Tour Details - Grand European 2012

Greetings from your Travel Director! Drive to Dover, cross to France by ferry and continue by road into Belgium. Explore the beautiful medieval town of Bruges before making your way to Brussels. An orientation on arrival includes views of the Atomium, the Royal Palaces and a walk through the Grand Place to see the Manneken Pis. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception including dinner and Welcome Drinks.(Welcome Reception)

A short, scenic journey brings you to Amsterdam. Enjoy an included cruise along the city’s famous canals in a glass-topped boat and see a host of sights. Amsterdam has been a major diamond centre since the 16th century. Learn about these precious stones during a visit to a renowned diamond polishing factory.(Buffet Breakfast)

Travel through Arnhem into Germany. Embark on a Rhine cruise from Boppard past medieval ruins to St.Goar. Admire the magnificent sandstone castle at Heidelberg on the way to Mannheim.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Drive across the Black Forest in south-west Germany to the Swiss border. Marvel at the dramatic Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen, the biggest waterfall in Europe. Dine tonight at your hotel in the Alpine town of Engelberg.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Lucerne is a picturesque lakeside resort. See the poignant Lion Monument and the 14th century wooden Chapel Bridge spanning the River Reuss during your orientation. In your free time, consider an exhilirating mountain excursion or go shopping for Swiss chocolate and souvenirs!(Buffet Breakfast)

Visit Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Cross into Austria and follow the Arlberg route through the Tyrol to Innsbruck, where you see the Golden Roof during your orientation tour.(Buffet Breakfast)

In Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace, explore the city on a guided walking tour and see locations that featured in The Sound of Music. Arrive in Vienna, your home for the next two nights.(Buffet Breakfast)

Your expert Local Guide takes you on a sightseeing tour of Vienna. View the State Opera House, the Hofburg, City Hall, Parliament and the Imperial Boulevards. This evening, you might like to see a concert of Viennese music.(Buffet Breakfast)

A scenic drive through the Austrian Lake District and across the Italian border brings you to the Byzantine city of Venice.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square and see the delights of this magical city including the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace. Witness a demonstration of glass-blowing, an ancient craft still practised by artisans in Venice. Afterwards you are free to explore on your own. Consider a cruise to the Island of Burano for a delicious lunch.(Buffet Breakfast)

Travel south to Assisi on the slopes of Mount Subasio. See the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and St. Francis’ Basilica during your included walking tour. Dine tonight at your hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Pass Monte Cassino en route to the Bay of Naples. Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, covering Pompeii in a layer of volcanic ash where it lay undiscovered for centuries. Your expert Local Guide reveals the unique history of this 'petrified' Roman town during an included walking tour. Dine tonight at your hotel in Sorrento.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Take a ferry to the enchanting Isle of Capri and enjoy a guided walking tour of the main town. Spend free time exploring before sailing back to the mainland. Arrive later in Rome, the Eternal City.(Buffet Breakfast)

Enjoy a spectacular guided sightseeing tour of the Vatican Museums, home to some of the most incredible Renaissance works of art. Admire Michelangelo's depiction of The Creation in the Sistine Chapel. Marvel at St. Peter's Basilica, where you can see Michelangelo's sculpture of the Pietà. Across the Tiber in ancient Rome, view the Forum, the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. Explore the sights of your choice during your free time and shop for souvenirs.(Buffet Breakfast)

From the Lazio region, through Umbria and into picturesque Tuscany, you arrive in the Renaissance city of Florence. Your expert Local Guide shows you views of the marble Cathedral, Signoria Square, the Baptistery and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio bridge during your included walking tour.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Admire the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Cathedral Square. Then cross the French border to the magnificent Riviera and the Principality of Monaco. See the extravagant Monte Carlo Casino on the way to Nice. This evening, join your companions for a Highlight Dinner at a specially selected restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Explore the medieval hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence, a destination for artists. Visit a local perfumery before returning to Nice. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach, shopping in fashionable boutiques or take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais.(Buffet Breakfast)

Head north through scenic countryside to Avignon. Your orientation walk includes views of the Papal Palace and St. Benezet Bridge−the famous Pont d’Avignon. Via Lyon into the hills of Burgundy, you arrive in Beaune, one of the country’s most important wine centres.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

See Beaune’s ancient walls and old town square before you make your way to Paris. Why not take the opportunity to experience a Cabaret tonight?(Buffet Breakfast)

See the Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde during your sightseeing tour of the city. Marvel at the beautiful skyline from the second level of the Eiffel Tower. Later enjoy free time in this beautiful city. You might consider taking an optional visit to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa. The choice is yours. Celebrate the end of your trip with your companions at a Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Say 'au revoir' to Paris as you travel to the coast. Sail from Calais to Dover where you see the famous White Cliffs. Arrive later in London and bid farewell to your fellow travellers at the end of a memorable holiday.(Buffet Breakfast)