European Classic

This classic route through Europe is a great way to get from Greece to Great Britain with a touch of 'la dolce vita' along the way.

INSIGHT VACATIONS EUROPEAN CLASSIC - Premium Highlights
Excursions & Sights

   * Ascend the Acropolis to visit the Parthenon, see Hadrian's Arch & Temple of Zeus in Athens
   * Visit the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes & Turkish port of Kusadasi
   * Visit the Island of Capri
   * Guided visit of Pompeii
   * Visit Rome's Trevi Fountain, Colosseum & see the Roman Forum
   * Visit the 'Gates of Paradise', Michelangelo's tomb & Signoria Square in Florence
   * Visit the Academy Museum to see Michelangelo's 'Statue of David'
   * See St Mark's Basilica, the Doges' Palace & Bridge of Sighs in Venice
   * Experience the magic of Venice on a Gondola ride through the canals
   * Visit the medieval town of St Paul de Vence & fashionable Cannes, home of the film festival.
   * Visit a French perfumery,
   * Experience the trip of a lifetime by ascending Mount Pilatus by cog-wheel railway.
   * View Lucerne's Lion Monument & Chapel Bridge
   * See Notre Dame Cathedral & Arch de Triomphe
   * Ascend the Eiffel Tower and visit the Tomb of Napoleon

Guided City Tours

   * In depth sightseeing tours in  Athens, Pompeii, Rome, Florence & Paris
   * Orientation tours in Sorrento, Venice, Lucerne

Insight's First Class Services

   * Escorted by a professional Tour Director
   * Luxury air-conditioned coach with onboard toilet
   * 3 day cruise with outside cabin & porthole, including all port taxes & crew gratuities
   * First Class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
   * Travel bag, document wallet, map book journal and information pack
   * Complimentary airport arrival transfer in Athens
   * Free London airport departure transfer when booking our London hotel

Quality Dining

   * Highlight Dinner of local cuisine, wine and entertainment in Rome
   * Enjoy a Greek Evening and Dinner with entertainment whilst cruising
   * 18 enhanced or buffet breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 three course table d'hôte dinners, or buffets, plus tea or coffee and 3 Suppers

ITINERARY INSIGHT VACATIONS EUROPEAN CLASSIC TOUR

Tour Pace

This grand tour has many two night stays in the major cities and is well paced. There is a relaxing break in the middle of the itinerary with the three day Greek Island cruise. All the travelling days have frequent stops.

Day 1 - ATHENS

The ancient capital of Greece, Athens. From the top of your hotel you can see the Acropolis and the sea.
Hotel: Metropolitan (BB)

Day 2 - ATHENS SIGHTSEEING

Join a local guide this morning for your Athens sightseeing tour. Enjoy glory in abundance, from the Parthenon and Acropolis to the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of the Wingless Victory and Hadrian's Arch. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. (BB)

Day 3 - CRUISING - MYKONOS

Board your cruise ship and set sail for the Cyclades. Arrive early evening at the lovely island of Mykonos with its sugarcube houses, duo-tone chapels and whitewashed windmills. The narrow lanes of the town were originally built to discourage the wind and pirates! Tonight they're yours to explore. (BB,L,D,S)

Day 4 - CRUISING - KUSADASI & PATMOS

Dock at the Turkish port of Kusadasi to visit the bazaar or perhaps take the option to visit ancient Ephesus. Sail to the island of Patmos where St John wrote the book of Revelation. Tonight enjoy a Greek Evening and Dinner with entertainment. (BB,L,HD,S)

Day 5 - CRUISING - HERAKLION & SANTORINI

Sail to Heraklion on the island of Crete, site of the ruins of King Minos' Palace of Knossos. Later continue to the sheer cliffs of Santorini. Experience the island's capital of Thira, with its cliff top restaurants and cafes, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. (B,L,D,S)

