PACKAGE: 9 Nights/10 days
Summary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01
Check into your hotel. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
Day 02
A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, how about a leisurely cruise on the Thames River
Day 03
Head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you board your FERRY for the Continent. Here, your Tour Director and comfortable coach wait to take you to Brussels for an orientation drive and an overnight.
Day 04
Journey into Germany to the shores of the mighty Rhine to enjoy a scenic CRUISE. Then, on to the Frankfurt area for an overnight.
Day 05
Today’s highlight is a drive along the Romantic Road, through towns and villages with medieval towered gates and battlements, squares of half-timbered houses, and richly decorated fountains. Spend some time in the center of Rothenburg before heading to the Innsbruck area for an overnight.
Day 06
Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Alps while crossing the Europa Bridge and Brenner Pass. Arrive in Venice, where a BOAT RIDE along the Giudecca Canal to Piazza San Marco allows to admire the palazzos and maze of streets. Time at leisure to soak up the magical atmosphere of this unique city. At a GLASSBLOWING WORKSHOP, experience this Venetian art.
Day 07
Stop in fascinating Verona and see Juliet’s legendary balcony. Cross the Swiss border and enjoy the idyllic views of Canton Ticino, then descend to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Lucerne.
Day 08
Your visit this morning focuses on the Old Town in the heart of Lucerne. Also, there’s time for an optional excursion to Mount Stanserhorn. In the afternoon, journey into France for an overnight in the charming town of Dijon. This evening, dine at a local restaurant.
Day 09
Leave Dijon and travel on the autoroute to Paris, where included sightseeing with a local expert shows you many of the best-known Parisian sites.
Day 10
Au revoir—your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
PACKAGE: 11 Nights/12 days
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this lively ancient capital. In the afternoon, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers
Today’s sightseeing with a Local Guide features St. Peter’s Square, and includes an inside visit of the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM
Vistas of rolling hills, austere rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through Tuscany. Take a break in Pisa to see the SQUARE OF MIRACLES and the amazing Leaning Tower, then on to Florence.
Birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence was for centuries a leading power. On the included walking tour with an expert Local Guide, discover the landmarks of this amazing city, like Piazza Signoria with the Loggia dei Lanzi, Palazzo Vecchio, and the breathtaking cathedral on Piazza del Duomo. Later, watch how leather is embossed with gold, and enjoy free time to shop. In the afternoon, drive north across the Po River for two overnights in the Venice area
Venice is known worldwide for its carnival, its film festival, and its incredible location on the water. Today, reach Venice by private MOTORBOAT to view the Bridge of Sighs, Doges’ Palace, and St. Mark’s Square before the visit to a GLASSBLOWING WORKSHOP. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.
Leave the plains of the Veneto region behind and drive northwards to spot the spectacular peaks of the Dolomites. Stop awhile in Cortina to enjoy the grand scenery. Later, cross over the Europa Bridge and Brenner Pass into Austria to reach Innsbruck in time to see the famous GOLDEN ROOF, emblem of the city
Drive through the valleys and villages of the mountainous Tyrol to the Arlberg Tunnel, descending into Switzerland. Stop briefly in Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s capital. Absorb the majestic alpine scenery and glimpses of Lake Walen on the way to the Lucerne area.
One of Switzerland’s finest cities, Lucerne is nestled amid its snowcapped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the Reuss River. The orientation includes the LION MONUMENT, erected in memory of the 800 Swiss Guards who defended Louis XVI and his wife. Also see the famous wooden CHAPEL BRIDGE. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a cable-car ride to the 10,000-foot summit of Mount Titlis; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course, time to shop for an authentic Swiss watch.
Enjoy vistas of green pastures and rustic chalets, then cross into France and drive past some of its most famous Burgundy vineyards to Paris. Get a taste of Parisian joie de vivre at an optional cabaret show.
Paris is a world-class city that probably has more familiar landmarks than almost any other city in the world. This morning, see them during the included city tour. View the famous Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, and much more with a Local Guide. Later, feel like a French aristocrat on the optional walking tour through the opulent Palace of Versailles. Tonight, consider joining the optional farewell dinner in a typical French restaurant.
Day 11
Relax and let the countryside whiz by on the road north to the coast, where you board your Channel FERRY. Through Kent to London for an evening arrival.
Day 12
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, how about a leisurely cruise on the Thames River?
Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you board your FERRY for the Continent. Here, your Tour Director and coach wait to take you to the Amsterdam area.
