The Grand European
Marvel at the magnificence of Europe on this comprehensive, six-country tour, taking in beautiful cities and stunning natural landscapes on the way.
Heidelberg University
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
Lake Lucerne
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
Leaning Tower and Square Of Miracles, Pisa
The beautiful skyline of Florence
Ponte Vecchio, Florence
Papal Palace, Avignon
Bénézet Bridge, Avignon
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Barcelona
Las Ramblas, Barcelona
The Royal Palace, Madrid
Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Burgos
City Hall, Bilbao
Eiffel Tower, Paris
Sacre Coeur, Paris
L'Arc de Triomphe, Paris
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: London - Channel crossing - Amsterdam area.
Join your tour by travelling on our free coach service from London for your Channel crossing to the Continent. Here you will be met by your tour director and touring coach to continue to the Amsterdam area for one night.
DAY 2: Amsterdam area (included sightseeing) - Rhineland.
A morning to enjoy Holland's bustling metropolis. Begin with a canal cruise followed by a visit to a diamond cutting centre, then a drive with local guide pointing out the city's highlights. Continue to the Rhineland for one night. (B, D)
DAY 3: Rhineland - Heidelberg - Lake Lucerne.
Today you may like to join the optional cruise along the Rhine past the Lorelei Rock. Then continue to Germany's oldest university town - Heidelberg. Head to the shores of lovely Lake Lucerne for two nights. (B, D)
DAY 4: Lake Lucerne.
Lucerne enjoys a delightful lakeside location, nestling amid snow-capped Alps. The town visit takes in the city's trademarks - the Lion Monument and wooden bridge. Enjoy a spectacular view of the Alps on the optional cable car trip to the summit of Mount Titlis - a breathtaking sight. (B)
DAY 5: Lake Lucerne - Lugano - Verona - Venice area.
More breathtaking scenery today as you head south through Alpine scenery to the subtropical climes of the Ticino region. Stop in beautiful Lugano and then cross into Italy. Next on to Verona to see the legendary balcony of Juliet before heading to the Venice area for two nights. (B)
DAY 6: Venice area.
Enjoy your included canal boat ride today followed by an orientation of this romantic city and a typical Venetian glass blowing demonstration. (B, D)
DAY 7: Venice area - Assisi - Rome.
Drive southward via the Po Delta, skirting the Adriatic coast before stopping in Assisi, St Francis' birthplace. Visit the splendid Basilica that bears his name. Later to Rome for two nights in this great capital. (B)
DAY 8: Rome. Included sightseeing.
The 'Eternal City' - a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive, exciting and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with local guide starts in St Peter's Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B)
DAY 9: Rome - Pisa - Florence.
Northward to Pisa to see the fascinating Leaning Tower before heading to the great Renaissance city of Florence. Spend two nights in the Florence area. (B)
DAY 10: Florence. Included sightseeing.
This wonderful city will keep you enthralled for the whole day. All traffic is banned in the historic centre so visitors can wander at leisure and admire this city's timeless beauty. Enjoy the included sightseeing walking tour with local guide and visit one of Florence's bargain leather shops. (B, D)
DAY 11: Florence area - French Riviera.
Journey past the great port of Genoa to the glamorous French Riviera. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in this lovely area. (B)
DAY 12: French Riviera - Avignon - Carcassonne.
A leisurely drive this morning to Avignon. Immaculately preserved, Avignon is enclosed by medieval walls and boasts a host of fascinating sights including the famous Papal Palace. Continue to Carcassonne for one night. (B, D)
DAY 13: Carcassonne - Barcelona.
Time this morning to become better acquainted with impressive Carcassonne, one of the best examples of a medieval fortified town. Then through endless vineyards, past picturesque fishing ports of the Languedoc-Roussillon region to Spain and Barcelona for two nights. (B)
DAY 14: Barcelona. Included sightseeing.
This morning's sightseeing with local guide will include a drive around Montjuic to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. The drive continues to the city center to Plaza Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces in the Houses Batllo and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). (B)
DAY 15: Barcelona - Madrid.
