Captivating Europe
| Resort: | Captivating Europe |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Austria, England, Europe, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland, UK & Ireland |
| Price From: | £3509.00 |
OverviewGet a taste of the diverse cultures, history and cuisine of 12 different European nations and microstates there are so many treasures to uncover! Personalize your vacation with a choice of included activities in Amsterdam, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Venice and Paris. Take the train from London to Brussels. Cruise the canals of Amsterdam. Discover Aachen, the former coronation place for the kings of Germany. Spend the night in iconic Luxembourg. Savor dinner in the beautiful Swiss village of Lucerne. Stop to visit the tiny country of Liechtenstein. Visit the magnificent town of Innsbruck. Tour romantic Venice. Get to know the history and traditions of Rome and Vatican City. Travel through Tuscanys low lying hills. Visit the Academy Gallery in Florence to see Michelangelos David. Behold the seat of luxury in Monaco. Explore Nices flower market and the French Riviera. Marvel at the speed of the incredible TGV train and fly through the beautiful French countryside. Enjoy dinner and a show at Pariss oldest Cabaret. You will be truly captivated by some of Europes best. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightJourney through the most exciting and historic cities in Europe. Discover Western Europes most iconic sites and get to know some of the smallest microstates on the continent. Day 2: London, England – Tour BeginsYour tour begins in London, the cosmopolitan capital of England. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Day 3: London – Euro Rail Train – Haarlem, Netherlands – AmsterdamBoard a train to Brussels for the beginning of your journey to the Netherlands. Continue by coach to the charming town of Haarlem which lies just outside the vibrant city of Amsterdam. This afternoon, take a cruise on the areas famous canals and get to know the city of Amsterdam from the water before dining at one of its landmark restaurants. Day 4: Haarlem – Amsterdam – HaarlemExplore Amsterdam your way! You may choose to discover stories of the city’s past and present that unfold during a walking tour that highlights Amsterdams historic Old Town, Royal Palace, and the best markets to purchase tulip bulbs, Delft ceramics, and cheese (including a demonstration and tasting)! Or, perhaps you will opt to visit the Rijksmuseum where youll spend time discovering Hollands history from the Middle Ages to today, and see internationally renowned works such as The Night Watch by Rembrandt. Your afternoon is free to further explore the city on your own. Or, you may choose to join an optional excursion to the countryside to explore the seaside village of Volendam. Day 5: Haarlem – Aachen, Germany – LuxembourgThis morning make your way to the small country of Luxembourg. En route, stop in Aachen, one of the oldest towns in Europe, and once residence to Charlemagne. Have some time to explore this historic town that became the coronation place for German kings. Continue to the microstate of Luxembourg where youll join a local guide for a walking tour discovering the Old Towns scenic narrow streets and alleyways. Day 6: Luxembourg – Lucerne, SwitzerlandSay farewell to Luxembourg and travel to the Swiss Paradise on the Lake, the city of Lucerne. Upon arrival, enjoy a short walking tour and get acquainted with the city which holds more than 800 years of history. This evening, get a glimpse into the culture and savor local cuisine during dinner in a quaint restaurant. Day 7: LucerneExplore Lucerne your way! Perhaps you will take in this beautiful area by boarding a paddlewheel boatsit back and soak up the view of the city while cruising on Lake Lucerne. Or, you may prefer to venture by cogwheel rail to the top of majestic Mt. Pilatustake in the stunning views of the region and the pristine natural beauty that surround you. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore the city on your own. Day 8: Lucerne – Liechtenstein – Innsbruck, AustriaDepart Lucerne for the medieval Tyrolean town of Innsbruck. En route, make your way through Liechtenstein, a tiny country perched in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. Upon arrival in Innsbruck, you have the choice of one of two walking tours. Perhaps youll join a local guide as you discover the citys history, culture and landmarks including Maria Theresien Strasse, the Hofburg, and the stunning Golden Roof. Or, you may choose to embark on a tour focusing on Innsbrucks unique architectural treasures including its famous ski jump. Day 9: Innsbruck – Ponzano Veneto, ItalyJourney south through the beautiful Austrian and Italian Alps on your way to your hotel near Venice. Tonight, savor a dinner featuring Italian specialties and wine. Day 10: VeniceToday we visit the iconic city of Venice, a splendid UNESCO World Heritage site where 117 islands are connected by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. Become enchanted by this city of gondolas and hundreds of islands connected by foot bridges with no cars in sight. Board a boat* (weather permitting) bound for Murano Island for an up-close glass making demonstration. Discover the secrets of this ancient art and marvel at the intricate designs of each one-of-a-kind piece. Then we make our way to St. Marks Square where you choose how you want to see Venice! You may choose to join a local expert who will take you on a walking tour of this famous square to view the stunning Basilica and visit the impressive Doges Palace and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Or, perhaps you would prefer to go off the beaten path to explore the Castello Sestiere district with a local expert; get to know authentic Venice and see for yourself how the locals live as you walk canal by canal through the narrow streets lined with churches and historic buildings of this very unique city. