The Best of Europe

Itinerary
Optional Excursions
Gallery
Practical Information
Prices & Dates

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Amsterdam area.

Travel by Eurostar to Brussels where you will be met by your tour director and transferred to your hotel in the Amsterdam area for one night.

DAY 2: Amsterdam area - Rhineland.

This morning, explore the delightful city of Amsterdam on an included visit to a diamond factory, a sightseeing drive with a local guide, and a canal cruise to see the city's highlights from the water. This afternoon, head southeast to Germany for an overnight in the Rhineland area. (B, D)

DAY 3: Rhineland - Heidelberg - Lucerne.

Start today with a scenic drive along the shores of the Rhine or choose an optional Rhine cruise to see charming villages, hilltop castles and terraced vineyards. Next, head to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town and home to a sprawling red sandstone castle that dominates the skyline. Later, continue to Lucerne for two nights. (B)

DAY 4: Lucerne.

Nestled amid snow-capped Alps and dominated by its clear blue lake, Lucerne is one of Switzerland's finest cities. See the city's highlights, such as the covered wooden bridge and Lion Monument and enjoy spectacular Alpine views on the optional cable car trip to the 10,000 foot summit of Mount Titlis. (B)

DAY 5: Lucerne - Lugano - Verona - Venice area.

Admire breathtaking panoramas on a journey through lush Alpine scenery to the subtropical climes of the Ticino region. Enjoy a stop in beautiful Lugano to stroll along its lakeside promenade before crossing the border into Italy, past Milan and across the Po valley to Verona to see the legendary balcony of Juliet. Later, continue to the Venice area for two nights. (B)

DAY 6: Venice area.

With its criss-crossing canals, arched bridges and piazzas, Venice is an unforgettable city. Enjoy an included canal boat-ride to the heart of the city, see the Bridge of Sighs and St Marks Square before visiting a Venetian glass blowing workshop. Don't miss out on the optional Gondola serenade. (B, D)

DAY 7: Venice area - Assisi - Rome.

Drive across the Po Delta and cross the Apennines en route to Umbria. Stop in historic Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, where you can marvel at the magnificent Basilica before continuing to Rome, for two nights. (B)

DAY 8: Rome.

The 'Eternal City', Rome is a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and absolutely unique. Today's included sightseeing trip with a local guide starts in St Peter's Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B)

DAY 9: Rome - Pompeii - Neapolitan Riviera.

This morning, enjoy views of mighty Mount Vesuvius, the only live volcano on the European mainland, before heading to Pompeii, an incredible ancient city preserved for centuries under lava ashes from the volcano. Enjoy an included site tour with a local guide before continuing to the Neapolitan Riviera for two nights. (B)

DAY 10: Neapolitan Riviera - Capri - Neapolitan Riviera.

Cruise across the Bay of Sorrento to the lovely island of Capri today, an isle dotted with rose-tinted rocks and beautiful coves of translucent blue-green waters. To really admire the island's unique beauty, join the optional island tour. (B, D)

DAY 11: Neapolitan Riviera - Florence.

Drive through central Italy, passing olive groves, Chianti vineyards and the beautiful medieval towns of the Tuscany region to Florence. On the included walking sightseeing tour with a local guide, discover the landmarks of this magnificent Renaissance city. Enjoy a visit to one of Florence's fashion leather shops. One night in Florence. (B, D)

DAY 12: Florence - Pisa - French Riviera.

Journey to Pisa and stop to admire the legendary Leaning Tower and the Square of Miracles. Carry on through the flower growing region of Liguria getting glimpses of the Italian Riviera. Cross into France to the blue shores of the Cote d' Azur. (B)

DAY 13: French Riviera - Route Napoleon - Grenoble.

Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon and trace the route he followed as he escaped from exile in Elba - now best known as the Route Napoleon. He journeyed from the shores of the French Riviera to Paris via Grasse, Digne and Gap to Grenoble. Head to Grenoble for one night. (B, D)

DAY 14: Grenoble - Beaune - Paris.

This morning leave the mountains behind and marvel at the beauty of the Burgundy region as you pass rich vineyards and meadows en route to Beaune. Stop awhile in this medieval town, renowned for its wine production, and see the 'Hotel Dieu,' former hospital building before heading to Paris for two nights. This evening, why not attend the optional cabaret show? (B)

DAY 15: Paris.

Enjoy a day to get a feel for this magnificent city – renowned throughout the world for its fashion, delicious food, art and museums. Today’s included sightseeing trip with a local guide takes in many of the best-known Parisian sights and there is also a full programme of optional excursions available. (B)

DAY 16: Paris - UK.