See more of Catalonia as you drive northwest via Zaragoza through the very heart of Spain to reach Madrid for two nights. (B)
DAY 16: Madrid. Included sightseeing.
Just one day to discover Madrid and it's certainly worth making the most of it by taking advantage of the included city sightseeing with a local guide. (B)
DAY 17: Madrid - Burgos - Bilbao.
Start the day by driving up to and through the Somosierra Pass before stopping in Burgos. Then through Basque country to Bilbao for one night. (B, D)
DAY 18: Bilbao - Bordeaux - Poitiers.
Across the flat plains of the Landes to Bordeaux, the wine capital of France, for an orientation. Then on to historic Poitiers, for one night. (B, D)
DAY 19: Poitiers - Orléans - Paris.
Head north and enjoy a scenic drive along the shores of the river Loire dotted with some of France's most famous castles. Stop in Orléans to see the statue of Joan of Arc before reaching Paris in time to enjoy the optional cabaret show. Enjoy two nights in this fascinating city. (B)
DAY 20: Paris. Included sightseeing.
Enjoy this exciting and beautiful city. Sightseeing with a local guide in Paris includes many of the best-known Parisian sights: La Sorbonne, Boulevard St Germain, Eiffel Tower, Opéra, Champs Elysées and the Rue de Rivoli. (B)
DAY 21: Paris - Channel crossing - London.
Travel northward to the Channel port where your tour ends. After the short Channel crossing, join our coach service to London with special memories of a wonderful holiday in Europe. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Amsterdam area: Crown Plaza at Hoofdoorp (4*) or Tulip Inn City West (3*); Rhineland: Ramada Bruehl or Arthotel at Aachen (3*); Lake Lucerne: Hirschen at Fluelen (3*); Venice area: Holiday Inn at Marghera (4*); Rome: Villa Maria Regina or Fleming (4*); Florence area: Holiday Inn (4*) or Europa at Signa (3*); French Riviera: Holiday Inn Le Cannet or Quality at Menton or All Seasons Nice (3*); Carcassonne: Des 3 Couronnes (3*); Barcelona: Catalonia Aragon (3*); Madrid: Rafaeles Hotel Venta or Praga (4*); Bilbao: Novotel Barakaldo (4*); Poitiers: Ibis Centre (2*); Paris: Campanile Porte Italie (2*) or Courtyard at Neuilly (3*).
Special Departures
Good Friday in Rome - departure 30 March.
Christmas in Barcelona - departure 12 December includes Christmas lunch in Barcelona and New Year in Paris.
Your Holiday Map
The Grand European
-
Heidelberg University
-
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
-
Lake Lucerne
-
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
-
Leaning Tower and Square Of Miracles, Pisa
-
The beautiful skyline of Florence
-
Ponte Vecchio, Florence
-
Papal Palace, Avignon
-
Bénézet Bridge, Avignon
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Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
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Barcelona
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Las Ramblas, Barcelona
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The Royal Palace, Madrid
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Plaza Mayor, Madrid
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Burgos
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City Hall, Bilbao
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Eiffel Tower, Paris
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Sacre Coeur, Paris
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L'Arc de Triomphe, Paris
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Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
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.
€70 (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.
€7 (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.
€28 (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.
€60 (Euro)
VENETIAN NIGHT OUT AND 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 an aperitif before your four-course dinner including wine, mineral water and coffee.
€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.
€25 (Euro)
TREASURES OF ROME BN & DINNER
An evening tour including some of the city's fountains and majestic squares: Piazza Barberini, Triton Fountain, Via Veneto, Villa Borghese and Trevi Fountain. Finish the evening with a meal in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music included.
€50 (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".
€52 (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.
€48 (Euro)
TUSCAN FLAVOURS
A lovely typical meal in the Tuscan countryside. La Certosa Restaurant is situated in front of the Charterhouse of Florence, which was built in the 13th century and formed from the old chemist of the Monks. The historical residence enjoys an enchanting and privileged panoramic position.
