ENCHANTING
EUROPE TOUR (12 DAYS)
Den
Haag, Cologne, Innsbruck, Venice, Florence, Rome, Pisa, Mount Titlis, Lucerne,
Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Paris
Tour
Code: 12D – ENC (out Wednesdays – return Sundays
DAY 1: LONDON – DOVER – FERRY – CALAIS – 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 and Netherlands to visit Madurodam Model Village to see
miniature Holland (or Keukenhof Gardens for arrivals in Holland between
March 18th and May 16th). En route you will see countryside and also the
iconic windmills of Holland. After dinner, you may either rest in your hotel
or join the additional excursion - Amsterdam by Night
Tour. We proceed to the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam for a canal
cruise through the city’s complex system of waterways. Return to hotel late
evening. (Dinner)
DAY 2: THE NETHERLANDS - COLOGNE – RHINE CRUISE -
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 3: MANNHEIM / FRANKFURT AREA – INNSBRUCK
Depart this morning for Austria. Our journey takes us through the
spectacular region of the Bavarian Alps, arriving at Wattens, where we visit
the famous Swarovski Crystal Worlds Shop displaying a unique selection of
Swarovski products. We then proceed to Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol
region. Enjoy this charming town of green domes and red roofs - see the
Hofburg and the Goldenes Dachl. Late evening check into our hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4: INNSBRUCK - VENICE / PADOVA AREA
This morning 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. Here we also have a chance to watch the Venetian glass blowers
at work and maybe buy a souvenir for the family. Later we check into our
hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 5: VENICE / PADOVA AREA – PISA - AREZZO
Today we depart for Pisa. On route we cross the Appennines and the gentle
hilly countryside of Tuscany to reach Pisa, where we visit the Field of
Miracles. Marvel at the marble Cathedral in the Pisan Romanesque style, the
Baptistery, and one of the wonders of the world, the legendary Leaning
Tower. You have some time to browse through the shops and maybe buy a
souvenir for your family and friends. Later we check into our hotel for a
two night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 6: AREZZO – ROME – AREZZO
Passing sunlit valleys of the Chianti wine country and ancient fortresses
perched high on the hills, we reach the ‘Eternal City’. On arrival, we meet
our expert local guide who will show us the splendours of the Vatican
Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, a
renaissance masterpiece. In the afternoon, we take in other ancient sights -
the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, which was the political centre of the Roman
Empire, and the spectacular Trevi Fountain, where you may make a wish. Late
evening return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 7: AREZZO – FLORENCE – LUGANO – SWITZERLAND
Joining the autostrada, we proceed to Florence. On arrival in the city of
the Medicis, we visit Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy one of the best views
of this renaissance city across the River Arno. Later, driving north through
Italy, we cross the Swiss border, passing spectacular scenery around the
lake regions of Como and Lugano. We make a brief photo stop near Lake Lugano,
before driving through the Gotthard tunnel. We arrive at our hotel late
evening, and check in for a three-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 8: SWITZERLAND: MOUNT TITLIS –- LUCERNE
Driving through the Swiss alpine region and the winding mountain roads to
the valley of Engelberg, 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, why not join the
additional excursion - Lake Lucerne Cruise.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 9: SWITZERLAND: INTERLAKEN – JUNGFRAUJOCH
Today, we first drive to the town of Interlaken, the scene of many
“Bollywood” films, where you have some time to browse through the shops or
join the additional excursion - Trummelbach Waterfalls.
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 10: 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, and enjoy an amazing cruise on the River Seine - admire
the spectacular facades from your covered boat. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 11: 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: Hotel des Invalides, Arc de Triomphe,
Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the Opera. We then visit the
Louvre Museum, where you can see the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo
Da Vinci. Later, we proceed to Versailles, where we meet our expert local
guide to visit the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of the famous
“Sun King”. Finally join us for an exciting optional Lido
Paris 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. Finally join us for an
exciting optional Lido Paris Cabaret show.
(Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12: PARIS – CALAIS – FERRY – DOVER – LONDON
Today we visit the second floor of the Eiffel Tower to witness a spectacular
panoramic view of the city. Next we visit a French perfumery for some last
minute shopping. Early afternoon we depart and journey north for Calais to
board the ferry for the return channel crossing. On arrival at Dover port,
we proceed to London, where the tour ends, and its time to say farewell to
all the friends you have made on tour. (Breakfast, Lunch)
| Tour Highlights |
| THE
NETHERLANDS: |
Visit
Madurodam Model Village (or Keukenhof Gardens between March 18th and May
16th) |
| COLOGNE:
|
Visit the
Gothic Cathedral – “Dom” |
| RHINE VALLEY:
|
Scenic drive and River
Rhine Cruise |
| WATTENS: |
Visit to Swarovski
Crystal Worlds Shop |
| INNSBRUCK:
|
Orientation Tour
including the Hofburg and Goldenes Dachl |
| VENICE: |
Boat ride to St.
Mark’s Square, visit St. Mark’s Square - see the Bridge of Sighs, Doges
Palace and the Basilica di San Marco |
| PISA: |
Visit Field of
Miracles – see Cathedral, Baptistry and Leaning Tower |
| ROME: |
Guided City Tour
including a visit to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, see
Piazza Venezia, the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain |
| FLORENCE: |
View of the city from
Piazzale Michelangelo |
| SWITZERLAND:
|
Cable car ride to
Mount Titlis, visit to Lucerne and Interlaken, and train ride to
Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe |
| PARIS: |
Disneyland Paris Theme
Park: Visit to Disneyland Paris – one day unlimited pass, second floor of
the Eiffel Tower, French Perfumery
OR
Paris City Tour: Orientation Tour of Paris, visit to Louvre Museum, visit to
Palace of Versailles, second floor of the Eiffel Tower, French Perfumery
|
