This tour was created to please travellers of all ages! View castles of the Rhine Valley, see Somme Valley and explore handsome Prague Castle. Float along the canals of Venice, discover the alpine wonderland of Lake Lucerne and enjoy a guided tour through the impressive sights of Paris and London.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: LONDON - AMSTERDAM
Greetings from your Travel Director and Welcome to Europe! Drive through Kent's scenic countryside to Dover. Admire the famous White Cliffs as you sail across the Channel to Calais, France. Continue by road through Belgium to Holland, home of clogs and windmills! In Amsterdam, see Dam Square and the Mint Tower. Afterwards, perhaps take a canal cruise in a glass-topped boat and see the city from a unique perspective!
Day 2: AMSTERDAM - COLOGNE - RHINELAND
Drive into Germany and marvel at Cologne Cathedral. At Boppard, embark on a relaxing cruise along the River Rhine past medieval hilltop castles and steep vineyards. Continue to your hotel where you dine this evening.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 3: RHINELAND - NUREMBERG - PRAGUE (2 NIGHTS)
Stop in Nuremberg this morning, a historic city where little has changed since the Middle Ages! Drive east across the border into the Czech Republic, and arrive later in the capital, Prague.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4: PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Your expert Local Guide brings the history of this fascinating city to life during your sightseeing tour, which includes Prague Castle – the largest medieval castle complex in Europe – the Cathedral of St. Vitus, views of Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. Spend free time afterwards exploring on your own and shopping for souvenirs. Later, perhaps take a cruise on the River Vltava or attend a lively folklore show.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 5: PRAGUE - REGENSBURG - MUNICH
Cross back into Germany, stopping in Regensburg on the River Danube. In Munich, capital of Bavaria, your orientation includes the Olympic Stadium, Ludwigstrasse and the Marienplatz, renowned for its musical Glockenspiel. You might like to visit a bierkeller and sample the local beer, for which the city is famous.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6: MUNICH - INNSBRUCK - VENICE (2 NIGHTS)
Head south towards the mountains and enjoy an amazing drive through Austria. Stop at Innsbruck, a popular ski area, to view the Golden Roof and the Hofburg. Continue across the Brenner Pass, one of the principal Alpine highways, into Italy and south to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. Tonight dine in your hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 7: VENICE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME
Evidence of Venice's glorious Byzantine history is all around as you cruise by private launch through the city's canals to St. Mark’s Square. Admire the magnificent Doge’s Palace, former home of Venice's ruling elite. Visit a glass-blowing workshop for a demonstration of this ancient art. Afterwards, you have time to explore amazing narrow alleyways and historic bridges and canals. Later, perhaps take the opportunity to cruise to Burano Island, the most picturesque island in the lagoon, for a seafood lunch.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 8: VENICE - LAKE LUCERNE (2 NGHTS)
Traverse the plains of northern Italy and catch sight of Lake Como. Cross the border into Switzerland and continue along the St. Gotthard route, with spectacular views of waterfalls and mountain peaks. See the chalets dotting the steep hillsides as you approach Lake Lucerne in the heart of central Switzerland.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 9: LAKE LUCERNE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME
Your orientation tour of Lucerne includes the medieval wooden Chapel Bridge and the poignant Lion Monument, built to commemorate the Swiss Guards who bravely defended Louis XVl during the French Revolution. There is time afterwards to shop for delicious chocolates and watches, relax or stroll beside the lake. Consider an optional trip up a mountain peak by cable car to admire the magnificent views! Later, you might like to join in the fun at a Swiss Folklore Show.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 10: LAKE LUCERNE - PARIS (2 NIGHTS)
Travel north-west through Basel into France, skirting the edge of the Vosges Mountains. Admire charming villages and castles as you pass through the vineyards of Burgundy, France's most famous wine region. Arrive later in the glittering capital, Paris! This evening perhaps take a tour through this dazzling city to see the magnificent illuminations.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 11: PARIS SIGHTSEEING
Paris probably has more recognisable landmarks than any other city in the world. Your knowledgeable Local Guide shows you all the major sights during your sightseeing tour, including the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Consider a trip to the impressive Palace of Versailles or take a Seine cruise. This evening, you might like to celebrate the end of your holiday with a famous Parisian cabaret show!(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 12: PARIS - LONDON
Journey north from Paris across the First World War battlefields, and the Valley of the Somme featuring memorials to soldiers who fought and died between 1914 and 1918. Board the ferry at Calais and cross to Dover. Continue by coach to London, where it is time to bid farewell to your Travel Director and travelling companions at the end of your splendid European holiday!(Buffet Breakfast)
