After seeing the historic structures of Rome, the beauty of Florence and the iconic monuments of Paris, linger over impressive views of Rhine Valley, the Alps of Italy, the Italian Lakes and lush wine region of Burgundy
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVE AMSTERDAM
Greetings from your Travel Director and welcome to Holland, renowned for tulips, clogs and windmills! On arrival in Amsterdam, one of Europe's friendliest cities, see Dam Square and the Mint Tower.
Day 2: AMSTERDAM - COLOGNE - RHINELAND
Cross into Germany and view Cologne Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Europe. In Boppard, embark on a scenic cruise down the River Rhine past terraced vineyards and towering castles. Finish the day at your hotel in the Rhineland.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 3: RHINELAND - MUNICH - INNSBRUCK
In Munich, admire the Olympic Stadium, the Glockenspiel in the Marienplatz and the Hofbräuhaus. Continue along the Inn Valley to the Austrian Tyrol and on to Innsbruck, a picturesque town where you view the sights, including the Golden Roof and the ski-jump.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 4: INNSBRUCK - VENICE
Enjoy an exhilarating journey through the Brenner Pass – one of the principal Alpine highways – to Italy. In the Byzantine city of Venice cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square. Marvel at St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. Visit a traditional glass-blowing workshop and see a demonstration, then spend time discovering the delights of Venice. You might like to take a romantic ride in a gondola!(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5: VENICE - ROME (2 NIGHTS)
Traverse the Veneto plain via Bologna and cross the dramatic Apennine Mountains into Tuscany. Continue through Umbria to Lazio and the capital, Rome. This evening, take the opportunity to explore the city's beautiful squares and fountains, and perhaps savour the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 6: ROME SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Your expert Local Guide brings Rome's rich history to life during your wonderful sightseeing tour! Visit St. Peter's Basilica, featuring magnificent works of art. Your tour continues across the Tiber in ancient Rome with views of the Forum and Colosseum. Spend the rest of the day as you wish. From the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums to the incredible fountains in Piazza Navona, Rome is full of wonderful, unmissable sights!(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7: ROME - FLORENCE
Drive north through Umbria into the rolling countryside of Tuscany. In the Renaissance city of Florence, enjoy spectacular views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Afterwards, there is time to explore the Piazza Signoria, the Duomo and Giotto's Bell Tower, and don't forget to shop for leather goods and 18-carat gold jewellery.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8: FLORENCE - LAKE LUCERNE (2 NIGHTS)
Cross the Apennines to the great northern plain and pass the city of Milan. Continue north to the Swiss border in sight of Lake Como, and follow the scenic St. Gotthard route to Lake Lucerne in the heart of Switzerland. The landscape is breathtaking!(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9: LAKE LUCERNE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME
Admire the sights of Lucerne during your morning orientation tour, including views of the Chapel Bridge, the Jesuit Church and a visit to the Lion Monument, built to commemorate the Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Spend free time shopping for Swiss chocolate or perhaps take an excursion up a mountain peak!(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 10: LAKE LUCERNE - PARIS (2 NIGHTS)
Journey into France and pass the Vosges Mountains. See the vineyards as you travel through the great wine region of Burgundy. Arrive later in the elegant capital, Paris. This evening, you might like to take a tour of the city and see the dazzling illuminations!(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 11: PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Paris is a beautiful city, and probably has more familiar landmarks than any other capital in the world. Your knowledgeable Local Guide shows you most of them during your sightseeing tour, with views of the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Afterwards there is time for you to explore on your own. Perhaps you might like to take an optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles, the extravagant creation of Louis XIV, renowned for the Hall of Mirrors and surrounded by magnificent gardens. Tonight is the last evening of your holiday, so you might consider a delicious dinner at a cosy bistro. Also, no trip to Paris is complete without seeing a famous cabaret show featuring the can-can!(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 12: DEPART PARIS
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)
