Essence of Europe 12 Days / 11 Nights

*Bed and Breakfast only.

Highly Recommended :

Day 1 Begin Your Tour • Arrive Into London • Eurotunnel to Calais • Orientation City Tour Of Brussels

Welcome to your 'Cox and Kings Essence Of Europe' tour. Meet your Tour Manager and traveling companions in the hotel lobby at 09.30 a.m and commence your tour.

Cross the English Channel at Dover through the Eurotunnel and arrive in Calais. The Channel Tunnel is 50 kms long, with the 39 kms undersea section being the longest undersea tunnel in the world. Then drive 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 !

Your orientation tour takes you to the magnificent Gothic St. Michel’s Cathedral. Walk via Galeries Saint Hubert the world’s first shopping mall, to the Grand Place, Europe's most beautiful square which is the main tourist attraction of the city. Time permitting, shop for world famous Belgian lace and chocolate and Belgian Waffles dusted with caramelized sugar. Mmmm !

No visit is complete without seeing the Mannekin Pis, representing the “irreverent spirit” of Brussels, has drawn sightseers for centuries (photo stop). You will be checked into your hotel after dinner. (D)

Day 2 Onto The Rhineland • Visit Cologne Cathedral • Cruise On The River Rhine • Visit Heidelberg

This morning proceed to Cologne, the metropolis on the Rhine and 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.

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. (B, D)

 Day 3 Onto Innsbruck • Drive Through The Black Forest • Visit Drubba • Visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds

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 ! 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.

A special celebration surprise !

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

Later drive to Austria. Then 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 unicuma 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, it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice !

Our orientation tour introduces you to its world famous sights. View the Golden Roof or 'Goldenes Dachl', an ornate Gothic balcony erected by the Emperor Maximilian I in the 15th century, decorated with gold painted copper shingles. Walk to 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 and Kings with cold drinks, wine and beer to quench that thirst ! (B, D)

 Day 4 Onto Venice • Walking Tour Of Venice

Your journey takes you on a drive past quaint villages, medieval castles and fruit orchards and cutting across the fertile Adriatic Plains, to the magical lagoon city of Venice.

Nothing prepares you for the captivating city of canals and palaces – Venice is 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, through incredible miniature canals to the Piazza San Marco (St. Marks Square), where you disembark. Napoleon dubbed the Square the 'finest drawing room in Europe' for its constant carnival atmosphere! Witness the bronze Moors striking the hour, as they have been doing for the past 500 years ! From there to 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 !

End this tour with a brief visit to a Murano Glass Factory for a demonstration in glass blowing. It was on the island of Murano that glass was first made in Europe and hand blown Venetian glass is world famous.

Enjoyment at its peak this evening for the 250 years celebration of Cox and Kings with a scrumptious dinner and a surprise gift per family as you enjoy your cruise to Tronchetto Pier. (B, D)

 Day 5 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 to visitors). Besides it is the ‘Gates of Paradise’ – the heavenly gilded bronze doors of the Baptistry, originally a pagan temple and the open-air gallery in Signoria Square.Walk on the famous Ponte Vecchio, the oldest surviving bridge in the city. Time permitting indulge yourself with 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 into your hotel. (B, D)

Day 6 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 (when open to visitors). 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, D)

Day 7 Onto the Mont Blanc In Chamonix

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 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, famous for its pens and accessories.

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, D)

 Day 8 Onto Switzerland • 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. 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 ! Continue on a spectacular journey in the alpine region as drive to your hotel in Switzerland. (B, D)

 Day 9 Visit to Glacier 3000 • Mt. Cox & Kings

Gala Evening – An Exclusive Mountain In

Switzerland

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, 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 View Point (stairs) located directly behind the Restaurant Botta 3000 has a 360 degree view onto over 24 peaks.

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 (weather permitting) 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. A sumptuous Gala Dinner and Disco Dancing ! Yes, with Cox and Kings you’re constantly on a high ! Later return to your hotel. (B, L, D)

 Day 10 Onto Paris • Optional 'Gala Evening' In Paris

After breakfast you enjoy a comfortable drive of approximately 6 hrs. to Paris. After dinner check into your hotel

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 It’s magic ! Sparkle over a glass of champagne at the Lido. Here at the most famous nightclub 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, D)

 Day 11 In Paris • Visit the Louvre • Shop At Fragonard • Visit Grévin Wax Museum • Visit Montparnasse • City Tour Of Paris • Visit the Eiffel Tower

Stop at the former palace of the Kings of France which is now the famous Louvre Museum (closed on Tuesday) housing one of the world’s greatest art collection. These accumulated riches make the Louvre a focal point for permanent dialogue between past and present. Millions of visitors from all backgrounds have here a place of learning, delight and discover. The collection of ancient art includes The Victory of Samothrace and Venus of Milo. Paintings include masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci – Mona Lisa among others.

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 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 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. Europe’s fastest elevator will take you to a height of 196 meters (over 640 ft) for this magnificient experience. 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 the world, 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.(B, D)

 Day 12 Homeward Bound

Good times need never end! Your tour ends with guests departing on individual schedules for the airport and your flight back home. Relive the high points of your 'Cox and Kings Essence of Europe' tour.

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

Mt. Cox & Kings, Lu