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ITINERARY
Day 1 – London – Amsterdam
We meet our Tour Director at the Holiday Inn Kings Cross/Bloomsbury, then leave London for the White Cliffs of Dover and our ferry to Calais. First to Belgium and across Flanders Fields, then into Holland to lively Amsterdam. Here we pass canals and tall gabled houses to see the Royal Palace in Dam Square and see sparkling stones transformed before our eyes as we visit a diamond-polishing factory. Hotel: Tulip Inn Lakeside.
Day 2 – Amsterdam – Rhineland
We leave Amsterdam this morning and cross the border into Germany. At Cologne we stop to view the Gothic cathedral with its soaring spires. We then pass Beethoven's home town of Bonn and continue to the village of Boppard, where we join our Rhine Cruise past castles, vineyards and villages. We rejoin the coach and see the legendary Loreley Rock, before continuing on to our hotel.
Hotel: NH Weinheim. (B,D)
Day 3 – Rhineland – Lake Lucerne
Today we visit Heidelberg where we have views of the ruined castle. Then into the Black Forest, past Lake Titisee and pine-covered hillsides dotted with geranium-decked farmhouses. Now over the Swiss border, to see the Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen and then on to Lake Lucerne. Hotel: Postillon (Buochs). (B,D)
Day 4 – Lucerne Sightseeing
On our tour of Lucerne we visit the Lion Monument, carved out of a limestone cliff, and see the renowned Chapel Bridge. There's time to shop this afternoon for famous Swiss chocolate or perhaps take an excursion by cable car up one of the nearby mountains for breathtaking views of the Alps? (B,D)
Day 5 – Lake Lucerne – Innsbruck
In Liechtenstein we visit Vaduz, overlooked by the 700 year old castle. Then its on through spectacular scenery to Innsbruck. Here we see the Imperial Palace and Golden Roof. Perhaps enjoy an evening of Tyrolean Folklore tonight?
Hotel: Alpinpark. (B,D)
Day 6 – Innsbruck – Venice
This morning we cross the impressive Europa Bridge before taking the Brenner Pass into Italy. We visit Verona, city of Romeo and Juliet where we see Juliet's balcony and the Roman arena, then it's across the fertile Adriatic Plain to our hotel. Hotel: II Burchiello (Oriago). (B,D)
Day 7 – Venice sightseeing
This morning we drive to the Venetian Lagoon where our private launch takes us to St. Mark's Square. We see the ornate Basilica of St Mark, Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and the prison in which Casanova was incarcerated, but from which he made a daring escape! A demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing follows. Then we are at leisure. Why not explore the islands of the beautiful lagoon and try the local seafood specialties? (B,D)
Day 8 – Venice – Rome
This morning we cross the Appenine Mountains and follow the Autostrada del Sole past ancient Etruscan hill towns to Rome. This city, founded on seven hills above the river Tiber, has an appeal all its own. Tonight perhaps discover the hidden piazzas and fountains of the 'Eternal City'? Hotel: Cristoforo Colombo. (B)
Day 9 – Rome Sightseeing
Our city tour with an expert guide begins with the Vatican City. We visit the impressive St. Peter's Basilica to admire Michelangelo's 'Pieta' and splendid dome. There is also time for an optional to visit the Vatican Museum to see the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Then our local guide unfurls the history of the empire at the Imperial Roman Forum and we see the magnificent Colosseum. (B)
Day 10 – Rome – Naples
We pass Monte Cassino on our journey south to the Bay of Naples and our hotel. On arrival perhaps take an excursion to the Isle of Capri with its perfumed flowers and gardens. Dinner is at our hotel. Hotel: Holiday Inn Naples. (B,D)
Day 11 – Naples – Florence
This morning you have the chance to take an optional visit to the excavations at Pompeii before we drive north through Tuscany to the Renaissance city of Florence. After a demonstration of Florentine leatherwork and free time we continue to our hotel. Hotel: Art Hotel Miro. (B,D)
Day 12 – Florence – Nice
First stop today is the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Field of Miracles. Later we follow the Italian and French riviera coasts past Genoa, and visit the Principality of Monaco before continuing to our hotel. Hotel: Novotel Nice Centre Acropolis. (B,D)
Day 13 – Nice at leisure
A day on the French Riviera! Why not join an optional excursion to St. Paul de Vence? Or relax, have a swim or be tempted by the shops. (B)
Day 14 – Nice – Lyon
Today along the coastline through Provence to Avignon. Here we see the Papal Palace and St. Benezet Bridge. Then we head to Lyon, ancient capital of Gaul. Hotel: Tulip Inn Saphir Lyon. (B,D)
Day 15 – Lyon – Paris
This morning's drive takes us along the Rhone Valley past charming Beaune and through the wine-producing Burgundy region to Paris for two nights.Hotel: Mercure La Defense . (B)
Day 16 – Paris Sightseeing
With a local guide we tour the city, seeing the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Opera and Place de la Concorde. Time at leisure this afternoon. Maybe shop for last minute souvenirs, or visit Mona Lisa in the Louvre? Tonight, perhaps enjoy a farewell dinner in a typical Parisian restaurant or a fun cabaret? (B)
Day 17 – Paris – London
Through World War I battlefields and across the Somme Valley to Calais, then over the Channel to Dover and London, where our tour ends. (B)
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