European Magic - 12 Day Extended Luxury Sightseeing Coach Tour of Europe

European Magic 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. 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. Eze Village Lunch or Dinner at ‘Le Cheval Blanc’
An early afternoon or evening excursion to one of the oldest fortified villages on the Riviera, perched above the coastline like an eagle’s nest. Take a slow walk up to the top to see a fantastic collection of Mediterranean cacti and admire the view. Afterwards, enjoy lunch or dinner in the local village restaurant “en famille” with the owners! Drinks are included. 60 (€)

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 (€)

FRENCH RIVIERA. The Three Corniches, Lunch or Dinner
We take a scenic excursion along the Riviera of the Three Corniche Roads, enjoying spectacular views along perhaps the most beautiful coast in Europe. We reach the ‘Grand Corniche’ - the highway which follows the ancient Aurelian Way. There, the Emperor Augustus erected a Roman ‘Trophy’ - a dazzling white sacrificial temple to mark the border between Rome and Gaul (modern-day France). We continue to our restaurant where we will enjoy a typical meal of specialities from the French Riviera. (Drinks included).
65 (€)

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. Ostia Antica
Drive to the Mediterranean coast and visit the excavations of Ancient Ostia, the former harbour of Rome. These ruins offer perhaps a more complete picture of Roman urban life than either Rome or Pompeii. See the remains of the baths, theatre, apartment houses, drinking room, mosaics and wall paintings at this beautiful site, mirrored by Cypress trees and Umbrella pines. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system. 36 (€)

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 and 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. A guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica & the Doges’ Palace
Accompanied by a local expert we are taken into the magnificent Doges’ Palace – home to the rulers of the Venetian republic for hundreds of years. We are shown the main highlights of the palace and its elegant courtyards, before entering the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of the city of Venice. Here we admire the stunning golden mosaics and wonderful Byzantine architecture. (entrance fees included). 34 (€)

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

LAKE GENEVA Chillon Castle and Montreux with Lake Cruise
An excursion to Montreux famed for its International Festival followed by a visit to the Castle at Chillon immortalised in verse by the English poet, Byron. Later enjoy a steamer cruise past the vine-clad slopes of Lake Geneva. 67 (sf)

LAKE GENEVA. Cruise & visit to Yvoire
Leaving the elegant guays of Geneva, our steamer cruises past the palatial mansions of the rich and famous, stopping at picturesque villages before arriving at our enchanting French destination - Yvoire. We explore its winding streets, lined with the old stone houses of former fishermen and dominated by the ancient ‘château’ of the Count and Countess. Then our motorcoach takes us through the rich fields of the Savoy back into Switzerland. 52 (sf)

LAKE GENEVA. Mount Salève tour with Lunch/Dinner
Leaving Geneva for the French Alps we ascend the Salève mountain by cable-car for breathtaking views of city, lake and the highest mountain peaks. Our Savoyarde restaurant, perched on the limestone ridge, affords a memorable experience of French regional cuisine. Nearby walks will give you the opportunity to enjoy the alpine flora and views of Mont Blanc. 97 (sf)

LAKE GENEVA. Cruise & Dinner/Lunch in Yvoire
Leaving the elegant quays of Geneva, our steamer cruises past the palatial mansions of the rich and famous, stopping at picturesque villages before arriving at our enchanting French destination - Yvoire. We explore its winding streets, lined with the old stone houses of former fishermen and dominated by the ancient ‘château’ of the Count and Countess. In this remarkable setting, we enjoy a delicious example of French gastronomy in one of its quaint restaurants. Drinks are included. 98 (sf)