Which will become your favorite European city during this impressive tour? Perhaps eccentric Brussels or extravagant Vienna. Maybe romantic Venice or the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Alpine Lucerne has medieval charm and Paris is always elegant. Take your pick once you’ve seen them all!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: LONDON - AMSTERDAM
Greetings from your Travel Director! A scenic drive through Kent brings you to Dover. See the White Cliffs as you board the ferry and cross to Calais, France. Admire the countryside as you traverse Belgium and Holland. In Amsterdam, one of Europe's friendliest cities, marvel at the Mint Tower and Dam Square. Later, you might like to take a canal cruise in a glass-covered boat – it's a great way to see the city!
Day 2: AMSTERDAM - COLOGNE - RHINE CRUISE - RHINELAND
Pass Arnhem into Germany and view Cologne Cathedral, the city's most famous landmark. Continue past Bonn to Boppard, where you embark on a relaxing cruise along the River Rhine past ancient castles and vineyards. Disembark at St. Goar where you view the Lorelei Rock and hear the legend of the fabled siren! Dine tonight at your Rhineland hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 3: RHINELAND - FERN PASS - INNSBRUCK
Head south into the region of Bavaria. Glimpse Neuschwanstein Castle built by Mad King Ludwig, before taking the scenic Fern Pass into Austria. In the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, see the sights during your orientation tour including the Golden Roof and St. Jakob's cathedral.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 4: INNSBRUCK - SALZBURG - VIENNA (2 NIGHTS)
Explore the splendours of Salzburg and marvel at the sights associated with 'the Sound of Music' and the city's most famous son, Mozart. Your scenic journey continues towards the River Danube, arriving later in the elegant city of Vienna.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 5: VIENNA SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Your expert Local Guide shows you the city's important landmarks including the Opera House, the Hofburg, Parliament and the Imperial Boulevards. Spend free time afterwards sightseeing or shop for souvenirs on the fashionable Kärntnerstrasse.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 6: VIENNA - VENICE (2 NIGHTS)
Journey through the heart of the Austrian Alps past mountains and small picturesque towns to the Austrian Lake District. Cross the Italian border and arrive later in Venice, your home for the next two nights.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 7: VENICE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Discover this stunning Byzantine city as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square. Admire the Bridge of Sighs and the ornate Doge’s Palace. Visit a glass-blowing factory for a demonstration of this ancient craft. Spend free time afterwards wandering through the markets and shopping, or perhaps cruise to the picturesque Island of Burano for a fresh seafood lunch.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 8: VENICE - ROME (2 NIGHTS)
Admire the scenery as you cross the fertile Po valley and journey over the dramatic Apennine Mountains to Rome, the Eternal City. This evening you might like to explore the city's vibrant nightlife.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9: ROME SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Your knowledgeable Local Guide takes you on a visit of St. Peter's Basilica, where you see Michelangelo's sculpture, the Pietà. Your sightseeing tour continues across the Tiber in ancient Rome for views of the Forum and the Colosseum. In your free time afterwards, visit the magnificent Sistine Chapel or relax at a sidewalk café on the Via Veneto and watch the world go by!(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 10: ROME - FLORENCE
Drive through Tuscany's Chianti region to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Enjoy spectacular views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. In your free time, visit Piazza Signoria, the Duomo and Giotto's Bell Tower. Don't forget to shop for high quality leather goods and 18-carat gold jewellery!(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 11: FLORENCE - LUCERNE (2 NIGHTS)
North from Florence via Bologna and Milan and across the Swiss border, you travel through beautiful, ever-changing scenery. See picturesque Lake Lugano, then take the famous St. Gotthard route through the Alps to Lake Lucerne. Later, why not experience a Swiss folklore and fondue evening?(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 12: LUCERNE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME
See the highlights of Lucerne this morning on your orientation tour, including the medieval Old Town and a visit to the renowned Lion Monument. Spend free time afterwards relaxing or perhaps take an optional trip up a nearby mountain for breathtaking views!(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 13: LUCERNE - PARIS (2 NIGHTS)
Travel west across the French border, past Belfort and the remnants of the Maginot Line. Continue through the Burgundy wine region, with views of the vineyards. Arrive later in the capital, Paris.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 14: PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
The Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower – your knowledgeable Local Guide shows you all these amazing sights and more on your sightseeing tour. Explore on your own afterwards. Stroll along the banks of the Seine or visit the magnificent Palace and gardens of Versailles. Tonight, why not celebrate the end of your journey with a traditional Parisian cabaret?(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 15: PARIS - LONDON
This morning, say 'au revoir' to Paris. Cross northern France and the Somme battlefields and pass the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge. In Calais, board your ferry to Dover and continue by coach to London, where you bid farewell to your Travel Director and travelling companions.(Buffet Breakfast)
