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INSIGHT VACATIONS European Explorer ITINERARY
This tour has a leisurely pace with two night stays in the eight key cities & overnight stays in the Rhineland, Nördlingen & Innsbruck. Travelling days are well balanced with frequent stops. There is definitely time to truly explore Europe on this tour.
Day 1 - LONDON - AMSTERDAM
Travel to Dover and cross the channel to Calais. Continue through Belgium into the Netherlands and on to Amsterdam. On arrival, enjoy a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Moevenpick Amsterdam City Centre. (D)
Day 2 - AMSTERDAM SIGHTSEEING
Cross Dam Square and pass the Royal Palace to see diamonds being cut and polished. Now into the countryside to visit the fishing village of Volendam and watch cheese and clogs being made. (BB)
Day 3 - AMSTERDAM - RHINELAND
Head to Arnhem to view the 'Bridge Too Far'. Then cross the German border to see the soaring spires of Cologne Cathedral. Join a Highlight cruise on the finest stretch of the Rhine River before reaching your hotel.
Hotel: Hilton Mainz (BB,D)
Day 4 - RHINELAND - HEIDELBERG - ROTHENBURG - INNSBRUCK
Visit Heidelberg's ruined castle and see the world's largest wine vat before travelling on to the medieval walled city of Rothenburg, situated on the legendary Romantic Road. Walk with your Tour Director to admire the old houses, towers and interesting gateways dating from the 14th century. Continue southwards into Austria and continue to mountain ringed Innsbruck.
Hotel: Hilton Innsbruck (BB,D)
Day 5 - INNSBRUCK SIGHTSEEING
On this morning's orientation tour, admire the Rococo interior of the Wilten Basilica before seeing the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace in the Old Town. Later, consider taking a horse-drawn carriage ride in a nearby mountain village. (BB,D)
Day 6 - INNSBRUCK - VIENNA
Follow the Inn Valley to Salzburg, for a guided tour. Walk through the Mirabell Gardens for fine views of the city skyline dominated by the Hohensalzburg Fortress. On the other side of the Salzach see Mozart's birthplace on the Getreidegasse and the Cathedral in the old town. After some time to explore, continue past Mondsee Lake and along the Danube Valley to the elegant city of Vienna.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna Plaza (BB)
Day 7 - VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
Visit the State Apartments of Schonbrunn Palace, once Maria Theresa's summer palace. On a guided city tour, see the Parliament, Winter Palace and Opera House along the Ring Road.
Finish with an explanation of the history and culture of the Viennese cafe. (BB)
Day 8 - VIENNA - VENICE
Cross the Semmering Pass and continue south past enchanting lakes and wooded countryside. Travel through the Carinthian Lake District into Italy. Follow mountain valleys down to the Veneto Plain on your way to your hotel located on Venice's fashionable Lido.
Hotel: Biasutti (BB)
Day 9 - VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Take a private launch to St Mark's Square where you see the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs, St Mark's Campanile and ornate Basilica. See a demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing before taking a highlight ride in a traditional gondola through the silent canals. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore; perhaps try a seafood lunch. (BB)
Day 10 - VENICE - ROME
Cross the Apennine Mountains into the Tuscan Hills. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the famous Chianti wines that make this region so famous. Continue along the course of the Tiber to the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Tonight, enjoy a selection of ambience and local cuisine offered on your Dine-Around evening.
Hotel: Romanico Palace (BB,DA)
Day 11 - ROME SIGHTSEEING
A local guide reveals Michelangelo's 'Pieta' inside St Peter's Basilica, as well as other great works of art. Cross the River Tiber to visit the massive Colosseum and look out over the Roman Forum. The afternoon is at leisure, perhaps consider visiting the Catacombs? (BB)
Day 12 - ROME - FLORENCE
Visit the cobbled streets of Siena to see the striped marble cathedral and vast Campo square, scene of the festive Palio horse race. Classic Tuscan scenery and Chianti vineyards surround you now on your way to the Renaissance city of Florence.
Hotel: Hotel Londra (BB,D)
Day 13 - FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide, visit the Statue of David in the Academy Gallery, and see the Cathedral, Gates of Paradise, Giotto's Campanile, Piazza Signoria, and Santa Croce Basilica. After a leatherwork demonstration, there's time at leisure to explore or shop. (BB)
Day 14 - FLORENCE - NICE
Lend your support to the Leaning Tower of Pisa before following the Italian Riviera coast to France. Stop in glamorous Monaco to see its harbour, Monte Carlo Casino and drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit before continuing to elegant Nice.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Nice (BB)
Day 15 - NICE
Get to know the village of St Paul de Vence today; revel in its pleasures and experience its art and lifestyle. After some time to take in the magnificent views, return to Nice for time at leisure. (BB)
Day 16 - NICE - LUCERNE
Visit a French perfumery before passing through the Italian Lake District en route to Switzerland. See stunning Swiss Alpine scenery on the way to your hotel in lovely lakeside Lucerne.
Hotel: Astoria (BB)
Day 17 - LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
Ascend Mount Pilatus by cog-wheel railway for stunning 360 degree views of the Swiss Alps. Later, back in Lucerne, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge before spending your free time shopping or relaxing. (BB,D)
Day 18 - LUCERNE - PARIS
Cross the French border at Basel and continue through Alsace farmlands to the Burgundy wine region. Your destination is the glittering French capital of Paris.
Hotel: Marriott Rive Gauche (BB)
Day 19 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide, see Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde and drive along the elegant Champs Élysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend the Eiffel Tower for views over the city. The afternoon is at leisure to relax, shop or continue sightseeing. (BB)
Day 20 - PARIS - LONDON
Travel through the battlefields of World War One to Calais and your return Channel crossing to Dover. The tour ends after a short drive to London. (BB)
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