Classic Europe Tour 15 Day

London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne, Innsbruck, Venice, Florence, Rome, Pisa, Milan, Mount Titlis, Lucerne, Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Paris

DAY 1: London

Today, check in (transfer not included), at your Heathrow Airport / Wembley area hotel. Early afternoon, you will meet your Tour Manager and depart for a half-day sightseeing tour of London. First, we visit Madame Tussauds, where you can marvel at Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Shahrukh Khan, and many others. Continuing on with our tour we see the main sights: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge. Later marvel at the Swaminarayan Temple. Late evening return to your hotel.

DAY 2: London – Dover - Ferry – Calais – Brussels – The Netherlands

This morning, at the check-in point, you will meet your Tour Manager and join the coach for a leisurely drive from London to Dover port, to board the ferry for the short channel crossing to Calais. Upon arrival, we proceed through Belgium. We first visit the city of Brussels, where on our orientation tour we see the Grand Place, the Mannekin Pis statue and the Atomium (photo stop). Later we drive to the Netherlands and check into our hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 3: The Netherlands: Amsterdam

Today we visit the Madurodam Model Village to see miniature Holland (or Keukenhof Gardens for arrivals in Holland between March 20th and 18th May). We then drive north through the flat landscape of Holland passing windmills from a bygone era, to visit the picturesque village of Volendam. We then proceed to the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam for a canal cruise through the city’s complex system of waterways and to visit a diamond house to see the cutters at work. Late evening return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4: The Netherlands - Cologne – Mannheim / Frankfurt area

Proceed east across the Netherlands and into Germany. Joining the Autobahn, we arrive at the famous city of Cologne where you can marvel Europe’s largest Gothic twin spire cathedral. Continuing our drive into the Rhine valley we board a cruise ship for an unforgettable trip along the River Rhine. Admire the majestic views, mountain top fairy tale castles and fortresses from a bygone era. Late evening check into our hotel for an overnight stop. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5: Mannheim / Frankfurt area – Black Forest - Innsbruck

Joining the autobahn we enter into the enchanting Black Forest region, where you will marvel at the timeless serenity and unparalleled scenery around you. Our first stop is at scenic Lake Titisee where you have time to shop for cuckoo clocks. Continuing our drive, we pass through small idyllic villages before entering Austria where we visit Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. Enjoy this charming town of green domes and red roofs - see the Hofburg and the Goldenes Dachl. Later we check into our hotel for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6: Innsbruck – Venice / Mestre area

This morning we visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds, for a tour through the kaleidoscope of senses and to see sparkling crystal artworks by famous artists. Visit the Crystal Worlds Shop displaying a unique selection of products. Continuing our journey, we enjoy spectacular scenery as we drive across Europabrucke, one of Europe’s highest bridges, winding our way through the Brenner pass to cross the Italian border. We leave behind the mountains for sunny Italy, to visit Venice, the city of unparalleled beauty and romantic gondolas. Our tour starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square – the most elegant square in the world, to see the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges Palace and the Basilica di San Marco. Late evening check into our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7: Venice / Mestre area – Florence – Rome

Today we depart for Florence. Watch the amazing scenery change as we cross the Appennines and the gentle hilly countryside of Tuscany to reach Florence. On arrival in the city of the Medicis, we meet our local guide who will introduce us to the main sights in the city, where traffic is banned from the historic centre: admire its timeless beauty. Next we visit Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy one of the best views of this renaissance city across the River Arno. Later we continue our journey to the ‘Eternal City’, where we check into our hotel for a two nights stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 8: Rome

This morning, we meet our expert local guide who will show us the splendours of St. Peter’s Basilica, a renaissance masterpiece. Later, we take in other ancient sights – Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, which was the political centre of the Roman Empire, Circus Maximus, and the spectacular Trevi Fountain, where you may make a wish. Afternoon is at leisure to explore other sights, or join the additional excursion to visit the Colosseum the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire and one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. Later we visit the Time Elevator, a unique experience, with the projection on three wide panoramic screens, a 3D film journey through the history of the Eternal City. Later this evening enjoy a Rome by Night tour as we drive past the monuments and admire the illuminated facades. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 9: Rome – Orvieto – Arezzo

