Classical Europe 15 Days / 14 Nights

*Bed and Breakfast only.

Exciting Optionals :

 Day 1 Begin Your Tour • Arrive Into London

Welcome to your ‘Cox and Kings Classical Europe’ tour. Your Cox and Kings representative greets you at the hotel, after you comfortably check-in on your own. (check in after 1400 hrs).

This afternoon assemble in the lobby and live history through a guided panoramic tour of London city. Get acquainted with some of London’s iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge, River Thames, London Eye, Tower of London, Hyde Park, Big Ben, Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the famous Piccadilly Circus, Nelson's column at Trafalgar Squarefollowed by the Majesty of Buckingham Palace which is the Queen's official residence.

Give in to some great bargains from the many malls around and then allow London’s varied restaurants to further weaken your resistance !

Remember chicken tikka masala is almost a national dish here !

 Day 2 Onto The Netherlands • Eurotunnel to Calais • Visit Brussels

Onto Folkstone where you cross the English Channel via the Eurotunnel and arrive in Calais.

Then drive on to Brussels - the Elegant Capital City of Belgium; it is also the seat of the European Union, which gives it an air of bustling efficiency !

An orientation tour of Brussels, takes you through picturesque medieval streets past the magnificent St. Michel’s Cathedral. Walk via Galeries Saint Hubert, the world’s first shopping mall, opened in 1847, to the Grand Place, its gilded buildings making it one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe. This exquisite market square is the main tourist attraction of the city. In your free time you must sample a Belgian waffle dusted with caramelized sugar mmmm ! Time permitting, shop here for world famous Belgian lace and chocolate.

No visit is complete without seeing the Mannekin Pis, which will steal your heart - this cheeky statue of a little boy, representing the “irreverent spirit” of Brussels, has drawn sightseers for centuries (photo stop).

Continue your drive through Dutch countryside to your hotel. (B, D)

 Day 3 In Netherlands • Full Day Excursion To Amsterdam • Visit Keukenhof / Madurodam

Today your full day excursion is to Amsterdam, where Windmills still wield their magic. There’s a photo stop at one - note how the sails turn counter - clockwise.

Clogs, Cheese and Holland are inseparable and a factory visit demonstrates this traditional business.

The canals beckon as you board a glass topped boat and glide past regal mansions, houseboats and bridges. A canal cruise in Amsterdam is a rewarding experience. Spend some free time at Dam Square with the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), the Royal Palace and the National Monument.

If you come to Holland when tulips are in bloom (only from March 18th to May 16th) the famous Keukenhof Tulip Gardens provide the Wow factor ! The rest of the year visit Madurodam, the enchanting miniature city which features the best of Netherlands. Here windmills turn, boats sail and trains move on the world’s largest miniature railway ! (B, L, D) 

 Day 4 Onto The Rhineland • Visit Cologne Cathedral • Cruise On The River Rhine • Visit Heidelberg

This morning proceed to Cologne, the metropolis on the Rhine where on arrival you will visit the Cathedral – the first Gothic church in the Rhineland with its characteristic spires.

Later drive to Boppard through the Rhine valley, along this stretch of river, there are more castles than in any other river valley in the world.

Enjoy a cruise today along the ‘Romantic Rhine’. The stretch of river where you can see castles, villages, and vineyards, and the Loreley where the river valley runs through dramatically elevated hillsides. You can see a statue of the Loreley near the cliff. The scenery is actually stunning.

Continue your scenic drive to Heidelberg, situated in the Valley of the River Neckar and world famous for its romantic castle and picturesque Old Town with awe inspiring surroundings. Enjoy some free time at the “Altstadt” - old section of the town. Later, check into your hotel in the Rhineland Area. (B, L, D)

 Day 5 Onto Switzerland • Drive Through The Black Forest • Visit Drubba • Visit the Rhine Falls • Visit Lucerne

Drive into Germany where time stands still at Drubba, the alpine nest of the Cuckoo Clock situated in the unique Hollental (Hell’s Valley), directly at the mouth of the Ravennaschult (Ravenna Glen). Witness a demonstration to explain the making of authentic cuckoo clocks in their original form, each piece carefully crafted for precision! The Cuckoo Clock is said to have originated between 1740 and 1750 and has remained more or less unchanged in its unique design. A visit here is always a memorable experience. While in Drubba take time off to enjoy the crisp Black Forest air and the chirping of mountain birds, with a short walk.

