Tour Details - COSMOPOLITAN EUROPE - SPECIAL DEPARTURES
COSMOPOLITAN EUROPE - SPECIAL DEPARTURES
DISCOUNTS ON EVERY TOUR, UP TO 15% !!!
Tour Duration: 16 days Tour Code: 51562012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$2347 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
LONDON. Pre-night in London.
2
LONDON-BRUSSELS, BELGIUM. Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you board your ferry for the Continent. Here your Tour Director and luxury coach meet you and you're off to Brussels.
3
BRUSSELS-RHINE CRUISE, GERMANY-WURZBURG. Drive south this morning to the shores of the mighty Rhine. Your included Rhine steamer cruise is today's highlight with some legendary sights such as the Lorelei rock. An easy and relatively short drive southeast to Wurzburg, a baroque city famed for its cathedral, bridges, palace, and gardens. (B,D)
4
WURZBURG-NUREMBERG-PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Travel eastwards today, making a first stop in Nuremberg, an ancient city still showing its medieval walls with rampart walks and an 11th century castle. It is also famous for its 1945 trials of the Nazi leaders and war criminals. Continue by way of the world's beer capital, Pilsen, to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, for an overnight. (B)
5
PRAGUE-VIENNA, AUSTRIA. The wealth of gothic and baroque architecture perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the Jewish Quarter, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock. This afternoon, motor from Bohemia into Moravia and continue southwest for a few more kilometres before crossing into Austria for two nights in its splendid capital, Vienna. This evening, enjoy an optional Viennese concert. (B)
6
VIENNA. There's so much to see on your included sightseeing tour: the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes' Square to view the Hofburg and take an inside visit of St. Stephen's Cathedral. In the afternoon, an optional trip to the Palace of Schonbrunn. (B)
7
VIENNA-VELDEN-VENICE AREA, ITALY. Breathtaking scenery as you travel across Austria to Velden and beautiful Lake Worth for a short visit. Next, into Italy by way of Tarvisio, then through the flat and fertile plains of Venetia to the Venice area for two overnights. (B)
8
VENICE AREA. The included orientation starts with a boat ride and is followed by some time to soak up the athmosphere of this unique city and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers. Don't miss out on the optional gondola trip. (B,D)
9
VENICE AREA-ASSISI-ROME. Today, travel south across the Po plain into the very heart of the Apennines, dotted with towns and villages perched on the mountain sides. Stop in Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous Basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto. Reach Rome in time to join the optional Rome by Night excursion. (B)
10
ROME. The "Eternal City" - a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter's Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B)
11
ROME-FLORENCE. This morning, join the optional excursion to the Vatican Museum before driving northward through the Tuscan countryside to reach Florence in the late afternoon. On the included walking tour with a Local Guide, discover most of the city highlights: the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio, and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the "Gate of Paradise." (B,D)
12
FLORENCE-LUGANO, SWITZERLAND-LAKE LUCERNE. Across the Lombardy plains this morning to Italian Switzerland's subtropical resort of Lugano. Here you take a break to stroll along the lakeside promenade before climbing towards the St. Gotthard Tunnel. Emerge on the German-speaking side of Switzerland and then descend into the gentle landscape around Lake Lucerne. (B,D)
13
LAKE LUCERNE. One of Switzerland's finest cities, nestled amid its snowcapped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. Your visit takes in the impressive city walls, a covered wooden bridge, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, and the Lion Monument-a masterful stone sculpture in honour of the heroic Swiss Guard of Louis XVI. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a cable car ride to the 3,048 metres (10,000 feet) summit of Mount Titlis; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course, there is time to shop for that very Swiss watch. (B)
14
LAKE LUCERNE-PARIS, FRANCE. Enjoy vistas of green pastures and attractive chalets with rustic timbering and luxuriant flowers. Then into France, on the highway past some of its most famous vineyards, to Paris. Arrive in time to enjoy the optional cabaret show. (B)
15
PARIS. Paris holds a special place in the imagination. It's a city of many facets famed for its culture, beauty, sophistication, and sparkle. By sitting with a glass of wine in a bistro or sidewalk cafe, you can absorb the essence of the city and the individualism of its people. The centre has wide boulevards and impressive buildings. Included sightseeing with a local expert of many of the best-known Parisian sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid near the Louvre, the Invalides, and Champs Elysees. Optional excursions are also available to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles and, to celebrate the success of your tour, a French farewell dinner might be just the ticket. (B)
16
PARIS-LONDON, ENGLAND. Relax and let the countryside whiz by on the road north to the coast, where you board your Channel ferry. Through Kent to London for an evening arrival. (B)
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS: Rhineland, Burgundy, Lake Worth and Carinthia, Swiss Alps.
GUIDES: Host service in London. Local Guides for city sightseeing in Prague, Vienna, Rome, Florence, Paris. Professional Tour Director while touring.
TRANSPORTATION: Round-trip transportation between London and the Channel ports; on the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Cross-Channel ferry; Rhine cruise. Canal transfer boat in Venice.
HOTELS: Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges.
MEALS: Buffet breakfasts (B); 4 dinners (D).
OPTIONALS: Choice of optional excursions available at reasonable prices to customise your own experience.
Meals Breakfast - 14 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 4
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
29
GBP
Name:MORNING CITY SIGHTSEEING DAILY Location:LONDON Details:A comprehensive tour in the company of a local guide including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Changing of the Guard (if held). Note: Groups cannot visit St.Paul's on Sundays. Reduced traffic permits more sightseeing and a lower price (GBP25) applies.
