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ITINERARY
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 – WED – LONDON – BRUSSELS
We travel to Dover for our ferry to France and make our way through Bruges to Brussels to marvel at the gilded buildings in the Grand Place and see the Mannekin Pis statue. Tonight we enjoy a Welcome Drink! Hotel: Renaissance. (Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 2 – THU – BRUSSELS – AMSTERDAM
This morning we drive to Amsterdam and pass Dam Square and the Mint Tower on our way to a demonstration of diamond cutting. Then time at leisure to explore this fascinating city before continuing to our hotel. Hotel: Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 3 – FRI – AMSTERDAM SIGHTSEEING
Today we travel to the north of Amsterdam to visit the fishing village of Volendam on the banks of the Ijsselmeer and we learn how the traditional clogs and cheese are made before returning to our hotel. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 4 – SAT – AMSTERDAM – RHINELAND
First to Arnhem, where we view the 'Bridge too Far' and then cross the German border to see Cologne Cathedral. Now we join our cruise on the Rhine River, before reaching our Rhineland hotel. Hotel: Hilton City Mainz. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 5 – SUN – RHINELAND – INNSBRUCK
We drive south to Bavaria where we see King Ludwig's Neuschwanstein Castle. Then our scenic alpine drive takes us to Innsbruck, where we walk through the old town to see the Golden Roof. Hotel: Hilton. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 6 – MON – INNSBRUCK – VIENNA
We make our way to Salzburg for a guided tour. Here we walk through the Mirabell Gardens and see Mozart's Birthplace. Now we drive along the Danube Valley, past Melk Abbey, to Vienna. Hotel: Sofitel. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 7 – TUE – VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
This morning we visit the fabulous State Apartments of Schönbrunn Palace. Later, we see the Winter Palace, Parliament building, Opera House and City Hall. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 8 – WED – VIENNA – ZAGREB
Southwards today through Styria's forested mountains, past Graz, and over the Slovenian border to the town of Maribor. Later we follow the Drava River to Croatia and continue to the capital, Zagreb. Hotel: Sheraton. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 9 – THU – ZAGREB – PLITVICE REGION
On our guided tour of Zagreb, we see Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelacic Square and the Cathedral. Now to the medieval Upper Town, including the Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St Marks Church and the Pope's Tower. Later we depart for the fortress town of Karlovac. Tonight we stay in Plitvice National Park. Hotel: Jezero. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 10 – FRI – PLITVICE REGION – SPLIT
Today we tour the Plitvice Lakes. We visit Korana Canyon to see the falls and Tomicevo Pogledalo for views over the park. Then our drive brings us to the Dalmatian coast. We admire the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko palace in Trogir before continuing to Split. 1700 years ago the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here and today we explore the streets and buildings within that same palace. Hotel: Marjan. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 11 – SAT – SPLIT – DUBROVNIK
We visit the Roman port of Salona to admire the Roman Baths, Amphitheatre and Necropolis. We continue through sun drenched resorts to the fortified town of Dubrovnik. Hotel: Grand Hotel Park/President. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 12 – SUN – DUBROVNIK SIGHTSEEING
On our guided sightseeing tour of the old town we see Onofrio's fountain and the Rector's Palace, the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. This afternoon is at leisure in this 'Jewel of the Adriatic' - relax at an outdoor café or shop in the bazaar? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 13 – MON – DUBROVNIK – TIRANA
Just over the border we visit the old town of Kotor. We continue through Montenegro to Albania and stop in the town of Shkodra where we see the Rozafa Castle. We stay in the Albanian capital of Tirana tonight. Hotel: Sheraton Hotel & Towers. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 14 – TUE – TIRANA – JOANNINA
This morning we head southwards through spectacular scenery to the northern mountainous region ofGreece and the resort of Joannina. Hotel: Du Lac/Epirus Palace. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 15 – WED – JOANNINA – ATHENS
Our scenic drive today takes us to the ancient capital of Greece, Athens. Hotel: Metropolitan. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 16 – THU – ATHENS SIGHTSEEING
Our sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of the Wingless Victory and Hadrian's Arch. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 17 – FRI – CRUISING – MYKONOS
Today we board our cruise ship and sail for the island of Mykonos. Enjoy a Greek Evening and Dinner with entertainment whilst cruising. (Buffet breakfast, Lunch, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner, Supper)
DAY 18 – SAT – CRUISING – RHODES
