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Day 1 London -
Brussels |
A warm
welcome from our Tour Director as we begin our drive to
Dover. Time to admire the White Cliffs before the short
Channel crossing to Calais in France. Next by coach, we will
continue our journey through Belgian countryside to
Brussels. On our arrival an orientation tour includes the
Atomium and Royal Palaces, and then we walk to see the Grand
Place and the Mannekin Pis. Later we enjoy a Welcome Drink
with our Tour Director and travelling companions.
(Continental Breakfast)
Hotel: NH Grand Place Arenberg
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Day 2 Brussels -
Rhine Cruise - Heidelberg - Rhineland (Karlsruhe) |
Our
first stop today is at Cologne to see its gothic Cathedral.
Then we travel via Bonn, Beethoven's birthplace, to Boppard
for a relaxing Rhine cruise. We will disembark in St. Goar
and continue on by coach to view Heidelberg Castle before
arriving at our Rhineland hotel for the night. (Buffet
Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel:
Renaissance
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Day 3 Rhineland (Karlsruhe)
- Black Forest - Rhine Falls -
Lucerne |
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This morning after breakfast, we
drive through the Black Forest to admire the mighty Rhine
Falls at Schaffhausen. Then we continue into Switzerland,
and soon arrive at lakeside Lucerne. After dinner in our
hotel, why not sample the fun of an optional Swiss folklore
evening? (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Schiller
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Day 4 Lucerne - Venice
(Mastre) |
Our
orientation tour shows us the Lion Monument and the Old Town
walls and our Tour Director shows us a Hidden Treasure as
well! Later, enjoy awesome scenery as we head into Italy and
via Milan to magical Venice. On our arrival perhaps you'll
have time for a gondola ride before dinner tonight at the
hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Antony
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Day 5 Venice (Mastre)
- Rome (2 nights) |
This
morning relax and take in the sights of this city on an
included canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark's
Square, where we view the Bridge of Sighs. Later, we cross
the fertile Po Valley to Bologna and join the Autostrada del
Sole across the Apennine Mountains to Rome, the 'Eternal
City', for our two-night stay. (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Nova Domus
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Day 6 Rome
sightseeing & at leisure |
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breakfast our day begins with a guided tour which includes
our excellent audio system and local guide. We visit St.
Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, which includes the moving
Pieta of Michelangelo, St Peter's Square. Then we cross the
Tiber to overlook the Forum and the mighty Colosseum and to
see the Circus Maximus, scene of ‘Ben Hur’ style chariot
races. Later, enjoy time at leisure to do as you please, you
may wish to shop, relax with a cappuccino at a pavement café
or visit the Sistine Chapel and the Catacombs. (Buffet
Breakfast) |
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Day 7 Rome - Florence |
This morning we travel through the hill towns of Umbria and
the Chianti wine-producing region of Tuscany to Florence,
cradle of the Renaissance. On our arrival a walking tour,
with a special audio system and a local guide, will include
the Cathedral, Baptistry, Signoria Square and a visit to the
Santa Croce Basilica. The area around this basilica is now
the centre of the Italian luxury goods trade. You'll have
time to shop here before dinner at the hotel this evening.
(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Holiday Inn
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Day 8 Florence -
Pisa - Nice (2 nights) |
Our first stop this morning is at Pisa to see its intriguing
Leaning Tower. From here we continue past the marble
quarries of Carrara and along the Motorway of Flowers, via
Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus, to the French
border and Nice on the spectacular French Riviera coastline.
This evening, why not enjoy a stroll along the elegant
Promenade des Anglais? (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Ellington
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Day 9 Nice -
Monaco Excursion |
This morning after breakfast enjoy a full day at lesiure to
savour the relaxed ambience of the Côte d'Azur. Why not
lounge on the beach, shop in the boutiques or visit medieval
St. Paul de Vence? Later, experience a taste of the high
life on our included visit to the Principality of Monaco
where we see the Monte Carlo casinos. We will enjoy dinner
in a French restaurant this evening. (Buffet Breakfast /
Highlight Dinner)
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Day 10 Nice -
Lyon - TGV Train - Paris (2 nights) |
After breakast today a scenic drive takes us through
Provence to Lyon, where we board our rapid and supremely
comfortable TGV train. The journey will take us through
Burgundy's fertile vineyards to the fascinating city of
Paris, where we spend the next two nights. This evening the
chance to enjoy one of the world famous Parisian cabaret
shows! (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Concorde Saint Lazare
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Day 11 Paris
sightseeing & at leisure |
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First with a local guide we drive from the Place de la
Concorde along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe and
then ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower by
elevator for amazing views over the city. Next we enjoy
views of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pont Alexandre III.
Our Tour Director reveals another Hidden Treasure to us
today. Afterwards, there's time on your own to perhaps shop
for next year's fashions or relax and watch the world go by
in one of the chic pavement cafés. On your last night, enjoy
a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Director and new found
friends. (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner) |
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Day 12 Paris -
London |
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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) |