|
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 historic Cologne we stop to view the Gothic 13th century cathedral with its soaring spires. We then pass Beethoven's home town of Bonn and continue to the charming village of Boppard, where we join a memorable cruise past awesome castles, leafy vineyards and picturesque 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 – Innsbruck
Into the wooded Bavarian Alps today to see 'Mad' King Ludwig's fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein. Now we cross the Austrian border and over the spectacular Fern Pass to arrive in Innsbruck, capital of the Tyrol. Here our Tour Director shows us Innsbruck's Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace. Tonight, why not enjoy an optional thigh-slapping folklore show? Hotel: Alpinpark. (B,D)
Day 4 – Innsbruck – Venice
This morning we cross the impressive Europa Bridge (Europe's highest) and over 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 the Veneto region. Hotel: II Burchiello (Oriago). (B,D)
Day 5 – 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 6 – Venice – Rome
This morning we cross the Appenine Mountains and follow the Autostradadel Sole past ancient Etruscan hill townsto Rome. This city, founded on sevenhills above the river Tiber, has an appeal all its own. Tonight perhaps discover the hidden piazzas and splendid fountains of the 'Eternal City'?
Hotel: Cristoforo Colombo. (B)
Day 7 – Rome Sightseeing
Rome is really three cities in one – Imperial Rome, Catholic Rome and modern Rome. Firstly, we enter the Vatican City where our local guide takes us inside St. Peter's Basilica with it's deeply moving 'Pieta' by Michelangelo. Then we cross the Tiber River to see the remains of the incredibly preserved Colosseum, where Nero was entertained by gladiator fights. Finally our guide will enthral us with stories of the Roman Empire as we overlook the Imperial Forum, from where Julius Caesar contemplated his victories. The rest of the day is at leisure. Maybe explore the treasures of the Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel? Tonight why not sample some typical Italian cuisine – pasta, vino and music? (B)
Day 8 – Rome – Florence
This morning it's 'Arrivederci Roma' as we head north to the Tuscan hills and Renaissance Florence. Our first view of the city is from Piazza Michelangelo. Then we enjoy a Florentine leatherwork demonstration, before free time to shop for the latest Italian fashions or sightsee. Be sure to explore Signoria Square with its open-air museum, the Ponte Vecchio and tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo in Santa Croce Basilica. Hotel: Art Hotel Miro. (B,D)
Day 9 – Florence – Lucerne
We head north from Tuscany, past Milan and on to the Lake District on the Italian/Swiss border. Then we enjoy a magnificent drive which takes us through the Swiss Alps to Lucerne where we see the wooden Chapel Bridge and view the famous Lion Monument. Hotel: Luzernerhof. (B,D)
Day 10 – Lucerne – Paris
We cross the Rhine at Basel before skirting the Jura Mountains and following the valley of the Doubs River into Burgundy – a region noted for its fine wines. We travel across the wheat fields of Auxerre and the forest of Royal Fontainbleau, then it's time to look out for the Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline as we approach Paris. Tonight, don't miss the opportunity of a sparkling illuminations tour.Hotel: Mercure La Defense. (B)
Day 11 – 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 souvenirs, or visit Mona Lisa in the Louvre? Tonight, perhaps enjoy a farewell dinner in a typical Parisian restaurant or a cabaret? (B)
Day 12 – 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)
|
|
