for the wonderful views including Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. You’ll have the rest of the evening to marvel at the mountain range. And don’t worry you’ll get your chance to see the views from the top of one of the mountains.

Your tour rep will be booking a restaurant for an evening meal so that we can all hang out and continue building friendships and sharing in the joy of Star Wars.

Overnight Location: Lucerne, Switzerland

Get ready to enjoy some breath taking views, as we spend the day heading up the Swiss Alps. This range of mountains was used to film scenes to represent the backdrop of Alderaan in “Revenge of the Sith”, as the ship carrying Bail Prestor Organa brings home Leia to raise as his own child.  Our guide will take us on a scenic drive through the Swiss Alps before we board a cog train and head to Europe’s highest railway station to enjoy panoramic views from an observation terrace.

We will return from this amazing trip in the early evening in time for dinner. After this you’ll have time to relax, in readiness for the next part of our journey.

Overnight Location: Lucerne, Switzerland

Today, we depart Switzerland by motor coach and head to the passionate country of Italy. As well as more talk about what have been the tour highlights so far, you’ll get to watch another movie, and most importantly, participate in the second chapter of our Star Wars quiz.

Once we’ve arrived, we’ll enjoy some lunch whilst taking in the eye-opening views surrounding the area, after which we’ll be boarding a taxi boat and enjoying a short journey across the beautiful Lake Como to visit Villa del Balbienello. This delightful Villa is where Anakin and Padme’s wedding ceremony was filmed. Rising up on a sheer promontory, you’ll enjoy the same beautiful view that you see in Attack of the Clones, with the sun shining over the lake in the distance as the couple declare their vows, with C3PO and R2D2 witnessing the special occasion.

After dinner, we will spend the evening celebrating the special occasion by visiting some of fine bars in the area and sampling some wonderful Italian wines.

Overnight Location: Lake Como, Italy

Today you will be able to explore the Lake Como area on your own. You hang out at a cafe for the day or take strolls by the lake. We will gather for a late group dinner tonight and a bit of Star Wars boad gaming…

Overnight Location: Lake Como, Italy

We’ll be heading out in the morning to see even more of Italy and in the coming days another location used in the movies. After a morning coach journey, taking in another movie, we’ll be boarding a plane and flying to the city of Naples.

As most of the day will be spent travelling, we’ll be going on a tour of the city at night. You’ll get to see some of the wonderful architectural sights the city is famous for, including Castle Nuovo, Piazza Triste e Trento, where the cool Neapolitans hang out, and the Galleria Umberto I with it’s marvelous glass-roofed arcade. The tour will include an authentic Neapolitan pizza at one of Naples best pizzerias.

Overnight Location: Naples, Italy

Today is another opportunity to visit a movie location. We’ll be spending time at the Royal Palace of Caserta. The interior of this huge royal residence featured as Queen Amidala’s royal palace. You will recognize the majestic interior of this 18^th century palace from several scenes in both “The Phantom Menace” (such as the Trade Federation descending the stairs with their battle droids, having just taken over the Royal Palace) and “Attack of the Clones” (as Anakin and Padme return to Naboo).  You’ll get to enjoy the same views as Queen Amidala did, looking out across the huge bay windows to take in the incredible gardens.

You’ll also have time to make the most of our last day in Italy, as we’ll be leaving for the next stage of our European tour. You could take a tour of the fascinating Bourbon Tunnel, go on a shopping expedition to the many unique gift shops, or just watch the world go by while enjoying an Espresso at an authentic Italian café. As always your tour rep will be on hand to help find you something to do, and will be booking a local restaurant in the evening if you wish to join us.

Overnight Location: Naples, Italy

We will be getting closer to Star Wars Celebration, both in time and distance, as we’ll be switching on the hyperdrive and travelling to London for the final leg of our journey. It’ll be a short flight to the airport before heading to the hotel. On the way we’ll be holding the final part of the quiz, will the force be with you, or will you let the dark side muddle your mind?

You have the afternoon available to explore London, or get in some rest after your travels. Your tour rep will be heading to a local cinema to dive into some popcorn, sit back and catch up on the latest movie release, and you’ll be more than welcome to join them (no Star Wars films I’m afraid, but I’m sure there’ll be plenty of summer movies to appeal to most tastes).

You are free to make your own evening meal arrangements if you wish. Your tour rep will also be booking a restaurant if you wish to join us.

Overnight Location: London, England

We’ll be making the most of our time in London today, starting off with a visit to Madame Tussauds. You’ll get the chance to enjoy the Star Wars universe in this unique, immersive experience featuring 16 of the most famous heroes and villains in scenes from some of the most iconic moments from the Star Wars universe. Click here to see a virtual tour of this amazing display. You’ll also get to rub shoulders with Hollywood movie stars, the Royal family, Marvel super heroes, and much, much more at this world famous wax works.

After lunch, we’ll be moving on to Forbidden Planet, the London Megastore dedicated to comics and collectables, where you’ll find a dazzling range of items including many from the Star Wars universe. You might need to make sure you have spare room in your suitcase.

In the evening, you will be treated to some fine food, as well as being given the opportunity to enjoy your own Star Wars adventures, as we’ll be having a board games night. Pilot your own ship in X-Wing, command a fleet in Star Wars Armada, or even show of your Toydarian business skills playing Star Wars Monopoly.

Overnight Location: London, England

This is what the tour is leading up to. You’ll get to spend the next two days meeting celebrities, marveling at the displays, filling your suitcase with merchandise and finding out everything that’s happening within the Star Wars universe. Your tour rep will be on hand to make sure everything goes smoothly and help you make the most of Star Wars Celebration.

There will be evening meals on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so we can all share in our experiences over the three evenings. As the Sunday meal will be our last meal together, the winners of the quiz will be announced, and prizes will be issued. Here at Geek Nation tours, we are also endeavouring to secure a special guest speaker for one of the meals. No details yet, but we will be sure to make an announcement as the guest line-up for Celebration is announced.

Overnight Location: London, England

Attend Star Wars Celebration. See description under Day 10.

Overnight Location: London, England

Attend Star Wars Celebration. See description under Day 10.

Overnight Location: London, England

Sadly, all good things must come to and, as we’ll be making the journey home. You’ll be taking the many wonderful memories of the tour and new friends you’ve made with you.