A special celebration surprise!

Get a souvenir, …. yes with compliments of Drubba and Cox and Kings, as a part of the 250 Years Celebrations.

Move onto Schaffhausen, where the Rhine River thunders over the Rhine Falls, forming Europe’s largest waterfall – an excellent photo opportunity.

Drive to Lucerne with its picturesque mountains, lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows full of edelweiss. Pause at the poignant Lion Monument, built to commemorate the brave Swiss soldiers killed during the French Revolution. Stroll along the covered, wooden Kappellbrucke (chapel bridge), to the ornate Jesuit Church. You will have your first encounter with the marvels of Swiss shopping. Most visitors take home two things – memories of a beautiful country and a Swiss watch. Next to a virtually unlimited selection of watches and jewelry, every store carries a vast array of small famous brand gifts and souvenirs, priced for every pocket. After a memorable day drive to your hotel (B, L, D)

 Day 6 Day Free • Optional Excursion To The Jungfraujoch, Ascending By Cogwheel Train, Indian Lunch with An Interlaken City Tour and A Visit To Trümmelbach Falls

The day is free for you to enjoy on your own or you can take advantage of our optional excursion to the Jungfraujoch, the ‘Top of Europe’, a wonderful world of glaciers and eternal ice.

Stop at the Trümmelbach Falls, another highlight from Cox and Kings.This is the only glacier waterfall in Europe, cascading through the mountain.

Your journey today takes you to the highest altitude railway station in Europe by a charming, red cogwheel train, through the most dramatic mountain scenery ! Walk on the great Aletsch Glacier, at 22 kms – the longest ice stream in the Alps, visit the glistening Ice Palace, and the Sphinx Observation Terrace, at 3571 m, the loftiest point of all, the Alpine view is simply stunning. What could be more tempting in this icy cold scenario, than a hot Indian lunch ! Descend to Interlaken, cradled cozily between the beautiful Lakes of Brienz and Thun, where even today you see horsedrawn carriages. You will have another encounter with the marvels of Swiss shopping. Indulge in some souvenir shopping. Swiss watches, chocolates and other accessories are world famous. Return to your hotel (B, D)

 Day 7 Visit to Glacier 3000 • Mt. Cox & Kings Gala Evening – An Exclusive Mountain In Switzerland

Today we visit the famous pedestrian zone with its shops and typical chalet style houses and the Glacier 3000 Awaits ! Drive towards Gstaad / Les Diablerets - the skiing capital and a favourite playground for the rich and famous. Here Cox and Kings gives you another first with the launch of Glacier 3000 – the everlasting snow mountain, offering views of the most beautiful summits of the Alps, and the scene of the popular Indian film 'Bachna Ae Haseeno'. Ascent is by cable car from Col du Pillon (1546 m) to Scex Rouge (2971m). Enjoy a special adrenaline kick with a wild ride on the Alpine Coaster (weather permitting), the world’s highest bobsleigh track. You can cruise along at approximately 40 km / hour and with the brakes you determine at what speed you want to travel. The 1 km track offers lots of variety. The ultimate highlight is the 520-degree loop, followed by 10 curves, 6 waves, 3 jumps and 2 bridges. The track lies up to 6 m above the ground and the 2-minute downhill ride gives you the ultimate driving experience. The beauty of nature can also be discovered. The View Point (stairs) located directly behind the Restaurant Botta 3000 has a 360 – degree panoramic view that includes some of the most beautiful alpine peaks - from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau to the Matterhorn - and views onto over 24 peaks that are over 4000 m high.

