Tour Details - Glimpse of Europe 2012

Greetings from your Travel Director in London before taking a scenic drive through the county of Kent, known as the ‘Garden of England’ because of its orchards and hop fields, to reach the Channel port of Dover, famous for the White Cliffs. Here board the ferry for the short one hour and a quarter sea crossing to Calais in France. On arrival travel through the Belgian countryside, known as Flanders Fields where many of the First World War battles were fought, to Holland where you will see your first Dutch windmill so characteristic of the landscape even today. Then continue to Amsterdam, one of Europe’s friendliest cities, which is built on a network of narrow canals. Here see the Mint Tower beside the floating flower market and Dam Square at the of the city. Perhaps take the chance to explore the city further on a typical canal cruise in a glass-covered boat to enjoy views of the historic gabled houses.

This morning, after breakfast, travel eastwards through the Dutch countryside passing by Utrecht, both a provincial capital and the largest university city of Holland, and Arnhem, renowned for the battle fought here during the Second World War which was recounted in the film ‘A Bridge Too Far’. Then cross into Germany and travel via Bonn, the former capital of West Germany when the country was divided by the Berlin Wall, to the picturesque Rhine Valley. Here you embark on a cruise at Boppard which glides past medieval castles and steeply terraced vineyards which produce the well known high quality Rhine wines. You disembark at St Goar and then have views of the notorious Lorelei Rock and learn about the legends associated with this stretch of the river. Finally continue southwards to your hotel where you dine tonight.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Today head for the oldest university city of Germany, Heidelberg, where the university was founded in 1386. Learn about the riotous life of the students in the past and enjoy views of the red sandstone castle which lies high above the charming old town. Then continuing southwards, drive through part of the delightful Black Forest region, which is bordered by the Rhine Valley to the west and south. This beautiful area is renowned for wood carving, the creation of the original cuckoo clock and a particular cuisine which includes smoked ham and delicious Black Forest cake. Later cross the border into Switzerland and soon after there is time to stop to admire the impressive Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen where the water cascades down 75 feet before driving into central Switzerland. Here you travel to the scenic region of Lake Lucerne and to your hotel for the next two nights. Maybe, later enjoy the fun and yodelling at a Swiss Folklore Show?(Buffet Breakfast)

This morning your orientation tour around this medieval city highlights the poignant Lion Monument, built in memory of Louis XVI’s courageous Swiss Guards who tried to defend the Palace of the Tuileries in Paris during the French Revolution, the wooden Chapel Bridge across the River Reuss and the onion domed Jesuit Church. Later, perhaps enjoy an exhilarating excursion to the top of one of the surrounding mountains or explore the squares and towers of the quaint old city? Alternatively, there is plenty of opportunity for shopping, whether it be Swiss watches, jewellery or the wide range of deliciously flavoured chocolate.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Today head north and cross the Rhine River for the final time in the city of Basel as you leave Switzerland and re-enter France for the second time. Here pass by Belfort and the remains of the Maginot Line, a vast fortification built after the First World War, which ended in 1918, to protect the French - German border. Then cross through part of the renowned wine producing Burgundy region with views of the extensive vineyards. Continue past the rolling fertile farmland of the Auxerre region before the approach to the capital city of Paris. Gradually the excitement mounts as you begin to enter the outskirts of this splendid city and tonight maybe take the opportunity to get to know Paris for the first time on a stunning illuminations tour?(Buffet Breakfast)

This morning your guided sightseeing tour introduces you to this exquisitely planned city with views of the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral on the City island on the River Seine. Later there is time to maybe visit the vast Louvre Museum and this evening, why not sample Paris nightlife at a cabaret show?(Buffet Breakfast)

This morning, say 'au revoir' to Paris and drive northwards across the First World War battlefields of the Somme and view the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge. In Calais, board your ferry to cross the English Channel to Dover. Then drive to London where you may bid farewell to your Tour Director and new-found friends.(Buffet Breakfast)