European Grand

Day 1
Arrive into London City Tour of London
Arrive into London and check into your hotel in London on your own, anytime after 2 p.m. Contact the SOTC Tour Manager upon arrival at the number given on your Tour Information sheet. Later in the afternoon at 1600 hrs, we take you on a panoramic city tour of London, conducted by a local guide. See Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the Tower of London. Also see the Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, St. Paul's Cathedral, the symbolic Tower Bridge, Hyde Park and London Eye, the world's tallest ferris wheel by the River Thames. Tonight, explore London's numerous restaurants and dine on your own. OvernightatHotel Holiday InnBloomsburyor similar inLondon.

 
Day 2
Eurotunnel to Calais Orientation tour of Brussels Onto Eindhoven
After a continental breakfast, we proceed to Folkestone to board the Eurotunnel train to Calais. Upon arrival into Calais we continue our journey to Brussels. We proceed for an orientation tour of Brussels. See the adorable Manneken Pis Statue, a charming fountain of a little boy, today the symbol of Brussels, the beautiful Grand Place, the Town Hall, Municipal Museum, the Royal Palace, St. Michael's Cathedral and the mammoth Palace of Justice. Next we stop at the Atomium, a structure representing the concept of an iron molecule enlarged 165 billion times. We continue our journey to Eindhoven. Enjoy an Indian veg / non-veg dinner prepared by SOTC's very own chef flown in from India. Overnight at HotelNHKoningshof or similar in Eindhoven.

 
Day 3
Onto Amsterdam Visit Keukenhof Gardens or Madurodam
After a continental breakfast, we visit Keukenhof Gardens (until mid-May), the famed National Flower Exhibition. Like the million visitors that journey here annually, you will be spellbound by beautiful displays of millions of Tulips, Daffodils, Narcissi and other flowers, spread over 80 acres of Hotel Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, 39 Coram street, GB London WC1N1HT, stunning landscape and thematic gardens.Or, we drive to The Hague, political capital of Netherlands. Here we visit Madurodam - Holland in miniature. Feel like a giant amidst models of palaces, canals, windmills, airports & even doll-like figures in postures of daily activities. You have free time to relax at this miniature city of Holland. Enjoy an Indian vegetarian lunch. Later, enjoy a demonstration on the art of making wooden shoes at Ratterman's Factory. Avail of the opportunity to shop for wooden shoes and Dutch souvenirs. Next, we stop at one of the windmills - a symbol of the Netherlands, a splendid backdrop for a family photograph. We then visit the renowned Coster Diamond Factory. Enjoy a presentation and shop for diamonds at specially discounted prices for SOTC customers. Discover Amsterdam in a novel manner, as we take you on a canal cruise, the best way to see this captivating city. Enjoy the splendor of the 17th Century canals, as you cruise through the most picturesque parts of Holland's capital. Enjoy an Indian veg / non-veg dinner prepared by SOTC'S very own chef flown in from India. Overnight at HotelNHKoningshof or similar in Eindhoven.

 
Day 4
See the Cologne Cathedral Enjoy the Rhine Cruise Visit Heidelberg
After a continental breakfast, we drive to Cologne, famous for Eau de Cologne. Visit the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. This 515 ft tall Gothic Cathedral, which took almost six centuries to build, can hold upto 40,000 people and is Germany's most visited monument. Enjoy an Indian vegetarian lunch. We then proceed for a cruise on the River Rhine. The Rhine passes through four countries and our cruise takes us through its most romantic part. We go past the legendary Lorelei Rock, medieval castles atop riverside cliffs, vineyards and quaint towns with halftimbered houses. We continue our journey to Heidelberg. On arrival we take you for an orientation tour of Heidelberg, surrounded by mountains and forests. Take this opportunity to stroll through 'Alstadt' the old town, full of narrow alleys and cobble-stoned streets. Experience the laid back atmosphere at the Market Square with its fountain of Hercules and many sidewalk cafes. Take a picture of the famed ruins of the Heidelberg Castle, high up on the Konigstuhl Mountains. Enjoy an Indian veg / non-veg dinner. Overnight at Hotel Mercure or similar in Germany.

 
Day 5
Visit to Swarovski Crystal museum Orientation tour of Innsbruck
After a continental breakfast, we begin our scenic journey to Austria, which has more than half of it's surface covered by the majestic Alps. Enroute, enjoy a packed Indian vegetarian lunch. Later,we take you to visit the Swarovski Crystals Museum, the amazing Crystal World Complex at Wattens. Here you have an opportunity to shop for the famous Swarovski crystals. We then drive back to Innsbruck, Capitol of the Tyrol province, and take you on an orientation tour of Innsbruck. See the Goldenes Dachl the Golden roof, an ornate Gothic balcony, symbol of the city. Also see the 17th Century fountain with the equestrian statue of King Leopold V, St. Anne's Column, the Triumphforte Innsbruck's arch of celebration and grief and the Heiblinghaus, a building resembling a wedding cake. Dwell in the historic splendors of Innsbruck. Enjoy an Indian veg / non-veg dinner. We then check into your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Bon Alpina or similar in Innsbruck.

