18 Days
London, Brussels, Zaanse Schans / Lisse, Volendam, Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Valley, Wattens, Innsbruck, Vaduz, Rhine Falls, Glacier 3000, Interlaken, Mount Titlis, Lucerne, Venice, Florence, Capri, Rome, Pisa, Nice, Paris
Today, arrive at your Heathrow Airport / Wembley area hotel (transfer not included), and check-in (after 13:00 p.m.). In the afternoon, you will meet your Tour Manager and depart for a panoramic tour of London to see the main sights: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge. Later we board the London Eye for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the English capital. A flight on the London Eye lasts for approximately 30 minutes - relax in one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules and enjoy the London skyline. Late evening return to your hotel. (Dinner)
This morning, at the check-in point, you will meet your Tour Manager and join the coach for a leisurely drive from London to Dover port, to board the ferry for the short channel crossing to Calais. Upon arrival, we proceed through Belgium. We first visit the city of Brussels, where on our orientation tour we see the Grand Place, the Mannekin Pis statue and the Atomium (photo stop). We then visit Mini-Europe, a miniature park where you can see models of famous monuments from European cities like Brussels, London, Paris, Venice, etc., built to a scale of 1:25. Later we drive to our hotel and check into for a two-night stay. (Breakfast only for passengers staying at London Hotel on Day 1, Dinner)
Today, we visit a working windmill village - Zaanse Schans (or Keukenhof Gardens for arrivals in Holland between March 20th and May 18th). Zaanse Schans, the open air museum, with its characteristic green wooden houses, warehouses and historic windmills gives the feeling of having stepped back in time. Later, we drive north through the flat landscape of Holland passing windmills from a bygone era, to visit a cheese and clog making farm. You can sample local made cheeses and learn how the famous wooden clogs are made, before visiting the picturesque fishing village of Volendam. We then proceed to the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam for a canal cruise through the city’s complex system of waterways. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Proceed east into Germany. Joining the autobahn, we arrive at the famous city of Cologne where you can marvel Europe’s largest Gothic twin spire cathedral. Continuing our drive into the Rhine valley we board a cruise ship for an unforgettable trip along the River Rhine. Admire the majestic views, mountain top fairy tale castles and fortresses from a bygone era. Late evening check-in at our hotel for an overnight stop. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Depart this morning for Austria. Our journey takes us through the spectacular region of the Bavarian Alps, arriving at Wattens, where we visit the famous Swarovski Crystal Worlds, for a tour through the kaleidoscope of senses and to see sparkling crystal artworks by famous artists. Visit the Crystal Worlds Shop displaying a unique selection of Swarovski products. We then proceed to Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. Enjoy this charming town of green domes and red roofs - see the Hofburg and the Goldenes Dachl. Late evening check-in at our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning we depart from Innsbruck for the Principality of Liechtenstein, where you have some free time in the capital, Vaduz. Later, proceed to Schaffhausen, to visit the majestic Rhine Falls. Continuing our drive, we reach our hotel and check-in for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today we visit Glacier 3000: enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view that includes some of the most beautiful alpine peaks - from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau to the Matterhorn, and views onto over 24 peaks that are over 4000 m high. Experience a wild ride on the Alpine Coaster (entrance not included), the world's highest bobsleigh track or take a ride on a specially-designed vehicle, the Snow Bus (ticket not included), which takes guests on a ride over the glacier. Later we visit Le Château de Chillon, an architectural jewel located in the most beautiful setting imaginable - on the shores of Lake Geneva, right at the foot of the Alps. This monument with over 1000 years of history, has inspired artists and writers, from Victor Hugo to Lord Byron. We then proceed to town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva, where you have some free time to explore the lakeside. Late evening we return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning, we first drive to the town of Interlaken, the scene of many “Bollywood” films, where you have some time to browse through the shops. Here you can join the additional excursion: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. From Interlaken a short drive brings us to Lauterbrunnen (or Grindelwald Grund), where we board the train for the scenic journey to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres (weather permitting). Visit the Ice Palace with ice sculptures or enjoy the panoramic views from the Sphinx Terrace. Early evening we begin our descent. Passengers who do not join the additional excursion will have free time in Interlaken. Later we drive to our hotel and check-in for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Driving through the Swiss alpine region and the winding mountain roads to the valley of Engelberg, we start our ascent to board the world’s first revolving cable car, reaching the peak of 10,000 feet and the highest viewpoint in central Switzerland – Mount Titlis (weather permitting). Visit the Glacier Grotto or enjoy a breathtaking panorama from the sun terrace. In the afternoon, we begin our descent, passing the glaciers and thawing ice, which create majestic waterfalls. We visit the town of Lucerne, to see the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. This evening, why not join the additional excursion - Lake Lucerne Cruise. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Early morning we depart for Italy. Driving south through the Gotthard tunnel, we pass spectacular scenery around the lake regions of Lugano and Como. Crossing the Italian border, we continue on the autostradas, to Venice, the city of unparalleled beauty and romantic gondolas. Our tour starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square – the most elegant square in the world, to see the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges Palace and Basilica di San Marco. Here we also have a chance to watch the Venetian glass blowers at work and maybe buy a souvenir for the family. Arrive at our hotel late evening and check-in. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today we depart for Florence. Watch the amazing scenery change as we cross the Appennines and the gentle hilly countryside of Tuscany to reach Florence. On arrival in the city of the Medicis, we will visit Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy one of the best views of this renaissance city across the River Arno. You then have some free time to wander around this city, where traffic is banned from the historic centre, admiring its timeless beauty. Later we continue our journey to the ‘Eternal City’, where we check into our hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today we drive south down the Italian peninsula and past the well-tilled fields and orchards of the Neapolitan countryside. After crossing Naples, we reach the harbour where we will take the high-speed boat to Capri, the beautiful dream island of the Mediterranean. Weather- permitting, we will take the motor launch and row boats to the unique Blue Grotto, a large cavern lit by sunlight reflecting off the submerged limestone walls. Later you have some time off on your own to browse through the shops. Late afternoon we begin our return journey by the high-speed boat to the Naples harbour and then back to Rome. Return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning, we meet our local guide and proceed to the Vatican City, where we will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, a renaissance masterpiece. You then have free time, or join the additional excursion – visit to the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Later take in other ancient sights of Rome - Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, which was the political centre of the Roman Empire, Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and the spectacular Trevi Fountain, where you may make a wish. In the evening we depart from Rome and drive to our overnight stop - check-in at our hotel on arrival. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today we depart for Pisa, where we visit the Field of Miracles. Here you can marvel at the marble Cathedral in the Pisan Romanesque style, the Baptistery, and one of the wonders of the world, the legendary Leaning Tower. Continuing our journey, we drive past spectacular scenery along the Ligurian Sea and arrive at the Italian Riviera region, and early evening we check into our hotel. After dinner, you may either rest in your hotel or join the additional excursion – Monte Carlo by Night Tour. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning, we visit a French Perfumery to see a demonstration of how French perfumes are made. Later we visit Nice, where you have some free time at the Promenade des Anglais, a sea-front avenue, where you can take a leisurely stroll. Proceeding, we drive through the Provence of Cezanne and Van Gogh onto the Lyon area where we check into our hotel for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today we depart for Paris, one of the most exciting and popular cities of Europe, renowned for its fashion, perfumes, and of course the most talked about French wines. On arrival in Paris, we will enjoy an amazing cruise (*) on the River Seine - admire the spectacular facades from your covered boat. Later, we check into our hotel for a two-night stay. Tonight, you may either rest at the hotel or join us for an exciting optional Lido Paris Cabaret Show. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today you have the choice of two exciting day tours;
Paris City Tour
This morning, on our orientation tour of Paris, we will be introduced to the main sights of this beautiful city: Hotel des Invalides, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the Opera. We then proceed to Versailles, to visit the magnificent Gardens at the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of the famous “Sun King”. Later on our Evening in Paris Tour (**) we will see the main sights illuminated. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
OR
Disneyland Paris Theme Park (***)
This morning we drive to the famous Disneyland Paris Theme Park where a day of excitement awaits the entire family. Meet your favourite Disney characters, watch amazing shows, ride the hair-raising “Space Mountain: Mission 2” roller coaster, enter Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril and find yourself in a runaway wagon speeding through the ancient ruins. Later on our Evening in Paris Tour (**) we will see the main sights illuminated. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Today we visit the third floor (****) of the Eiffel Tower to witness a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Early afternoon we depart and journey north for Calais to board the ferry for the return channel crossing. On arrival at Dover port, we proceed to London, where the tour ends, and it is time to say farewell to all the friends you have made on tour. (Breakfast, Lunch)