This morning, we meet our local guide who will show us the splendours of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Later we depart for Orvieto. The site of the city is among the most dramatic in Europe. Perched on a plateau of tufa rock, with the outline of its world famous Duomo visible for miles around. Access to the city in fact is via the funicular. The heart of Orvieto is Piazza del Duomo, onto which look the town’s most important buildings and the façade of the Duomo, a masterpiece of gothic architecture and dazzling mosaics. Late evening check into our hotel for an overnight stop. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 10: Arezzo - Pisa - Milan – Lake Lugano area – Switzerland

Today we depart for Pisa, where we visit the Field of Miracles. Here you can marvel at the marble Cathedral in the Pisan Romanesque style, the Baptistery, and one of the wonders of the world, the legendary Leaning Tower. Proceed onto Milan, the cultural and economic hub of Italy. Explore the historic centre of the city – see the famous Duomo (Cathedral), one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Italy, La Scala Opera House and the Castello Sforzesco. Leaving Milan, we cross the Swiss border, passing spectacular scenery around the lake regions of Como and Lugano. We arrive at our hotel in the Lake Lugano area late evening, and check in for an overnight stop. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 11: Switzerland: Mount Titlis - Lucerne

This morning either join the additional excursion for the scenic train ride through the Swiss alpine region to Lucerne, or board your coach as we drive north through the Gotthard tunnel.  From Lucerne we rejoin our coach and drive up the winding mountain roads to the valley of Engelberg, where we start our ascent to board the world’s first revolving cable car, reaching the peak of 10,000 feet and the highest viewpoint in central Switzerland (weather permitting). Visit the Glacier Grotto or enjoy a breathtaking panorama from the sun terrace. In the afternoon, we begin our descent, passing the glaciers and thawing ice, which create majestic waterfalls.  Later we visit the town of Lucerne, to see the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument.  This evening, join the additional excursion - Lake Lucerne Cruise and Swiss Folklore Show. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 12: Switzerland: Interlaken – Jungfraujoch

We first drive to the town of Interlaken, the scene of many “Bollywood” films. From there a short drive brings us to Lauterbrunnen, where we board the train for the scenic journey to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres (weather permitting). Visit the Ice Palace with ice sculptures or enjoy the panoramic views from the Sphinx Terrace. Early evening we begin our descent and return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

 

DAY 13: Switzerland – Paris

Early morning we leave the Swiss Alps behind us.  Once into France, we join the super fast highways, driving past vineyards and mustard fields. Continue onto Paris, one of the most exciting and popular cities of Europe, renowned for it’s fashion, perfumes, and of course the most talked about French champagne and wines. Early evening we check into our hotel.  This evening you may either rest in your hotel or join the additional excursion - Paris by Night Tour. On our tour we will see the main sights illuminated, later enjoy a spectacular cruise on the River Seine - admire the spectacular facades from your covered boat. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 14: Paris

Today you have the choice of two exciting day Tours:

Paris – City Tour

This morning, on our orientation tour of Paris, we will be introduced to the main sights of this beautiful city: Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the Opera. We then proceed to the Louvre museum where you can see the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. Later we visit the top floor of the Eiffel Tower to witness a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Finally join us for an exciting optional Lido cabaret show. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

OR Disneyland Paris Theme Park

A short drive to the famous Disneyland Paris Theme Park where a full day of excitement for the entire family awaits you. Meet all your favourite Disney characters, see the amazing show “Honey, I shrunk the audience”, ride the hair-raising “Space Mountain” roller coaster, and don’t miss the fabulous main street parade. Later we visit the top floor of the Eiffel Tower to witness a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Finally join us for an exciting optional Lido cabaret show. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 15: Paris – Versailles - Calais - Ferry – Dover – London

Today we visit the Palace of Versailles gardens, the former residence of the famous “Sun King”, where we visit the gardens. Early afternoon we depart and journey north for Calais to board the ferry for the return channel crossing. On arrival at Dover port, we board our local coach and arrive London late evening, where the tour ends, and its time to say farewell to all the friends you have made on tour. (Breakfast, Lunch)