Tour Duration: 14 days Tour Code: HA2012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$3789 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
LONDON-BRUSSELS, BELGIUM-AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND. Meet your Tour Director and travelling companions and transfer to the railway station to board the EUROSTAR TRAIN to Brussels, Belgium. From here, a comfortable drive will bring you to Amsterdam, Holland. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
2
AMSTERDAM. A Local Guide shows you the 700-year-old capital, including Dam Square with the Royal Palace, and the Rijksmuseum. The highlight is a CANAL CRUISE to see the patrician mansions, gabled facades, and humpback bridges. Next, visit a major DIAMOND CENTRE and appreciate how a rough mineral is transformed into a sparkling jewel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Later, you may wish to join an optional excursion to Volendam. (B)
3
AMSTERDAM-RHINELAND, GERMANY. A passing glance at the Dutch region best known as the locale of A Bridge Too Far on the way to Germany. Highlight of the day is a romantic RHINE CRUISE past castle-crested cliffs, terraced vineyards, and trim, half-timbered towns. (B,D)
4
RHINELAND-LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND. A scenic day! This morning, stop in the lush valleys and pine-clad hills of the BLACK FOREST, renowned for its cuckoo clocks. On the Swiss border, take your pictures of the thundering RHINE FALLS, then, continue to picture-book Lucerne. Tonight, maybe join a Swiss Folklore Party? (B)
5
LUCERNE-LIECHTENSTEIN-INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA. Admire Thorwaldsen's LION MONUMENT, walk through the Old Town, and cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit Church. Time to shop for Swiss watches or climb lofty Mount Pilatus. Then, leave Switzerland and stop in the Principality of Liechtenstein before continuing to Innsbruck in the Austrian Tyrol. Take pictures of Emperor Maximilian's GOLDEN ROOF. (B,D)
6
INNSBRUCK-VENICE, ITALY. Across spectacular Brenner Pass to Italy. Enter Venice in style by PRIVATE BOAT to ST. MARK'S SQUARE. Admire the byzantine basilica, lavish Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects, then, time to explore or to join an optional gondola ride. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
7
VENICE-ROME. A scenic drive across the Apennine Hills and through the vine- and olive-clad Tuscany, home of the popular Chianti wines, brings you to the "Eternal City." (B)
8
ROME. Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo's ceiling paintings. Continue to monumental ST. PETER'S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman legions marched in triumph. Time for independent activities and optional excursion possibilities. (B)
9
ROME-FLORENCE-TUSCANY. An easy morning drive back north to Florence. Enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide and visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo's celebrated David, admire the magnificent cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gate of Paradise." Also visit sculture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. (B,D)
10
TUSCANY-PISA-NICE, FRANCE. In Pisa, take pictures of the Leaning Tower. Continue along the Mediterranean coast past a string of Italian and French Riviera resorts to Nice. Later, an optional outing is available to Monte Carlo. (B)
11
NICE-LYON. In the late morning, leave the Cote d'Azur and drive through the Provence region and along the Rhone Valley to Lyon. (B,D)
12
LYON-PARIS. Board the high-speed TGV TRAIN to Paris. An optional excursion to the Louvre Museum is available. (B)
13
PARIS. Discover the world capital of chic and style with a Local Guide and admire its most famous sights: the Opera, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Elysees. For a bird's-eye view, take the elevator to the second floor of Paris' most famous landmark: the EIFFEL TOWER. An optional excursion to the baroque Palace of Versailles is available, and tonight, a lively cabaret show might just be the ticket. (B)
14
PARIS-LONDON, ENGLAND. Board the EUROSTAR TRAIN to London, arriving in the afternoon, where the holiday ends. (B)
AMSTERDAM Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing including Dam Square and a canal cruise; visit a major diamond centre.
RHINE CRUISE
BLACK FOREST, RHINE FALLS
LUCERNE: Walking tour including the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge.
VADUZ: Visit the capital of Liechtenstein.
INNSBRUCK: Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof.
VENICE: Private boat ride; visit St. Mark's Square; glassblowers' demonstration; dinner at local restaurant
ROME: Guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
FLORENCE: Guided walking tour, visit Michelangelo's David and Signoria Square.
PISA: Marvel at the legendary Leaning Tower
NICE
LYON
LYON-PARIS: By high-speed TGV train (first-class)
PARIS: Guided sightseeing, ascend the Eiffel Tower
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
MEALS: Full buffet breakfast daily (B); 6 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Amsterdam and a special dinner with wine in Venice
Meals Breakfast - 13 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 6
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
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.
99
GBP
Name:SHOWNIGHT - BILLY ELLIOT (MONDAYS - THURSDAYS) Location:LONDON Details:A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner a The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at the Victoria Palace Theatre to see the original London staging of the inspirational musical Billy Elliot.
140
GBP
Name:SHOWNIGHT - WICKED (FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS) Location:LONDON Details:A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Wesminster followed by best seats at The Apollo Victoria Theatre to see the sensational London production of Wicked.
99
GBP
Name:SHOWNIGHT - WICKED (MONDAYS - THURSDAYS) Location:LONDON Details:A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Wesminster followed by best seats at The Apollo Victoria Theatre to see the sensational London production of Wicked.