Here is a tribute to Cox and Kings serving you for over 250 years. Enjoy a hot buffet lunch and a souvenir for each family. Later ride the Snow Bus over the glacier – a unique experience of a comfortable ride on the eternal snow. Return by cable car to Col du Pillion.

Later drive on to the Swiss region of Lungern, where an exclusive Gala evening is lined up for you. A mountain in Switzerland that’s all yours ! We make  sure that ultimate fantasy comes true with Mt. Cox and Kings - a Swiss Mountain in the Lungern – Schönbuel belt, so exclusive, that it’s only for you ! Getting there is half the fun ! Wind your way uphill in a cable car,  with a panoramic 360 degree view of the Bernese Oberland. If viewing nature is not enough, there are walking trails and chocolate casting. That’s not all ! A sumptuous Gala Dinner and Disco Dancing ! Yes, with Cox and Kings you’re constantly on a high ! (B, L, D)

 Day 8 Onto Innsbruck •Visit Vaduz • Visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds

Your drive today takes you to the Principality of Leichtenstein and a stop at Vaduz - the capital, famous for postage stamps.

Later drive to Austria. Halt at the internationally renowned Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, and prepare to be dazzled at the 'Chambers of Wonder'! In a wondrous blue hall dominated by a unicum- a wall of crystal, you see the world's  biggest crystal and it's smallest! Over 7 million people from all corners of the globe, have already been thrilled by the Swarovski experience - now you are one of them!

Enjoy a scenic drive to Innsbruck. Located on the Inn River, Innsbruck is one of Europe's most beautiful and lively cities. An international centre for winter sports, it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice !

Our orientation tour introduces you to the Golden Roof or 'Goldenes Dachl', an ornate Gothic balcony erected by the Emperor Maximilian I decorated with gold painted copper shingles. The Imperial Church and the 'Hofburg' or Imperial Palace. This Capital of the Alps, has a history of 800 years !  

Enjoy a continental dinner after which you can disco the night away in celebration of 250 years of Cox & Kings with cold drinks, wine and beer to quench that thirst ! (B, L, D)

 Day 9 Onto Venice • Walking City Tour Of Venice

Today your journey takes you on a fascinating drive past quaint villages, medieval castles and fruit orchards, cutting across the fertile Adriatic Plains, to the magical lagoon city of Venice. The captivating canals and palaces of Venice are simply unique ! Built on 117 small islands, it is a pedestrian’s city, so get set for a walking tour. Cruise from Tronchetto Pier and glide romantically past fairytale palaces Disembark and walk to the Piazza San Marco (St. Marks Square). Pass the Doge’s Palace, connected by the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ to its prisons. It was from here that the legendary lover Casanova made his famous escape ! Witness the bronze Moors striking the hour, as they have been doing for the past 500 years ! End this exciting tour with a brief visit to a Murano Glass Factory where you will see a demonstration of hand blown world famous Venetian glass.

Enjoyment at its peak this evening. Celebrate Cox and Kings serving you for more than 250 years with a scrumptious dinner and a surprise gift per family as you enjoy a cruise to Tronchetto Pier. (B, L, D)

 Day 10 Onto Perugia • Walking Tour Of Florence • Orientation Tour Of Pisa

Drive across the Apennine Mountains, along the Brenta River past Bologna, to beautiful Florence, a shrine to the wonders of the Renaissance, with more artistic treasures per square metre than any other city in the world ! Included in your walking tour of the city of Florence is a visit to the remarkable Duomo (when open for visitors). Besides it is the ‘Gates of Paradise’ – the heavenly gilded bronze doors of the Baptistry, originally a pagan temple and the openair gallery in Signoria Square.Walk on the famous Ponte Vecchio, the oldest surviving bridge in the city. Time permitting indulge in some more famous works of art – genuine Florentine leather bags and souvenirs !