Transfer to the station to join the Eurostar service to the UK. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Amsterdam area: NH Airport at Schiphol or Grand Amstelveen or Inntel at Zaandam (4*); Rhineland: Stadtwald Cologne or Holiday Inn Koeln-Bonn Airport (4*) or Anker Andernach or Ramada at Bruehl (3*); Lucerne: Luzernerhof or similar (4*); Venice area: All seasons at Mestre (3*) or Poppi at Mira (4*); Rome: Cristoforo Colombo or Residenza Parco Tirreno or Princess (4*); Neapolitan Riviera: Ascot or Tirrenia (3*); Florence: Holiday Inn (4*); French Riviera: Park Inn at Nice or Quality at Menton (3*); Grenoble: Europole (3*); Paris: Kyriad Bercy Village or Quality Orleans (3*).

Lake Lucerne
Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam
See the wooden windmills at Kinderdijk
Rheinstein Castle overlooking the Rhine Valley
Stahleck Castle and the Lorelei Valley, River Rhine
Heidelberg and the Neckar River
Heidelberg University
Lake Lucerne
Chapel Bridge, Lake Lucerne
Take an optional trip to Mount Titlis
Take a trip in the revolving cable car for stunning panoramic views over Mount Titlis and the awesome landscape
Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano
Verona
Verona and the River Po
The Campanile and Ducal Palace, Venice
The Grand Canal, Venice
The Rialto Bridge, Venice
Assisi
St Francis Basilica, Assisi
Colosseum, Rome
Colosseum interior, Rome
St Peter's Basilica, The Vatican, Rome
Trevi Fountain, Rome
Admire the awesome views from Vesuvius
Enjoy a visit to historical Pompeii
Pompeii with Vesuvius in the background
Beautiful Sorrento and the Bay of Naples on the Neapolitan Riviera
Take a boat to the legendary island of Capri
Capri
Capri Town
Chianti vineyards in Tuscany
Chianti vineyards in Tuscany
The beautiful skyline of Florence
Ponte Vecchio, Florence
Leaning Tower and Square Of Miracles, Pisa
Beautiful Beaune
Eiffel Tower, Paris
Sacre Coeur, Paris
L'Arc de Triomphe, Paris

Optional Excursions

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.

AMSTERDAM AT NIGHT

Enjoy a ride through the nightlife center; see the pretty illuminated canals during a stroll through the red-light district with your local guide who will explain what might at first seem obvious! Stop for an included drink at a typical Dutch "Brown cafÃ©" to experience real Amsterdam atmosphere. (Not suitable for children).

€22 (Euro)

LORELEI AND ITS CASTLES

Discover the mystical magic of the Rhine river with its historic villages, beautiful castles and of course the legendary Lorelei Rock.

€25 (Euro)

SCENIC LAKE CRUISE

An hour's guided cruise on the most beautiful lake in Switzerland gives you an introduction to this lovely city from a completely different aspect. With its many bays, it offers superb panoramas of the surrounding landscape. The area is rich in historical associations, particularly the William Tell legend.

€25 (Euro)

MOUNT TITLIS

Drive to Alpine Engelberg to take the Titlis-Rotair, the world's first revolving cable car, up to 10,000 feet where eternal snow resists even the summer sun. A panoramic view all the way up with 360 degree vistas of glaciers and icefalls. Also on the agenda is a visit to the Ice Grotto.

€75 (Euro)

THE TITLIS ICE FLYER

An extension to the Mount Titlis excursion, the Ice Flyer is a chair lift, specially equipped to protect from wind, snow and rain. The 2,460 foot journey lasts six minutes and you can enjoy an absolutely unique and unforgettable ride just a few feet above the Titlis Glacier.

€8 (Euro)

ENGELBERG ONLY

Spend a few hours in this panoramic village at the foot of Mount Titlis: a well-known Alpine resort, where you could shop in the bazaars and enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine in a typical restaurant.

€30 (Euro)

DINNER & SWISS FOLKLORE

Contrary to belief, not all Swiss can yodel or blow the alp horn, but those you will see are real experts. They entertain you with merry melodies on the accordion and traditional dances while you enjoy a full 3 course dinner.

€65 (Euro)

VENETIAN NIGHT OUT & DINNER

Enjoy a motorboat ride along the impressive Giudecca Canal with a commentary of the most important sights. A leisurely walk to St. Mark's Square, passing famous buildings, small bridges and inner canals, will take you to a typical Venetian restaurant for dinner.