 
Day 6
Onto Venice the city of canals City tour of Venice
After a continental breakfast, we proceed to Venice, the romantic Italian city, known for its unique architecture. Enjoy an Indian vegetarian lunch. We arrive in Venice, an archipelago of 118 islands, 150 canals and 400 bridges. We drive over Mussolini's Bridge of Liberty and then take a boat ride over the Guidecca canal to St. Mark's Square, the very heart of Venice. Here see the historic Ducal Palace, the infamous prison, the bridge of sighs, the exquisite Clock Tower and the baroque splendor of St. Marks Basilica. We then visit the Murano Glass factory where a master craftsman will demonstrate the art of creating the famous Venetian blown glass. Do not miss this opportunity to buy souvenirs at specially discounted prices. We return to St. Marks Square, the most photographed Square in the world and soak in the unique atmosphere of this charming city. Enjoy an Indian veg / non-veg dinner. Overnight at Hotel Park Continental or similar in Venice.

 
Day 7
Visit Florence Onto Rome
After a continental breakfast, we continue our Italian journey towards Florence, the enchanting art capital of Italy. We pass through the Po Valley and Apennine Mountains. Enroute, enjoy an Indian vegetarian lunch. In Florence, the birth place of the Renaissance, see the impressive Dumo, the imposing 14th century Palazzo Vecchio Tower and Ponte Vecchio, Florence's most distinctive bridge on the Arno River. Visit the Piazelle Michelangelo, for a breathtaking bird's eye view of Florence. Take a picture with the Statue of David, originally created by Michelangelo. From Florence, we continue our journey to Rome, the capital of Italy. Upon arrival, enjoy an Indian veg / non-veg dinner. Overnight at Interhotel Palace 2000 or similar in Rome.

 
Day 8
City tour of Rome & the Vatican Onto Pisa
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa After a continental breakfast, we take you on a city tour of Rome conducted by a local guide. Visit Piazza Venezia, see the colossal Victor Emmanuel II Monument, built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Italian re-unification. Relive the thrills of historic Rome as you view the ancient Roman & Imperial Forums. Come face to face with the gigantic Colosseum the symbol of Rome (entrance not included). It is said that when the Colosseum falls, Rome will fall and the world will follow. Also see the famous Trevi Fountain - a Roman legend assures your return to Rome if you throw a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain. For lunch, enjoy an exquisite local cuisine in Rome. We then visit the Vatican, the world's smallest nation & the seat of Christianity and St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest cathedral, which will amaze you with its size, beauty and splendour. Due to Traffic Regulations, the roads may be closed to private coaches entering Rome. This may force us to modify/change/alter the sight seeing. The sight seeing will then have to be done by foot/public transportation. We then say 'Arrividerci Roma' and proceed towards Pisa. On arrival, we proceed to visit the “Field of Miracles”, wherein stands the grand Romanesque Pisan styled marble Cathedral. See the Baptistery and the bell tower, known throughout the world as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Remember to take a photograph of your family against this wonder of the world. Enjoy an Indian veg / non-veg dinner. Overnight at Hotel Park California or similar in Pisa.

 
Day 9
Onto Switzerland
After a continental breakfast, we journey to Switzerland a country known for its spectacular mountain scenery, sparkling lakes and folklore traditions. Enjoy the journey as the scenery changes from the Italian to the Swiss Alps. Today, enjoy a packed lunch. On arrival into Switzerland, we check into the hotel. This evening is free for you to explore this quaint Swiss town on your own. Enjoy an Indian veg / non-veg dinner prepared by SOTC's very own chef flown in from India. Overnight at Hotel Terrace or similar in Switzerland.