Day 6 - AT SEA

The cruise ends in Athens where you join your transfer coach. Explore the fascinating markets of the Plaka before crossing the breathtaking Corinth Canal to the Peloponnese region of Greece. At the port
of Patras board your overnight ferry to Italy. (BB)

Day 7 - SORRENTO

Disembark in Bari and cross the Apennines to the Italian west coast. Cruise to the magical island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway. Browse in the exclusive boutiques before returning to the picturesque resort of Sorrento.
Hotel: Hotel Caravel (BB,D)

Day 8 - SORRENTO AT LEISURE

Stroll through this lovely resort with fine views over the Gulf of Naples. Visit the lively Piazza Tasso to watch the art of 'intarsio' wood inlaying. Maybe explore the famous Amalfi Coast? (BB)

Day 9 - SORRENTO - POMPEII - ROME

Drive to the Roman town of Pompeii, buried by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. Your local guide leads you through the cobbled streets, shops, villas and temples bringing to life the plight of the ill-fated citizens. Then it's on to the 'Eternal City' of Rome.
Hotel: Cicerone (BB)

Day 10 - ROME SIGHTSEEING

With a local guide, visit the superb Vatican Museums and see Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Then see Michelangelo's 'Pieta' inside St Peter's Basilica. Cross the River Tiber to visit the massive Colosseum and look out over the Roman Forum. Later, consider visiting the Catacombs. Tonight, enjoy a Dine-Around evening which offers you a choice of selected restaurants for your dining pleasure. Enjoy a short group tutorial on the wines that complement your evening meal. (BB,DA)

Day 11 - ROME - FLORENCE

Drive north into the beautiful region of Tuscany and follow the Arno valley to the Renaissance city of Florence.
Hotel: NH Firenze (BB,D)

Day 12 - FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING

Explore the riches of the Renaissance on your Florentine walking tour. Firstly, visit the Academy Museum with a local guide to see Michelangelo's original 'David', then walk on to the massive domed Cathedral and Baptistry, where Ghiberti's 'Gates of Paradise' have been recreated in all their glory. Last stop is Signoria Square, political heart of the city. After a demonstration of traditional leather work, the rest of the day is at leisure. (BB)

Day 13 - FLORENCE - PISA - MONACO - NICE

Lend your support to the Leaning Tower of Pisa before following the Italian Riviera coast to France. Stop in Monaco to see its harbour, Monte Carlo Casino and drive the Grand Prix circuit before continuing to elegant Nice.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Nice (BB)

Day 14 - ST PAUL DE VENCE & CANNES EXCURSION

Get to know the village of St Paul de Vence, revel in its pleasures and experience its art and lifestyle. Then visit fashionable Cannes, home to the famous film festival. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the French Riviera. (BB)

Day 15 - NICE - LUCERNE

Visit a local French perfumery before passing through the Italian Lake District en route to the Swiss Alps and lovely lakeside Lucerne.
Hotel: Astoria (BB)

Day 16 - LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING

Ascend Mount Pilatus by cog-wheel railway for stunning 360 degree views of the Swiss Alps. Later, back in Lucerne, see the Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge before enjoying some free time to shop. (BB,D)

Day 17 - LUCERNE - PARIS

After breakfast, cross the border at Basel and continue through the wine region of Burgundy to the glittering French capital of Paris.
Hotel: Pullman Bercy (BB)

Day 18 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing with a local guide shows you the highlights of the city. See the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, then drive past the facades of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, its centre occupied by a giant Egyptian obelisk. Continue along the elegant Champs Champs Élysees to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. Now ascend the Eiffel Tower for fine views over Paris. The afternoon is at leisure; perhaps visit the superb Louvre museum? (BB)

Day 19 - PARIS - LONDON

Travel across the battlefields of the First World War to Calais, then over the Channel to Dover and continue to London, where the tour ends. (BB)

Your Insight tour already includes a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. However, there is an exciting array of optional excursions which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Tour Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your tour. All prices are quoted in local currency. Payment can be made in cash or by Visa, Mastercard or American Express. To help your pre-tour budgeting we suggest you allow approximately EURO 45 per person per day for optional excursions.

