Itinerary
- Day 1
London to Bruges
You'll travel from London to Bruges and meet your Local Specialist who'll take you through the canals where centuries-old gabled houses line the waterways. Later you'll join the group for a Welcome Reception with dinner and drinks to meet your fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Reception dinner and drinks)
Included Activities
- Explore Bruges canals and centuries-old gabled houses with Local Specialist
- Welcome Reception with dinner and drinks
Landmarks/POIs Bruges Canals - Day 2
Bruges to Amsterdam
Head through the Dutch countryside to Amsterdam and see the city from a canal boat. That evening you'll visit the Pauw family dairy farm for a Be My Guest experience where you'll try local cheeses and have dinner with the family.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Be My Guest gezellig dinner with Pauw family dairy farm, savouring delicious local cheeses)
Included Activities
- Scenic canal boat cruise through Amsterdam
- Be My Guest dinner with Pauw family at dairy farm near Amsterdam including local cheeses
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam Canals Golden Age Mansions - Day 3
Amsterdam to Rhineland
Travel through Germany and board a Rhine cruise in Boppard, sailing past hilltop castles. You'll see the ruined sandstone castle in Heidelberg overlooking the Neckar River before reaching your hotel in the Rhineland.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Rhine cruise past hilltop castles and terraced vineyards
- View magnificent red sandstone castle in Heidelberg overlooking Neckar River
Landmarks/POIs Boppard Heidelberg Castle Neckar River - Day 4
Rhineland to Lucerne
Drive through the Black Forest where Brothers Grimm tales connect to the landscape, then continue to southwest Germany and the Swiss border. You'll see the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen and arrive in Lucerne for a two-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Travel through Black Forest landscapes
- View Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen
Optional Activities
- Swiss Folklore Evening And Dinner - Swiss cheese fondue with folklore show including yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing with two drinks (Fr.99.00 or CHF68.00 lunch option)
Landmarks/POIs Black Forest Rhine Falls Schaffhausen - Day 5
Lucerne
This morning you'll see the Lion Monument in Lucerne, which honors the Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI. After that, check out the flower-lined 14th-century wooden Chapel Bridge and wander through Old Town at your own pace to see the colorful facades.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit Lion Monument in Lucerne
- Orientation tour featuring Chapel Bridge and Old Town
Optional Activities
- Mount Stanserhorn And Lake Cruise - Scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne to Stans, mountain railway and Cabrio cable car to 1900m with free time for Alpine scenery and refreshments; may be operated without cruise for CHF78 (Fr.113.00)
- Swiss Countryside & Carriages - Meet local farmers, countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages around typical rural community, ending at farm with local drinks and snacks; children must be accompanied by adult (Fr.67.00)
- Exhilarating mountain and cruise experience
Landmarks/POIs Lion Monument Chapel Bridge Lucerne Old Town Lake Lucerne Mount Stanserhorn - Day 6
Lucerne to Innsbruck
Travel along the Rhine to the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein and see Vaduz, then cross into Austria. You'll drive through the scenic Arlberg Pass in the Tyrol and arrive in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein, and view Vaduz Castle
- Orientation tour of Innsbruck featuring the ornate Golden Roof
- Browse Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store
Optional Activities
- Tyrolean Evening With Dinner - Traditional Tyrolean cuisine with lively folklore show featuring singers, dancers and musicians in national costume with drinks included (€67.00)
Landmarks/POIs Vaduz Vaduz Castle Golden Roof Innsbruck Old Town Swarovski Crystal Worlds - Day 7
Innsbruck to Vienna
Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour of Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace, visiting locations from 'The Sound of Music'. You'll see Mirabell Palace gardens, Residence Square, the fortress, cathedral, and Mozart's birthplace on Getreidegasse. Later you'll arrive in Vienna for a two-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Salzburg with Local Specialist featuring Sound of Music locations
- Visit Mirabell Palace and Residence Square
