European Explorer

A roam in the Eurozone! Shop 'til you drop in Florence, Paris or  Nice. But if that timepiece on your list is Swiss, you'll first need a  bank to get a few Francs!

Included Premium Highlights

    * Embark on a scenic Rhine Cruise past medieval castles, vineyards and breathtaking scenery
    * Experience the grandeur of Vienna's magnificent Schönbrunn Palace with a local guide
    * The traditional way to see Venice is from the water - cruise the romantic canals by gondola
    * Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
    * Visit Michelangelo's original Statue of David in Florence's acclaimed Academy Gallery
    * Visit to the Principality of Monaco - playground of the rich and famous
    * Enjoy an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus
    * Visit the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, the imposing residence of Louis XIV.
    * Enjoy panoramic views over Paris from the lofty heights of the Eiffel Tower

Included Personal Insights

    * An entrée to the history and significance of Viennese café culture
    * Discover the heritage of contemporary art at medieval hilltop Saint-Paul de Vence
    * Enjoy a short tutorial about the world famous Chianti wines of Tuscany

Included Other Excursions & Sights

    * Visit the fishing village of Volendam See Amsterdam's Mint Tower and Dam Square
    * Explore the quaint romantic Rhine village of Boppard
    * See Heidelberg Castle and walk through the Old Town
    * Visit medieval Rothenburg See Munich's Town Hall in the Marienplatz
    * See Mozart's Birthplace and walk through Salzburg's Old Town to the Cathedral Square
    * Drive along Vienna's Ring Road to see the Parliament, Winter Palace and Opera House
    * Cruise to St Mark's Square to see the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and Basilica in Venice
    * Visit the vast St Peter's Basilica, housing art by Bernini and Michelangelo
    * See the Cathedral, 'Gates of Paradise' and open-air gallery of Signoria Square in Florence
    * See the Leaning Tower of Pisa View Lucerne's sorrowful Lion Monument
    * See Notre Dame and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
    * Pause at the moving WWI cemetery and battlefield of Fromelles
    * Demonstrations of diamond cutting and polishing, cheese and clog making in the Netherlands, Venetian glass-blowing, Florentine leather-work, French perfumery

Included First Class Services

    * Escorted by a professional Tour Director
    * Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours
    * Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom
    * Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
    * Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
    * Free London Airport transfer service available when purchasing your Land and Air through Insight Vacations, conditions apply.

Included Quality Dining

    * Dinner of regional specialties in the former imperial town of Nördlingen (HD)
    * Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in Lucerne (DA)
    * 19 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 5 three-course table d'hôte dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
 

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: Mövenpick City Centre. (D)

Day 2 - AMSTERDAM SIGHTSEEING

Cross Dam Square and pass the Royal Palace to see diamonds being cut and polished. This afternoon, choose between an afternoon at leisure to visit the Rijksmuseum or the Anne Frank House, or join us on an included drive through typical Dutch countryside. (BB)

Day 3 - AMSTERDAM - RHINELAND

Head past Arnhem famed for its 'Bridge Too Far'. Stop in the wine village of Boppard which was founded by the Romans, before joining a highlight cruise on the finest stretch of the Rhine before reaching your hotel.

Hotel: Hilton Mainz (BB,D)

Day 4 - RHINELAND - HEIDELBERG - ROTHENBURG - NÖRDLINGEN

Walk through Heidelberg's Old Town and see the castle before travelling to the medieval walled city of Rothenburg. Admire the old houses, towers and gateways dating from the 14th century. Continue along the Romantic Road to Nördlingen. Tonight, enjoy cuisine typical of the region, wine and warm-hearted German hospitality.

Hotel: NH Klösterle (BB,HD)

Day 5 - NÖRDLINGEN - MUNICH - SALZBURG

South along the Romantic Road to Munich where an orientation tour shows you the Olympic Stadium, Town Hall and Marienplatz. Enjoy free time for a Bavarian beer before arriving in Salzburg, city of Mozart.

Hotel: Castellani Park Hotel (BB,D)

Day 6 - SALZBURG - VIENNA

Walk through the Mirabell Gardens on your guided city tour. Enjoy fine views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress before viewing 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 Schönbrunn 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 café. (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 on the Venice Lido.

Hotel: Le Boulevard (BB,D)

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.

Hotel: Romanico Palace (BB)

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

Classic Tuscan scenery surrounds you on your way to Florence. 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.

