Tour Duration: 16 days Tour Code: 5161F2012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$2668 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
LONDON-BRUSSELS, BELGIUM-AMSTERDAM AREA, HOLLAND. Leave London in the early morning on your Eurostar train to Brussels. Meet your Tour Director and board your luxury coach for the drive to the Amsterdam area.
2
AMSTERDAM AREA-RHINELAND,GERMANY. Today, enjoy sightseeing in Amsterdam with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights. Later, a canal cruise to see the town from water level, then watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a diamond centre. This afternoon, continue your journey to the scenic Rhineland for an overnight. (B,D)
3
RHINELAND-HEIDELBERG-LUCERNE,SWITZERLAND. Drive through the picturesque Rhineland this morning or, alternatively, take the optional Rhine River cruise and enjoy splendid scenery including the Lorelei rock. Next, drive into Germany's oldest university town, Heidelberg, nicely located at the confluence of the Rivers Neckar and Rhine, for a short visit. In the afternoon, travel by way of the Autobahn into Switzerland for two overnights in Lucerne. (B)
4
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. The orientation includes the Lion Monument, erected in memory of the 800 Swiss Guards who defended Louis XVI and his wife at the wooden Chapel Bridge. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a cable-car ride to the 3048-metre (10,000-foot) summit of Mount Titlis; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course, time to shop for that very Swiss watch. (B)
5
LUCERNE-LUGANO-VERONA, ITALY-VENICE AREA More wonderful Alpine scenery as you drive into the mountain ranges that surround the massive St. Gotthard. Once through its great tunnel, you'll start your scenic descent into the warmer and sunnier ambiance of the Canton Ticino. Stop in beautiful Lugano and take a stroll along the lakeside promenade. Then, cross into Italy and drive across the Po Valley to Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. See Juliet's house and balcony, and stroll around the picturesque market square. Tonight you are in the Venice area. (B)
6
VENICE AREA. Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and busy little piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride and is followed by some time to soak up the city's unique atmosphere and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don't miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D)
7
VENICE AREA-ASSISI-ROME. An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po plain, then crossing the rolling Apennines. Stop in Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous Basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome. (B)
8
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)
9
ROME-POMPEII-NEAPOLITAN RIVIERA. South all the way today, with the volcano Vesuvius in the distance. First, a stop in Pompeii, where time stopped in 79 AD when the Vesuvius eruption totally destroyed it. On the included visit you can see the luxurious villas, temples, theatre, and forum. Just a few more kilometres for two overnights on the Neapolitan Riviera. (B)
10
DAY 10 NEAPOLITAN RIVIERA. EXCURSION TO CAPRI. Cross the blue sea to Capri. This legendary island, surrounded by rose-tinted rocks, has incredibly beautiful coves of translucent blues and greens. The town, with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. An optional tour takes you around the island with its steep roads and panoramic views. (B,D)
11
NEAPOLITAN RIVIERA-FLORENCE AREA. An early start this morning for the journey north to Florence. Vistas of undulating hills, austere rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Arrive in Florence in the afternoon in time to enjoy its magnificent architectural and artistic treasures; the included walking sightseeing will take in most of the highlights. (B,D)
12
FLORENCE AREA-PISA-FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCE. Stop in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles. Bypassing the great port of Genoa, you drive northwest, getting glimpses of the Italian and French Rivieras. The drive continues to descend to the shores of the Cote d'Azur for an overnight in this charming region. (B)
13
FRENCH RIVIERA-ROUTE NAPOLEON-GRENOBLE. A great itinerary today! Start the day with a visit to a typical Provence perfume workshop in Grasse, then follow in the footsteps of Napoleon as he escaped from exile in Elbe. Once he landed on the shores of the Cote d'Azur, he made his way to Paris via Grasse. Continue via Digne and Gap to Grenoble on the Route Napoleon. Overnight in Grenoble, now an alpine sports mecca and site of the 1968 Olympic Games. (B,D)
14
GRENOBLE-BEAUNE-PARIS. Enjoy the very heart of the Burgundy wine-growing region, making a stop in lovely Beaune, surrounded by some of the world's finest vineyards. Time to see the famous Hotel-Dieu Hospital. Continue northwards directly to Paris for two overnights. (B)
15
PARIS. Paris is a world-class city that probably has more familiar landmarks than almost any other city in the world. This morning, see them during the including city tour. View the famous Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, and much more with a Local Guide. In the afternoon, feel like a French aristocrat as you join the optional walking tour through the immense Palace of Versailles. This evening, why not join an optional welcome dinner? (B)
16
PARIS-LONDON, ENGLAND. Relax on your Channel ferry ride back to London, where your holiday ends. (B)
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS: Rhineland, Italian & French Rivieras, Route Napoleon, Swiss Alps.