- See Salzburg fortress, cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on Getreidegasse
Landmarks/POIs Mirabell Palace Residence Square Salzburg Fortress Salzburg Cathedral Mozart's Birthplace Getreidegasse - Day 8
Vienna
Take a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to see Vienna's elegant architecture including the State Opera House, City Hall, Parliament, and the Hofburg palace. In the evening you can attend open-air concerts at palaces and expansive stages around the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing tour with Local Specialist featuring State Opera House, City Hall, Parliament and Hofburg Imperial Residence
- Walk through first district Inner Stadt historic core
- Tour Ring Road sights including Karlskirche
Optional Activities
- Dinner And Viennese Concert - Superb dinner with drinks, followed by concert of Viennese classical music with 'A Class' tickets featuring works by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (€103.00; 50% cancellation fee applies)
- Schönbrunn Palace And Gardens - Imperial Summer Palace tour with Local Specialist, perfectly preserved and richly decorated; involves reservations and entrance prepayments (€47.00; 50% cancellation fee applies)
- Viennese Concert - Concert of Viennese classical music with 'A Class' tickets, highly acclaimed soloists and dancers, complimentary glass of sparkling wine during interval (€58.00; 50% cancellation fee applies)
Landmarks/POIs Vienna State Opera House Vienna City Hall Austrian Parliament Building Hofburg Imperial Residence Karlskirche Vienna Ring Road Schönbrunn Palace - Day 9
Vienna to Venice
Drive through the scenic Austrian Lake District, cross into Italy through the Veneto Plains, and arrive in Venice for a two-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Gondolas & the Grand Canal - Private boat to St Mark's Square with gondola ride serenaded by local musicians, later private water taxis along Grand Canal to admire palazzos and Rialto Bridge (€70.00)
Landmarks/POIs Austrian Lake District Veneto Plains - Day 10
Venice
You'll participate in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience learning about the centuries-old Venetian tradition of glassblowing from master craftsmen, and you can purchase their works to help preserve this heritage craft. Afterward, take a private launch to St. Mark's Square and explore the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. The afternoon is free to wander Venice on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit glassblowing factory and witness Venetian glassblowing demonstration
- Private launch to St. Mark's Square
- View Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
- Free time to explore Venice
Optional Activities
- Hidden Venice & St. Mark's Basilica - VIP entrance to St. Mark's Basilica with Local Specialist to see glittering gold mosaics, delve into city's labyrinth of back alleys, canals, bridges and secret squares (€34.00)
- Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks - Private boat discovery of Venetian Lagoon with delicious meal and selection of drinks on fishermen's island of Burano, famous for multi-coloured houses (€72.00)
- Cruise to Island of Burano for meal
Landmarks/POIs St. Mark's Square Doge's Palace Bridge of Sighs St. Mark's Basilica Grand Canal Burano Island - Day 11
Venice to Assisi
Head south to Assisi where St. Francis was born and buried. Walk through the city with a Local Specialist and visit the Basilica of St. Francis, a major 13th-century artistic achievement. You'll also see the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and have dinner at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at hotel)
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Assisi with Local Specialist
- Visit Basilica of St. Francis
- View Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels
Landmarks/POIs Basilica of St. Francis Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels Assisi - Day 12
Assisi to Sorrento
Travel past the World War II battle site of Monte Cassino on your way to Pompeii near the Bay of Naples. A Local Specialist will explain how this ancient Roman settlement was buried in volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius. Later you'll continue to Sorrento for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Pass Monte Cassino World War II battle site
- Visit Pompeii with Local Specialist guided tour of ancient Roman settlement
Optional Activities
- Amalfi Coast and Positano - Drive along famous Amalfi Coast with chance to visit exclusive artists' paradise of Positano, magnificently positioned on Mediterranean coast (€56.00)
Landmarks/POIs Monte Cassino Pompeii Mount Vesuvius Bay of Naples Amalfi Coast Positano - Day 13