We enjoy a full day on Rhodes, once a fortified headquarters of the crusaders and home to the Colossus of Rhodes. (Full breakfast, Lunch, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner, Supper)
DAY 19 – SUN – CRUISING – PATMOS – KUSADASI
This morning we dock at the island of Patmos. later we sail to Kusadasi where we can visit the bazaar, or perhaps take an excursion to Ephesus? (Full breakfast, Lunch, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner, Supper)
DAY 20 – MON – AT SEA
Our cruise ends today in Athens as we rejoin our coach. Time to explore the fascinating markets of the Plaka before returning to the port of Patras to take our overnight ferry back to Italy. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 21 – TUE – AT SEA – BAY OF NAPLES
We disembark this morning in Bari and cross the Appenines to the west coast and the magnificent Bay of Naples where we stay tonight. Hotel: Crowne Plaza Stabiae. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 22 – WED – ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION
This morning we visit Sorrento's Piazza Tasso and then watch the art of 'intarsio' wood inlaying. Afterwards we cruise to the island of Capri where we ascend to Capri town by funicular railway. There is time to explore before returning to our hotel. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 23 – THU – BAY OF NAPLES – ROME
We drive today to Pompeii, we walk with our local guide through cobbled streets to explore some of the shops, villas and temples. Then to Rome, where tonight we can drop a coin into the Trevi Fountain, before enjoying a highlight dinner. Hotel: Cicerone. (Buffet breakfast, Speciality Highlight Dinner)
DAY 24 – FRI – ROME SIGHTSEEING
A local guide reveals Michelangelo's 'Pieta' inside St Peter's Basilica. Then we cross the River Tiber to visit the massive Colosseum and we look out over the Roman Forum. Later, perhaps visit the Catacombs? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 25 – SAT – ROME – FLORENCE
We drive north into the beautiful region of Tuscany and follow the Arno valley to the Renaissance city of Florence. Hotel: Metropole. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 26 – SUN – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide we visit the Statue of David in the Academy Gallery. Then we see the Cathedral, Piazza Signoria, and Santa Croce Church. After a leatherwork demonstration there's time to continue sightseeing. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 27 – MON – FLORENCE – VENICE
Leaving Florence we cross the Apennine Mountains, passing Bologna and the flood plains of the River Po for a scenic drive along the famous Brenta Riviera. Here we see the magnificent classical villas that were once the summer residences of the Venetian nobility. Our route takes us along the canal through Strà, Dolo and Mira to magical Venice, where the city seems to float on the lagoon. Tonight we stay on the Lido, one of the most fashionable resorts on the Adriatic.Hotel: Quattro Fontane. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 28 – TUE – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
A private launch takes us to St Mark's Square to view the Bridge of Sighs, Doges' Palace and the Basilica. We then watch Venetian glass being blown and enjoy a highlight gondola ride through the canals. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 29 – WED – VENICE – NICE
We cross the Northern Plain of Italy, passing Milan, en route to Genoa. Here we join the Highway of the Flowers which takes us past Monaco to the resort of Nice. Hotel: Radisson SAS Nice. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 30 – THU – ST PAUL DE VENCE & CANNES EXCURSION
This morning we visit the medieval town of St Paul de Vence, perched high on the hilltop, then on to fashionable Cannes, home of the film festival. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the French Riviera. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 31 – FRI – NICE – LUCERNE
First we visit a local French perfumery, then we pass through the Italian Lake District en route to the Swiss Alps and lovely lakeside Lucerne. Hotel: Astoria. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 32 – SAT – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
We experience the trip of a lifetime this morning by ascending Mount Pilatus by cog-wheel railway, for 360 degrees views over the Swiss Alps! Later, back in Lucerne we see the Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge, before some free time to shop. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 33 – SUN – LUCERNE – PARIS
We cross the French border at Basel and continue through the wine growing district of Burgundy to glittering Paris. Hotel: Concorde Saint Lazare. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 34 – MON – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide we see Notre Dame Cathedral and then drive along the elegant Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Now we ascend the Eiffel Tower, before visiting Napoleon's Tomb. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 35 – TUE – PARIS – LONDON
We travel through the battlefields of the First World War to Calais, then over the Channel to Dover and continue to London, where our tour ends. (Buffet breakfast)
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