Tour Details - European Whirl 2012

See the White Cliffs as you approach Dover for your ferry crossing to Calais. Travel through Flanders into Holland and see the landscapes that inspired many of the great Dutch Masters. In Amsterdam, see Dam Square and the Mint Tower before joining your fellow and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception dinner cruise. Enjoy splendid views from your glass-topped boat as you cruise along the city's canals.(Welcome Reception)

Travel via Arnhem along the Ruhr and Rhine valleys. Enjoy picturesque scenery all the way to Boppard, where an included cruise takes you past vine-clad hills and crumbling medieval castles to St. Goar. See the famous Lorelei Rock, named after a siren who lured fishermen to their deaths with spellbinding songs. Later enjoy views of the red sandstone castle towering above Heidelberg.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Crossing the Swabian Alps arrive in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, for an orientation drive including the Olympic Stadium and City Hall. View the Glockenspiel on Marienplatz. A short drive through splendid scenery and across the Austrian border brings you to Innsbruck where you will enjoy a walk through the town. Admire the architecture including the Hofburg and the Golden Roof and shop for Alpine souvenirs. You might consider experiencing traditional Tyrolean entertainment this evening.(Buffet Breakfast)

Enjoy spectacular scenery as you drive along the Brenner Pass into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains. Arrive in the enchanting city of Venice. Cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace along the way. Visit a traditional glass-blowing workshop then spend the afternoon exploring the sights of your choice. Finish an eventful day with dinner at your hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

South across the Veneto plain, you pass by Bologna and over the dramatic Apennine Mountains, continuing into the Lazio region to Rome, the Eternal City.(Buffet Breakfast)

Your morning sightseeing tour begins with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica − the most significant Christian church in the world − to view Michelangelo’s Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. Crossing the River Tiber to ancient Rome you see the Forum and the Colosseum, as well as the enormous Circus Maximus, famous for chariot racing. Spend the rest of the day exploring your sights or perhaps take an excursion inside the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.(Buffet Breakfast)

From Lazio travel north into Tuscany, through rolling countryside and along the valley of the River Arno to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Discover the city’s rich artistic and medieval history with your expert Local Guide. Visit the Piazza Signoria with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi. Marvel at the Baptistery and the multi- marble Duomo, designed by Brunelleschi. Join your companions this evening for dinner at the hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Drive via picturesque Italian Lakes and across the Alps into Switzerland. Spend the next two nights in the beautiful lakeside town of Lucerne.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Visit the Lion Monument during your morning orientation. Created to commemorate the heroism of Swiss Guards who defended Louis XVI in Paris in 1792, Mark Twain described it as 'the most moving piece of stone in the world'. Walk along the 14th-century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the River Reuss, the country’s fourth largest river. Consider an exhilarating mountain excursion or shop for Swiss chocolate and Swiss watches.(Buffet Breakfast)

Pass Basel and cross the border into France this morning. In every direction, vineyards and picturesque villages provide a memorable backdrop for your journey. Consider an excursion this evening to a famous Parisian Cabaret.(Buffet Breakfast)

See all the famous sights during your morning sightseeing tour with an expert Local Guide. View the Champs Élysées, Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking view of the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring the sights that interest you. Perhaps take an excursion to the Palace of Versailles, the Chateau built by Louis XIV the Sun King of France. This evening, celebrate with your Travel Director and travelling companions at a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Cross the Somme and pass First World War battlefields at Vimy Ridge as you drive towards the coast. In Calais board a ferry to Dover and travel on to London by coach where your journey of discovery ends.(Buffet Breakfast)