The Complete European Journey
| Resort: | The Complete European Journey |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, England, Europe, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, UK & Ireland, United Kingdom |
| Price From: | £3479.00 |
OverviewGet a taste of the diverse cultures, history and cuisine of 10 different European nations including Germany, Italy, Slovenia and France there are so many treasures to uncover. Discover the flavors of Belgium on a culinary discovery tour in Brussels. Visit Bruges and have a choice of tours. Cruise a section of the scenic Rhine River and see Lorelai Rock. Tour the fairy-tale city of Prague with a local guide and choose your dinner experience. Learn Viennas splendid history during a city tour featuring Schoenbrunn Palace. Savor dinner in Grinzing, Viennas wine growing district. Come to know Budapest with a local guide. Enjoy a castle dinner in Ljubljana. Embark on Pletna boat cruise on Lake Bled. Board a boat to Murano Island for a glass making demonstration followed by a tour of Venice. Spend time at either the Academy Gallery or Pitti Palace in Florence. Get to know the history and traditions of Rome with a local guide. Choose from a cruise on Lake Lucerne or ascending Mt. Pilatus. Stroll the streets of Paris bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre and dine at a local restaurant in its medieval Latin Quarter. As we go, youll truly discover the best of Europe. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightJourney through some of the most exciting and historic cities in Europe including London, Prague, Rome, Paris and many more! Day 2: London, England – Tour BeginsYour tour opens in the capital city of London, a sophisticated metropolis featuring style, culture and history. Its bustling streets are filled with regal pageantry, beautiful gardens, fascinating museums, celebrated monuments and grand theatres. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a traditional English pub. Day 3: London – Eurostar Train – Brussels, BelgiumAll aboard the Eurostar train for your journey to the capital of Europe, Brussels. Begin your exploration of this fascinating city by joining a local guide for a panoramic tour featuring the grand royal gardens and castle, the Atomium (constructed for Expo 58), the Arc de Triomphe, the Art Nouveau houses, and the world-famous Grand Place. Continue exploring the historic city center on a culinary discovery walk. Be introduced to the flavors of the country during a beer or wine tasting in a local brewery; dinner in the local market; and dessert featuring Belgian waffles followed by a chocolate tasting. Then, cap the evening off sipping coffee at a caf on the famous Grand Place. Day 4: Brussels – Bruges – BrusselsTake a step back in time in the Imperial city of Bruges. Narrow canals lined with charming Patrician houses bring to life the splendor of bygone days. Allow yourself to journey back to medieval times with a leisurely paced walking tour led by a local resident through one of Europes most perfectly preserved cities. Next, the choice is yours continue your exploration on foot through undiscovered Bruges with a lace-making demonstration; or you may experience the city on a serene canal cruise. Later, enjoy free time to discover Bruges on your own. Day 5: Brussels – Rhine Cruise – Mainz, GermanyThis morning travel south into the famous Rhine region of Germany. Embark on a scenic cruise through the most stunning region of the Rhine River taking in the beautiful landscapes along the way, including views of the famous Lorelei Rock. Continue by land to the lively city of Mainz where you will spend time exploring the Gutenberg Museum, learning the history of books and the printing press. Day 6: Mainz – Prague, Czech RepublicDepart for the Golden City of Prague. You will adore the citys unique culture and architecture. This evening you choose your dining experience! Perhaps youll choose to be introduced to traditional Czech culture during dinner featuring local cuisine, drinks and a folklore show. Or, perhaps you will choose to have dinner in a famous local brewery and restaurant, including local beer and a tour of the brewery. Day 7: PragueCome to know this fairy-tale city with a local guide. Begin by stepping back in time during visits to the remarkable Hradcany Castle and the haunting St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue with a leisurely walking tour through the Old Town, showcasing the Golden Lane, the unique Astronomical Clock, and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. The afternoon is yours to explore this great city on your own. Day 8: Prague – Vienna, AustriaA scenic ride through the countryside takes you to the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. En route, make a stop in the Cesky Krumlov, a charming town seemingly frozen in time. Have free time to explore the well-preserved streets lined with Baroque architecture before continuing on to Vienna. Tonight you will be immersed in the culture as you enjoy local entertainment and sample local wine in the picturesque winemaking village of Grinzing. Day 9: ViennaThis morning, join a local resident for a visit to magnificent Schenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years. Continue on to get acquainted with Viennas city center. Along the way, behold the beautiful architecture, scenic parks and Gothic spires that fill the city. This afternoon you choose your activity. Perhaps you will continue your exploration of the city learning about its musical roots during a guided walking tour highlighting Mozart and other musical masters. Or, you may choose to take a seat at an unforgettable classical music concert featuring many fine melodies from the great composers Mozart and Strauss. Day 10: Vienna – Budapest, HungarySit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque