14 days European Whirl
The tring tring of Dutch bicycles launch your Europe adventure, from picture-perfect Amsterdam and vine-clad hills along the Rhine with their fairy-tale medieval castles, to the magnificent open-air museum that is Rome. Mountains and monuments dot your route to your final stops in Paris and London, with a drive past the infamous WWI battlefields in France en route.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive London | Relax after your journey or spend time exploring this exciting city. Hotel Cumberland |
| 2 | London Sightseeing and Free Time | See a host of sights including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace during your morning guided sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Finishing in central London, you have the rest of the day to discover the city's delights. Meal(s) Full Breakfast |
| 3 | London – Eurostar™ – Brussels – Amsterdam | This morning meet your Travel Director before travelling to London's St. Pancras International to board the Eurostar™ for a high-speed train journey to Brussels. Continue by luxury coach to Amsterdam. Enjoy an orientation of the historic city centre before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception dinner cruise. Meal(s) Welcome Reception Hotel Mercure City |
| 4 | Amsterdam – Rhine Cruise – Heidelberg – Rhineland | Cross the border into Germany, enjoy picturesque scenery all the way to Boppard, where an included cruise takes you past vine-clad hills and crumbling medieval castles to St. Goar. Later enjoy views of the red sandstone castle towering above Heidelberg. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Achat Premium Walldorf/Reilingen |
| 5 | Rhineland – Munich – Innsbruck | Crossing the Swabian Jura, arrive in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, for an orientation drive including the Olympic Stadium and City Hall. View the Glockenspiel on Marienplatz. A short drive through splendid scenery and across the Austrian border brings you to Innsbruck. Admire the architecture of the Old Town including the Emperor Maximilian's famous Golden Roof. Consider experiencing traditional Tyrolean entertainment this evening. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Hotel Grauer Bär |
| 6 | Innsbruck – Venice | Drive along the Brenner Pass into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains. Arrive in the enchanting city of Venice. Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace along the way. Visit a traditional glassblowing workshop for a Cultural Insight demonstration, then spend the afternoon exploring the sights of your choice. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Hotel Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana |
| 7 | Venice – Rome (2 Nights) | South across the Veneto plain you pass by Bologna and through the dramatic Apennine Mountains, continuing into the Lazio region to Rome, the Eternal City. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Hotel Occidental Aurelia by Barcelo |
| 8 | Rome Sightseeing | Today's sightseeing includes a visit to St. Peter's Basilica − the most significant Christian church in the world − to view Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. In ancient Rome see sites including the Colosseum with your Local Specialist. Spend the rest of the day exploring or perhaps take an Optional Experience to see the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican Museums. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 9 | Rome – Florence Sightseeing | From Rome travel north into Tuscany, through rolling countryside and along the valley of the River Arno to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Discover the city's rich artistic and medieval history with your Local Specialist. Visit the Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi. Marvel at the baptistery and the multimarble Duomo, with its dome designed by Brunelleschi. Dine tonight at a local restaurant and enjoy a Regional Meal with your travelling companions. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Regional Meal Hotel Cosmopolitan Concept |
| 10 | Florence – Lucerne (2 Nights) | Drive via picturesque Italian Lakes and across the Alps into Switzerland. Spend the next two nights in the beautiful lakeside town of Lucerne. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Astoria |
| 11 | Lucerne Orientation | View the poignant Lion Monument during your morning orientation. Walk along the 14th century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the River Reuss. Don't miss the opportunity to take an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding mountains with breathtaking views. Later there is time to shop for Swiss souvenirs including watches and chocolates. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 12 | Lucerne – Paris (2 Nights) | Pass Basel and cross the border into France this morning. In every direction, vineyards and picturesque villages provide a memorable backdrop for your journey. Consider an Optional Experience this evening to a famous Parisian Cabaret. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Hotel Renaissance La Defense |
| 13 | Paris Sightseeing | See all the famous sights during your morning sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. View the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking view of the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring the sights that interest you. This evening celebrate with your Travel Director and travelling companions at a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Farewell Dinner |
| 14 | Depart Paris | Today bid farewell to your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your vacation. An airport transfer is available. Conditions apply. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |