Day 2 - Brussels - Heidelberg - Rhineland (Karlsruhe) This morning after breakfast we cross Belgium into Germany, where the tranquil scenery of our Rhine cruise includes castles and hillside vineyards. We see the legendary Lorelei Rock before we rejoin our coach and head to the University city of Heidelberg to view its ancient Castle. Finally we drive to our Rhineland hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Best Western Queens

Day 3 - Rhineland (Karlsruhe) - Lake Lucerne
Today we drive into the hills to see picturesque Lake Titisee. Then we continue into Switzerland, making a stop to admire the mighty Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen. Next we travel via Zurich, Switzerland's affluent financial centre, and on to the lake of Lucerne where an orientation tour shows us the Lion Monument. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Holiday Inn Express

Day 4 - Lake Lucerne - Venice (Main.)
The St. Gotthard highway takes us past alpine peaks and through lush green meadows as we make our way into Italy at Chiasso. Shortly afterwards, we pass Lake Como, then skirting Milan we continue to magical Venice, the city of Marco Polo. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: San Giuliano

Day 5 - Venice (Main.) - Rome (2 nights) This morning after breakfast, we are introduced to the fascination of this city built on water. Everywhere there are reminders of medieval maritime power and wealth as we cruise the canals. Then leaving Venice behind, we head towards the Apennine Mountains and the Chianti Hills as the Autostrada del Sole brings us to the 'Eternal City' – Rome, for our two-night stay. (Buffet Breakfast)Hotel: Carlo Magno (2 nights)

Day 6 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure
This morning's sightseeing tour features St. Peter's in the Vatican and includes views of the Forum and Colosseum. The remainder of your day is at leisure. You may wish to watch gesticulating Romans from a café, visit Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel or see more history in the ancient Catacombs. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 7 - Rome - Florence - Montecatini (Tuscan Hills)
Today enjoy a scenic drive through Tuscany to Renaissance Florence. This city is one of the liveliest and most creative in Europe with some of the world's greatest works of Art and magnificent buildings. There's the Cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry and Signoria Square. Then by coach, we gain a panoramic view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo before you have the opportunity to shop for leather and gold in the area around Santa Croce. Finally we go to our hotel in the elegant spa-resort of Montecatini. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Hotel Metropole

Day 8 - Montecatini (Tuscan Hills) - Pisa - Nice
We head to Galileo's home town - Pisa to view the lovely marble Baptistry and see the famous Leaning Tower. Next we cross the border to the fashionable resorts of the French Riviera and spend the evening in Nice. Dinner is in a local restaurant tonight. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Busby

Day 9 - Nice - Lyon After breakfast there's time this morning to stroll along the Promenade. Later, we enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside of Van Gogh and Cézanne to Avignon, with its Palace of the Popes. From here we continue to Lyon, for many centuries the centre of France's famed silk-weaving industry, where we spend the night. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Campanile Tassin

Day 10 - Lyon - Paris (2 nights)
Today's route takes us through scenic Burgundy wine country and the Forest of Fontainebleau before
arriving in Paris - the world's most elegant city. After dark, why not dine out in a cosy Left Bank bistro or maybe admire the illuminations? (Buffet Breakfast) Hotel: Mercure La Defense 5 (2 nights)

Day 11 - Paris sightseeing & at leisure
After breakfast our day begins with a guided sightseeing tour which includes views of the Eiffel
Tower, Champs Elysées, Notre Dame Cathedral and Arc de Triomphe. Then there's time on your own to perhaps explore the intriguing back streets of the Latin Quarter, take an excursion to Montmartre and the imposing Sacré Coeur or head for the Louvre. Paris has much to offer and its nightlife is world famous, your Tour Director will be happy to advise you on the best places to visit. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 12 - Paris - London
Our route to the Channel port takes us past the Battlefields of two World Wars. Then on to Calais for a short sea crossing to the White Cliffs of Dover before we return to London by coach (Buffet Breakfast)



European Accent Optional Excursions:

PARIS. Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner
An unforgettable evening of French entertainment at Paris’ most famous Cabaret, ‘Le Moulin Rouge’. Dinner, wine and Champagne will be included. 144 (€)

FRENCH RIVIERA. Monte Carlo Excursion by Night
Your chance to break the bank! Tonight we drive to the Principality of Monaco for a taste of the high life in the bright lights of Monte Carlo. We’ll visit a famous Monte Carlo casino before returning to Nice. 17 (€)