Today, enjoy a CANAL CRUISE to see the city from water level, then watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a DIAMOND CENTER in Amsterdam. Later, sightseeing with a Local Guide points out the city highlights.
Spend the morning in Amsterdam, doing as you please, or discover the beautiful Dutch countryside on an optional excursion. Later, cross into Germany’s lovely Rhine region, where you will spend one night.
Start the day with an included RHINE CRUISE to see some legendary sites, including the Lorelei rock. Continue the journey southwards to the Swiss border at Basel. The scenery becomes more and more fascinating as you approach the Lucerne area for two overnights.
One of Switzerland’s finest cities, Lucerne is nestled amid its snowcapped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the Reuss River. Your visit takes in the impressive city walls, the famous CHAPEL BRIDGE, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, and the LION MONUMENT—a masterful stone sculpture in honor of the heroic Swiss Guard of Louis XVI. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a cable-car ride to the 10,000-foot summit of Mount Titlis; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course, time to shop for an authentic Swiss watch.
Enjoy vistas of green pastures and chalets with rustic timbering and luxuriant flowers. Then, head into France, past some of its most famous vineyards, to Paris. Tonight, consider the optional cabaret show
The whole day is devoted to the city known throughout the world for its fashions, art and museums, delicious food, and joie de vivre. Included sightseeing with a local expert shows off many of the best-known Parisian sites: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Pyramid, the Invalides, and Champs Elysées. Celebrate the success of your tour with an optional French farewell dinner.
PACKAGE: 13 Nights/14 days
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to you to explore this exciting city. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Enjoy sightseeing in Amsterdam with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights, as well as a CANAL CRUISE to see the town from water level. Then, watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a DIAMOND CENTER. Time in the afternoon to explore on your own or join an optional excursion.
Travelling through Germany, choose an included scenic drive along the shores of the Rhine or, even more thrilling, the optional Rhine cruise with vistas of the Lorelei rock, hilltop castles, half-timbered wine villages, and terraced vineyards. Spend the night in the Mannheim area.
Drive through Baden-Wüttenberg to the foot of the Alps to visit King Ludwig’s magnificent NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE, Germany’s fairytale castle. Carry on into the verdant Austrian Tyrol.
Cross the border into Italy to the unique floating city of Venice. This afternoon’s orientation includes a BOAT RIDE to St. Mark’s Square, followed by a visit to a traditional GLASSBLOWING WORKSHOP. Don’t miss out on the romantic optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.
An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then through the gentle Umbrian hills to medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous BASILICA with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome
Rome, the “Eternal City,” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, the heart of the Vatican, followed by a visit to the ROMAN FORUM and the mighty COLOSSEUM to discover more about life in ancient Roman times.
An easy drive on the Highway of the Sun to Florence. This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will help you enthralled for a whole day. Visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty, but don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide that features most of the city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio; Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificently carved East Door of the Baptistry, known as the “Gate of Paradise.” Overnight in the spa town of Montecatini.
Visit the Square of Miracles in Pisa and admire the curious Leaning Tower. Journey northwards through the Tuscan hills and across Apennines to Milan to admire the majestic gothic Duomo. Continue to the shores of romantic Lake Como.
Leave beautiful Lake Como and cross the border into Switzerland for a stop in Lugano in Italian-speaking Ticino. Continue north, and once through Gotthard Tunnel, see more magnificent alpine scenery as you descend to the shores of Lake Lucerne.
Spend some time in beautiful Lucerne. Later, stop in idyllic Interlaken and follow the shoreline of Lake Thun. A few more miles to Lausanne, overlooking Lake Geneva.
Enjoy vistas of famous vineyards on the way to Beaune. Visit the medieval Burgundian town, known all over the world for its wine production. Take the autoroute to Paris. Tonight, maybe an exciting optional cabaret show?
Day 13
Get to know the city with a local expert and see many of the best-known Parisian sites: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the modern glass Pyramid of the Louvre, the Invalides, and Champs Elysées. An optional excursion to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, King Louis XIV’s residence, is available.
Day 14
PACKAGE: 7 Nights/8 days
London, England–Brussels, Belgium. Head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you board your FERRY for the Continent. Here, your Tour Director and comfortable coach wait to take you to Brussels for an orientation drive and an overnight.
Brussels–Rhine Cruise, Germany–Frankfurt Area. Journey into Germany to the shores of the mighty Rhine to enjoy a scenic CRUISE. Then, on to the Frankfurt area for an overnight.