€65 (Euro)

GONDOLA SERENADE

This is one of the highlights of any European holiday - a gondola ride through centuries-old canals, under famous arched bridges, and past lavish palaces and quaint piazzas.

€40 (Euro)

DISCOVER THE VENETIAN LAGOON

By private boat cross the lagoon to the picturesque fishing island of Burano with its gaily painted houses. See lace makers at work; then there's time to explore this unforgettable island on your own before returning to Venice.

€33 (Euro)

TREASURES OF ROME BN & DINNER

An evening tour including some of the city's fountains and majestic squares. Finish the evening with a meal in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music included.

€55 (Euro)

VATICAN MUS.& SISTINE CHAPEL

A tour around the Vatican museums to admire the beautiful tapestry gallery and the Sistine Chapel with masterpieces by Botticelli and Signorelli. See the "Genesis" and Michelangelo's "Last Judgement".

€55 (Euro)

CASTELLI ROMANI WITH DINNER

Drive through the ancient villages in the Alban Hills, a landscape of rare beauty, myths, legends and history. Take pictures of the Pope's summer residence, Castel Gandolfo. Then to Frascati where one of the famous local white wines is included with your dinner in a tavern.

€50 (Euro)

SORRENTO FLAVOURS

Enjoy an evening out dining in a typical restaurant, with a mixed starter, pizza and pasta, dessert, wine, mineral water and coffee or tea or the famous Sorrento lemon liquor "Limoncello".

€28 (Euro)

SORRENTO MUSICAL

Enjoy an evening of Neapolitan songs and dances presented on stage with a continuous change of scenery. The show takes its cue from the «tarantella», a typical dance of the southern regions. Included is free flowing wine or spumante or soft drinks

€28 (Euro)

CAPRI ISLAND TOUR

This romantic island, one of the jewels of the Mediterranean, has always inspired artists and poets. Once the "In" place for Roman emperors, today it is a rendezvous for the jet set. Take a chair lift to Monte Solaro for a breathtaking view of the entire Bay of Naples.

€55 (Euro)

CHARMING POSITANO

Don't miss the opportunity to visit this charming village on the Amalfi Coast, which a famous author once said "It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone". See the enchanting beach, stop and look at the lovely small shops displaying beautiful clothes and ceramics, smell the wonderful aromas from the pastry shops or make an inside visit to the local parish church with its green and yellow majolica dome visible from just about anywhere in Positano.

€28 (Euro)

M.CARLO B/N WITH DINNER CHAU

A beautiful drive along the French Riviera - arriving in the Principality of Monaco, where you will have a delicious French dinner. After dinner see the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Then stop for a drink at "Le Café de Paris" giving you the opportunity to absorb the jet-set atmosphere of Monaco. Afterwards time to gamble* at the famous Casino or just relax and enjoy the elegant ambience. *Personal ID required and formal dress code (but not evening wear) recommended. Minimum age limit to enter the Casino 21 years.

€55 (Euro)

MONTECARLO B/N DRINK ONLY CHA

A beautiful drive along the French Riviera - arriving in the Principality of Monaco see the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Stop for a drink at "Le Café de Paris" giving you the opportunity to absorb the jet-set atmosphere of Monaco. Afterwards time to gamble* at the famous Casino or just relax and enjoy the elegant ambience. *Personal ID required and formal dress code (but not evening wear) recommended. Minimum age limit to enter the Casino 21 years.

€35 (Euro)

MONTPARNASSE TOWER & CRUISE

Your guided one-hour "La Promenade" Seine cruise starts from the Port de la Bourdonnais. Before or after the cruise, you will ascend the Montparnasse Tower by taking the fastest lift in Europe to enjoy a 360Â° panoramic view of the city.

€35 (Euro)

CABARET SHOW

A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to a typical cabaret show. A glass of champagne is served during the show.

€70 (Euro)

VERS. SUN KING'S PAL(SAT-SUN)

Week-ends visit > Historic Versailles is the beautiful restored palace of Louis XIV, the Sun King. After the guided tour of the palace, you can stroll in the magnificent terraced gardens with their fountains and statues. The Palace of Versailles is open every day except Mondays and bank holidays. On these days, you will be offered alternative sights.

€65 (Euro)

FAREWELL DINNER & ORIENTATION

The evening consists of a memorable four-course dinner with an aperitif and wine. After dinner you will enjoy a breathtaking orientation drive of the city.

€58 (Euro)

Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.

Lake Lucerne