Tour Duration: 14 days Tour Code: HY2012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$2819 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE. The day is free to rest or to start exploring the splendid French capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a special welcome dinner with wine at a local restaurant. (D)
2
PARIS. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Champs-Elysees. For a panoramic view, take the elevator to the second floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. Afternoon at leisure. An optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles is available. Tonight, a lively cabaret show might just be the ticket. (B)
3
PARIS-LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND. A comfortable ride skirting Fontainebleau Forest and through the vineyards of Burgundy to the Swiss border. Enjoy vistas of the Alps as you arrive in picture-book Lucerne. (B,D)
4
LUCERNE-LUGANO. Admire Thorwaldsen's LION MONUMENT and walk through the Old Town, then cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit Church. Why not join an optional excursion to the top of the mountain? Next, admire the towering majesty of the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard on the way to Lake Lugano. You may wish to join an optional boatride followed by dinner on spectacular Lake Lugano. (B)
5
LUGANO-PISA, ITALY-FLORENCE. Past Italy's commercial capital of Milan, reach Pisa, where you stop for pictures of its amazing Leaning Tower. Arrive in Florence, the "Cradle of the Renaissance." Time to explore the many gold and leather shops, then, enjoy dinner with Tuscan specialties at a local restaurant. (B,D)
6
FLORENCE-ROME. During your walking tour with a Local Guide, visit Michelangelo's celebrated David in the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS. Admire the magnificent cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gate of Paradise." Also visit sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. Next, a fast and easy ride on the Highway of the Sun to the a "Eternal City." (B)
7
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. Then, time for independent activities and exciting optional excursion possibilities. (B)
8
ROME-FERRARA-VENICE. Afternoon break in Ferrara. Walk along the impressive Este Castle to the marble cathedral. Browse through the attractive little shops before continuing to the Adriatic coast. Exciting optional activities are available. (B)
9
VENICE. Enter Venice in style by PRIVATE BOAT. Highlights of your walking tour with a Local Guide are ST. MARK'S SQUARE and its basilica, lavish DOGES' PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects. (B,D)
10
VENICE-INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA-MUNICH,GERMANY. Leave Italy on spectacular Brenner Pass, which leads through the barrier of the Tyrolean Alps to Austria. In Innsbruck, enjoy a pleasant stroll through quaint medieval lanes to Emperor Maximilian's GOLDEN ROOF before continuing through the Bavarian Alps to Munich, Germany's "Secret Capital." How about a stein of beer at the famous Hofbrauhaus tonight? (B)
11
MUNICH-ROTHENBURG-RHINELAND. Your orientation drive features Munich's most famous landmarks: Olympic Stadium, 304.8 metres (1,000 feet) high Television Tower, and the 17th century Nymphenburg Palace. Then, continue through the Swabian Jura to Rothenburg for a walking tour of this walled town. Enjoy free time before continuing to the Rhineland. (B,D)
12
RHINELAND-COLOGNE-AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND. This morning's highlight is a romantic RHINE CRUISE past castle crested hills, terraced vineyards, and the Lorelei rock. Then, continue to Cologne and visit the awesome twin-spired gothic CATHEDRAL before travelling through the Dutch region best known as the locale of A Bridge Too Far on the way to Amsterdam, capital of Holland. (B,D)
13
AMSTERDAM. A Local Guide shows you the 700-year-old city, including Dam Square with the Royal Palace, and the Rijksmuseum. The highlight is a CANAL CRUISE past patrician mansions, gabled facades, and humpback bridges. Next, visit a major DIAMOND CENTRE or one of Amsterdam's famous museums. The afternoon is at leisure, and an optional excursion to Volendam can be arranged. (B)
14
AMSTERDAM. Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
PARIS: Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, ascend the Eiffel Tower.
LUCERNE: Walking tour including the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge.
PISA: Marvel at the legendary Leaning Tower
FLORENCE: Dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit Michelangelo's David, the cathedral, and Signoria Square.
ROME: Guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
FERRARA: Walk along Este Castle to the cathedral.
VENICE: Private boat ride; guided walking tour, visit St. Mark's Square, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; glassblowers' demonstration.
INNSBRUCK: Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof.
MUNICH: Orientation drive.
ROTHENBURG: Walking tour of the walled town.
RHINE CRUISE.
COLOGNE: Visit the cathedral.
AMSTERDAM: Guided sightseeing including Dam Square, canal cruise; visit a major diamond centre.
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
MEALS: Full buffet breakfast (B); 8 three-course dinners (D), including a special welcome dinner with wine in Paris and a special Tuscan dinner in Florence.
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
25
EUR
Name:VILLE LUMIERE - ILLUMINATION DRIVE Location:PARIS Details:Enjoy a drive through the illuminated city and learn why Paris is called the "City of Lights"; a vision to last a lifetime!
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.
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.
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.
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.
68
EUR
Name:LUGANO LAKE CRUISE AND DINNER Location:LUGANO Details:Embark your private boat for a relaxing cruise on breathtaking Lake Lugano. See the quaint former fishing village of Gandria, and learn about the local traditions and dishes in a typical Swiss grotto surrounded by the nature. Also cruise past Campione d'Italia, an Italian enclave on Swiss territory, and the charming church of Madonna dei Ghirli.
58
EUR
Name:SWISS FOLKLORE PARTY AND LUNCH Location:LUCERNE Details:A real taste of Switzerland! Swiss folklore, alphorns, yodelling, and traditional instruments entertain you as you enjoy a typical three-course lunch including cheese fondue and two drinks.
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.
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.
71
EUR
Name:A VENETIAN NIGHT OUT INCLUDING TRANSFER Location:VENICE Details:Travel by private water taxi along the splendid Grand Canal to a fine Venetian restaurant. Taste four mouth-watering courses of local specialties and wine or soft drinks. After dinner, time to explore romantic Venice.
69
EUR
Name:LAGOON CRUISE AND MEAL IN BURANO Location:VENICE Details:Cruise past the islands of Santa Elena, San Michele and the famous Lido to picturesque Burano island, renowned for its lace making and colourful houses. Savour a mouth-watering meal, drinks included. Free time to shop and stroll.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Optional Excursions