FRENCH RIVIERA. St. Paul
We drive into the hills behind the Riviera coast and visit the medieval town of St. Paul. In this fashionable town, a photographer’s paradise and home of artists and the famous, you will have the chance to admire the well preserved city walls and browse in the galleries. 16 (€)

FRENCH RIVIERA. St. Paul & Perfumery Visit
We drive into the hills behind the fabulous Riviera coastline to the ancient towns celebrated for perfume distillation. We visit one of the perfumeries, where, besides seeing how perfume is made, we shall have the opportunity to purchase at factory prices. From there we drive up to the medieval hill town of St. Paul, a photographer’s paradise, home of artists and the famous. 17 (€)

PARIS. Illuminations and Dinner
After an unforgettable dinner in typical Parisian style, drinks included, we take a drive through the city. By night, Paris is a city transformed - no other city has such striking illuminations, such glamour or romance. Amongst the splendours we see the Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Champs Elysées and the Eiffel Tower. 61 (€)

PARIS. Dinner & Montmartre or Seine Cruise or Eiffel Tower Visit. Bon appetit!
Enjoy dinner and drinks in a typical Parisian restaurant and toast our new-found friends on tour. Then visit Montmartre, the old artists’ quarter made famous in the paintings of Toulouse-Lautrec and Utrillo. Dominated by the brilliant white dome of Sacré Coeur Basilica, its fascinating narrow streets and outdoor cafés give a real flavour of Paris life. Alternatively, after dinner we will enjoy a floodlit Seine Cruise or ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower. 61 (€)

PARIS. Illuminations & the Eiffel Tower or the Seine Cruise
No other city has such striking illuminations, best appreciated on our guided sightseeing night drive. We take in the Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe and of course the famed Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero. To complete this introduction, we will admire the city from on high by ascending to the second stage on the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, embark on the ever popular river boats along the Seine. 31 (€)

PARIS. The Louvre & Seine Cruise or Montmartre, or Eiffel Tower
We start with a conducted tour of one of the finest art galleries in the world - the Louvre. A chance to admire the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo amongst the many thousands of exhibits in this former Royal Palace. In addition, you may wish to admire the city from on high and ascend to the second stage of the Eiffel Tower. Alternatives are a trip on the ever-popular riverboats along the Seine, or a funicular ride up to artistic Montmartre. (On occasions when the Louvre is closed, we will visit the Sainte Chapelle). Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system. 45 (€)

PARIS. Versailles - The Palace and Gardens
We leave the bustle of the city for thesplendour and magnificence of Versailles. Created by the “Sun King” Louis XIV, the palace becamethe envy of every other European ruler. Our guide takes us through the State apartments, including the famous Hall of Mirrors. All of this enhanced with the use of our excellent audio system. Afterwards, take a stroll through the meticulous tree-lined gardens. 58 (€)

PARIS. Dinner and Cabaret
Dinner with wines included at one of the most prestigious cabaret shows in town! Enjoy an evening of exciting acts, stunning tableaux and wonderful entertainment - including, of course, the world famous Can-Can. A night in Paris that you will never forget! 113 (€)

FLORENCE. Jewels of the Renaissance
A guided tour of the Accademia allows us to appreciate the most controversial sculpture in Italy, Michelangelo’s David. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system. 34 (€)

ROME. Evening Tour: Fountains and Dinner
A lighthearted introduction to the “Eternal City”. Make sure of a safe return to Rome as you toss coins in to the Trevi Fountain. Drive along the glamorous Via Veneto - famed as the setting of “la dolce vita”, and admire the splendour of the monuments in magnificent Piazza Venezia. Then relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal with drinks included. 56 (€)

ROME. Tivoli and Dinner
An excursion to the ancient Sabine town of Tivoli situated a few miles outside Rome to enjoy the gardens and fountains of the Villa D’Este. You will visit its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains, and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ. We end the evening with a typical Italian dinner, wine, soft drinks and music.

ROME. Ancient and Christian Rome
Explore Rome’s past. Visit the Catacombs where the early Christians assembled to escape persecution and which were used as underground cemeteries. Then, on to the best preserved of the Roman Temples, the Pantheon - today used as a Christian church! On some tours a visit to the Chuch of St. Peter in Chains to see Michelangelo’s statue of Moses, will be visited instead of the Pantheon. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system. 33 (€)

ROME. Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel
An extension to the included sightseeing tour which allows us to admire the artistic masterpieces collected and commissioned by the Popes. See the famous Tapestry Gallery and Gallery of Maps then finally wonder at the masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Take your time - Michelangelo spent 11 years in the preparation of the vault and altar wall! Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system. 37 (€)

