INSIGHT VACATIONS Highlights of Europe - Premium Highlights

Included Premium Highlights

    * Cruise along the romantic Rhine Gorge past medieval castles and leafy vineyards
    * Glide along the atmospheric canals of Venice by traditional gondola
    * Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
    * See Michelangelo's original statue of David in the Academy Gallery in Florence
    * Enjoy an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus
    * Ascend the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views over Paris

Included Personal Insights

    * Know your 'Kwaks' from your 'Devils'! Enjoy an introduction to Belgian beer

Included Additional Excursions & Sights

    * Stroll along the canals and cobbled streets of medieval Bruges to the charming Market Square
    * See the gilded buildings of the Grand Place in Brussels and the cheeky Mannekin Pis statue
    * View Gothic Cologne Cathedral
    * See Heidelberg's ruined Castle
    * See Munich's Olympic Stadium, Hofbrauhaus and the Glockenspiel in the Marienplatz
    * See the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace and visit the Wilten Basilica in Innsbruck
    * See Mozart's Birthplace and walk through Salzburg's Old Town to the Cathedral Square
    * Cruise to St Mark's Square to see the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and Basilica in Venice
    * Tour St Peter's Basilica to see Michelangelo's 'Pieta' and the Pope's Alter by Bernini
    * See the Cathedral, 'Gates of Paradise' and open-air gallery of Signoria Square in Florence
    * View the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
    * See Notre Dame and drive along the Champs Élysees to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
    * Scenic Drives: Inn Valley, Tauern Mountains, St Gotthard Route
    * Watch Venetian glass-blowing
    * Florentine Leatherwork Demonstration

Included First Class Services

    * Escorted by a professional Tour Director
    * Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
    * Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
    * Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
    * Free London Airport shuttle service, conditions apply

Included Quality Dining

    * Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in Lucerne (DA)
    * 13 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d'hote dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
 

INSIGHT VACATIONS Highlights of Europe TINERARY

Tour Pace

This tour is well-balanced with the majority of the one night stays in the first section and then two night stays in the key cities of Venice, Rome, Lucerne and Paris, where there is ample time to relax or to take optional tours. Travelling days are interspersed with frequent rest stops.

Day 1 - LONDON - BRUSSELS

After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, transfer to Dover, bid farewell to the white cliffs and cross the channel to France. Continue along the coast into Belgium and stop in Bruges, one of Europe's best preserved medieval towns. Stroll along peaceful canals and through cobbled streets to the Main Square dominated by the octagonal belfry of the Market Hall. Continue to the capital of Brussels, where you visit the Grand Place and see the cheeky Mannekin Pis. During your stay your Tour Director will introduce you to the world of Belgian beer! Valuable knowledge as you join your fellow guests for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Royal Windsor Grand Place

Day 2 - BRUSSELS -COLOGNE - RHINELAND

Travel into Germany to view Cologne Cathedral before continuing along the Rhine, via Bonn, to board a highlight cruise at Boppard. Relax as you glide past medieval castles and steep vineyards to the village of St Goar, near the legendary Loreley Rock. Continue on to Heidelberg, town of the 'Student Prince', to see the clifftop castle before arriving at your Rhineland hotel.
Hotel: Renaissance Karlsruhe (BB,D)

Day 3 - RHINELAND - MUNICH - INNSBRUCK

Visit Bavaria and fun-loving Munich; see the Olympic Stadium, Hofbrauhaus and visit the Marienplatz with its Glockenspiel. Head into the Alps and over the Austrian border to reach the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. Perhaps spend the evening enjoying a fabulous Tyrolean folklore evening.
Hotel: Hilton. (BB,D)

Day 4 - SALZBURG EXCURSION

See the Imperial Palace and delightful Golden Roof in the old town before visiting the Wilten Basilica, its interior richly decorated with cherubs and angels. Now follow the Inn Valley to Salzburg, 'alive with the Sound of Music'. Your local guide shows you the formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace, the imposing fortress, Mozart's birthplace and cathedral. Return to Innsbruck in the afternoon, perhaps spend the evening enjoying a fabulous Tyrolean folklore evening. (BB,D)

