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ITINERARY
Day 1 – London – Amsterdam
We meet our Tour Director at the Holiday Inn Kings Cross/Bloomsbury this morning, before heading south to board our ferry to Calais. From Calais we cross Belgium's Flanders Fields, then enter Holland to lively Amsterdam. Here we see the Royal Palace in Dam Square and then we visit a diamond-cutting and polishing factory. Hotel: Tulip Inn Lakeside. (D)
Day 2 – Amsterdam – Rhineland
This morning it's first to Cologne, where we view the Gothic cathedral before embarking on our Rhine Cruise, to sail serenely past castles, vineyards and villages of half-timbered houses. We rejoin our coach to drive past the legendary Loreley Rock, then continue on to our Rhineland 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, passing Lake Titisee before we head overthe Swiss border, to see the RhineFalls at Schaffhausen and then onto Lake Lucerne. Hotel: Postillon (Buochs). (B,D)
Day 4 – Lucerne Sightseeing
On our tour of Lucerne we visit the Lion Monument and see the Chapel Bridge. There's time to shop 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
Over the Europa Bridge and the Brenner Pass, we follow the Adige valley en route to Venice. Here we cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, Doges' Palace and Basilica, before a demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing. Then we drive to our hotel in the Veneto region.
Hotel: La Meridiana (Mogliano) (B,D)
Day 7 – Venice – Assisi
A leisurely day today through the Apennine mountains to St Francis' hilltop Assisi. Here we see the great Basilica with its magnificent frescoes by the artist Giotto. Hotel: II Castello. (B,D)
Day 8 – Assisi – Naples
This morning we travel southwards, passing the Abbey of Monte Cassino, to the Bay of Naples. We have the opportunity to visit the excavations at Pompeii before continuing to our hotel. Hotel: Holiday Inn Naples. (B,D)
Day 9 – Naples – Rome
First there is time perhaps to take an excursion to the enchanting perfumed Isle of Capri, before we continue on our journey to the 'Eternal City' of Rome.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Fleming. (B)
Day 10 – Rome Sightseeing
Our guided tour begins with a visit to the Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica with it's moving 'Pieta' by Michelangelo and splendid dome. There is also the option to visit the Vatican Museums to see the Sistine Chapel. We then admire the Imperial Forum and the Colosseum, with time afterwards to explore Rome at our own pace. (B)
Day 11 – Rome – Florence
We travel north to Renaissance Florence, the artistic centre of Italy. Here we enjoy views over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo and watch a demonstration of leatherwork. Then we are at leisure to explore all the famous sights such as the cathedral, Piazza Signoria or Santa Croce square. Hotel: Art Hotel Miro. (B,D)
Day 12 – Florence – French Riviera
After seeing the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa we're off along the spectacular road high above the Italian Riviera. We cross the French border and pass elegant Monaco. We pause to visit a French perfumery, then continue to our hotel. Tonight, perhaps a flutter at the Monte Carlo casino? Hotel: Grand Mercure Sophia Country Club. (B,D)
Day 13 – French Riviera
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. Tonight, perhaps enjoy an optional dinner with local specialities? (B)
Day 14 – French Riviera – Barcelona
Today we travel across the Camargue, famous for its wild horses, bulls and flamingos. We continue through Catalonia to Barcelona. Hotel: NH Porta Barcelona (B,D)
Day 15 – Barcelona Sightseeing
On our tour of the city we see Gaudi's famed Sagrada Familia, the gothic Cathedral and Christopher Columbus' Monument in the historic port. Then free time, perhaps visit the Pueblo Espanol with its replicas of regional Spanish villages? (B)
Day 16 – Barcelona – Madrid
We cross the River Ebro in Aragon today, then ascend the Morata Pass to the plains of Old Castille, and on to Madrid, the capital of Spain created virtually from scratch in the centre of the country by Philip II in the 16th century. Hotel: Abba Madrid. (B)
Day 17 – Madrid Sightseeing
With our local guide we see the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, the celebrated Cibeles Fountain and the Gran Via. Then we have some time at leisure to shop for local goods or maybe take a trip to nearby Toledo? (B)
Day 18 – Madrid – Lourdes
Over the soaring Pyrenees into France and the famous pilgrimage centre of Lourdes. We visit the miraculous Grotto and join the moving candlelight procession – an experience which will remain in your memory forever! Hotel: Sainte Rose. (B,D)
Day 19 – Lourdes – Bordeaux
Time to explore this mountain-ringed town this morning, before we continue north with a drive past world-famous vineyards to the major Atlantic port of Bordeaux. Hotel: Mercure Bordeaux Meriadeck Centre. (B,D)
Day 20 – Bordeaux – Paris
Across the Dordogne River to the Loire Valley. We follow the lovely River Loire, pausing to view the Chateau of Amboise where Leonardo da Vinci is buried and also the monumental castle at Blois. Now on to Paris, where tonight you may wish to tour the fabulous illuminations. Hotel: Novotel Porte D'Asnieres. (B)
Day 21 – Paris Sightseeing
In this city of romance our expert local guide shows us the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the famous Eiffel Tower. Then perhaps visit Montmartre or the Louvre. Tonight Perhaps enjoy a typical Parisian cabaret? (B)
Day 22 – Paris – London
Crossing World War I battlefields to Calais, we take the ferry to Dover, and continue onto London, where our tour ends. (B)
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