Continental Introduction
Europe—a continent rich with different cultures, gastronomic specialties, architecture, art, scenery, and history—and this is the ideal Continental Introduction: experience and see what Europe has to offer. Spend two nights in Paris, Rome, Venice, and Amsterdam plus overnights in Lucerne, Lugano, Florence, Munich, and the Rhineland. On the included sightseeing tours, see examples of the local art and architecture, such as Michelangelo’s David statue and the magnificent cathedral in Florence, Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings in Rome’s Sistine Chapel, the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysées in Paris, and the patrician mansions in Amsterdam. Learn about the fascinating histories of the attractions you visit such as Rome’s Colosseum, completed in the 1st century AD; Lucerne’s Lion Monument, commemorating the Swiss Guards killed during the French Revolution; the medieval center of Innsbruck; and Rothenburg, a walled town that has preserved its medieval character, and is famous for Christmas ornaments.
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Day 1: Arrive In Paris, France
Welcome to Paris! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions and leave the hotel for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, followed by an orientation drive for a first impression of this magnificent city.
Hotel: Marriott Paris Rive Gauche, 2 nights
Day 2: Paris
In the morning, an optional excursion is available to the lavish Palace and Gardens of Versailles. Later, guided sightseeing features Paris’ main highlights, such as the Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Champs- Elysees, and a relaxing Seine Cruise with spectacular views of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Tonight, why not join an optional dinner and show at the famous Moulin Rouge?
Day 3: Paris – Lucerne, Switzerland
Enjoy a scenic drive past Fontainebleau Forest and into Burgundy, on your way to the Swiss Alps. In picturesque Lucerne, follow your Tour Director for a pleasant walk and admire Thorwaldsen’s impressive Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss Guards who protected the Royal House of France during the French Revolution. Walk along ornate patrician houses of the walled Old Town, then cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to the Jesuit Church.
Hotel: Ameron Flora or Astoria
Day 4: Lucerne – Lugano
Morning at leisure. Take advantage of an optional excursion to Mount Pilatus. Later, admire the towering majesty of the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard on the way to Lugano in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. To truly appreciate splendid Lake Lugano, sign up for an optional boat cruise, followed by dinner.
Hotel: Novotel Lugano Paradiso
Day 5: Lugano – Pisa, Italy – Florence
Pass the commercial capital of Milan and turn towards the Mediterranean Sea. Arrive in Pisa, and marvel at its legendary Leaning Tower. In nearby Florence, there is time to explore the many gold and leather shops on Piazza Santa Croce before joining dinner with Tuscan specialties and wine at Finisterrae restaurant.
Hotel: Starhotels Tuscany
Day 6: Florence – Rome
Meet your Local Guide, and visit the Academy Of Fine Arts with Michelangelo’s celebrated David. Continue your walking tour through the historic centre and admire the magnificent cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gates of Paradise,” and sculpturestudded Signoria Square. Continue to Rome, the “Eternal City”.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza St. Peters, 2 nights
Day 7: Rome
Guided sightseeing starts with a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment, followed by monumental St. Peter’s Square and Basilica to admire Michelangelo’s Pieta. Then, visit the amazing Colosseum, where gladiators once fought. For those who wish to see it all, an optional walking tour with a Local Guide is available to further explore Rome’s famous landmarks.
Day 8: Rome – Ferrara – Venice
In Ferrara, walk through impressive Este Castle to the marble cathedral and browse among the attractive little shops. Tonight, in Venice, why not try out local specialties at one of the city’s fine restaurants?
Hotel: NH Laguna Palace at Mestre, 2 nights
Day 9: Venice
Enjoy a Private Boat Ride and a walking tour with a Local Guide to visit St. Mark’s Square, lavish Doges’ Palace and the famous Bridge Of Sighs, followed by a traditional Glassblower Demonstration. Afternoon at leisure. An optional gondola serenade is available and later, an aperitif at the famous Caffe Florian awaits.
Day 10: Venice – Innsbruck, Austria – Munich, Germany
Cross the spectacular Brenner Pass into the Tyrolean Alps. In Innsbruck, a pleasant stroll through quaint medieval lanes takes you to Emperor Maximilian’s Golden Roof. Continue to Munich, and visit Marienplatz with its Old and New Town Halls, and the famous Hofbrauhaus, dating back to 1589. Free time for dinner before going to your hotel.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Munich Leuchtenbergring
Day 11: Munich – Rothenburg – Rhineland
Enter the Swabian Jura with its lush hills and arrive in picturesque Rothenburg for a walk through this walled town. Time to join the locals at one of the many restaurants and to shop for Christmas ornaments, for which the town is famous.
Hotel: NH Bingen at Bingen am Rhein
Day 12: Rhineland – Amsterdam, Holland
Admire castle-crested hills and terraced vineyards during a scenic and relaxing Rhine Cruise, followed by a drive to Amsterdam.
Hotel: Westcord Fashion or Westcord Art, 2 nights
Day 13: Amsterdam
Meet your Local Guide and hear about the fascinating history of the 700-year-old capital during a leisurely Canal Cruise past patrician mansions and gabled facades. Also visit a major Diamond centre. For those who wish to experience Dutch life in the countryside, an optional excursion is available to picture-book Volendam, a fishing village at the former Zuiderzee, including visits to a working windmill, a clogmaker, a cheese farm, plus dinner.
Day 14: Depart Amsterdam
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
| 2020 Dates & Prices | Twin Share | Solo Traveller |
|---|---|---|
| March: 14 | $4,759.00 | Price on Application |
| March: 28 | $5,009.00 | Price on Application |
| April: 11 | $5,619.00 | Price on Application |
| April: 25 | $5,659.00 | Price on Application |
| May: 02 | $5,729.00 | Price on Application |
| May: 09 | $5,579.00 | Price on Application |
| May: 16, 23 | $5,549.00 | Price on Application |
| May: 30 | $5,579.00 | Price on Application |
| June: 06, 13 | $5,709.00 | Price on Application |
| June: 20 | $5,459.00 | Price on Application |
| June: 27 | $5,329.00 | Price on Application |
| July: 04 | $5,329.00 | Price on Application |
| July: 18 | $5,189.00 | Price on Application |
| August: 01 | $5,329.00 | Price on Application |
| August: 15 | $5,229.00 | Price on Application |
| August: 29 | $5,389.00 | Price on Application |
| September: 05 | $5,529.00 | Price on Application |
| September: 12, 19, 26 | $5,579.00 | Price on Application |
| October: 03 | $5,329.00 | Price on Application |
| Inclusions | |
|---|---|
| Meals: | 13 breakfasts, 6 dinners |
| Transport: | Luxury air-conditioned coach |
| Accommodation: | 13 nights accommodation |
| Guide: | An expert Tour Director and separate Driver |
| Entrance Fees & Touring: | Entrance fees & activities as per itinerary |
* Tour departure dates are subject to availability at time of booking.
* Prices and itinerary are correct at time of publication and are subject to change without notice.