Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
DAY 1: LONDON - HARWICH - HOOK OF HOLLAND:
After meeting your Tour Manger this morning at the London Ryan Hotel you set off on the European Adventure of a lifetime. A short drive takes us to Harwich to board your luxurious ferry for the overnight crossing (with cabins) of the North Sea.
DAY 2: AMSTERDAM (HOLLAND) -RHINELAND (GERMANY:
After docking at the Hook of Holland you drive across the reclaimed land of a country engaged in a gigantic battle with the sea, to reach its capital, Amsterdam. You visit the lively Dam Square and see the canals, bridges and gabled houses which make up this exciting city. Then it’s past Arnhem, scene of ‘A Bridge Too Far’ and across the border into Germany to your hotel in the Rhineland.
DAY 3: RHINELAND - RHINE CRUISE – MUNICH:
You follow the Rhine this morning, driving to picturesque Boppard then boarding your Rhine cruiser to glide past medieval castles, terraced vineyards and sleepy villages with half-timbered houses. Look out for the legendary Lorelei Rock, as you continue through the lovely Swabian Alps into Bavaria, and on to its genial capital Munich. Here your sightseeing includes the fine state buildings of the Ludwigstrasse, the unusual Olympic Stadium with its ‘hanging’ roof and the BMW headquarters. Tonight, why not raise a stein with the locals as you swing along to the oompah band in a lively beerhall?
DAY 4: MUNICH - ALZKAMMERGUT –VIENNA (AUSTRIA):
You continue your sightseeing in Munich this morning with a look at the gothic Town Hall in the Marienplatz, then cross into Austria for a delightful drive through the Salzkammergut, where the hills - and lakes -are still alive with the Sound of Music. You even see the ‘wedding scene’ church at lakeside Mondsee. Now you follow Strauss’ famed Danube Valley to your hotel in the Vienna Woods.
DAY 5: VIENNA – SIGHTSEEING:
Your tour of Imperial Vienna shows us the Hofburg Winter Palace, beautiful St. Charles’ Church and includes a visit to the formal Belvedere Gardens, then along the ‘Ring’ to see the Parliament and glorious City Hall. This afternoon, perhaps a visit to the impressive Schonbrunn Palace or some shopping in elegant Karntner Street?
DAY 6: VIENNA - VENICE AREA (ITALY:
Today you traverse the peaceful forests of little-known Styria and the picturesque Lake District of Carinthia, following the shores of Lake Worth. As you cross the border into Italy you enter a new culture - passionate operas, delicious pastas, fine wines and romantic lovers! Where better to start than the unique city of Venice?
DAY 7: VENICE – FLORENCE:
Your day starts with a sightseeing cruise along the canals to St. Mark’s. The palatial residences seem to float on the water, gondolas bob beneath the Bridge of Sighs - the city itself is a poem. You watch a master create a work of art in glass. Later you bid farewell to Venice, to drive across the Appenine Mountains to your hotel in the Tuscan hills.
DAY 8: FLORENCE – ROME:
Today takes us into Renaissance Florence, to enjoy your first view from Michelangelo Square, the entire city at your feet. Then the city’s treasures are yours to discover: the cathedral, Giotto’s Belltower and the amazing open air sculpture gallery of Signoria Square. You visit a workshop for a demonstration of world renowned leatherwork, with time to shop for the latest Italian fashions. This afternoon you board your coach to continue to your hotel in seaside Rome Lido. Tonight perhaps all the fun and music of a typical Roman dinner?
DAY 9: ROME – SIGHTSEEING:
Your tour of the ‘Eternal City’ this morning shows us Piazza Venezia with its huge Monument of Victor Emmanuel and Mussolini’s balcony. Your local guide unfurls the history of the Empire at the Imperial Roman Forum and then you visit the imposing Colosseum where gladiator fights took place. Next, the Vatican City to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and see Michelangelo’s moving ‘Pieta’. This afternoon why not visit the Vatican Museum to see the famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?
DAY 10: ROME - ITALIAN LAKES:
Today your route takes us past Umbrian hill towns over 2,000 years old, then across the rich farmlands of the Po Valley and to that wonderland of lakes and mountains, the Italian Lake District.
DAY 11: ITALIAN LAKES - LAKE LUCERNE (SWITZERLAND):
You follow the lake shore to the Swiss border, then enjoy a spectacular drive through the Swiss Alps, where glacial streams cascade from sheer rock walls. Reaching Lucerne, you admire the emotive Lion Monument and 14th century Chapel bridge. Later time to relax and shop, or perhaps to take a cable-car ride up a nearby mountain?
DAY 12: LAKE LUCERNE - PARIS (FRANCE):
You pass through the Alsace Province, vineyards of Burgundy and the vast farming heartland of France today, en route to the majestic capital Paris. Why not join a your of the sparkling illuminations this evening?
DAY 13: PARIS – SIGHTSEEING:
Sightseeing shows us the ‘Symbol of Paris’, the Eiffel Tower and Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe, then you visit the glorious Notre Dame Cathedral. Later, time to explore, visit the Louver or shop with your special voucher. Don’t miss the nightlife - a lively cabaret or a typical Parisian bistro. The choice is yours!
DAY 14: PARIS – LONDON:
Through the battlefields of World War I, then your ferry takes us to Dover. On to London where you bid a reluctant farewell to your new-found friends.
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