Happy shopping ! Continue to Pisa, the hometown of Galileo and a city, which makes the most of its claim to fame – its Leaning Tower ! It has leaned almost since construction first started, due to the swampy soil beneath it. At a photo stop here, note its striking beauty along with its characteristic tilt. It is the Duomo’s (Cathedral) Bell Tower. Together with the Baptistry, these are all a part of the Field of Miracles. After an exciting tour, drive through a stretch of olive groves and vineyards to your hotel where on arrival you will be checked in. (B, L, D)

 Day 11 Full Day Excursion To Rome • Visit the Time Elevator • Visit The Vatican • Guided Panoramic City Tour Of Rome

‘Rome was not built in a day’- the truth of this oft quoted adage hits you with full force, as we pack in all the ‘must see’ agenda into our guided panoramic city tour! According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC. Start your introduction to Rome with a journey on the Time Elevator and enjoy a 4 dimensional view of Roman Glory. Then onto The Vatican, the smallest nation in the world ! The most famous square of The Vatican is St. Peter’s Square with St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Gaze in awe at Michelangelo’s Pieta. See the triumphal Arch of Constantine, one of the most important commemorative monuments of antiquity and then drive through Piazza Venezia, where the grandiose monument to the reunification of Italy is often referred to as the Marble wedding cake ! Pass the Circus Maximus - the Hippodrome – known for its ancient chariot races, which was reconstructed by Hollywood for the well known movie ‘Ben Hur’ ! Tribute is paid to the brave Gladiators of Rome, as you pass the mighty Colosseum. At this amphitheatre, the notorious and gory gladiatorial games were held, where they fought one another and wild animals while the crowd roared ! Pass the ruins of the Roman Forum and end the tour at the famous Trevi Fountain. Legend has it, that if you make a wish and toss a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, you are sure to return to Rome ! We at Cox and Kings look forward to that! After an exciting tour relax and enjoy your return drive to the hotel. (B, L, D)

 Day 12 Onto the Mont Blanc In Chamonix • Visit Vercelli • Visit Ivrea

EXCLUSIVE After breakfast enjoy a comfortable drive of approximately 6 hrs. to Chamonix.

Today, its ‘Love at first sight’ as you enter the beautiful Chamonix Valley and the majestic mountains of the Mont Blanc. Whilst all the Hindi movies have launched the Swiss Alps, Cox and Kings is the first to introduce the French Alps to India and the home of Mont Blanc.

On your drive make a stop at the town of Vercelli. Enjoy some free time and nature in the midst of endless paddy fields. Here are also the Hippodrome and the best preserved Roman cathedrals in Italy.

Your next stop is Ivrea where again you have some free time.

Check into your hotel and after dinner visit the casino on your own. Try your winning streak. Good Luck ! Raise a toast to your tour with Cox and Kings and Chamonix Mont Blanc. (B, L, D)

 Day 13 Onto Paris • Cable Car Ride To Aiguille Du Midi • A Visit To The Mer De Glace • Visit Geneva

Awaken to the spectacular delights of the glacier around you. A view of the facing peaks and of Mont-Blanc, awaits you. Enjoy a free morning. Walk past picturesque hamlets and along alpine lakes, the spectacular scenery and surroundings. Stroll along the valley paths. Relax and feast your eyes on the wonderful views. Don’t miss our excursion tour – a ride on the highest and most impressive cable car, the Aiguille du Midi (weather permitting), which lifts you to 3842 meters for an unforgettable view of the Alps. The Aiguille du Midi has its own postage stamp and a letterbox ! Continue your excursion with a ride on the nostalgic red cog railway to Montenvers. The train climbs a steep track, through scenic Alpine scenery, to

a stunning vantage point above the ‘Mer de Glace’ (sea of ice) Glacier. You know you’ve really arrived when you stand at 1913 meters, at the ‘Mer de Glace’, which is 7 kms long and 200 meters thick, with a surface dimension of 40 kms ! A crystal gallery, a wildlife exhibition, an ice garden and the famous ice grotto 100 meters long, carved each year into the heart of the glacier, awaits you !