Sorrento to Rome
Sail across the Bay of Naples to the Isle of Capri and take a funicular railway up the hillside. A Local Specialist will guide you through the town, then you'll have a relaxed afternoon in the piazza. After sailing back to the mainland, you'll arrive in Rome for a two-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Boat crossing to Isle of Capri
- Ascend to Capri by funicular railway
- Guided walking tour of Capri with Local Specialist
- Leisure time in Capri piazza
- Boat sailing back to mainland
Optional Activities
- Roman Evening with Dinner - Easy-going evening with beautiful drive to see city sights, warm welcome and delicious dinner of local cuisine with drinks and music at favourite restaurant (€62.00)
Landmarks/POIs Isle of Capri Bay of Naples - Day 14
Rome
A Local Specialist will take you through Vatican City to see St. Peter's Basilica and Michelangelo's Piet\u00e0. Then cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome to view the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Circus Maximus. You'll have priority fast-track access to the Vatican Museums for a guided tour of Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling, followed by an exclusive after-hours dinner with a view of St. Peter's.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Exclusive after-hours al fresco dinner at St. Peter's Basilica)
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing tour through St. Peter's Basilica with Local Specialist to see Michelangelo's Pietà
- View Roman Forum, Colosseum and Circus Maximus
- Priority fast-track admission to Vatican Museums
- Guided tour of Vatican Museums featuring Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling
- Exclusive after-hours al fresco dinner with St. Peter's backdrop
Optional Activities
- Piazzas and Fountains of Rome - Discover charming areas with Local Specialist through labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares, including Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and hidden corners (€33.00)
- Roman Delights With Dinner - Coach tour to see much-loved city sights, followed by delicious light dinner of Italian specialities with local music and drinks (€51.00)
- Inside The Colosseum - VIP entrance and Local Specialist tour of most famous monument from classical world, symbol of Imperial might and architectural ingenuity with tales of Gladiatorial combat (€53.00; subject to availability, 50% cancellation fee applies)
Landmarks/POIs St. Peter's Basilica Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel Roman Forum Colosseum Circus Maximus Trevi Fountain Pantheon Tiber River - Day 15
Rome to Florence
Travel north to Florence and join a Local Specialist for a walking tour to Piazza della Signoria, the political center of this former republic. You'll see the marble Duomo and Baptistery with its famous bronze doors, and walk across Ponte Vecchio. Learn about Florentine leathercraft during a demonstration, then the rest of the day is yours to explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour to Piazza della Signoria with Local Specialist
- View marble Duomo and Baptistery with Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise
- See Ponte Vecchio bridge
- Witness demonstration of Florentine leathercraft and gold work at Santa Croce area
- Leisure time for Uffizi Gallery, Piazzale Michelangelo or Boboli Gardens
Optional Activities
- Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills - Scenic drive through beautiful Tuscan countryside, meal at charming restaurant with regional favourites, local wines and live music (€65.00)
- Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia - Insight into world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece David, Academy of Fine Arts visit with Local Specialist commentary (€47.00; involves reservations and prepayments, 50% cancellation fee applies)
- Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli - Scenic drive through Chianti hills past vineyards to Machiavelli's ancient stone house, welcome drink, villa and wine-cellar visit, Tuscan cuisine with great music and drinks including Chianti from villa's vines (€65.00)
Landmarks/POIs Piazza della Signoria Florence Duomo Baptistery Ponte Vecchio Uffizi Gallery Piazzale Michelangelo Boboli Gardens Santa Croce Basilica Academy of Fine Arts Chianti - Day 16
Florence to French Riviera
Drive to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower at the Square of Miracles. From there, head to the French Riviera, stopping in Monaco before arriving at your two-night base. You'll take an orientation drive along the Promenade des Anglais and see Place Massena.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Pisa during orientation to see Leaning Tower, baptistery and cathedral at Square of Miracles