ATH22 - CAPE SOUNION
Cape Sounion is the Southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula in Greece, site of the first lighthouse and the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon. Steeped in Greek History, this is one of the most famous and picturesque places in Greece. EURO 37

ATH79 - TRADITIONAL GREEK TAVERNA MEAL IN THE PLAKA
The lively Plaka is within walking distance from most of the central Athens hotels and it is here that we enjoy excellent traditional Greek food, music and dance. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included. (Casual dress) EURO 52

SHORE EXCURSIONS
Optional shore excursions will be offered while on your cruise. Full details of the excursions listed below will be provided by your representative in Greece or on embarkation of your cruise. The shore excursions are arranged by Louis Cruises, and Insight is not able to intervene with regard to any purchases made at shops visited on these excursions. An Insight Representative will be available on the cruise ship but might not accompany groups on shore excursions.

MYK01 - MYKONOS WALKING TOUR
HALF DAY Adult: EURO 49 Child: EURO 33

KUS01 - EPHESUS & THE HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY
HALF DAY Adult: EURO 65 Child: EURO 43

KUS02 - ANCIENT EPHESUS
HALF DAY Adult: EURO 62 Child: EURO 41

PAT01 - ST. JOHN'S MONASTERY & GROTTO OF THE APOCALYPSE
HALF DAY Adult: EURO 51 Child: EURO 31

PAT02 - SCENIC ISLAND TOUR
HALF DAY Adult: EURO 39 Child: EURO 25

HER02 - KNOSSOS PALACE
HALF DAY Adult: EURO 58 Child: EURO 39

HER04 - A TASTE OF CRETE Adult: EURO 54 Child: EURO 27

SAN01A - EXCURSION TO OIA VILLAGE Adult: EURO 55 Child: EURO 35

SAN02 - SANTORINI SAILING & VOLCANO
HALF DAY Adult: EURO 55 Child: EURO 28

SRR08A - AMALFI COAST DRIVE & POSITANO VISIT
A drive along Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast brings us to Positano. This sun-drenched artist's resort is the 'Pearl of Amalfi'. Spend time exploring the elegant shops, watching the artist's at work, or enjoying an 'aperitivo' in a beachside cafe. Now continue into the hills above Sorrento to a typical Sorrentino farm. Here with a local family, surrounded by lemon tree's and olive groves, we enjoy the delights of the 'Bay of Naples', including the famous Mozarella and other local specialties. Don't forget to try the homemade Limoncello.... Buonissimo! EURO 65

ROM05 - DINNER IN ROME AND ILLUMINATIONS
We begin with a visit to a local 'ristorante' to try a selection of Roman dishes prepared in the Roman way. Drinks such as wine, beer and soft drinks are included. After a delicious meal accompanied by music, we take you to see Rome beautifully illuminated. Our journey takes us past sights including the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia and Michelangelo's 'Cordonata' to name but a few. A night not to be missed. EURO 57

ROM16 - PIAZZA & FOUNTAINS
This walking tour takes you to the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona with its pavement cafes, 17th century fountains and architecture. Perhaps have your portrait painted by one of the street artists! This tour is conducted by a local guide and you will utilise personal headsets. EURO 32

ROM20 - CATACOMBS OF ANCIENT ROME
First we visit the Catacombs which are early Christian underground cemeteries carved out of soft tufa stone. Next; a visit to the Basilica of St Paul without the Walls, built on the site of St Paul's tomb. Visit the interior which is celebrated for its great works of art. EURO 34

VCE06 - MAGICAL VENICE
This evening we board our private boats for a cruise down the famous "Grand Canal", past illuminated palazzi and twinkling chandeliers, to the romantic St Mark's Square. We have reservations in a famous café where we sit under the stars listening to the orchestra play some of Italy's best loved music (One drink is included). EURO 45