Hungarian countryside en route to historic Budapest. Upon arrival, a local expert leads you on a delightful city tour featuring Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Old Buda, the New Parliament and Gellert Hill. A special stop is made at Heroes’ Square, an impressive monument dedicated to the many diverse leaders of Hungary. Day 11: Budapest – Ljubljana, SloveniaMake your way to Slovenias quaint capital city of Ljubljana. Youll be met by a local expert who will introduce you to this lovely town nestled along the banks of the river. Your tour includes the impressive City Hall and a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Later, soak up the stunning views of the city as you ride a funicular to Ljubljana Castle where you will savor a dinner of local specialties within the castle walls. Day 12: Ljubljana – Bled – Ponzano Veneto, ItalySet off this morning for tranquil Lake Bled. Experience the old-world charm that comes with taking a pletna boat to the picturesque island in the center of the lake. Spend time exploring the 17th-century cathedral, St. Marys Church, and the wishing bell. Then, its on to the enchanting area surrounding Venice, Italy. Day 13: Ponzano Veneto – Venice – Ponzano VenetoThis morning well see Venice from the water as we 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 in the heart of Venice to join a local expert who will take you on a walking tour of this famous square, viewing the stunning Basilica, the impressive Doges Palace and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy some time on your own to wander Venices romantic streets or take a memorable gondola ride before traveling back to Ponzano Veneto by boat. Day 14: Ponzano Veneto – RomeThis morning, depart for Italys capital city of Rome, overflowing with fascinating history and culture. Travel through the regions of Veneto, Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, admiring the breathtaking and ever-changing landscape as you go. Arrive in Rome and get acquainted with the city on a brief tour. Tonight, gather for dinner featuring local cuisine. Day 15: RomeYoull come to know the history and traditions of Rome on a locally guided tour featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Arch of Constantine and the famous Piazza Navona. Your tour continues during an in-depth visit to the Colosseum where your guide recounts its rich history. Then its on to the catacombs, the burial place of early Christians, before arriving at the mythic Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Day 16: Rome – FlorenceWe make our way north to Florence, the Cradle of the Italian Renaissance. This afternoon, explore this captivating city with a local expert. View the Duomo, the symbol of the city and an architectural masterpiece, and see the historic Piazza della Signoria and Piazza Santa Croce. The remainder of the day is free to explore the citys many treasures as you choose. Day 17: FlorenceToday, its your choice! Perhaps you will opt to join a local guide at the Academy Gallery where youll see Michelangelos magnificent sculpture of David. Or, you may choose to explore Pitti Palace, once the home of the renowned Medici family and a cultural landmark; see masterworks by artists such as Raphael, Rubens and Caravaggio that fill its halls. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Day 18: Florence – Lucerne, SwitzerlandSay farewell to Italy and travel to the Swiss Paradise on the Lake, the city of Lucerne. Upon arrival get acquainted with the city which holds more than 800 years of history on a short walking tour of the town. This evening, get a glimpse into the culture and savor the local cuisine during dinner in a quaint restaurant. Day 19: LucerneExplore Lucerne your way! You may choose to take in this beautiful area by boarding a paddlewheel boat to sit back and soak up the view of the city while cruising on Lake Lucerne. Or, perhaps you would prefer to venture by cogwheel rail to the top of majestic Mt. Pilatus; take 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 20: Lucerne – Troyes, FranceThis morning, descend from the Alps into the charming French countryside. Take in the pastoral vistas of traditional farmhouses and rolling hills of vineyards before arriving into the medieval village of Troyes. Join a local guide for a walking tour through the narrow cobbled streets of this former capital city of Champagne. Feel like you have stepped into another time with its colorful, beautifully restored half-timbered houses, Gothic churches, and towering cathedral. Day 21: Troyes – ParisAfter a leisurely morning, its on to Paris, the City of Light. Get to know this grand city 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, perhaps youll opt to join a local 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. The evening is yours to enjoy the glittering skyline of Paris independently or you may choose an optional dinner and show at Paris oldest cabaret. Day 22: ParisThis morning we are off to the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre. Discover the streets, shops and people that inspired some of the famous artwork of Van Gogh, Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec. Taste a variety of regional specialties before we visit the iconic Sacr-Coeur Basilica. The afternoon is yours to take in the beauty of Paris; perhaps you will choose to explore the world-renowned Louvre or Muse d’Orsay. Tonight, gather for your farewell dinner at a restaurant tucked away in the medieval streets of the Latin Quarter. You are treated to a traditional gourmet feast with local wine, all accompanied by local musicians. As you bask in the warm hospitable glow, sit back, relax and soak up some truly authentic French culture. Day 23: Paris – Tour EndsYour tour comes to a close today. |
