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Day 1 London -
Amsterdam |
Greetings from our Tour Director as we drive to the coast.
Admire the White Cliffs of Dover before our Channel crossing
to Calais in France. Then into Belgium and across Flanders
fields to Holland and meadows of turning windmills. Soon we
arrive in friendly Amsterdam, where we enjoy a canal cruise
across the criss-crossing spider’s web of canals from a
glass–topped boat. This evening, after a Welcome Drink with
our Tour Director and fellow passengers, why not enjoy
dinner in one of the downtown restaurants? (Continental
Breakfast)
Hotel: Novotel City
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Day 2 Amsterdam
orientation - Rhine Cruise - Rhineland (Mannheim) |
First,
as part of our orientation tour showing us Dam square and
the Mint Tower, we visit a diamond factory (time
permitting). Then we drive via Arnhem – scene of the Bridge,
which was too far – into Germany where we follow the Ruhr
and Rhine valleys to Cologne – dominated by its fine gothic
Cathedral. Then via Bonn we drive to the pretty resort of
Boppard on the shores of the Rhine so as to embark on our
scenic Rhine cruise. We glide past vine-clad hills topped
with crumbling castles before reaching St Goar, where we see
the Lorelei rock and re-join our coach for the short journey
to our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Mercure am Rathaus
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Day 3 Rhineland
(Mannheim) - Heidelberg
- Munich - Innsbruck |
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This morning we are off to Heidelberg
to view the red sandstone castle towering above the city of
‘Student Prince’ fame. We continue via the Swabian hills to
fun-loving Munich, where an orientation tour shows us the
Olympic Stadium, the City Hall and the Marienplatz. A short
drive brings us into Austria and the valley of the River
Inn, where we stop in the Tyrolean capital Innsbruck.
Tonight, why not enjoy some thigh slapping fun at a Tyrolean
folklore show and feast on some delicious strudel? (Buffet
Breakfast)
Hotel: Grauer Bar / Innsbruck
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Day 4 Innsbruck -
Vince (Marcon) (2 nights) |
Orientation of this mountain ringed Alpine resort this
morning shows us the Golden Roof, Hofburg and Wilten
Basilica. Time to shop for souvenirs before an exhilarating
drive across the Brenner Pass into Italy. Spectacular
scenery continues as we travel through the Dolomite
Mountains to the Adige valley and the landscapes of
Shakespeare’s theatre as we pass by Lake Garda, Verona and
Vicenza. On arrival in Venice we’ll savour the city’s unique
sights and sounds on an included canal cruise by private
motor launch to St. Mark’s Square, viewing the Bridge of
Sighs, Doges’ Palace and more. After a visit to a
traditional glass-blowing factory, time is your own to do as
you please. We’ll enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening.
(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel:
Antony Palace
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Day 5 Vince -
Rome (2 nights) |
Today
we head south along the Autostrada del Sole, across the
Veneto plain, by-passing the University city of Bologna to
cross over the Apennine hills and into the cradle of the
Roman Civilisation – the Lazio. Then past golden stone
landscapes to the Eternal City of Rome. (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Palazzo Carpegna / Villa Torlonia
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Day 6 Rome
sightseeing & at leisure |
Our
morning sightseeing with a local guide, audio system
included, features a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica in the
Vatican City where we see Michelangelo’s moving masterpiece,
the Pieta. Then we cross the River Tiber to ancient Rome
where we overlook the Forum, see the mighty Colosseum, scene
of gladiatorial combat, and finally have a view across the
vast Circus Maximus where the Ben Hur style chariot races
once took place. The rest of your day is free to maybe
window shop in the exclusive streets near the Spanish Steps,
visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or maybe just
relax in a café and watch the Roman world go by! (Buffet
Breakfast)
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Day 7
Rome - Florence |
Today we start the northward journey of our European circuit
and drive into the vine-clad, sunflower planted hills of
Tuscany. We are soon descending into the valley of the river
Arno and reaching Florence, where a walking tour with a
local guide shows us the main monuments and squares of this
impressive Renaissance city including the Cathedral,
Baptistery, Signoria Square and a visit to the Santa Croce
Basilica, where the tombs of Italy’s great men throughout
history are to be found. Time now for our Tour Director to
reveal a Hidden Treasure! Then free time to sightsee further
or to shop for fine leather goods or beautiful 18-carat gold
jewellery. Tonight we will enjoy a dinner of local
specialities in a Florentine trattoria. (Buffet Breakfast /
Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Mediterrbaneo
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Day 8 Florence - Lugano
- Lucerne (2 nights) |
Today we travel via Milan, through the area of the Italian
Lakes to the Swiss border and the lakeside resort of Lugano.
This balmy, palm-tree-lined lake resort in the
Italian-speaking Ticino canton is home to the rich and
famous and has a wonderful year-round climate. Time to
explore the traffic-free shopping area and perhaps stop for
a cappuccino in a lakeside café before a drive along the
Gotthard highway into the heart of German speaking
Switzerland and the lakeside town of Lucerne. (Buffet
Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Grand Europe
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Day 9 Lucerne
orientation & at leisure |
Orientation shows us the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument
before free time to perhaps take a trip up a nearby mountain
and shop for delicious chocolates and precision timepieces.
(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
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Day 10 Lucerne -
Paris (2 nights) |
Travelling through picturesque scenery we head towards Basel
and the French Border. Entering France we pass vestiges of
the Maginot line at Belfort as we travel into Burgundy
resplendent with vineyards, castles and picturesque
villages. Finally we arrive in Paris, where tonight you may
well wish to enjoy a tour of the city’s illuminations.
Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Holiday Inn La Villette
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Day 11 Paris
sightseeing & at leisure |
This morning our sightseeing tour with a local guide
features a drive along the Champs Elysées from the Place de
la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Then we will see
spectacular monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral and also
ascend the Eiffel Tower to the second level by elevator for
stunning views over the city. Then free time to perhaps take
an excursion to the Palace at Versailles or to shop in the
chic boutiques. Tonight we will get together with our
travelling companions for a Farewell Dinner in a local
bistro – a wonderful way to complete our tour of Europe!
(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
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Day 12 Paris -
London |
This morning it’s ‘au revoir’ to your Tour?Director and
Paris as we transfer you to Charles de Gaulle Airport for
your return flight to America. (Buffet Breakfast)
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