VCE09 - HIDDEN VENICE
An historical walk, with a local guide, through some of the lesser known quarters of Venice. Discover some of the secrets of other quarters of the Venetian labyrinth. Your experience will be enhanced by the use of individual headsets. EURO 26

VCE02 - BURANO EXCURSION & LUNCH
Explore the Venetian lagoon on our cruise around the islands including the colourful island of Burano - a photographer's paradise and famous for its lace. Then enjoy a superb lunch sampling the local specialities. An excursion not to be missed! Lunch may be replaced with a dinner. EURO 65

FLO03 - DINNER IN THE TUSCAN HILLS
One not to miss - a fabulous Tuscan gastronomic experience awaits you. We drive to a specially chosen restaurant for an evening to remember with beautiful food and wine. Viva Italia! EURO 57

FLO09 - SAN GIMIGNANO EXCURSION
A delightful excursion to Tuscany's most famous hilltop town. San Gimignano is considered the medieval Manhattan of Italy due to its towers which dominate the skyline. There is time to enjoy the atmosphere of this unchanged ancient jewel which has remained intact since the 14th century, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage town. EURO 31

FLO14 - DINNER AT LA CERTOSA
We enjoy a Tuscan dinner with wine in a private room overlooking the imposing Certosa monastery. The menu features local specialities and music is provided by local artists. At the end of the meal we can taste the famous liqueurs produced by the monks. (This tour is sometimes offered with an interior visit to the monastery). EURO 66

NCE08 - RIVIERA '3 CORNICHES' & DINNER
We take a spectacular scenic drive along the Riviera to the 'Three Corniches' and enjoy breathtaking views along perhaps the most beautiful coast in Europe. We reach the 'Grand Corniche' and stop for a sweeping panorama over the Mediterranean coastline. We continue to our restaurant where we enjoy a dinner of local specialities from the region. (Drinks included). EURO 65

NCE01 - ST PAUL DE VENCE
A drive along the famous Cote d'Azur to the medieval hilltop town of St Paul de Vence. It was a source of inspiration for artists such as Chagall, Matisse and Cezanne and you will understand why as you wander through the cobbled streets and enjoy the panoramic views over Provence. EURO 19

LCR01A - LAKE LUCERNE HAPPY HOUR CRUISE
Widely considered to be the loveliest of the mountain lakes, much of the shoreline of Lake Lucerne can only be fully appreciated from the water. Admire the spectacular homes of the fortunate few, privileged to live on its scenic shores, as we cruise gently by. Two drinks will be served during the trip. EURO 38

LCR05 - SWISS EVENING
Enjoy a tasty Swiss meal (one of the courses will be the famous Swiss cheese fondue) in a typical restaurant. Whilst you enjoy dinner, join in the fun of a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag throwing, Alpenhorn blowing and other great Swiss entertainment. Drinks are included. EURO 74

LCR14 - CARRIAGES & COUNTRYSIDE
A chance to meet the Swiss, as local farmers take us on a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Enjoy stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a local farm where local drinks and snacks will be served. EURO 45

PAR02 - SEINE CRUISE & ILLUMINATIONS
After our leisurely Seine Cruise we take a magical tour of the 'city of light'. EURO 32

PAR27 - DINNER, SEINE CRUISE & ILLUMINATIONS TOUR
An excellent dinner in a traditional Parisian Bistro is followed by a cruise along the River Seine to view famous sights from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame cathedral. The evening ends with a tour of the spectacular illuminations of Paris. EURO 78

PAR24 - MOULIN ROUGE
Dinner and cabaret at the world famous Moulin Rouge – the original Parisian cabaret – immortalized by the recent award winning film! EURO 145
NOUVELLE EVE - Dinner with wine included at one of the most prestigious cabarets in town. An evening of exciting acts, stunning tableaux and wonderful entertainment. EURO 125