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Day 11: Ponzano Veneto – Arezzo – RomeEn route to the historic city of Rome, well stop in the Etruscan town of Arezzo. Feel like you stepped into days gone by as you stroll its charming streets during some free time to explore or relax and sample the local flavors at a caf. Arrive in Rome and get acquainted with the city on a brief orientation tour seeing some of its fascinating treasures. Stop by the Spanish Steps before enjoying dinner featuring regional cuisine at a local restaurant. Day 12: Rome – Vatican City – RomeYour morning is free to relax or explore on your own. Have the option to join us on a tour of the Colosseum where your guide will recount its rich history. This afternoon, spend time exploring Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. Discover the Vatican museum and get to know its historical treasures including the spectacular Sistine Chapel and Michelangelos restored mural of the Last Judgment. Then its on to the breathtaking St. Peters Basilica built on the site where St. Peter was martyred known as the grandest of the worlds churches. Day 13: Rome – Siena – FlorenceA scenic journey through Tuscanys graceful low-lying hills brings you to the charming city of Siena. Delight in its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. After a walking tour with a local expert, take some time to explore the medieval corners of Siena. You are sure to find many surprises among its shops and outdoor cafs. Arrive in Florence and enjoy some free time before gathering for dinner. Day 14: FlorenceIn Florence the Cradle of the Italian Renaissance visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelos incredible statue of David. Then continue on your cultural tour of Florence seeing the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Church of Santa Croce. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this enchanting city on your own. Day 15: Florence – GenoaTravel to bustling port city of Genoa. Join a local guide for a stroll along the maze of narrow streets and squares discovering the Santissima Annunziata del Vastato, Via Garibaldi, Columbus House, Ducal Palace and Duomo di San Lorenzo along the way. Spend the remainder of your afternoon independently exploring this citys long, rich history. Day 16: Genoa – Seborga – Monaco – Nice, FranceTodays journey begins in the medieval principality of Seborga, a tiny independent state that lies near the Italian border with France. This small, rural village is home to only 300 people but issues its own stamps, license plates, passports and currency. Next, head to one of Europes most famous microstates: Monaco. Enjoy a panoramic tour of this dazzling gem on the Riviera and get to view the extravagant Casino of Monte Carlo and the spectacular 13th-century Princes Palace. Then its off to Nice, the renowned playground of the rich and famous. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner in a local restaurant. Day 17: NiceThis morning youll feel like a local as you stroll through Nices colorful and fragrant flower market. Then youre off to discover Place Massena and the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais. The rest of the day is yours to discover this magnificent town. Stroll the beautiful streets filled with shops and cafes, or meander through the narrow streets of the historic Old Town. Take in some sunshine on the beach or head up to the ancient fortification for sweeping views of the city and the Riviera. No matter what you choose, you will fall in love with this coastal gem. Day 18: Nice – ParisClimb aboard the high speed TGV train and fly through the beautiful French countryside on your way to Paris, the City of Light. Youll soon discover why Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. The evening is yours to enjoy on your own or perhaps youll choose the An Evening in Paris optional tour. Day 19: ParisCome to know the dramatic highlights of Paris your way by coach or by Metro! You may choose to take a splendid panoramic tour via coach that includes a stop to explore the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral. Or, for a truly local experience, you may choose to join a guide who will take you to some of Paris most iconic sights by Metro. Either way youll see the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the magnificent Place Vendome with your local guide. Enjoy leisure time this afternoon perhaps you will choose to explore the world-renowned Louvre or Muse d’Orsay. Celebrate the end of a fabulous trip with a special dinner at the Paradis Latin, Paris oldest cabaret theater. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner complete with wine, champagne and a delightful cabaret show. Day 20: Paris – Tour EndsYour tour comes to a close today. Return home with many wonderful memories of your European adventure. |
