See some of Europe’s most precious gems on this magnificent mosaic of European culture. Begin in London with two overnights and free time to discover the UK’s capital. Cross the English Channel by ferry and board your motorcoach to Amsterdam, where guided sightseeing and a canal cruise await. In Germany, travel along the castle-dotted Rhine River and join the Romantic Road as it passes by medieval towns with fairytale-looking, half-timbered houses. Overnight in Munich and continue south through the majestic Dolomites on your way to Venice. A boat ride along one of the main canals takes you to St. Mark’s Square, with time to admire the famous Venetian landmarks. On to Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance,” for a guided walking tour that features Palazzo Vecchio, sculpture-filled Signoria Square, the Duomo, and more. Heading north, cross the Lombardy plain into Switzerland’s Canton Ticino for a stop in lovely subtropical Lugano before climbing toward St. Gotthard Tunnel and then descending to Lake Lucerne. Your vacation ends in Paris, the “City of Light,” where a local expert shows you the sites, and you’ll enjoy free time to soak up the romantic beauty.

Notes:
April 3 Departure - Easter Week
December 17 Departure - Christmas lunch in Florence

Day 1 Arrive in London, England
Check into your hotel. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 2 London
A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (Breakfast)

Day 3 London–Amsterdam Area, Holland
Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you board your ferry for the Continent. Here you meet your Tour Director and join your luxury coach for the drive to the Amsterdam area. (Breakfast)

Day 4 Amsterdam Area–Rhineland, Germany
Today, enjoy sightseeing in Amsterdam with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights. Later, a canal cruise to see the town from water level, then watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a diamond center. In the afternoon, travel southwards to reach the Rhineland for an overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 Rhineland–Romantic Road–Rothenburg–Munich
Start the day with a scenic drive along the shores of the Rhine or opt for a Rhine cruise. Admire the pretty villages, the castles perched high above the river, and the numerous terraced vineyards. Next, a drive along the Romantic Road, through towns and villages protected by medieval towergates and battlements, with squares of half-timbered houses and richly decorated fountains. A fine example of this architecture is the center of Rothenburg, where you stop awhile. Overnight in Munich. (Breakfast)

Day 6 Munich–Innsbruck, Austria–Venice Area, Italy
Travel from Munich to Austria for a stop in the capital of the Tyrol, Innsbruck. In the afternoon, drive over Brenner Pass into the Dolomites to admire this unique natural world wonder before the descent into the Piave Valley to the Venice area. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 Venice–Florence Area
The included orientation tour starts with a boat ride and is followed by a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Then, southwards into the hilly Tuscan countryside to reach the Florence area for two overnights. (Breakfast)

Day 8 Florence Area
This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled all day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center, so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide that features most of the city highlights. You will see the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry, known as the “Gate of Paradise.” Later, join the optional excursion to see the leaning tower of Pisa. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9 Florence Area–Lugano, Switzerland–Lake Lucerne
Across the Lombardy plains this morning to Canton Ticino’s subtropical resort of Lugano. Here you take a break to stroll along the lakeside promenade before your motorcoach climbs towards the St. Gotthard Tunnel. Emerge on the German-speaking side of Switzerland, then descend into the gentle landscape around Lake Lucerne. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10 Lake Lucerne–Paris, France
This morning, visit the Lion Monument and the wooden bridge before joining an optional boat trip. Then, vistas of green pastures and attractive chalets with rustic timbering and luxuriant flowers. Enter France via the comfortable highway, past some of its most famous vineyards, to Paris. Arrive in time to enjoy an optional cabaret show. (Breakfast)

Day 11 Paris
Included sightseeing with a local expert shows off many of the best-known Parisian sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid near the Louvre, the Invalides, and Champs Elysées. Optional excursions are also available to visit some of the highlights and, to celebrate the success of your tour, a French farewell dinner might be just the ticket. (Breakfast)

Day 12 Paris
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US
Ask about booking an air-inclusive vacation - the reasons why include, you'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation.

AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES
Ask about airport transfer times, prices and what's included with your vacation.

Vacation Highlights

INCLUDED FEATURES

Headsets throughout the tour Visits to Rothenburg, Innsbruck, Venice, Lugano, Lucerne

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Rhineland, Romantic Road, Italian Dolomites

INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

GUIDES
Host service in London. Local Guides for city sightseeing in Amsterdam, Florence, Paris. Professional Tour Director while touring

STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Ask transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.

