| Highlights:
Dover * Amsterdam * Cologne * Rhine Valley * Heidelberg * Black Forest * Schauffaussen * Lucerne * Beaunne * Paris * Vimy Ridge
Day 1 London – Amsterdam
Greetings from our Tour Director before a scenic drive to the White Cliffs of Dover. Here we board our ferry for the short sea crossing to Calais in France. On our arrival we'll continue by coach through Belgian countryside to Hollandand Amsterdam, one of Europe's friendliest cities. This evening, we join our Tour Director for a welcome drink before we admire the 'Venice of the North' from a glass covered boat on our included canal cruise.
Day 2 Amsterdam – Rhine Cruise – Heidelberg
After an orientation tour featuring the Mint Tower and Royal Palace we will visit a diamond-cutting and polishing factory. Later, we travel past Arnhem, en route to Cologne to see its magnificent Cathedral. Then via Bonn to the Rhine Valley where we embark on a Rhine cruise gliding past terraced vineyards and medieval castles. We disembark at St. Goar with views of the Lorelei Rock
before reaching our beautifully located hotel in the red sandstone
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city of the 'Student Prince', Heidelberg. (Buffet Breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 3 Heidelberg – Black Forest – Rhine Falls – Lucerne (2)
Our orientation tour of Heidelberg shows us its mighty Castle and the Holy Ghost Church in the old town. Then we drive through the fairytale Black Forest where cuckoo-clocks were first invented, to Lake Titisee pausing to view the Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen. From here we continue into Switzerland past geranium-covered wooden chalets en route to the lakeside resort of Lucerne for two nights. (Buffet breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 4 Lucerne orientation & at leisure
Our morning orientation tour features the highlights of this medieval town and also visits the Lion Monument. Then free time to maybe take a trip up a nearby mountain peak for spectacular Alpine views or shop for Swiss watches and other specialities in the Old Town. Later, why not join in the fun of a Swiss Folklore show? (Buffet breakfast and 3 course evening meal)
Day 5 Lucerne – Beaune Paris (2)
Today we head into France, passing Belfort and the remains of the Maginot Line. Then past the onion-domed churches of Montbeliard and through the Burgundy vineyards to visit charming Beaune. Finally, we arrive in romantic Paris. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 6 Paris sightseeing & at leisure
Morning sightseeing with a local guide includes a drive up the
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Champs Elysées tothe Arc de Triomphe and then to the Eiffel Tower, which we ascend to the second level, for spectacular views over the city. From here we enjoy a relaxing Seine cruise viewing Notre Dame Cathedral and other great monuments. We also see the Place de la Concorde and Madeleine church before free time to sip aperitifs in a café, or to shop in the boutiques. Tonight don't miss the chance of going to one of Europe's best cabaret shows! (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7 Paris – London
After breakfast we travel acrossthe Battlefields of the Somme. We see the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridgebefore we drive along the Opal Coast viewing German World War II bunkers. On our arrival in Calais, we board our ferry to Dover, where we drive back to London. (Buffet Breakfast)
European Highlights 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 (€)
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. Bon appetit!
Enjoy dinner and drinks in a typical Parisian restaurant and toast our new-found friends on tour. Then visit Montmarte, the old artists’ quarter made famous in the paintings of Toulouse-Lautrec and Utrillo. Dominated by the brilliant white dome of the Sacre Coeur Basilica, its fascinating narrow streets and outdoor cafés, give a real flavour of Parisian life. Alternatively, after dinner, we will enjoy a floodlit Seine Cruise. 61 (€)
PARIS. Illuminations and 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. Finally we embark on the ever-popular riverboats along the Seine for a leisurely cruise under the bridges of Paris. 31 (€)
PARIS. Illuminations, the Sacre Coeur and Montmartre
See the splendour of Paris by night on this evening tour of the main sights, dramatically floodlit, 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. 27 (€)
PARIS. The Louvre and Les Invalides or Montmartre or Seine Cruise
We start with a conducted tour, enhanced by our excellent audio system, 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. Alternatively, we will visit Les Invalides – the church in the army museum where Napoleon Bonaparte is buried OR take a funicular ride up to the artists' quarter of Montmartre, OR take a cruise along the Seine in one of the ever-popular riverboats. 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 (€)
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)
LUCERNE. Swiss Experience
Enjoy an unforgettable trip along the lake to nearby mountain slopes, and ascend by cog-wheel railway and cable car to spectacular alpine views. The mountain air will whet your appetite for a delicious lunch with drink included (one of the courses will be a cheese fondue), in one of Switzerland’s most atmospheric restaurants. Yodelling and alpine horns will contribute to your enjoyment of the accompanying traditional folklore show. (On certain departures the ascent as well as the descent of the mountain will be by cable car only). 147 (sf)
LUCERNE. Mount Pilatus
A scenic lakeshore drive brings us to our cog-wheel railway, where we board our train to the summit of Lucerne’s most well-known mountain. Here you have time to explore, admire the many sweeping views and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Later a series of cable cars will bring us gradually down through fields and forests to the foot of this majestic mountain. (On certain departures the ascent as well as the descent of the mountain will be by cable car only) 78 (sf)
LUCERNE. Lake Cruise & Mountain Excursion
On certain departures, for operational reasons CH1 and the mountain trip will be combined. 104 (sf)
LUCERNE. Folklore Evening and Dinner
Tonight we shall enjoy a tasty Swiss meal (one of the courses will be the famous Swiss cheese fondue) in a typical restaurant. Whilst you enjoy dinner, join in the fun of a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flagthrowing, Alpine horn blowing and many other customary Swiss entertainment. Drinks are included. 93 (sf)
LUCERNE. Carriages and Countryside
A chance to meet the Swiss, as local farmers take us on a delightful countryside tour in horse drawn carriages. Enjoy stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a working farm where local drinks and snacks will be served at a 17th century barn. 65 (sf)
Departs Sundays (April - October)
Departure point: near Victoria Station
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