Tour Details - Scenic Europe 2012

A warm welcome from your Travel Director! Board the Eurostar at London's St. Pancras International for a high-speed train journey to Brussels. On arrival, your orientation includes views of the Atomium, the Royal Palaces and a walk through the Grand Place to view the Manneken Pis. This evening, get to know your travel companions and your Travel Director at a Welcome Reception.(Welcome Reception)

Travel via Beethoven's birthplace, Bonn to Boppard. A scenic cruise takes you past castle ruins and steep vineyards to St. Goar, site of the Lorelei Rock. Later, view Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps on the way to your Rhineland hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Experience a scenic drive south into Switzerland to the lakeside resort of Lucerne. Visit the Lion Monument, the old town ramparts and famous wooden Chapel Bridge during your orientation of Lucerne. Afterwards, you might like to enjoy an exhilarating mountain excursion for panoramic views. Dine tonight at your hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

This morning cross the splendid Alps as you head south to Italy and the Byzantine city of Venice. Take in the sights of the city during your included canal cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square. View the Bridge of Sighs and the ornate Doge’s Palace. Watch a demonstration of the ancient art of glass-blowing at one of the oldest workshops on the island.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Cross the fertile Po Valley and pass by Bologna, and then enjoy views of the dramatic Apennine Mountains. Pass the scenic hill top towns of Orvieto and Orte and later arrive in the eternal city of Rome.(Buffet Breakfast)

Visit St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican city with your expert Local Guide. Admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, a Renaissance masterpiece, and St. Peter's Square. View the Forum, centre of daily life in ancient Rome, and the mighty Colosseum. See the Circus Maximus, set in a valley between the Aventine and Palatine Hills, where chariot races were held. Spend time afterwards seeing the sights of your choice and perhaps consider a visit inside the Sistine Chapel to see the magnificent ceiling.(Buffet Breakfast)

Travel north through picturesque Umbria into the scenic Tuscany region, arrive in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Your expert Local Guide takes you on a walking tour to view the Duomo, Baptistery and Signoria Square, full of statues and palaces. View the Ponte Vecchio bridge, a spectacular feat of engineering dating from the Middle Ages. There is time to shop for luxury Italian leather goods before dining this evening at your hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Square of Miracles is the first magical stop today! Pass the Carrara quarries−renowned for high quality marble−on the way to the French border. Visit the Principality of Monaco where you view the Monte Carlo casinos and travel on part of the Formula 1 motor racing track. This evening in Nice, capital of the spectacular French Riviera, join your companions for a wonderful Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Your day is free to enjoy the unique ambience of the Côte d'Azur. Go for a swim in the Mediterranean. Stroll along the elegant Promenade des Anglais. Shop in fashionable boutiques. Consider a visit to the medieval town of St. Paul de Vence, one of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera and home to the rich and famous!(Buffet Breakfast)

A scenic drive brings you to Avignon, where you board the rapid and supremely comfortable TGV train. See Burgundy's fertile vineyards as you head north to the fascinating city of Paris, your home for the next two nights. Tonight, celebrate the end of your holiday at a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

See all the famous landmarks during your sightseeing tour of Paris. Your expert Local Guide brings the city to life, showing you views of the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Admire the panorama from the second level of the Eiffel Tower and see Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pont Alexandre III. Spend free time exploring the sights you’ve always dreamed of seeing! Shop in smart boutiques, visit museums and galleries or relax and watch the world go by. This evening you might like to round off your trip at a famous Parisian cabaret!(Buffet Breakfast)

After breakfast say ‘au revoir’ to Paris. Cross the Somme battlefields where you will hear stories of bravery and catch a glimpse of the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge. In Calais board a ferry to Dover, continuing to London by coach where your wonderful European experience concludes.(Buffet Breakfast)