39
GBP
Name:TOWER OF LONDON AND CROWN JEWELS AFTERNOONS DAILY Location:LONDON Details:Let your guide bring the 900-year-old Tower Of London to life before you inspect the fabulous Crown Jewels. Afternoons daily.
39
GBP
Name:AFTERNOON EXCURSION TO WINDSOR CASTLE DAILY Location:LONDON Details:Enjoy your guided visit to the Queen's favourite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The highlight is the newly refurbished state rooms.
49
GBP
Name:BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND THE ROYAL MEWS AFTERNOONS DAILY JULY 31 TO SEPTEMBER 30 Location:LONDON Details:First a guided visit to the Royal Mews to see the magnificent gold coach, then admire over 20 grand rooms in the palace used by the Queen for state occasions.
59
GBP
Name:A TASTE OF LONDON DAILY APRIL TO OCTOBER Location:LONDON Details:Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion includes a 3-course dinner with wine and beer at a contemporary London restaurant, followed by a narrated illumination cruise on the River Thames.
25
EUR
Name:EVENING CITY SIGHTSEEING Location:BRUSSELS Details: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.
47
EUR
Name:CZECH DINNER & MUSIC Location:PRAGUE Details:A typical Czech meal in a famous wine restaurant not far from Prague Castle including unlimited drinks with wine served from special glass pipes. During the meal enjoy folklore music from different parts of the country.
45
EUR
Name:TYPICAL VIENNESE EVENING Location:VIENNA Details:An unforgettable evening in one of Vienna's most beautiful palaces. The Vienna Residence Orchestra was founded to perform the music of the "Wiener Klassik" to the highest standard. The programme consists mainly of works by Mozart and Johann Strauss. The present leaders of the orchestra are violinists of world renown and, as well as performing for the Vienna Residence Orchestra, they perform as soloists with the leading orchestras of the world. During the intermission you will be offered 1 glass of champagne or an orange juice.
40
EUR
Name:SCHONBRUNN PALACE & GARDENS Location:VIENNA Details:A guided tour of part of the magnificent palace of Schonbrunn, which was the summer residence of the Austrian Emperors for nearly 150 years. It was built between 1695 and 1749 with over 100 rooms and beautiful gardens. End the tour with free time in the main gardens.
45
EUR
Name:EVENING IN THE VIENNESE WOODS Location:VIENNA Details:A visit to Vienna is incomplete without seeing one of its famous wine villages. Enjoy typical vintner's fare and taste Heurigen (new wine). With musicians to entertain you, this is a convivial, and jovial evening.
65
EUR
Name:VENETIAN NIGHT OUT & DINNER Location:VENICE Details:Enjoy a motorboat ride along the impressive Giudecca Canal with a commentary of the most important sights. A leisurely walk to St. Mark's Square, passing famous buildings, small bridges and inner canals, will take you to a typical Venetian restaurant for an aperitif before your four-course dinner including wine, mineral water and coffee.
40
EUR
Name:GONDOLA SERENADE Location:VENICE Details: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.
33
EUR
Name:DISCOVER THE VENETIAN LAGOON Location:VENICE Details: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.
55
EUR
Name:TREASURES OF ROME BN & DINNER Location:ROME Details:An evening 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.
40
EUR
Name:THE CATACOMBS Location:ROME Details:The early Christians created the Catacombs, a network of underground corridors, during centuries of persecution by the Romans. Included visit to St. Paul's Outside the Walls.
50
EUR
Name:CASTELLI ROMANI WITH DINNER Location:ROME Details: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.
55
EUR
Name:VATICAN MUSEUM & SISTINE CHAPEL Location:ROME Details: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".
25
EUR
Name:SCENIC LAKE CRUISE Location:LUCERNE Details: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.
75
EUR
Name:MOUNT TITLIS Location:LUCERNE Details:Drive to Alpine Engelberg to take the Titlis-Rotair, the world's first revolving cable car, up to 3048 metres (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.
8
EUR
Name:THE TITLIS ICE FLYER Location:LUCERNE Details:An extension to the Mount Titlis excursion, the Ice Flyer is a chair lift, specially equipped to protect from wind, snow and rain. The 749.8 metre (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.
30
EUR
Name:ENGELBERG ONLY Location:LUCERNE Details:Spend a few hours in this panoramic village at the foot of Mount Titlis: a well-known Alpine resort, where you could shop in the bazaars and enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine in a typical restaurant.
65
EUR
Name:DINNER & SWISS FOLKLORE Location:LUCERNE Details:Contrary to belief, not all Swiss can yodel or blow the alp horn, but those you will see are real experts. They entertain you with merry melodies on the accordion and traditional dances while you enjoy a full 3 course dinner.
70
EUR
Name:CABARET SHOW Location:PARIS Details:A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to a typical cabaret show. A glass of champagne is served during the show.
60
EUR
Name:VERSAILLES-SUN KING'S PALACE Location:PARIS Details:Historic Versailles is the beautiful, 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, you will be offered alternative sights.
58
EUR
Name:FAREWELL DINNER & ORIENTATION Location:PARIS Details:The evening consists of a memorable four-course dinner with an aperitif and wine. After dinner you will enjoy a breathtaking orientation drive of the city.
Optional Excursions
