Highlights: Dover * Paris * Beaune * Lucerne * Milan * Rome * Florence * Venice Canal * Verona * Innsbruck * Munich * Heidelberg * Rhine Valley * Cologne * Amsterdam
Day 1 London – Paris (2)
Greetings from our Tour Director as we drive to the coast. Admire the White Cliffs of Dover before our Channel crossing to Calais in France. Next we cross World War I Battlefields to exciting Paris. Tonight, after a welcome drink with our Tour Director, why not enjoy a tour of this city's illuminations?
Day 2 Paris sightseeing & at leisure
With a local guide our sightseeing tour features a drive along the Champs Elysées from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, a Seine cruise highlighting monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral. We also ascend the Eiffel Tower to the second level by elevator for stunning views over the city. Then free time to perhaps take an excursion to the Palace at Versailles or to shop in |
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the chic boutiques. Tonight do not miss the chance of trying out some delicious Parisian cuisine in a cosy left bank bistro! (Buffet breakfast)
Day 3 Paris – Lucerne
We head into France and through wine-producing Burgundy to medieval Beaune. Then across the remains of wartime defenses, passing the Maginot Line near Belfort. Next into Switzerland at Basel for our first picture-book views of chalets on the approach to the Alps and lakeside Lucerne. (Buffet breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 4 Lucerne orientation – Milan
Morning orientation in this medieval town includes a visit to the Lion Monument. At leisure, maybe take a trip up a nearby mountain peak. Next our journey takes us along the St. Gotthard route, through Alpine scenery and the Italian Lake District en route to fashionable Milan. Tonight, we enjoy a dinner of local specialities in a downtown restaurant. (Buffet breakfast and local restaurant meal)
Day 5 Milan – Rome (2)
Today we drive through the agricultural region of Emilia Romagna to Bologna and the Apennine Mountains bound for Rome. Later, why not dine out at a local trattoria? (Buffet breakfast)
Day 6 Rome sightseeing & at leisure
Today's sightseeing with a local guide includes a visit to St. Peter's Basilica where we see Michelangelo's Pieta, spectacular views of the Colosseum, a stop at the Forum, plus a photo-stop at the Circus Maximus where the chariot race in Ben Hur is said to have taken place. The rest of your day is free to maybe shop, visit the Sistine Chapel or relax in a sidewalk café. (Buffet breakfast) |
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Day 7 Rome – Florence
Today begins with a drive through the Chianti wine-producing region of Tuscany to Renaissance Florence. Here sightseeing on foot includes the Cathedral, Baptistry, Signoria Square and visits the Santa Croce Basilica. The rest of the day is free to shop, or walk along the River Arno to the Ponte Vecchio. (Buffet breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 8 Florence – Venice (Mestre)
A short drive to Venice where we savour the city's unique sights and sounds on an included canal cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs. After a visit to a traditional glass-blowing factory, time is your own to do as you please. (Buffet breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 9 Venice (Mestre) – Verona – Innsbruck
Our first stop today is at Verona to see the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony. Then passing the Dolomites, we climb Brenner Pass into Austria. From here we cross the Europa Bridge and begin our descent into Innsbruck where we enjoy an orientation of this mountain-ringed resort. Tonight, why not join in the fun of a Tyrolean folklore show? (Buffet breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 10 Innsbruck – Munich – Heidelberg – Rhineland
Today's drive brings us to fun-loving Munich where we see the Olympic Stadium and City Hall. Next on to Heidelberg to view the Castle, high above this University city of 'Student Prince' fame. Then we head to our Rhineland hotel. (Buffet breakfast and 3 course evening meal) |
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Day 11 Rhineland – Rhine Cruise – Amsterdam
We embark by the Lorelei Rock in St. Goar for a Rhine cruise gliding past medieval castles and terraced vineyards. We will step ashore in Boppard, and drive via Bonn to Cologne where we see its magnificent gothic Cathedral. From here we cross the border before Arnhem, scene of World War II action and continue to Amsterdam where we visit a diamond factory. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 12 Amsterdam – London
Today's morning orientation tour includes the Tower of Tears, the Royal Palace and Dam Square. Next we are acquainted with the city on a wonderful canal cruise by glass-topped boat. On through Belgium, past Antwerp en route to Calais for our ferry crossing to England. Here our coach takes us back to London, where we bid farewell to our Tour Director. (Buffet breakfast)
Departs Sundays (April - October)
Departure point: near Victoria Station
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