 
Day 10
Visit Mount Titlis Orientation tour of Lucerne
After a continental breakfast, we proceed on an exciting full excursion to Mount Titlis and Lucerne. We begin the tour with a visit to Mount Titlis, which at 10,000 ft is the highest peak in central Switzerland. As you journey to Mount Titlis through a series of three different cable car rides, you will be amazed as the scenery changes from green meadows, scenic lakes to snow clad mountains. See over 200 cable cars sporting different flags. Lookout for cable car number 73 that carries the Indian flag! The last leg of the ascent will be in the world's first rotating cable car called the 'Titlis Rotair'. At Mt. Titlis you have free time to play and enjoy in the snow, visit the Ice Cave or just relax at the restaurant. Enjoy an exquisite local cuisine at Mount Titlis. At the Terrace on top of the Mt. Titlis summit station, weather permitting, you could take an unforgettable ride on the "Ice Flyer" an enclosed ski lift that travels only a few meters over the Titlis Glacier. You have an opportunity to get a picture at the Nostalgie Photo studio, a perfect family momento. We later proceed for an orientation tour of Lucerne, one of the six most frequently visited cities in theWorld. See the Lion Monument, 'Lowendenkmal' hewn from a limestone cliff to commemorate the bravery and loyalty of Swiss Guards. You may take a stroll across the Kappelbrucke - the world's oldest coveredwooden bridge, originally built in 1333 over the Reuss river, which leads you to the 17th Century JesuitChurch. You have free time at Schwanenplatz to shop for Swiss army knives, chocolates, watches, souvenirs, etc. Enjoy an Indian veg / non-veg dinner prepared by SOTC's very own chef flown in from India. Overnight at Hotel Terrace or similar in Switzerland.

 
Day 11
An option to visit Jungfraujoch and Interlaken
After a continental breakfast the day is free for you to relax. Or take this opportunity to visit Jungfraujoch and picturesque Interlaken. Our scenic drive to Jungfraujoch, the highest altitude railway station in Europe at 11,782 ft. takes us along lovely lakes and mountain passes. Marvel at the changes in alpine scenery as your charming cog-wheel train takes you on a unique journey to Jungfraujoch, the very Top of Europe. On top of Jungfraujoch, you have free time to explore the modern complex. Experience the magic of the mountains at the Sphinx Terrace. See the breathtaking Jungfrau Peak and the awesome Aletsch Glacier. Also, visit the Ice Palace, where you see a beautiful display of sculptures made of ice, while being encased in ice yourself. Have a memorable encounter with eternal snow and ice at the Plateau. Do not forget to send a postcard to your friends and relatives from Europe's highest altitude Post office with its own special postmark. We then serve you an Indian vegetarian lunch at the Top of Europe. Thereafter we proceed to Interlaken, one of Switzerland's best-known health and pleasure resorts. There's time to relax at the many cafes or shop for Swiss watches, chocolates, Swiss memorabilia, etc. Enjoy an Indian veg / non-veg dinner prepared by SOTC's very own chef flown in from India. Overnight at Hotel Terrace or similar in Switzerland.

 
Day 12
Onto Paris Optional 'Grand Evening in Paris'
After a continental breakfast, we journey through France towards Paris - the fashion capital of the world. Enjoy the view as the scenery changes to French countryside. Today, a packed Indian lunch is provided to you. Upon arrival into Paris, the evening is free for you to relax and explore this glamorous city on your own. Or, treat yourself to a 'Grand Evening in Paris' an exciting Optional package that combines fun and entertainment. The Grand Evening includes a romantic cruise on the River Seine. You will be enchanted as you pass by many of the Parisian monuments including the Alexander II Bridge, the Orsay Museum, the National Assembly and Paris' own Statue of Liberty. See the famous landmarks magically lit-up on your Illuminations tour of Paris the city of lights. For the grand finale of the day, we have in store for you the finest and most dazzling combination of beauty, rhythm and gaiety at Paradis Latin. Built in 1889 and partially designed by Gustave Eiffel, the Paradis Latin is perhaps the most Parisian of the great cabarets, both exciting and romantic. Experience the magic and charm of its elegant surroundings, striking ballets, shimmering costumes and talented dance troupes. Enjoy an Indian veg / non-veg dinner and share a complimentary bottle of champagne with your wife. Overnight at Hotel Novotel Est or similar in Paris.

 
Day 13
City Tour of Paris Visit the Eiffel Tower
After a continental breakfast, we take you on a panoramic city tour of Paris conducted by a local guide. See Paris in all her charm, glamour and glory. See the Obelisk at Place de la Concorde, the largest and the loveliest of the Parisian squares and the majestic Arc de Triomphe. Also see the Champs Elysees, arguably the most well known avenue in the world, the magnificent Opera, the striking Town Hall and the National Assembly, the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and of course, the incomparable Eiffel Tower. We take you to the first level of Eiffel Tower from where a bird's eye view will leave you breathless. See the dome of the Invalides and the famous Ritz Hotel at Vendome Square. Enjoy an Indian vegetarian lunch. Later, we take you to the famous Benlux duty free shop. Shop for perfumes, cosmetics and more. The evening is free for you to relax on your own. Enjoy an Indian veg / non-veg dinner. Overnight at Hotel Novotel Est or similar in Paris.

 
Day 14
Return home with wonderful memories
After a continental breakfast, we say 'Au Revoir' to Paris. Your 'European Grand' Tour ends as you check out of the hotel in Paris. Passengers returning to London at the end of the tour, can do so by Eurostar at a nominal charge. (Reservation for the Eurostar must be made at the time of booking your 'European Grand' tour). Its time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. We hope you take back happy memories of your SOTC tour. We would like you to spare a few minutes of your time to write and tell us how you enjoyed your tour and any suggestions you may have for the future.

