|
Day 1 London -
Brussels |
| A warm
welcome from our Tour Director as we drive to the White
Cliffs of Dover, and our short sea-crossing to Calais in
France. Over the border we drive through the Belgian
countryside to Brussels. Orientation includes the Atomium,
the Royal Palaces and a walk to see the Mannekin Pis plus a
Hidden Treasure is revealed by our Tour Director. Later we
enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and our
travelling companions. (Continental Breakfast)
Hotel: Hilton (Deluxe) |
|
Day 2 Brussels -
Rhine Cruise - Heidelberg |
After
breakfast this morning, our day will begin with a drive to
Cologne to see its gothic Cathedral. Then we continue via
Bonn to Boppard where we embark on our scenic Rhine cruise
past medieval castles and vineyards before disembarking at
St. Goar. Next, we rejoin our coach and make our way to
Heidelberg where our Tour Director takes us on a walking
tour to visit the courtyards of the ancient Castle and to
its terrace with amazing views over this baroque city.
Dinner tonight is in our Heidelberg hotel. (Buffet Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Hotel: Heidelberg Marriott |
|
Day 3 Heidelberg
- Munich - Innsbruck |
|
A morning drive through the Swabian
Uplands to Munich. Here orientation includes the Olympic
Stadium and Marienplatz. Then we head to Austria and
mountain-ringed Innsbruck. On our arrival an orientation
tour includes the famous Golden Roof and Hofburg Palace as
well as the Wilten Basilica. Perhaps later enjoy a horse and
carriage ride through the Tyrolean countryside, before we
have our highlight dinner in a local restaurant. (Buffet
Breakfast / Highlight Dinner) Hotel:
Grauer Bar |
|
Day 4 Innsbruck -
Salzburg - Vienna (2 nights) |
This
morning we drive through the Tyrol region and a section of
Germany to the charming city of Salzburg. On our arrival a
walking tour with a local guide will highlight Mozart's
birthplace and the Cathedral Square. Later, we continue our
drive through spectacular Alpine scenery en route to the
Austrian capital, Imperial Vienna, where we spend the next
two nights. (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Austria Trend Parkhotel Scgonbrunn |
|
Day 5 Vienna
sightseeing & at leisure |
| Our
morning sightseeing tour shows us highlights of this elegant
city. We'll see the Opera, the Hofburg, St. Stephen's
Cathedral, the Parliament and the Imperial Boulevards. Then
our Tour Director will show us another Hidden Treasure
before the rest of the day is at leisure perhaps to relax at
a coffee house or sightsee and shop along the fashionable
Kärntnerstrasse. (Buffet Breakfast) |
|
Day 6 Vienna -
Venice (Mastre) (2 nights) |
| Today
our journey takes us south across the Austrian Alps past
forested mountains and small market towns to the Austrian
Lake District and Italy's border. The Carnian Alps give way
to the plains of Northern Italy on our approach to the
floating city of Venice for our two-night stay. This
evening, dinner is included at our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Hotel: Antony |
|
Day 7
Venice sightseeing & at leisure |
|
This morning we savour the sights and sounds of this serene
Byzantine city on a canal cruise by private motor launch to
St. Mark's Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs. Then, after
visiting a traditional glass-blowing factory, you're free to
explore or take a trip to the island of Burano and enjoy a
fresh seafood lunch. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) |
|
Day 8 Venice (Mastre)
- Verona - Milan |
|
Today's drive takes us across the Veneto Plains, stopping in
Shakespeare's Verona to see the Roman Arena and Juliet's
balcony. From here we will continue through Lombardy en
route to fashionable Milan. On our arrival a walking tour
with our Tour Director shows us the gothic Cathedral, 'La
Scala' Opera House and the beautiful Galleria. (Buffet
Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Crowne Plaza |
|
Day 9 Milan -
Lugano - Lucerne |
|
This morning we enjoy a full day of marvellous scenery as we
drive via Lake Lugano continuing through the St. Gotthard
route and across the magnificent Alps to Lucerne. On our
arrival an orientation tour includes a visit to the famed
Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge. Later, why not enjoy a
leisurely stroll in the narrow streets of the medieval Old
Town? Our dinner tonight is at our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Hotel: Grand Hotel Europe |
|
Day 10 Lucerne -
Paris (2 nights) |
|
This morning, we descend from the Alps to the French border
and continue through wine-producing Burgundy to view the
ancient vineyards at Savigny-Lès Beaune. From here our
journey brings us to lively Paris for the next two nights.
This evening, this vibrant and romantic city beckons.
(Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Evergreen Laurel |
|
Day 11 Paris
sightseeing & at leisure |
|
Our morning guided sightseeing tour features the flying
buttresses of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pont Alexandre
III. We also drive from the Place de la Concorde along the
Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe and then to the Eiffel
Tower where we ascend to the second level by elevator for
spectacular views over the city. Later, with time at leisure
perhaps shop for next year's fashions or relax in a café.
Tonight, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director
and new found friends (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner) |
|
Day 12 Paris -
London |
|
'Au revoir' as you transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle
Airport for your return flight to America. (Buffet
Breakfast) |