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ITINERARY
Tour Pace
This tour slows down considerably after the first two days in Amsterdam and the Rhineland. It then runs at a leisurely pace with two night stays in the key cities of Innsbruck, Venice, Lucerne and Paris, with time to relax or participate in optional excursions organised by your Tour Director.
DAY 1 – SUN – LONDON – AMSTERDAM
We meet our Tour Director this morning and drive to the famous white cliffs of Dover to cross the English Channel. We disembark at Calais and follow the coast into Belgium. We enter the Netherlands and see the first of the windmills en route to Amsterdam. We pass the Mint Tower and Royal Palace in Dam Square on our way to watch diamonds being cut and polished. Tonight, we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director before boarding a special sightseeing boat. We cruise past mansions and under low bridges to alight in the harbour for a highlight dinner aboard a floating restaurant. Hotel: Golden Tulip Inntel Centre. (Speciality Highlight Dinner)
DAY 2 – MON – AMSTERDAM – RHINELAND
This morning we pass Arnhem, renowned for its 'Bridge Too Far', then we continue over the border to Cologne. This city was badly damaged in the war, but its Gothic Cathedral survived. After some time to marvel at the soaring spires, we continue through the former capital of Bonn to the scenic Rhine Gorge. We board our cruiser at Boppard and glide past leafy vineyards and imposing castles. We hear the legend of the Loreley Rock before rejoining our coach at St Goarshausen, and continuing to our hotel. Hotel: Ramada Treff Wiesbaden. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 3 – TUE – RHINELAND – INNSBRUCK
We skirt the northern Black Forest this morning and pass Ulm, with the world's highest church spire. Stopping at the base of the Bavarian Alps, we see above us the Royal Castles, including King Ludwig's fabulous fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein. Now we cross the Austrian border and over the spectacular Fern Pass to arrive in Innsbruck, capitol of the Tyrol. We tour the architectural jewels of the city, seeing the Imperial Palace, delightful Golden Roof and the 14th century houses of the old town, before dinner at our hotel. Hotel: Hilton Innsbruck. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 4 – WED – SALZBURG EXCURSION
We drive out to visit Innsbruck's superb Wilten Basilica - its interior richly decorated with cherubs and angels. Then we follow the Inn Valley to Salzburg where our guided tour will introduce us to Mozart's home city. From the formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace we can photograph the city skyline crowned by the castle heights. We then cross the river to the Getreidegasse, where we see Mozart's Birthplace and stroll through the old town's narrow lanes to the cathedral and Residenz fountain. We return to Innsbruck later this afternoon. Tonight why not join a lively Folklore Party? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 5 – THU – INNSBRUCK – VENICE
This morning we leave Innsbruck and travel across the impressive Europa Bridge (the highest in Europe), then cross the Brenner Pass into Italy. We follow the Adige River, through spectacular scenery, down to the great plain. Now we visit fascinating Verona, with its Roman Arena, maze of elegant squares and of course Juliet's balcony, before passing Padua on our way to our hotel, on the fashionable Lido of Venice. Hotel: Le Boulevard. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 6 – FRI – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Today is totally devoted to romantic Venice! Relax as our private launch takes us past the island of San Giorgio to alight at St Mark's Square. We stroll along the water's edge to see the Bridge of Sighs that connects the Doges' Palace with the prisons. We also see St Mark's Basilica and belltower, before watching one of the few remaining craftsmen hand-blow Venetian glass. Our tour concludes with a gondola ride through the canals. This afternoon, don't miss the chance to try the delicious seafood, freshly caught in the lagoon! (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 7 – SAT – VENICE – LUCERNE
We travel through some of the richest farmland in Europe today as we cross northern Italy. Now a glimpse of the beautiful Italian Lake District as we enter Switzerland. We continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, then alongside towering mountains to scenic Lake Lucerne. Tonight you may wish to experience a fondue party and folklore evening? Hotel: Astoria. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 8 – SUN – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
Our exciting day begins with a visit to the Lion Monument, carved into a cliff to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution. Then time to shop or stroll along the Chapel Bridge to the richly ornate Jesuit Church. Later we embark on a Premium Highlight excursion by cog-wheel train and cable car to the summit of one of Switzerland's most famous mountains – Mount Pilatus. Admire the views over the snow-capped Jungfrau and Eiger peaks before returning to Lucerne. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 9 – MON – LUCERNE – PARIS
First to Basel, before crossing the Rhine to France. We travel across the fertile fields of Burgundy to the city of Paris, vibrant heart of French life. This is a city which glitters by night, so perhaps take an illuminations tour tonight? Hotel: Concorde Ambassador. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 10 – TUE – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
Our comprehensive guided sightseeing tour includes sights such as the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Garnier's Opera, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. Then a Premium Highlight as we ascend by elevator to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower. We also visit the gilded Dôme Church to see the imposing tomb of the Emperor Napoleon. Later there is time for sightseeing at our own pace! Perhaps admire the impressionist paintings in the Musée d'Orsay? Or, if you prefer, relax at a sidewalk cafe. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 11 – WED – PARIS – LONDON
We cross the battlefields of WWI en route to Calais, for our voyage back to Dover. A short drive brings us back to London, where our tour comes to an end. (Buffet breakfast)
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