Europe
Enchanting Europe - 12 days
HighlightsDEN HAAG, COLOGNE, INNSBRUCK, VENICE, FLORENCE, ROME, PISA, MOUNT TITLIS, LUCERNE, INTERLAKEN, PARIS, JUNGFRAUJOCH
Itinerary
DAY 1:
LONDON−DOVER−FERRY−CALAIS−THE NETHERLANDS
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 and Netherlands to visit Madurodam Model Village
to see miniature Holland (or Keukenhof Gardens for arrivals in Holland
between March 24th and May 20th). En route you will see
countryside and also the iconic windmills of Holland. After dinner, you
may either rest in your hotel or join the additional
excursion - Amsterdam by Night Tour. We proceed to the
cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam for a canal cruise through the city’s
complex system of waterways. Return to hotel late evening.
(Dinner)
DAY 2:
THE NETHERLANDS−RHINE CRUISE−COLOGNE−MANNHEIM−FRANKFURT AREA
Proceed east across the Netherlands and 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 into our hotel for an overnight stop. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 3:
MANNHEIM−FRANKFURT AREA−INNSBRUCK
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 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 into our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4:
INNSBRUCK−VENICE−PADOVA AREA
This morning we enjoy spectacular scenery as we
drive across Europabrucke, one of Europe’s highest bridges, winding our
way through the Brenner pass to cross the Italian border. We leave
behind the mountains for sunny Italy, to visit 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 the 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.
Later we check into our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 5:
VENICE−PADOVA AREA−PISA−AREZZO
Today we depart for Pisa. On route we
cross the Appennines and the gentle hilly countryside of Tuscany to
reach Pisa, where we visit the Field of Miracles. Marvel at the
marble Cathedral in the Pisan Romanesque style, the Baptistery, and one
of the wonders of the world, the legendary Leaning Tower. You have some
time to browse through the shops and maybe buy a souvenir for your
family and friends. Later we check into our hotel for a two night
stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 6: AREZZO−ROME−AREZZO
Passing sunlit valleys of the Chianti wine country and ancient
fortresses perched high on the hills, we reach the ‘Eternal City’. On
arrival, you have free time or join the additional
excursion − Visit to Sistine Chapel, where we meet our
local guide who will show us the splendours of the Vatican Museums,
including the Sistine Chapel. Later, with the local guide, we will all
visit St. Peter’s Basilica, a renaissance masterpiece. In the afternoon,
we take in other ancient sights - 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.
Late evening return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 7:
AREZZO−FLORENCE−LUGANO−SWITZERLAND
Joining the autostrada, we proceed to Florence. On arrival in the city
of the Medicis, we visit Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy one of the best
views of this renaissance city across the River Arno. Later, driving
north through Italy, we cross the Swiss border, passing spectacular
scenery around the lake regions of Como and Lugano. We make a
brief photo stop near Lake Lugano, before driving through the Gotthard
tunnel. We arrive at our hotel late evening, and check in for a
three-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 8:
SWITZERLAND−MOUNT TITLIS−LUCERNE
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 (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.
Later 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)
DAY 9:
SWITZERLAND−INTERLAKEN−JUNGFRAUJOCH
Today, we first drive to the picturesque town of Interlaken, the scene
of many “Bollywood” films, where you have some time to browse through
the shops or join the additional excursion -
Trummelbach Falls. From there a short drive
brings us to Lauterbrunnen, 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 and return to our hotel. (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
DAY
10: SWITZERLAND−PARIS
Early morning we leave the Swiss Alps behind
us. Once into France, we join the super fast highways, driving
past vineyards and mustard fields. Continue onto Paris, one of the most
exciting and popular cities of Europe, renowned for its fashion,
perfumes, and of course the most talked about French champagne and
wines. On arrival in Paris, we visit the Eiffel Tower (the third floor
is subject to availability) to witness a spectacular panoramic view of
the city. Later we check into our hotel for a two nights stay.
After dinner we proceed for our Paris by Night Tour with River Seine
Cruise (*). On our tour we will see the main sights illuminated,
and enjoy an amazing cruise on the River Seine - admire the spectacular
facades from your covered boat. (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
DAY
11: PARIS
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. Later, you have some
time to browse through the shops, or join the additional excursion − Visit to Louvre Museum, where you can see
the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. Finally join us for
an exciting optional Lido Paris Cabaret show.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
OR
DISNEYLAND PARIS THEME PARK (AT ADDITIONAL COST)
A
short drive to the famous Disneyland Paris Theme Park (at additional
cost) where a day of excitement for the entire family awaits you.
Meet all your favourite Disney characters, see the amazing show “Honey,
I shrunk the audience”, ride the hairraising “Space Mountain” roller
coaster. Finally join us for an exciting optional Lido Paris Cabaret show. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY
12: Paris−Calais−Ferry−Dover−London
This morning we proceed to Versailles, to visit the magnificent Gardens
at the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of the famous “Sun
King”. Next we visit a French perfumery for some last minute shopping.
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 its time to say farewell to
all the friends you have made on tour. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Note(*)
Please note that the Paris by Night Tour with the
River Seine Cruise may be operated on either Day 10 or Day 11 as per
convenience.
Also visiting the third floor of the Eiffel Tower is
subject to availaibility.
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