Tour Duration: 12 days Tour Code: HEF2012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$3449 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND Time at leisure today to rest before your adventure begins, or you may choose to set out on your own to discover London. At 6 pm, your Tour Director will be waiting for you and your family for some activities to help you get acquainted with your travelling companions. Then, a special welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
2
DISCOVER LONDON & RIDE THE LONDON EYE Join your Local Guide on a traditional London double-decker bus for a memorable morning of sightseeing that includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. A special highlight is a "flight" on the LONDON EYE, the world's tallest observation wheel with stunning views of the city. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing. Consider a visit to the Tower of London or to Windsor Castle. This evening maybe dinner followed by a cruise on the River Thames? (B)
3
TRAVEL THE "CHUNNEL" TO PARIS, FRANCE & GO TO THE TOP OF THE EIFFEL TOWER This morning, transfer to the railway station to board the high-speed EUROSTAR TRAIN to Paris. Later, ride the elevators to the TOP OF THE EIFFEL TOWER and delight in the spectacular views. (B,D)
4
DISCOVER PARIS & VISIT NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL. Today with your Local Guide, explore the city where Remy, from the ovie Ratatouille, discovered French cuisine. Admire some of the most famous sights: the Opera, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, and visit NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, the setting for Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The balance of the day is at leisure for an optional excursion. (B)
5
TGV TRAIN TO SWITZERLAND & WALKING TOUR OF LUCERNE Travel by high-speed TGV TRAIN to Basel, Switzerland, where your motorcoach will be waiting to take you to German-speaking Lucerne with its sparkling lake and alpine scenery. A walking tour before dinner to stretch your legs and admire the LION MONUMENT, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who were killed during the French Revolution; the picturesque Old Town; and the famous 14th century wooden-covered CHAPEL BRIDGE. (B,D)
6
MAKE SOME SWISS CHOCOLATE. Journey to an original Swiss CHOCOLATE CONFECTIONARY, where you are also invited to try your skills at making this mouth-watering treat. The afternoon is free to relax, shop, explore Lucerne on your own, or take an optional excursion. (B)
7
JOURNEY TO INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA WITH MAXIMILIAN'S GOLDEN ROOF VIA VADUZ IN LIECHTENSTEIN Drive to the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein, with an area of 160 square kilometres, the fourth-smallest country in Europe. After a break in its capital, Vaduz, continue on to Innsbruck. Enjoy an orientation walk through quaint medieval lanes to Emperor Maximilian's GOLDEN ROOF, a 3-story balcony built to serve as a royal box where the emperor could sit in luxury and enjoy tournaments in the square below. (B,D)
8
MOZART'S SALZBURG. Visit Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Guided sightseeing takes you through the historic centre: admire MIRABELL GARDENS, where scenes from Rodgers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music were filmed; the Great Festival Hall; and ST. PETER'S CHURCHYARD. Later, there is time for an optional excursion to Hellbrunn Castle with its trick fountains. (B)
9
EXCURSION TO HOHENWERFEN FORTRESS & FALCONRY Today, visit the 11th-century HOHENWERFEN FORTRESS, which is located atop a 155 metre-high rock. Take the diagonal elevator to the upper castle courtyard for a tour of the fortress and its grounds. The fortress is also home to the First Austrian Falconry Museum and the birds of prey nature trail. Here, watch and learn about traditional hunting methods using birds of prey during flight demonstrations by professional falconers. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
10
SIGHTSEEING IN MUNICH, GERMANY & TRY A BAVARIAN BREZEL Guided sightseeing in Munich includes an orientation drive featuring the Olympic Stadium with its 305-metre-high Television Tower and MARIENPLATZ with the famous Glockenspiel that chimes three times a day during summer, its life-size statues re-enacting a story from the 16th century. Also try a tasty Bavarian BREZEL. An optional dinner is available. (B)
11
EXCURSION TO NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE Located in the Bavarian Alps on a hilltop overlooking the Hohenschwangau Valley, enjoy a guided visit of King Ludwig II's magical NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE. The king's fairytale refuge was the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Also marvel at vistas of the king's childhood residence, Hohenschwangau Castle, located nearby. This evening, celebrate the success of your vacation at a SEND-OFF CELEBRATION DINNER at a local restaurant. (B,D)
12
MUNICH Auf Wiedersehen. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
LONDON: Welcome Party & Dinner; guided sightseeing on a traditional double-decker bus; ride the London Eye
LONDON- PARIS: By high-speed Eurostar train
PARIS: Ascend the Eiffel Tower to the top floor; guided sightseeing, visit Notre Dame Cathedral
PARIS-BASEL: By high-speed TGV train
LUCERNE: Orientation walk with the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge; chocolate confectionary
INNSBRUCK:Orientation walk with Maximilian's Golden Roof
SALZBURG: Guided sightseeing with Mirabell Gardens and St. Peter's Churchyard; Hohenwerfen Fortress with falconry program
MUNICH: Guided sightseeing with the Marienplatz; taste a Brezel; Neuschwanstein Castle; Send-Off Celebration Dinner
MEALS: Full buffet breakfast (B); 6 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in London and a farewell dinner in Munich
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Meals Breakfast - 11 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.
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.
43
EUR
Name:FAMILY DINNER IN PARIS Location:PARIS Details:Like Remy from Ratatouille, discover French cuisine at a three-course dinner with drinks in a local restaurant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
37
EUR
Name:TYROLEAN HORSE CARRIAGE RIDE Location:INNSBRUCK Details:Admire the picturesque Tyrolean countryside as you travel by horse-drawn carriage on a forest road with beautiful panoramas and farms. Time to take some great photos and enjoy a fruit schnapps before turning back. On your return trip to Innsbruck, by coach, pass over the famous Europa Bridge, spanning 190 metres (623 feet) above the Sill River.
69
EUR
Name:SCHLOSS HELLBRUNN AND DINNER Location:SALZBURG Details:Enjoy a guided tour through the world-renowned grounds and trick fountains of the beautiful 17th-century HELLBRUNN CASTLE (or inside visit of the castle in case of adverse weather)
29
EUR
Name:SCHLOSS HELLBRUNN Location:SALZBURG Details:Enjoy a guided tour through the world-renowned grounds and trick fountains of the beautiful 17th-century HELLBRUNN CASTLE (or inside visit of the castle in case of adverse weather)
27
EUR
Name:FAMOUS HOFBRAUHAUS Location:MUNICH Details:Enjoy a stein of beer in the Festival Hall of the HOFBRAUHAUS, where Bavarian musicians never fail to put everyone in a genuine "Oktoberfest" mood.
Optional Excursions
