Early morning, at the check-in point, meet your Tour Manager and join the coach for a leisurely drive to Dover port, to board the ferry for the short channel crossing to Calais. Upon arrival, we proceed through Belgium. We first visit the city of Brussels, where on our orientation tour we see the Grand Place, the Mannekin Pis statue and the Atomium (photo stop). Later we drive to The Netherlands and check into our hotel for a two-night stay. (Dinner)
Today, we visit a working windmill village - Zaanse Schans. With its traditional green painted houses, warehouses and windmills the open air museum. Later, we visit a cheese and clog making farm and the picturesque village of Volendam. Continuing on, we visit the Madurodam Model Village to see miniature Holland (or Keukenhof Gardens for arrivals in Holland between March 20th and May 18th). Evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Driving east across The Netherlands and into Germany, we join the autobahn and arrive at the famous city of Cologne where you can marvel Europe’s largest Gothic twin spire cathedral. Continuing our drive into the Rhine valley we board a cruise ship for an unforgettable trip along the River Rhine. Admire the majestic views, mountain top fairy tale castles and ancient fortresses. Late evening check into our hotel.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Depart this morning for Austria. Our drive takes us through the region of the Bavarian Alps, arriving at Wattens, we visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds, for a tour through the kaleidoscope of senses and to see sparkling crystal artworks by famous artists. Visit the Crystal Worlds Shop displaying a unique selection of products. We then proceed to Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. Enjoy this charming town of green domes and red roofs - see the Hofburg and the Golden Roof. Later we check into our hotel for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning we drive across Europabrucke, one of Europe’s highest bridges, admire the amazing views, winding our way through the Brenner pass we cross the Italian border. Welcome to Italy! We continue our drive to Venice, the city of unparalleled beauty and romantic gondolas. Our tour starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square – the most elegant square in the world, to see the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges Palace and the Basilica di San Marco. Late evening check into our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today we depart for Florence. We cross the Appennines and the gentle hilly countryside of Tuscany to reach Florence. On arrival, we will visit Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy one of the best views of this renaissance city across the River Arno. You then have some free time to wander around this city, where traffic is banned from the historic centre, admiring its timeless beauty. Later we continue our journey to the ‘Eternal City’, where we check into our hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning, we meet our local guide who will show us the splendours of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, a renaissance masterpiece. Later, we take in other ancient sights – Colloseum, Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus. Experience The Time Elevator, created as a Time machine that allows you to travel back to 773 B.C. and to return to modern age through time travel. Starting with its foundation, through the glorious days of the ancient Roman empire, the Renaissance with its masterpieces of architecture and art, the events of the 20th century, culminating in an aerial flight over the Rome of today. Finally, we visit the spectacular Trevi Fountain, where you may make a wish. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning, we depart for Pisa, where we visit the Field of Miracles. Here you can marvel at the marble Cathedral in the Pisan Romanesque style, the Baptistery, and one of the wonders of the world, the legendary Leaning Tower. Late evening check into our hotel for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, we proceed to the fashion capital - Milan, here you have some time to explore the historic centre of the city – see the Duomo (Cathedral), La Scala Opera House and the Castello Sforzesco. Leaving Milan, we cross the Swiss border, passing spectacular scenery around the lake regions of Como and Lugano. We make a brief photo stop near Lake Lugano, before driving north through the Gotthard tunnel. We arrive at our hotel late evening, and check in for a three-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Driving through the Swiss alpine region and the winding mountain roads to the valley of Engelberg, we start our ascent to board the world’s first revolving cable car, reaching the peak of 10,000 feet at Mount Titlis (weather permitting). Visit the Glacier Grotto or enjoy a breathtaking panorama from the sun terrace. In the afternoon, we begin our descent, passing melting glaciers and majestic waterfalls. Later we visit the town of Lucerne, to see the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today, we first drive to the picturesque town of Interlaken, the scene of many “Bollywood” films, where you have some time to browse through the shops. From there a short drive brings us to Lauterbrunnen, where we board the train for the scenic journey to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres (weather permitting). Visit the Ice Palace with ice sculptures or enjoy the panoramic views from the Sphinx Terrace. Early evening we begin our descent and return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Early morning we leave the Swiss Alps behind us. Continue onto Paris, one of the most exciting and popular cities of Europe, renowned for it’s fashion, perfumes, and of course - French champagne and wines. On arrival, we check into our hotel for a two nights stay. After dinner join us for a River Seine Cruise & Paris by Night Tour (*). Admire the spectacular facades from your covered boat. Later on our night Tour we will see the main sights illuminated. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today you have the choice of two exciting day tours; Paris City Tour This morning, on our orientation tour of Paris, we will be introduced to the main sights of this beautiful city: Hotel des Invalides, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the Opera. Later we proceed to Versailles, to visit the magnificent Gardens at the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of the famous “Sun King”. Evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) OR Disneyland Paris Theme Park This morning we drive to the famous Disneyland Paris Theme Park where excitement awaits the entire family. Meet your favourite Disney characters, watch amazing shows, ride the hair-raising “Space Mountain: Mission 2” roller coaster, enter Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril and find yourself in a runaway wagon speeding through the ancient ruins. Early evening we depart for dinner. Evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Today we visit the third floor (**) of the Eiffel Tower to witness a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Next we visit a French perfumery for some last minute shopping. Early afternoon we depart and journey north for Calais to board the ferry for the return channel crossing. On arrival at Dover port, we proceed to London, where your tour ends and its time to say farewell to all your new friends you have made on tour. (Breakfast, Lunch) Note (*): Please note that the River Seine Cruise & Paris by Night Tour may be operated on either Day 12 or Day 13 as per convenience. Note (**): The reservation to visit the Eiffel Tower is subject to availability, and could be to the 2nd / 3rd Floor.