€50 (Euro)
UFFIZI GALLERY
Admire the world's greatest collection of Italian and Florentine art. The gallery exhibits works by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo.
€35 (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.
€33 (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.
€52 (Euro)
DINNER & FLAMENCO ON RAMBLAS
Evening out in the heart of Barcelona - enjoy a buffet dinner with Spanish specialities, including wine or soft drinks. Then see the best professional flamenco dancers, singers and guitarists in town. A glass of champagne is served during the show.
€70 (Euro)
MONTSERRAT
Montserrat means the "sawed mountain" in Catalan. Situated at the centre of Catalonia, about 25 miles northwest of Barcelona, it rises perpendicularly out of the surrounding lowlands, and is a marvel to see. In addition to the natural beauty of Montserrat, the mountain took on religious significance at an early date. The famous Romanesque sculpture of "La Morenta" (the little dark one) presides over the XI century Benedictine Monastery.
€35 (Euro)
"NOCHE MADRILENA"
After driving to the old quarter of Madrid you will walk to a typical Madrileno "tapas" bar near Plaza Mayor to enjoy a selection of tapas and a drink. On the way back to the hotel have an orientation drive in Madrid.
€25 (Euro)
THE MAJESTIC CITY OF TOLEDO
The panoramic view of the city is an awesome experience, and visiting Spain's main Cathedral is truly unforgettable. See one of El Greco's most famous paintings, the "Burial of Count Orgaz", in the church of Santo Tome. Drive through Castilian landscapes to the old capital on the Tagus River. Time for a visit to a Damascene steel workshop.
€45 (Euro)
EIFFEL TOWER & SEINE CRUISE
Your guided one-hour "La Promenade" Seine cruise starts from the Port de la Bourdonnais. On disembarkation you will be escorted to the restaurant "Café" for a drink. Before or after the cruise, you will ascend to the second floor of the famous Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of the city.
€40 (Euro)
CABARET SHOW
A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to a typical cabaret show. A magical evening, either at the Nouvelle Eve situated in the heart of Pigalle or at the Paradis Latin built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel or at the Lido de Paris located on the famous Champs Elysées. A glass of champagne is served during the show.
€65 (Euro)
VERSAILLES-SUN KING'S PALACE
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 & MONTMARTRE
The evening consists of a visit to Montmartre, the heart of Bohemian Paris, with time to see the Sacre-Coeur Church enjoying a panoramic view of the city. Included is a memorable four-course dinner with an aperitif and wine.
€57 (Euro)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
The Grand European 20 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
The Grand European 20 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
| Date | Depart From | Price from PP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Mar 2012 |
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Make your own wayThis is the price of the holiday without flights
|
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| 23 Mar 2012 | Dover |
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| 23 Mar 2012 | London Central |
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The Grand European
Price from £1495.00
What's Included
- Ferry Crossing UK - Continent and Free parking at Dover.
See pages x & xxx - Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 20 breakfasts (B) and 7 dinners (D)
- Professional tour director
- Porterage at hotels on tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Individual Audio System you will be given headphones and a receiver so you can always hear the tour director/local guides on the coach and on visits.
- Single share option no supplement to pay
Your price includes
- Amsterdam City sightseeing, canal cruise and diamond cutting centre
- Rhineland Scenic drive
- Heidelberg Visit
- Lucerne Sightseeing
- Lugano Visit
- Verona Juliet's balcony
- Venice Canal boat ride, orientation & glass blowing
- Assisi St Francis' Basilica
- Rome City sightseeing
- Florence City sightseeing
- Pisa Square of Miracles
- French Riviera Visit
- Avignon Visit
- Carcassone Visit
- Barcelona City sightseeing
- Madrid City sightseeing
- Bilbao Visit
- Burgos Visit
- Bordeaux Orientation
- Chateaux Country Scenic drive
- Orleans Visit
- Paris City sightseeing
Departures from
- Dover
- London Central
Departures between
23 Mar 2012 to 12 Dec 2012
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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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