140
GBP
Name:SHOWNIGHT - BILLY ELLIOT (FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS) Location:LONDON Details:A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at the Victoria Palace Theatre to see the original London staging of the inspirational musical Billy Elliot.
59
EUR
Name:VOLENDAM, ITS WINDMILL, CHEESE FARM AND DUTCH DINNER Location:AMSTERDAM Details:Visit a Dutch cheese farm and windmill, before enjoying a typical Dutch dinner with drinks in a local restaurant in the quaint fishing village of Volendam, where many inhabitants still wear traditional costumes.
32
EUR
Name:THE BULB FIELDS AND KEUKENHOF Location:AMSTERDAM Details:Drive past outstanding flower fields to Keukenhof Park and celebrate spring when the 32-hectare (79-acre) park will be a feast for the eyes with 7 million bulbs in bloom. Amateur and professional photographers, as well as art devotees, will also appreciate the pieces by famous Dutch and foreign artists around the park.
72
EUR
Name:SWISS FOLKLORE PARTY AND DINNER Location:LUCERNE Details: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.
58
EUR
Name:MOUNT PILATUS Location:LUCERNE Details:A spectacular panoramic view over Central Switzerland from 2133.6 metres (7,000 feet) up, via the world's steepest cogwheel railway (inclination 48 degrees) as well as the silent aerial tramway and panoramic gondolas.
38
EUR
Name:GONDOLA SERENADE Location:VENICE Details:Enjoy a ride in a traditional gondola, gliding through centuries-old canals, under famous arched bridges, past lavish palaces and quaint piazzas, serenaded by live music.(gondola for 6 people)
59
EUR
Name:ORIENTATION DRIVE & ROMAN DINNER Location:ROME Details:Enjoy an unforgettable drive through some of the more exclusive streets of the "Eternal City". Marvel at the impressive piazzas, fountains and ancient buildings in all their majesty and much more. This tour will include a four-course dinner with wine and soft drinks, at a popular Roman restaurant.
38
EUR
Name:ROMAN HIGHLIGHTS Location:ROME Details:A guided stroll through the historical centre of Rome: your Tour Director will propose a tailor-made itinerary featuring some of the city's authentic jewels. For instance: Trastevere and its basilica of Santa Maria, or the baroque district, Campo de' Fiori, the Pantheon, San Luigi dei Francesi, famous Piazza Navona, Via dei Condotti, Piazza del Popolo with its church of Santa Maria del Popolo and displays of Caravaggio paintings.
68
EUR
Name:ROMAN HIGHLIGHTS & DINNER Location:ROME Details:A guided stroll through the historical centre of Rome: your Tour Director will propose a tailor-made itinerary featuring some of the city's authentic jewels. For instance: Trastevere and its basilica of Santa Maria, the baroque district, Campo de' Fiori, the Pantheon, and San Luigi dei Francesi, famous Piazza Navona, Via dei Condotti, Piazza del Popolo with its church of Santa Maria del Popolo and displays of Caravaggio paintings. After your walk, relax and enjoy a four-course dinner, including drinks, at a popular Roman restaurant.
67
EUR
Name:MONTECARLO BY NIGHT AND DINNER Location:NICE Details:Enjoy a delicious French dinner, with wine and a walking tour of the Old Town. Time to relax or gamble at the famous Grand Casino.
66
EUR
Name:DINNER PARTY AND ILLUMINATION DRIVE Location:PARIS Details:A perfect introduction to Paris! After a full-course dinner with choices of typical French dishes, drinks included, your tour director will show you the "City of Lights."
45
EUR
Name:EXCURSION TO THE LOUVRE MUSEUM Location:PARIS Details:Let your guide bring to life the most celebrated treasures of the impressive LOUVRE MUSEUM including da Vinci's famous "Mona Lisa." Note: This excursion is not available to groups on Tuesdays, public holidays, and Sundays.
37
EUR
Name:SEINE CRUISE AND MONTMARTRE Location:PARIS Details:Discover more of beautiful Paris with a cruise on the Seine river and a visit to the artistic district of Montmartre, famous for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacre Coeur.
61
EUR
Name:EXCURSION TO THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES Location:PARIS Details:Take a short journey out of Paris with your local guide to the lavish 17th-century baroque palace built by Sun King Louis XIV, with its magnificent STATE APARTMENTS, Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Chapel. Time to stroll through parts of the elegant 101 hecatare (250-acre) GARDENS. Note: This excursion is not available on Mondays and public holidays.
166
EUR
Name:DINNER AND SHOW AT MOULIN ROUGE Location:PARIS Details:An exciting evening at the world-renowned Parisian cabaret. Dinner with half a bottle of wine is served during the show and a glass of champagne completes your evening in style.
124
EUR
Name:DINNER AND SHOW AT LA NOUVELLE EVE Location:PARIS Details:No visit to Paris is complete without a night out at the cabaret! A whirling international dinner show (unlimited wine) at Pigalle's one and only LA NOUVELLE EVE.
Optional Excursions
