11N/12D European Explorer

11 Nights / 12 Days European Explorer

Destinations Covered

United Kingdom, Netherland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France (Den Haag, Cologne, Innsbruck, Venice, Florence, Rome, Pisa, Mount Titlis, Lucerne, Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Paris)

Itinerary

Day 01: London – Dover – Ferry – Calais – The Netherlands

This morning, at the check-in point, you will meet your Tour Manager and join the coach for a leisurely drive from London to Dover port, to board the ferry for the short channel crossing to Calais. Upon arrival, we proceed through Belgium and Netherlands to visit Madurodam Model Village to see miniature Holland (or Keukenhof Gardens for arrivals in Holland between March 24th and May 20th). En route you will see countryside and also the iconic windmills of Holland. After dinner, you may either rest in your hotel or join the additional excursion – Amsterdam by Night Tour. We proceed to the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam for a canal cruise through the city’s complex system of waterways. Return to hotel late evening. (Dinner)

Day 02: The Netherlands – Cologne – Rhine Cruise – Mannheim / Frankfurt area

Proceed east across The Netherlands and into Germany. Joining the autobahn, we arrive at the famous city of Cologne where you can marvel Europe’s largest Gothic twin spire cathedral. Continuing our drive into the Rhine valley we board a cruise ship for an unforgettable trip along the River Rhine. Admire the majestic views, mountain top fairy tale castles and fortresses from a bygone era. Late evening check into our hotel for an overnight stop. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 03: Mannheim / Frankfurt area – Innsbruck

Depart this morning for Austria. Our journey takes us through the spectacular region of the Bavarian Alps, arriving at Wattens, where we visit the famous Swarovski Crystal Worlds Shop displaying a unique selection of Swarovski products. We then proceed to Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. Enjoy this charming town of green domes and red roofs – see the Hofburg and the Goldenes Dachl. Late evening check into our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 04: Innsbruck – Venice / Padova area

This morning we enjoy spectacular scenery as we drive across Europabrucke, one of Europe’s highest bridges, winding our way through the Brenner pass to cross the Italian border. We leave behind the mountains for sunny Italy, to visit Venice, the city of unparalleled beauty and romantic gondolas. Our tour starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square – the most elegant square in the world, to see the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges Palace and the Basilica di San Marco. Here we also have a chance to watch the Venetian glass blowers at work and maybe buy a souvenir for the family. Later we check into our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 05: Venice / Padova area – Pisa – Arezzo

Today we depart for Pisa. On route we cross the Appennines and the gentle hilly countryside of Tuscany to reach Pisa, where we visit the Field of Miracles. Marvel at the marble Cathedral in the Pisan Romanesque style, the Baptistery, and one of the wonders of the world, the legendary Leaning Tower. You have some time to browse through the shops and maybe buy a souvenir for your family and friends. Later we check into our hotel for a two night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 06: Arezzo – Rome – Arezzo

Passing sunlit valleys of the Chianti wine country and ancient fortresses perched high on the hills, we reach the ‘Eternal City’. On arrival, you have free time or join the additional excursion – Visit to Sistine Chapel, where we meet our local guide who will show us the splendours of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Later, with the local guide, we will all visit St. Peter’s Basilica, a renaissance masterpiece. In the afternoon, we take in other ancient sights – Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, which was the political centre of the Roman Empire, Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and the spectacular Trevi Fountain, where you may make a wish. Late evening return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 07: Arezzo – Florence – Lugano – Switzerland

Joining the autostrada, we proceed to Florence. On arrival in the city of the Medicis, we visit Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy one of the best views of this renaissance city across the River Arno. Later, driving north through Italy, we cross the Swiss border, passing spectacular scenery around the lake regions of Como and Lugano. We make a brief photo stop near Lake Lugano, before driving through the Gotthard tunnel. We arrive at our hotel late evening, and check in for a three-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 08: Switzerland: Mount Titlis – Lucerne

Driving through the Swiss alpine region and the winding mountain roads to the valley of Engelberg, we start our ascent to board the world’s first revolving cable car, reaching the peak of 10,000 feet and the highest viewpoint in central Switzerland (weather permitting). Visit the Glacier Grotto or enjoy a breathtaking panorama from the sun terrace. In the afternoon, we begin our descent, passing the glaciers and thawing ice, which create majestic waterfalls. Later we visit the town of Lucerne, to see the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. This evening, why not join the additional excursion – Lake Lucerne Cruise. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 09: Switzerland: Interlaken – Jungfraujoch

Today, we first drive to the picturesque town of Interlaken, the scene of many ‘Bollywood’ films, where you have some time to browse through the shops or join the additional excursion – Trummelbach Falls. From there a short drive brings us to Lauterbrunnen, where we board the train for the scenic journey to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres (weather permitting). Visit the Ice Palace with ice sculptures or enjoy the panoramic views from the Sphinx Terrace. Early evening we begin our descent and return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Switzerland – Paris

Early morning we leave the Swiss Alps behind us. Once into France, we join the super fast highways, driving past vineyards and mustard fields. Continue onto Paris, one of the most exciting and popular cities of Europe, renowned for its fashion, perfumes, and of course the most talked about French champagne and wines. On arrival in Paris, we visit the third floor of the Eiffel Tower to witness a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Later we check into our hotel for a two nights stay. After dinner we proceed for our Paris by Night Tour with River Seine Cruise (*). On our tour we will see the main sights illuminated, and enjoy an amazing cruise on the River Seine – admire the spectacular facades from your covered boat. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11: Paris

Today you have the choice of two exciting day tours:

Paris – City Tour: This morning, on our orientation tour of Paris, we will be introduced to the main sights of this beautiful city: Hotel des Invalides, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the Opera. Later, you have some time to browse through the shops, or join the additional excursion – Visit to Louvre Museum, where you can see the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. Finally join us for an exciting optional Lido Paris Cabaret show. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

OR

Disneyland Paris Theme Park: A short drive to the famous Disneyland Paris Theme Park where a day of excitement for the entire family awaits you. Meet all your favourite Disney characters, see the amazing show ‘Honey, I shrunk the audience’, ride the hair-raising ‘Space Mountain’ roller coaster. Finally join us for an exciting optional Lido Paris Cabaret show. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 12: Paris – Calais – Ferry – Dover – London

This morning we proceed to Versailles, to visit the magnificent Gardens at the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of the famous ‘Sun King’. Next we visit a French perfumery for some last minute shopping. Early afternoon we depart and journey north for Calais to board the ferry for the return channel crossing. On arrival at Dover port, we proceed to London, where the tour ends, and its time to say farewell to all the friends you have made on tour. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Note (*): Please note that the Paris by Night Tour with the River Seine Cruise may be operated on either Day 10 or Day 11 as per convenience.