Tour Details - European Accent Begins Amsterdam 2012

Welcome to Europe! On arrival in Amsterdam, see Dam Square and the Mint Tower by the floating flower market. Tonight, consider a canal cruise in a glass-topped boat – it's a great way to see the city.

Cross through the Netherlands and east into Germany. Cruise down the River Rhine past picturesque villages, steep vineyards and medieval castles. Arrive later by road at your Rhineland hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Follow the Rhine valley to the Swiss border near Basel and continue through central Switzerland to Lucerne. Your orientation includes the old town, the Chapel Bridge and the poignant Lion Monument, built in memory of Louis XVI's Swiss Guards. Don't forget to shop for Swiss chocolate and exquisite watches!(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Enjoy splendid views of Alpine scenery as you follow the St. Gotthard highway south to Chiasso at the border with Italy. Glimpse Lake Como and continue into Italy, past the commercial capital, Milan, to the magical city of Venice.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Cruise along Venice's romantic canals to St. Mark's Square. View the ornate Doge’s Palace where the Venetian rulers once lived. Stroll across the square to enjoy a demonstration of the ancient art of glass-blowing, then spend free time exploring the city’s ancient alleyways and beautiful bridges.(Buffet Breakfast)

Cross the Veneto plains via Bologna and drive over the Apennine Mountains. Continue through Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio to Rome – the Eternal City.(Buffet Breakfast)

Your knowledgeable Local Guide takes you on a sightseeing tour starting with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. View the Forum and the mighty Colosseum in ancient Rome and spend the rest of the day exploring on your own. Maybe take a trip to the Sistine Chapel featuring Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling, considered to be his crowning achievement.(Buffet Breakfast)

Head north through the rolling hills of Umbria into Tuscany and the Renaissance city of Florence. Enjoy spectacular views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Spend free time visiting Piazza Signoria, the Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Shop for high quality leather goods and 18-carat gold jewellery, for which the city is renowned.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

View the Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles. Follow the Italian coast to the stunning French Riviera, and visit Monaco en route to glittering Nice, the capital of the Côte d’Azûr.(Buffet Breakfast)

Your orientation tour includes Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais. The afternoon is yours to relax or perhaps swim in the Mediterranean Sea!(Buffet Breakfast)

In the papal town of Avignon, view the renowned broken bridge made famous in the song, 'sur le pont d'Avignon' and the imposing Papal Palace. Continue through orchards and vineyards in the Rhone valley to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Continue through Burgundy's splendid scenery and the Forest of Fontainebleau, to arrive in the elegant, romantic city of Paris. On arrival there will be the chance to take an optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles.(Buffet Breakfast)

Your wonderful sightseeing tour with your expert Local Guide includes views of the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Later, consider an excursion to the galleries of the vast Louvre Museum. You might like to finish your holiday with a cabaret show, for which Paris is proudly famous!(Buffet Breakfast)

Bid 'au revoir' to Paris, your fellow travellers and Travel Director as this fascinating tour comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)