Day 5 - INNSBRUCK - VENICE

A morning drive through the mountains brings you to the unique and romantic city of Venice, 'Queen of the Adriatic'. A private launch ferries you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St Mark's Square, dominated by its magnificent Basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower where bronze Moors beat out the hours on a huge bell. Nearby is the Campanile and Doges' Palace which is connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. See a demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing before enjoying a highlight ride by traditional gondola along the picturesque canals. Transfer by boat to your hotel on the Lido.
Hotel: Villa Mabapa (BB,D)

Day 6 - VENICE AT LEISURE

Today is free to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this incredible city at your own pace. Perhaps meet the locals at the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge or cruise across the lagoon to the colourful island of Burano. Stroll back to your hotel tonight, past the al-fresco cafes, and picturesque little bridges... unforgettable! (BB)

Day 7 - VENICE - ROME

Head south over the Apennine Mountains and follow the 'Highway of the Sun' to Rome.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Roma (BB)

Day 8 - ROME SIGHTSEEING

Join a local guide to visit St Peter's Basilica to see Michelangelo's moving work the 'Pieta'. Drive across the Tiber to visit the mighty Colosseum, where gladiators fought to the death against armed warriors and wild beasts. Look out over the Roman Forum, once a bustling centre of commerce, law and religion. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

Day 9 - ROME - FLORENCE

Drive north into the Chianti Hills and the Renaissance city of Florence. Sightseeing with a local guide takes you to see the original statue of 'David' in the Academy Gallery. Stroll on to the Duomo to see Giotto's belltower and Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery. Continue to Signoria Square, a virtual open air gallery, lined with fountains and statues. In the area around Santa Croce Basilica, view a demonstration of traditional leatherwork, a craft dating back to Renaissance times, when Franciscans made covers for manuscripts and Bibles. Afterwards there is time at leisure to shop or continue sightseeing.
Hotel: Hotel Londra (BB,D)

Day 10 - FLORENCE - LUCERNE

Journey north, past the great commercial centre of Milan and the Italian Lake District, to the Swiss border. Take the St Gotthard route and enjoy its Alpine scenery on the way to Lucerne. Tonight, enjoy a Dine-Around evening which offers you and your fellow travellers a choice of dining experiences, atmosphere and cuisine.
Hotel: Astoria (BB,DA)

Day 11 - LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing in Lucerne begins with a visit to the Lion Monument commemorating the hundreds of Swiss soldiers who died defending Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette during the French Revolution. See the covered Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church, then enjoy a Premium Highlight ascent of Mount Pilatus by cog-wheel railway. From the summit, admire some of the best possible views of the snow-covered Alps. (BB,D)

Day 12 - LUCERNE - PARIS

Pass the Swiss port city of Basel on your way to France. After crossing the wine region of Burgundy, it's on to glittering Paris for two fabulous nights in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Perhaps spend the evening sampling wonderful French cuisine.
Hotel: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel (BB)

Day 13 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING

A guided sightseeing tour takes you along the elegant boulevards to see the Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre building and the Opera House. Drive from the Place de la Concorde along the Champs Élysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Now survey the city from the heights of the Eiffel Tower, a marvel of design, built for the World's Exhibition of 1889. As evening falls, there is the chance to see a cabaret show. (BB)

Day 14 - PARIS - LONDON

Cross the World War One battlefields to Calais. Sail across the channel to Dover and continue to London, where the tour comes to an end a short time later. (BB)

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.

MUC01 - BIERKELLERS DINNER
Lively Bavarian dinner with music, drinks and entertainment in one of Munich's famous "Bierkellers". EURO 47

MUC06 - CONTEMPORARY MUNICH
Munich of the 20th century was home to many historic events. Hitler became a political hero here, 1923 saw the Munich Putsch, Dachau was Germany's first Concentration Camp and the Olympic Games took place here in 1972. We visit Dachau and the Olympic Games site. EURO 28

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

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

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

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

LCR07 - SWISS ALPINE SHOW WITH LUNCH
Enjoy a typical Swiss lunch including cheese fondue and two drinks whilst being entertained by a lively show featuring song, dance, Alpenhorn blowing and traditional Swiss flag throwing. EURO 61

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

PAR11 - PARIS ILLUMINATIONS & DINNER
First we enjoy a delicious dinner of Parisian cuisine with wine. Then our illuminations tour reveals the magic and sparkling grandeur of this 'city of light' – a vision to last a lifetime! EURO 62

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

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

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