GUIDES: Host service in London. Local Guides for city sightseeing in Amsterdam, Rome, Pompeii, Florence, Paris. Professional Tour Director while touring.
TRANSPORTATION: On the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Eurostar train London-Brussels & Paris London; canal transfer boat in Venice; boat transfer to Capri
HOTELS: Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges.
MEALS: Buffet breakfasts (B); 5 dinners (D).
OPTIONALS: Choice of optional excursions available at reasonable prices to customise your own experience.
Meals Breakfast - 15 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 5
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.
22
EUR
Name:AMSTERDAM AT NIGHT Location:AMSTERDAM Details:Enjoy a ride through the nightlife centre; see the pretty illuminated canals during a stroll through the red-light district with your local guide who will explain what might at first seem obvious! Stop for an included drink at a typical Dutch "Brown cafe" to experience real Amsterdam atmosphere. (Not suitable for children).
25
EUR
Name:LORELEI AND ITS CASTLES Location:RHINE RIVER Details:Discover the mystical magic of the Rhine river with its historic villages, beautiful castles and of course the legendary Lorelei Rock.
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.
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".
28
EUR
Name:SORRENTO FLAVOURS Location:SORRENTO Details:Enjoy an evening out dining in a typical restaurant, with a mixed starter, pizza and pasta, dessert, wine, mineral water and coffee or tea or the famous Sorrento lemon liquor "Limoncello".
28
EUR
Name:SORRENTO MUSICAL Location:SORRENTO Details:Enjoy an evening of Neapolitan songs and dances presented on stage with a continuous change of scenery. The show takes its cue from the �tarantella�, a typical dance of the southern regions. Included is free flowing wine or spumante or soft drinks
55
EUR
Name:CAPRI ISLAND TOUR Location:SORRENTO Details:This romantic island, one of the jewels of the Mediterranean, 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.
55
EUR
Name:MONTECARLO BY NIGHT WITH DINNER Location:NICE Details:A beautiful drive along the French Riviera - arriving in the Principality of Monaco, where you will have a delicious French dinner. After dinner see the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Then stop for a drink at "Le Cafe de Paris" giving you the opportunity to absorb the jet-set atmosphere of Monaco. Afterwards time to gamble* at the famous Casino or just relax and enjoy the elegant ambience. *Personal ID required and formal dress code (but not evening wear) recommended. Minimum age limit to enter the Casino 21 years.
35
EUR
Name:MONTECARLO BY NIGHT DRINK ONLY Location:NICE Details:A beautiful drive along the French Riviera - arriving in the Principality of Monaco see the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Stop for a drink at "Le Cafe de Paris" giving you the opportunity to absorb the jet-set atmosphere of Monaco. Afterwards time to gamble* at the famous Casino or just relax and enjoy the elegant ambience. *Personal ID required and formal dress code (but not evening wear) recommended. Minimum age limit to enter the Casino 21 years.
40
EUR
Name:EIFFEL TOWER & SEINE CRUISE Location:PARIS Details:Your guided one-hour "La Promenade" Seine cruise starts from the Port de la Bourdonnais. On disembarkation you will be escorted to the restaurant "Cafe" for a drink. Before or after the cruise, you will ascend to the second floor of the famous Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of the city.
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.
65
EUR
Name:VERSAILLES SUN KING'S PALACE Location:PARIS Details:Week-ends visit > 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