- Stop in Monaco City and see cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married
- Orientation drive along Promenade des Anglais
- See Place Massena
Landmarks/POIs Leaning Tower of Pisa Square of Miracles Pisa Baptistery Pisa Cathedral Monaco Cathedral Promenade des Anglais Place Massena - Day 17
French Riviera
Visit the medieval hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and explore why it attracted artists and actors as a refuge. The afternoon is free to relax by the seaside, walk scenic promenades, sit at a café on the Mediterranean, shop at boutiques, or just watch the sunset from the beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit medieval hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence with insight into artistic heritage
Optional Activities
- Corniche Coastline Drive with Perfumery Visit and Meal - Scenic excursion along Riviera corniche roads with spectacular Mediterranean Sea views and one of Europe's most beautiful coastlines, visit famous Fragonard Perfumery, local restaurant meal with regional specialities and drinks (€72.00)
Landmarks/POIs Saint-Paul-de-Vence French Riviera Fragonard Perfumery - Day 18
French Riviera to Beaune
Travel north to Avignon, an important pilgrimage site, and see the Papal Palace and the famous Pont d'Avignon. Continue to Beaune, the capital of the Burgundy wine region, where you'll explore the ancient walls and Old Town with its distinctive geometrically colored tiled roofs.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Papal city of Avignon
- View Pont d'Avignon
- Walk medieval narrow streets of Avignon Old Town to Palais des Papes
- Explore Beaune's ancient walls and Old Town
- See Beaune's famous renaissance roofing style during orientation
Landmarks/POIs Papal Palace of Avignon Pont d'Avignon Avignon Old Town - Day 19
Beaune to Paris
Travel north through Burgundy vineyards to Paris. The city offers grand boulevards to stroll, walks along the Seine, and you can attend a traditional Parisian cabaret during your two-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Moulin Rouge Cabaret And Dinner - Dinner and cabaret with wine and champagne at world-famous Moulin Rouge, original Paris cabaret, features 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes (€165.00)
- Nouvelle Eve Cabaret And Dinner - One of oldest and most elegant revue theatres in Paris, meet Director and two cast members before four-course dinner with wine, experience unparalleled Parisian entertainment including world-famous Can-Can (€139.00)
- Versailles Palace And Gardens - Guided tour through State apartments and Hall of Mirrors with Local Specialist, free time to stroll symmetrical tree-lined gardens, subject to availability with reservations and prepayments (€70.00; 50% cancellation fee within 24 hours)
- Montparnasse and Napoleon's Tomb - Fastest elevator in Europe to Panoramic Observation Deck with views of Eiffel Tower and iconic monuments, highest rooftop terrace in Paris with 360-degree views, visit Dôme des Invalides with Local Specialist to see Napoleon's final resting place (€51.00)
Landmarks/POIs Burgundy Vineyards - Day 20
Paris
A Local Specialist will show you the sights and sounds of Paris, including the Champs-Élysées and Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Latin Quarter. You'll have free time to find hidden squares and secret lanes on your own before a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell Dinner in local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing tour with Local Specialist discovering hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris
- View Champs-Élysées and Eiffel Tower
- See Notre Dame Cathedral
- Stroll through Latin Quarter
- Free afternoon exploring the city
- Farewell Dinner in local restaurant
Optional Activities
- Le Grand Louvre - Biggest and best-known museum in world, former palace to kings of France, tour through galleries with Local Specialist to view masterpieces including Leonardo da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa' and Winged Victory sculpture (€55.00)
- Seine Cruise And Paris Illuminations - Leisurely cruise along River Seine to experience Paris at night as city transformed, followed by stops at vantage points as we drive through city to capture sights; may take place before sunset in summer (€38.00)
Landmarks/POIs Champs-Élysées Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Quarter River Seine Louvre Museum - Day 21
Departure
Say goodbye to your fellow travelers and Travel Director as your holiday comes to an end.