ROME. Roman Highlights
On certain departures, for operational reasons, tours I14 and I15 will be combined excluding the Pantheon visit. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system. 62 (€)

VENICE. Lagoon Cruise with Lunch or Dinner
A half day off the beaten track! We are taken by private boat to the nearby islands in the lagoon of Venice. See the island of Murano and the Hermitage of San Francesco del Deserto. Lunch or dinner is taken at the island of the ‘fisherman’ - Burano - a photographer’s paradise. Drinks are also included. 63 (€)

VENICE. Gondola Serenade
An ideal introduction to this unique and magical city. Enjoy a romantic gondola journey along canals full of character and colour, while musicians and singers entertain. See the Grand Canal with its magnificent and elegant palaces, witnesses of the past splendours of the ‘Serenissima’. 32 (€)

FLORENCE. Artistic Highlights
Our guided tour begins with the Academy of Fine Arts with its Michelangelo collection including the world famous statue of David. The statue established its creator as the leading sculptor of his day and ensured continued patronage for him by the Medici rulers of the city republic. We continue to the Duomo with its dome by Brunelleschi, Bell Tower by Giotto and the Paradise Doors of the Baptistry by Ghiberti. Finally we arrive in the political centre of Florence, Signoria Square. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system. 34 (€)

ROME. Michelangelo’s Rome
A guided visit through the Vatican Museums culminates in the splendours of the Sistine Chapel. Then across the Tiber to the ancient church where St. Peter’s chains are displayed to view the controversial and mighty sculpture of Moses. Finally, we see the extraordinary Roman baths of Caracalla. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system. 40 (€)

ROME. Visit to Piazza Navona followed by Roman dinner & live musical entertainment
We will first visit Piazza Navona (when available) with its beautiful fountains and street artists before a short drive to one of Rome’s finest restaurants. Here we will enjoy a delicious dinner, punctuated by a concert of typical Italian songs and ‘bel canto’ for which this country is justifiably famous! Sit back, relax and imbibe the special Roman atmosphere – the wine or soft drinks are also included!

ROME. Introduction to Rome by Night
Cameras at the ready for the many magnificent sights awaiting us as we ‘do as the Romans do’ and start the evening with a ‘passegiata’ (evening stroll) along the Via Condotti to the world-famous Spanish Steps in Rome’s most fashionable shopping area. The ‘Campidoglio’, Piazza Venezia and so much more are included on this evening visit before we linger in Piazza Navona with its many pavement cafés and trattorias to admire the seventeenth century fountains and architecture. NB On certain departures, the Spanish Steps will be substituted by the Piazza Rotonda, dominated by the mighty Pantheon. 31 (€)

VENICE. Venice by night
A scintillating introduction to this magical city! First we cruise along the Grand Canal by private water taxis admiring the elegant Palazzos, illuminated by magnificent chandeliers. We see the Rialto Bridge and then reach the ‘most beautiful outdoor drawing room in the world’ - St. Mark’s Square. Here we will have time to wonder at the impressive architecture before enjoying an included drink at one of the chic ‘al fresco’ cafés whilst listening to the music of its own orchestra! We return to our coach on the mainland by private motor launch. (1 drink inc.) 43 (€)

VENICE. Venetian Highlights
On certain departures, for operational reasons, tours I49 & I19 will be combined, excluding the drink.60 (€)

LUCERNE. Lake Cruise
Widely considered to be the most lovely of the mountain lakes, much of the shoreline of Lake Lucerne can only be fully appreciated from the water. Admire the spectacular homes of the fortunate few, privileged to live on its scenic shores, as we cruise gently by. 37 (sf)

Happy Hour Cruise
Like CH1 and includes 2 drinks 47 (sf)

LUCERNE. Mount Stanserhorn Excursion
Drive along the Lake of Lucerne to come to the village of Stans, terminal of one of Switzerland’s oldest mountain railways. We climb to the top by funicular railway and modern cable car to reach 6,300 feet - an excellent vantage from which to view the breathtaking scenery of Alpine Switzerland. Free time to take in the air and perhaps some refreshment before we descend and return to Lucerne. 67 (sf)

LUCERNE. Lake Cruise & Stanserhorn.
Admire the stunning lakeside landscapes as we cruise along the Lake of Lucerne. Later arriving in the village of Stans, where we can climb to the top by funicular railway and modern cable car to reach 6,300 feet - an excellent vantage from which to view the breathtaking scenery of Alpine Switzerland. Free time to take in the air and perhaps some refreshment before we descend and return to Lucerne. 101 (sf)

Departs Sundays (April to October)
Departure point: near Victoria Station