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ITINERARY INSIGHT VACATIONS EUROPEAN ROMANTIC
This is a leisurely paced tour with two night stays in the eight key cities, allowing ample time for sightseeing & individual exploration. The travelling days have been well planned with plenty of stops both for refreshment & photo opportunities.
DAY 1 – SUN – LONDON – BRUSSELS
We drive to Dover for our ferry over to France and make our way to medieval Bruges in Belgium. We stroll along cobbled streets and beside peaceful canals. Then it's on 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: Marriott.
DAY 2 – MON – BRUSSELS – AMSTERDAM
We drive to Amsterdam and pass Dam Square and the Mint tower on our way to a demonstration of diamond cutting. Then we visit the fishing village of Volendam and learn how clogs and cheese are made before returning to Amsterdam. Hotel: Golden Tulip Inntel Centre. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 3 – TUE – AMSTERDAM – WüRZBURG
We journey into Germany to see Cologne's soaring cathedral. Then we continue via Bonn, to the scenic Rhine Gorge to join our highlight cruise. We glide past vineyards and medieval castles to see the Loreley Rock. Now it's on to Würzburg with its Marienberg fortress and statue-lined bridge. Hotel: Wittelsbacher Hoh. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 4 – WED – WüRZBURG – PRAGUE
This morning we stop in Nuremberg to see the massive town ramparts before continuing east to the Czech border. Then past Pilsen, known for its beer, to the 'golden' city of Prague. Hotel: Diplomat. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 5 – THU – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
Our local guide shows us the 1,000 year old Prague Castle and St Vitus' Cathedral before we descend to the Old Town Square, with its Astronomical Clock. Later, there is time to shop for fine Bohemian crystal. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 6 – FRI – PRAGUE – BUDAPEST
This morning we drive through the provinceof Moravia into Slovakia, where we stop to visit its capital city, Bratislava. After some free time to explore, we cross the Hungarian border and follow the River Danube to Budapest. Hotel: Hilton West End/Intercontinental. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 7 – SAT – BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING
With our Budapest guide we see the murals in Matthias Church beside the Fisherman's Bastion, which affords a grand view over the Danube and the Parliament. We see the Royal Palace of Buda, then cross over to Pest, where we visit Heroes' Square. Now time at leisure. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 8 – SUN – BUDAPEST – VIENNA
Heading out of Budapest, we survey the bridges over the Danube from the lofty citadel atop Gellert Hill. Then we continue on through peaceful farmland to Austria, and our hotel in Vienna. Hotel: Hilton Vienna Plaza/Sofitel. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 9 – MON – VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
This morning a Premium Highlight visit takes us inside the fabulous Schönbrunn Palace! Later, our guided city tour shows us the Parliament, Winter Palace and Opera House. This afternoon we are at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 10 – TUE – VIENNA – VENICE
Over the Semmering Pass today, then across the border into Italy. Our hotel is located in beautiful Venice, on the fashionable Lido. Hotel: Hungaria Palace. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 11 – WED – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
We cruise by private launch to St Mark's Square to see the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St Mark's Basilica, followed by a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration. Now we enjoy a romantic highlight gondola ride along the canals. The afternoon is at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 12 – THU – VENICE – ROME
Today we head south into the Apennine Mountains and on to the eternal city of Rome. Tonight, we visit the Trevi Fountain before enjoying our highlight dinner, with pasta, vino and musica! Hotel: Sheraton Roma. (Buffet breakfast, Speciality Highlight Dinner)
DAY 13 – FRI – ROME SIGHTSEEING
Today, with our guide, we visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, with its vivid depiction of the Creation. We also visit St Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum, then we see the Forum. Now free time to relax or shop! (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 14 – SAT – ROME – FLORENCE
This morning we head north into Tuscany. We drive to Piazzale Michelangelo for our first views over Florence. After a leather-work demonstration, we are at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Hotel: Metropole. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 15 – SUN – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
Today, our local guide takes us to Santa Croce Basilica to see the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo. Then we walk to the Cathedral to see the 'Gates of Paradise' on the Baptistery and finish at Signoria Square. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 16 – MON – FLORENCE – LUCERNE
We head north through the scenic Italian Lake District. We glimpse Lake Como as we cross into Switzerland and enjoy magnificent mountain scenery as we travel to lakeside Lucerne. Hotel: Astoria. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 17 – TUE – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
In Lucerne this morning we see the emotive Lion Monument, the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church. Now we are treated to an exhilarating trip by cog-wheel train and cable car to the summit of Mount Pilatus for stunning snow-capped views of the Alps! (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 18 – WED – LUCERNE – PARIS
We leave Switzerland and skirt the Jura Mountains into the Burgundy wine region. We then continue to Paris. Hotel: Sofitel Forum Rive Gauche. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 19 – THU – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
Today with our local guide, we see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral before driving along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Now we ascend the Eiffel Tower, for views over the city, and we conclude with a visit to Napoleon's Tomb in the Église du Dôme. Now there is time at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 20 – FRI – 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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