| Highlights: Dover * Paris * Avignon * French Riviera * Monte Carlo * Pisa * Florence * Rome * Venice * Vienna * Salzburg * Innsbruck * Liechtenstein * Lucerne * Schaffhausen * Black Forest * Heidelberg * Rhineland * Cologne * Amsterdam
Day 1 London - Paris (2)
A warm welcome as we drive to Dover and view the White Cliffs. A short Channel crossing takes us to Calais in France and elegant Paris. Tonight, sample the delights Paris has to offer - cabaret, sightseeing - the choice is yours.
Day 2 Paris at leisure
Our day starts with a guided tour to see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. Then why not detour into the back streets of the Latin Quarter? Take an excursion to Montmartre and the imposing Sacré Coeur or head for the famous highlights of the Louvre. (Continental breakfast)
Day 3 Paris - Lyon
Today's drive takes us through the Forest of Fontainebleau and the |
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wine growing region of Burgundy. Then, we drive along the valley of the River Saône to its confluence with the Rhône at Lyon. (Continental breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 4 Lyon - Nice (2)
Today, via Montélimar, we arrive in Avignon with its Papal Palace. Then on through the beautiful countryside of Van Gogh and Cézanne to Nice on the French Riviera. (Continental breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 5 Nice & Monte Carlo
A whole day to laze on the beach, or if you prefer, wander into the Old Town. Maybe sip a 'Pastis' in a stylish café on the Promenade des Anglais. This evening, on an included excursion to Monte Carlo, tryout your luck at one of the casinos! (Continental breakfast)
Day 6 Nice - Florence (Incisa)
Across the Italian border, past Genoa, Columbus' birthplace, to Pisa with its Leaning Tower. On to Florence where we enjoy a scenic view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, time at leisure to see the Cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower, Baptistry, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Basilica. (Continental breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 7 Florence (Incisa) - Rome (2)
Our morning drive takes us through the olive groves and vineyards of Tuscany, crossing central Italy to the excitement of Rome. (Continental breakfast)
Day 8 Rome at leisure
Rome has many historical treasures. From the Forum to the Vatican, our sightseeing tour shows us the main sights. At leisure, you're free to perhaps visit the Catacombs. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner in a local trattoria? (Continental breakfast)
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Day 9 Rome - Venice (Monastier) (2)
Today, we head through the Apennine Mountains. Then we cross the delta of the River Po on our way to magical Venice. (Continental breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 10 Venice at leisure
There are vivid reminders of medieval maritime power and wealth as we cruise along the criss-crossing canals. At leisure, why not visit St. Mark's Basilica, venture out to the islands of the lagoon or shop for Venetian glass? (Continental breakfast and 3 course evening)
Day 11 Venice (Monastier) - Vienna (2)
The Carnian Alps herald the Austrian border and Lake District. Next we enjoy a scenic drive to the Carinthian Lake District and the Alpine Highway. Then the Vienna Woods give way to the Danube Plains and Imperial Vienna. (Continental breakfast)
Day 12 Vienna at leisure
Today we enjoy the city made famous by the music of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Strauss. Architectural excellence is revealed as we see some of the city's main highlights, including the Hofburg. (Continental breakfast)
Day 13 Vienna - Innsbruck
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Today's route lies past Mondsee Lake and the Salzkammergut to Salzburg. Here orientation reveals places associated with "The Sound of Music" and Salzburg's famous son Mozart. Then we travel on to mountain-ringed Innsbruck. CB D
Day 14 Innsbruck - Lucerne (2)
Morning orientation in Innsbruck reveals the Golden Roof, Hofburg Palace, Wilten Basilica and the Olympic ski-jump. Later we drive through the prime skiing country of the Arlberg region arriving in Vaduz, capital of the small Principality of Liechtenstein. A scenic drive through Switzerland brings us to Lucerne for two nights. (Continental breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 15 Lucerne at leisure
A full day to relax in this fascinating town. Discover the medieval Old Town, Lion Monument and the Cathedral. Don't miss the chance to ascend one of the surrounding mountains. (Continental breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 16 Lucerne - Ludwigshafen
Today we travel to Schaffhausen to view the Rhine Falls. Into Germany, and past Lake Titisee to the heart of the Black Forest. Sample the local Schwarzwaldkirschtorte before heading to the University town of Heidelberg. Here we view its famous castle before arriving at our hotel in Ludwigshafen. (Continental breakfast and 3 course evening meal) |
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Day 17 Ludwigshafen - Amsterdam (2)
We enjoya scenic Rhine cruise today starting at St. Goar, sheltering beneath the Lorelei. We glide past castles and vineyards to Boppard. Then on to Cologne where we admire its Cathedral, before heading to Holland and Arnhem, scene of 'Operation Market Garden'. From here we continue to friendly Amsterdam. (Continental breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 18 Amsterdam at leisure
A fascinating day of included sightseeing. First by coach past the Tower of Tears, the Royal Palace, Dam Square and more, plus a visit to a diamond-polishing factory. Then we drive out of the city, through the Dutch countryside to the fishing village of Volendam where we admire the harbour and have time to shop for souvenirs. We also visit a cheese farm and a clog-making workshop. Then time at leisure. Why not visit Anne Frank's House? (Continental breakfast)
Day 19 Amsterdam - London
This morning we journey through Dutch and Belgian countryside to Calais. Here we board our ferry for the short sea crossing to Dover and our return to London. (Continental breakfast)
Departs Sundays (May to October)
Departure point: near Victoria Station
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