Frankfurt Area–Romantic Road–Innsbruck Area, Austria. Today’s highlight is a drive along the Romantic Road, through towns and villages with medieval towered gates and battlements, squares of half-timbered houses, and richly decorated fountains. Spend some time in the center of Rothenburg before heading to the Innsbruck area for an overnight.
Innsbruck Area–Brenner Pass–Venice Area, Italy. Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Alps while crossing the Europa Bridge and Brenner Pass. Arrive in Venice, where a BOAT RIDE along the Giudecca Canal to Piazza San Marco allows to admire the palazzos and maze of streets. Time at leisure to soak up the magical atmosphere of this unique city. At a GLASSBLOWING WORKSHOP, experience this Venetian art
Venice Area–Verona–Lucerne Area, Switzerland. Stop in fascinating Verona and see Juliet’s legendary balcony. Cross the Swiss border and enjoy the idyllic views of Canton Ticino, then descend to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Lucerne.
Lucerne Area–Dijon, France. Your visit this morning focuses on the Old Town in the heart of Lucerne. Also, there’s time for an optional excursion to Mount Stanserhorn. In the afternoon, journey into France for an overnight in the charming town of Dijon. This evening, dine at a local restaurant.
Dijon–Paris. Leave Dijon and travel on the autoroute to Paris, where included sightseeing with a local expert shows you many of the best-known Parisian sites.
Paris–London, England. Relax on your EUROSTAR journey back to London, where your holiday ends.
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the French capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Paris is a world-class city that probably has more familiar landmarks than almost any other city in the world. This morning, see these sites during the included city tour. In the company of an expert Local Guide, view the famous Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, and much more. In the afternoon, feel like a French aristocrat on the optional walking tour through the opulent Palace of Versailles. Tonight, consider joining the optional dinner
Travel to Beaune, the region’s wine capital since Roman times. A walled city, about half of Beaune’s battlements, ramparts, and the moat have survived, providing a true sense of what it was like here in medieval times. Visit the famed HÔTEL-DIEU charity hospital, founded in 1443 to treat destitute plague victims. Marvel at the multi-colored tile rooftop, half-timber architecture, and splendid panel paintings. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Cross the border into Switzerland for a visit to the French-speaking city of Lausanne. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, this has been recognized as the “Olympic Capital” and hosts more than 55 international sport associations. Enjoy a scenic drive around the lake before heading towards Bern, Switzerland’s charming 12th-century capital. Here, with the explanation of a Local Guide, see the Old Town, a showcase of medieval architecture, arcaded shops, artistic fountains, and the landmark Zytglogge (clock tower), a whimsical animated astronomical clock built in 1530. Travel on, skirting the shores of Lake Thun, and arrive in the idyllic resort of Interlaken.
Travel to the lovely village of Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland for an unforgettable day of alpine scenery. At Grindelwald, board the Jungfraujoch train and travel to the “Top of Europe.” The highest railway station in Europe is located 11,332 feet (3,454 meters) above sea level. The train ride across 13,020-foot Eiger and 13,474-foot Mönch is an unforgettable experience. From the viewing platforms on Aletsch Glacier or in the Ice Palace, admire the panoramic wonderland of ice, snow, and rock. Return to Grindelwald to board the coach back to Interlaken
Enter Entlebuch at the foot of the Alps, Canton Lucerne’s largest and most picturesque region. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2001, it is home to rugged karst formations, wild mountain streams, green pastures, and unspoiled moors dotted with wildflowers and dark spruce forests. Listen closely and you may just hear the dulcet tones of distant cowbells! While here, visit a SHEEP FARM and taste the local produce. Continue to Lucerne and visit the world-famous CHAPEL BRIDGE and poignant LION MONUMENT.
Nestled between snowcapped Alps, its lake, and the clear mountain waters of the Reuss River, Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s finest cities—and the whole day is free to explore on your own. Consider shopping for that quintessential Swiss watch, or maybe join one of the optional activities, including Mount Stanserhorn or a cruise on the fjord-like lake!
More wonderful alpine scenery awaits as you travel into the mountain ranges that surround massive St. Gotthard. Into the warmth and sunshine of Canton Ticino. Stop in beautiful Lugano and stroll along the lakeside promenade. Before leaving Switzerland, there is time to visit a luxury shopping outlet on the way to Milan, hub of Italy’s economic miracle and the capital of fashion.