 
See the best of Europe
 
bulletEngland- London
bulletBelgium- Brussels
bulletHolland- Amsterdam
bulletGermany- Cologne, Rhineland, Heidelberg
bulletAustria- Innsbruck
bulletItaly- Venice, Florence, Rome, Pisa
bulletSwitzerland- Lucerne, Interlaken
bulletFrance- Paris
Your sightseeing includes:
 
bulletBig Ben, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge and Trafalgar Square in London.
bulletManneken Pis Statue, Grand Place and the Atomium in Brussels.
bulletKeukenhof / Madurodam, the windmills, and a canal cruise in Amsterdam.
bulletCologne Cathedral, Rhine Cruise, Heidelberg, in Germany.
bulletThe 'Goldenes Dachl' in Innsbruck and Swarovski Crystal Museum inWattens.
bulletSt. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, Ducal Palace and Bridge of Sighs in Venice.
bulletThe Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio Tower, Ponte Vecchio and the Piazelle Michelangelo Square in Florence.
bulletSt. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
bulletA Photo opportunity at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
bulletMount Titlis with Lunch and Lucerne.
bulletEiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Your Hotels in Europe
 
bulletHotel Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, London.
bulletHotelNHKoningshof, Eindhoven.
bulletHotel Mercure, Germany.
bulletHotel Bon Alpina, Innsbruck.
bulletHotel Park Continental, Venice.
bulletInterhotel Palace 2000, Rome.
bulletHotel Park California, Pisa.
bulletHotel Terrace, Switzerland.
bulletHotel Novotel Est, Paris.
Time for bargain shopping
 
bulletAt Coster Diamonds Factory in Amsterdam.
bulletAt Swarovski for crystals inWattens.
bulletAt Murano Showroom for Venetian Glass in Venice.
bulletAt Lucerne and Interlaken for Swiss chocolates and watches.
bulletAt 'Benlux Duty Free' for French perfumes and cosmetics in Paris.
Enjoy Indian meals in Europe
 
bulletEnjoy Indian meals in Holland and Switzerland prepared by an SOTC chef, especially flown in from India - a taste of home cooking!
Suggested Additional Attractions:
 
bulletJungfraujoch with lunch and picturesque Interlaken.
bullet"Grand Evening in Paris" with a cruise on River Seine, Illumination tour and Paradis Latin Show with Indian dinner
Departure Dates
  Starts Ends  
  LONDON PARIS  
Guaranteed Departure 26 Apr 08 09 May 08
Guaranteed Departure 17 May 08 30 May 08
Guaranteed Departure 31 May 08 13 Jun 08
Guaranteed Departure 07 Jun 08 20 Jun 08
Guaranteed Departure 14 Jun 08 27 Jun 08
Guaranteed Departure 21 Jun 08 04 Jul 08
Guaranteed Departure 28 Jun 08 11 Jul 08
Guaranteed Departure 29 Jun 08 12 Jul 08
Guaranteed Departure 04 Jul 08 17 Jul 08
Guaranteed Departure 06 Jul 08 19 Jul 08
Guaranteed Departure 12 Jul 08 25 Jul 08
Guaranteed Departure 19 Jul 08 01 Aug 08
Guaranteed Departure 20 Jul 08 02 Aug 08
Guaranteed Departure 26 Jul 08 08 Aug 08
Guaranteed Departure 02 Aug 08 15 Aug 08
Guaranteed Departure 09 Aug 08 22 Aug 08
Guaranteed Departure 16 Aug 08 29 Aug 08
Guaranteed Departure 23 Aug 08 05 Sep 08
Guaranteed Departure 30 Aug 08 12 Sep 08
Guaranteed Departure 14 Sep 08 27 Sep 08
Guaranteed Departure 27 Sep 08 10 Oct 08
Guaranteed Departure 04 Oct 08 17 Oct 08
       
Tour Price
all prices are in US $
 
Adult in Twin/Triple Regular Price 2299
Child no bed sharing twin rm Regular Price 1999
Sgl Supplement   650
Tour price rate may differ based on departure dates.
Suggested Additional Attractions Adult Child
Jungfraujoch with Indian Lunch & Interlaken 190 140
Grand Evening in Paris with Paradis Latin Show & Indian Dinner 199 199
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation
Hotel / City Adult
Twn/Tpl
Adult
Sgl
Child no bed
sharing twin rm
Hotel Holiday Inn Bloomsbury LONDON 129 229 79
Hotel Novotel Est PARIS 109 179 59
Eurostar Paris to London 150