Accommodations

MEALS
Buffet breakfasts; 4 dinners

HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class
LONDON Kensington Close (ST), AMSTERDAM AREA NH Airport (F) at Schiphol, RHINELAND Zum Anker (ST) at Andernach or Ramada (F) at Bruehl, MUNICH Tryp (F), VENICE AREA Poppi (F) at Mira, FLORENCE AREA Europa (ST) at Signa, LAKE LUCERNE Hirschen (ST) at Flüelen or Pilatusblick (ST) at Kriens, PARIS Kyriad Prestige (ST) at Porte de St. Cloud

TRANSPORTATION
Round-trip transportation between London and the Channel ports; on the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Cross-Channel ferry; canal transfer boat in Venice

Optional Excursions

Important Note: the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.

Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.

CITY: Florence

Tuscan Flavours
A lovely typical meal in the Tuscan countryside. La Certosa Restaurant is situated in front of the Charterhouse of Florence, which was built in the 13th century and formed from the old chemist of the Monks. The historical residence enjoys an enchanting and privileged panoramic position.
Approximate value: EUR €50 per person

Uffizi Gallery
Admire the world's greatest collection of Italian and Florentine art. The gallery exhibits works by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo.
Approximate value: EUR €35 per person

Excursion To Pisa
Travel through picturesque Tuscan countryside to the city of Pisa. See its famous University and of course the magnificent "Square of Miracles", with the celebrated Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery.
Approximate value: EUR €30 per person

CITY: London

Morning City Sightseeing Daily
A comprehensive tour in the company of a local guide including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Changing of the Guard (if held). Note: Groups cannot visit St. Paul's on Sundays. Reduced traffic permits more sightseeing and a lower price (GBP 24) applies.
Approximate value: GBP £29 per person

Tower of London and Crown Jewels Afternoons daily
Let your guide bring the 900-year-old Tower Of London to life before you inspect the fabulous Crown Jewels. Afternoons daily.
Approximate value: GBP £37 per person

Afternoon Excursion to Windsor Castle Daily
Enjoy your guided visit to the Queen's favorite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The highlight is the newly refurbished state rooms.
Approximate value: GBP £37 per person

Buckingham Palace & the Royal Mews Afternoons daily July 23 to October 3
First a guided visit to the Royal Mews to see the magnificent gold coach, then admire over 20 grand rooms in the palace used by the Queen for state occasions.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person

A Taste of London Daily April to October
Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion combines a traditional London pub experience with a relaxed, night-time river cruise, viewing some of the capital's most beautiful illuminated sights. Enjoy a three-course dinner at an historic London pub in the City of London.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person

CITY: Lorelei

Lorelei And Its Castles
Discover the mystical magic of the Rhine river with its historic villages, beautiful castles and of course the legendary Lorelei Rock.
Approximate value: EUR €25 per person

CITY: Lucerne

Swiss Folklore Evening
Contrary to belief, not all Swiss can yodel or blow the alp horn, but those you will meet at your after-dinner folklore party are real experts. They entertain you with merry melodies on the accordion and traditional dances, while you sample cheese fondue and a drink of your choice.
Approximate value: EUR €50 per person

Scenic Lake Cruise
An hour's guided cruise on the most beautiful lake in Switzerland gives you an introduction to this lovely city from a completely different aspect. With its many bays, it offers superb panoramas of the surrounding landscape. The area is rich in historical associations, particularly the William Tell legend.
Approximate value: EUR €25 per person

CITY: Paris

Cabaret Show
A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to a typical cabaret show. A glass of champagne is served during the show.
Approximate value: EUR €65 per person

Versailles Sun King's Palace (Sat-Sun)
Week-ends visit: Historic Versailles is the beautifully restored palace of Louis XIV, the Sun King. After the guided tour of the palace, you can stroll in the magnificent terraced gardens with their fountains and statues. The Palace of Versailles is open every day except Mondays and bank holidays. On these days, you will be offered alternative sights.
Approximate value: EUR €70 per person

Farewell Dinner & Montmartre
The evening consists of a visit to Montmartre, the heart of Bohemian Paris, with time to see the Sacre-Coeur Church enjoying a panoramic view of the city. Included is a memorable four-course dinner with an aperitif and wine.
Approximate value: EUR €57 per person

CITY: Venice

By Night And Caffe Florian
Enjoy a motorboat ride along the impressive Giudecca Canal with a commentary of the most important sights. A leisurely walk to St. Mark's Square, past famous buildings, small bridges and inner canals will take you to the historical Caffe Florian with its orchestra playing Italian and international old favorites. You will be served two items of your choice - long drink, glass of wine, ice cream or Venetian cookies.
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person

Gondola Serenade
This is one of the highlights of any European holiday - a gondola ride through centuries-old canals, under famous arched bridges, and past lavish palaces and quaint piazzas.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person

PRICES
From approx $1,645 US per person double occupancy