During your included visit of this dynamic city, marvel at the awe-inspiring Duomo. One of the largest cathedrals in the world, this gothic structure took nearly 500 years to complete. You also may like to take a stroll around Milan’s famous fashion district to catch up on the latest designs!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning
Paris is a world-class city that probably has more familiar landmarks than almost any other city in the world. This morning, see these sites during the included city tour. In the company of an expert Local Guide, view the famous Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, and much more. In the afternoon, feel like a French aristocrat on the optional walking tour through the opulent Palace of Versailles. Tonight, consider joining the optional dinner at a typical restaurant.
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Paris before heading to Brussels, capital of Belgium and major center for international politics since WWII. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant.
Join your Local Guide this morning and explore this vibrant city that is headquarters of the European Union. Along the way, hear about the ornate Grand’Place and see the tiny yet world-famous Manneken Pis statue. The afternoon is free to make your own discoveries.
Start the day by getting to know the international port city of Antwerp. See the centuries-old Diamond Quarter, the largest diamond district in the world; the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, founded in 1663; the 14th-century Cathedral of Our Lady with its triptychs by Rubens; and much more. Cross the border into South Holland and stop in Rotterdam, the “Gateway to the World,” for an introduction to Europe’s busiest port, boasting an eclectic tapestry of architectural styles. Later, arrive in Amsterdam, vibrant capital of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Today, enjoy a CANAL CRUISE to see the city from water level, then watch skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones at a DIAMOND CENTER. Continue the discovery with a Local Guide showing you the city highlights. Maybe get to know the beautiful Dutch countryside on an optional excursion.
Depart Amsterdam and stop in Groningen, an important trade center in the 13th century that today is hailed as the “World Cycling City.” In the center of town, admire the Martini Tower with its 62-bell carillon, the Spanish Moorish synagogue, and much more. Reach Bremerhaven for a guided visit of the interactive GERMAN EMIGRATION CENTER, Europe’s largest museum about emigration, particularly German emigration to the United States.
Travel to the Hanseatic city of Bremen, which majestically straddles the Weser River. Attractions here include the opulent Town Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the massive, 15th-century statue of Roland, the city’s protector; the oldest wine cellar in Germany, the Ratskeller, whose wine list boasts more than 650 German wines; and the bronze sculpture of the Bremen Town Musicians from the Grimm Brothers’ famous fairytale. You’ll see the highlights on your included guided walking tour, then it’s on to the city of Berlin!
On the included guided tour, learn how Berlin is no longer divided but every bit as fascinating. Once a city of stark contrasts, since the fall of the wall, Berlin has developed into a harmonious blend of old and new. It has preserved the old buildings, such as the State Opera House and Brandenburg Gate; its neoclassic-style boulevards, such as the Kurfüstendamm and Unter den Linden; and it has created brand new buildings in the most daring, up-to-date architectural styles. It is once again Germany’s capital and one of Europe’s most lively cities. This afternoon, maybe join an optional excursion.
Travel southwest toward the Czech border to Dresden, hailed as the “Jewel Box” city for its splendid baroque and rococo center. With four nature reserves and 63% of the city consisting of green areas and forests, Dresden is one of the greenest cities in all of Europe. On your included guided sightseeing tour, see the ZWINGER PALACE GLOCKENSPIEL with its bells made by the famous Meissen porcelain factory, as well as many other city highlights. Cross into the Czech Republic and head towards Prague.
The wealth of gothic and baroque architecture in the “Golden City” of Prague inspired local composers Dvorak and Smetana—and will inspire you, too, today during your included guided sightseeing tour. See the Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square with its fantastic Astronomical Clock, and more. Your Tour Director can suggest optional excursions, including a fun evening of traditional Czech music and entertainment.
Visit Tábor this morning, founded in 1420 as an egalitarian peasant commune. Walk through the pretty Old Town with its narrow cobblestone streets to its main square. In the afternoon, cross the Austrian border to arrive in Vienna, Austria’s capital.
Once the seat of the mighty Habsburg Empire and home to Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven, Hadyn, and Mozart, Vienna blends ornate baroque architecture with an irresistible musical heritage—you can almost hear the classical music as you stroll its streets. There’s much to enthrall you today on the included guided sightseeing tour. Admire the fabulous State Opera House, Hofburg Palace, and Parliament. Later, maybe try some of Vienna’s heavenly Sachertorte at a traditional coffee house, or you could join the optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace. This evening, how about an optional classical concert?