Hotel: Londra (BB,D)

Day 13 - FLORENCE AT LEISURE

A whole day to explore this glorious city, treasure-house of the Italian Renaissance. (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 Blu (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 lake side 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. Tonight, enjoy a selection of ambience and local cuisine offered on your Dine-Around evening. (BB,DA)

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 & VERSAILLES

Travel to Versailles to visit the palace built for Louis XIV. Your guide leads you through the royal apartments and there is time to stroll in the gardens. Return to Paris for a guided tour past Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre building and the Opera House. Drive from the Place de la Concorde along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Now survey the city from the heights of the Eiffel Tower. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

Day 20 - PARIS - LONDON

Cross the battlefields of the Somme and pause for a moving visit at the WWI cemetery in Fromelles. Learn how our conservation partner, The Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, helped find a final resting place for many of these brave men. Continue to Calais and your voyage back to Dover. The tour ends after a short drive to London. (BB)

Optional Prices are based on 2011 prices and are provided as a guide only.

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.

AMS01 - AALSMEER FLOWER AUCTIONS
Each day, 19 million flowers and 2 million plants are sold at 'Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer'. This is the world's largest flower auction and you will experience the excitement of a live 'Dutch auction' from a specially designed viewing gallery. You will be dazzled by the millions of flowers being prepared for export. EURO 20

AMS02 - DUTCH BULBFIELDS
Holland's Bollenstreek (bulb district) is a short drive from Amsterdam and is a seasonal delight. In the spring and summer months, millions of Dutch tulip, hyacinth and daffodil bulbs erupt into a riot of colour from their orderly rows. The entrance fee is included. (This excursion is only available in season). EURO 28

AMS08 - DINNER IN A HISTORIC DUTCH RESTAURANT & CANAL CRUISE
Savour a meal of typical Dutch specialities with drinks in historic surroundings. Later we board our private canal boat and guide gently along illuminated canals, past traditional Dutch-gabled houses built right on the water's edge and under picturesque bridges. EURO 60

SZG06 - EAGLE'S NEST & THE BAVARIAN ALPS
Drive deep into the National Park past farmhouses and picturesque villages to the ruins of Obersalzburg. From here, transfer to special motor coaches adapted to the scenic mountain climb to Hilter's notorious "Eagles Nest". There are splendid views through the arches up to the 'Hohen Goll' and across the snow capped peaks. EURO 47

SZG07 - BERCHTESGADEN AND HOHENRINGSTRASSE EXCURSION
Should optional SZG06 not be available, SZG07 below will be offered as an alternative. A scenic drive in the Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden within sight of Hitler's Bavarian redoubt. Then via the Hohenringstrasse, we ascend 1500 m (5000 ft) along one of Europe's most spectacular and scenic roads. EURO 34

VIE16 - VIENNA WOODS & GRINZING
We drive to the west of this Imperial City to the romantic Vienna Woods where we have dinner with drinks and musical entertainment in a typical "heuriger" tavern. EURO 56

VIE14 - GALA VIENNESE CONCERT
A wonderful concert of Viennese Classical music including some of the most famous works of Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers. A glass of champagne is also included during this special evening. EURO 47

VIE17 - ELEGANT VIENNA
Explore the interior of the world's most famous opera house and step back in time as we enjoy Vienna's magnificent historic district by taking an open-air carriage ride. EURO 46

VIE06 - DINNER IN A COUNTRY MANSION
We see the famous Prater Amusement Park, then cross the Danube to arrive at one of the most famous restaurants in Austria. Former patrons include Napoleon, the Emperor Franz Joseph, Luciano Pavarotti, Liz Taylor and Arnold Schwarzenegger. In this historic country mansion we will enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the elegant dining rooms. Choose your main dish from various Austrian specialties and enjoy the live music and unlimited drinks. EURO 60

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

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

ROM01 - CLASSICAL ROME
Our classical tour spans Rome's fascinating history from ancient Rome to the early Christians and the glory of the Papal Residence. First a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, immortalized by Michelangelo's painted ceiling. Then we visit the Catacombs where the Ancient Christians were buried in underground cemeteries. (On some tours the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls will be visited as an alternative to the Catacombs). EURO 62

ROM04A - ROMAN DINNER PARTY
Enjoy an evening of delicious Roman cuisine with drinks, music and a great Italian ambience. EURO 57

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

ROM08 - ANCIENT OSTIA
We drive to the former harbour of Rome to visit the excavations of Ancient Ostia, near the Mediterranean coast. These ruins offer a perfect insight into Roman life as it once was, as we see the remains of baths, theatre, apartment houses, mosaics and wall paintings surrounded by cypress trees and umbrella pines. EURO 36

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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