Drive to Geneva, one of Switzerland’s most privileged cities, said to have the second highest quality of living in the world ! We begin the orientation tour with a drive to the Palais des Nations - the European Headquarters of the United Nations and the Ariana Musée Ariana.

Be awestruck by the great white plume of the world’s tallest fountain in Europe - the magnificent Jet d’Eau and pause for a photograph here and at the beautiful floral clock in the Jardin Anglais ! Then continue on a spectacular journey and experience the natural beauty and wonders of the alpine region as you enjoy a comfortable drive of approximately 6 hrs. to Paris. After dinner check into your hotel. (B, L, D)

 Day 14 In Paris • Shop At Fragonard • Visit Grévin Wax Museum • Visit Montparnasse • City Tour Of Paris • Visit the Eiffel Tower • Optional 'Gala Evening' In Paris

Visit and shop at Fragonard – The Parfumeur an highlight from Cox and Kings. Displayed are perfumery collections retracing 3000 years of history. Discover Fragonard’s original perfumery creations on sale at factory prices. A special exclusive souvenir for each visitor from Fragonard and Cox and Kings.

Our next stop is the famed Grévin Wax Museum, an exclusive from Cox and Kings ! Grévin, a legendary site of entertainment since 1882, was created by Alfred Grévin, to produce and showcase life size wax models of celebrities. At the end of the 19th Century, Arthur Meyer, founder of the famous daily newspaper “Le Gaulois”, conceived the notion of showing his readers the people in the headlines of his paper, but in 3-D. At a time when the press did not use photographs, he came up with the idea of creating a site where the public could see people in the news. To implement this original plan, he called on Alfred Grévin, who was a cartoonist, designer and famous sculptor. The Grévin opened its doors on June 5th, 1882. It was an immediate success. At Grévin, relive glorious French history, meet celebrities and experience the Spirit of Paris, with over 300 wax figures in a setting of gold and marble ! The latest addition is our very own 'Shah Rukh Khan'. Commemorate your visit to Grévin with a small memento.

Later today, another exclusive the Montparnasse Tower - the roof of Paris, at a height of 210 metres above Paris. Discover a view of Paris with the crowning glory of the Eiffel Tower. Far above the hustle and bustle of the Montparnasse square, you can stand on the very roof of the capital. The enchanting city is spread out before you, swarming and bustling with life. Europe’s fastest elevator will take you to a height of 196 meters (over 640 ft) for this magnificient experience. By using the viewpoint indicators, you can locate and see each of the districts and their monuments. Best of all get a memento to commemorate your visit! Enjoy a guided panoramic city tour of famous monuments like the Louvre with the Glass Pyramid, Garnier’s Opera, the largest opera theatre in the world, the Place de la Concorde - the site of the infamous guillotine, the Champs Élysées - one of the most fashionable streets in theworld, River Seine, the Napoleanic Arc de Triomphe and the Hotel des Invalides. End the day taking in the dazzling overview of the glittering city as you ascend by an elevator to the 3rd level of the Eiffel Tower the symbol of Paris! After Dinner return to your hotel.

Later this evening, don’t miss our optional Cox and Kings Gala Evening and experience the joie de vivre of ‘Gaie Paris’. This enchanted evening unfolds with a cruise on the River Seine, sailing under old and beautiful bridges, admiring illuminated monuments as you glide by. True bliss ! We stretch the night for you with an Illumination Tour, driving past spectacularly lit landmarks of Paris. It’s magic !

Sparkle over a glass of champagne at the Lido. Here at the most famous nightclub in the world, enjoy the ‘Bonheur Show’, a cabaret with extraordinary sets and extravagant costumes. Take away a small remembrance of your visit. Return to your hotel. (B, L, D)

 Day 15 Homeward Bound

Good times need never end! Your tour ends with guests departing on individual schedules for the airport or return by coach to London. Relive the high points of your Cox and Kings Classical Europe’ tour.

We are confident you will join us again sometime soon…(B either in the hotel or on board the flight)