EUROPEAN SPLENDOURS 11 DAYS

DAY 2: Mannheim / Frankfurt area – Black Forest – Rhine Falls – Switzerland

Today, we depart after breakfast – joining the autobahn we enter into the enchanting Black Forest region, where you will marvel at the timeless serenity and unparalleled scenery around you. Our first stop is at a Cuckoo Clock outlet where you have time to shop for cuckoo clocks and other souvenirs. Continuing our drive, we pass through small idyllic villages before crossing the Swiss border. We stop at Schaffhausen to visit the majestic Rhine Falls. Later we check into our hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3: Switzerland: Mount Titlis – Lucerne – Zurich

Driving through the Swiss alpine region and the winding mountain roads to the valley of Engelberg, we start our ascent to board the world’s first revolving cable car, reaching the peak of 10,000 feet and the highest viewpoint in central Switzerland – Mount Titlis (weather permitting). Visit the Glacier Grotto or enjoy a breathtaking panorama from the sun terrace. In the afternoon, we begin our descent, passing the glaciers and thawing ice, which create majestic waterfalls. We visit the town of Lucerne, to see the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and Lake Lucerne. Later we proceed to the financial capital of Switzerland, Zurich for a panoramic city tour: see two of the major churches in the city – the Grossmünster and the Fraumünster, Bahnhofstrasse – the business and financial centre, and Lake Zurich. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4: Switzerland – Venice / Padova area

Early morning we depart for Italy. Driving south through the Gotthard tunnel, we pass spectacular scenery around the lake regions of Lugano and Como. Crossing the Italian border, we continue on the autostradas, to Venice, the city of unparalleled beauty and romantic gondolas. Our tour starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square – the most elegant square in the world, to see the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges Palace and Basilica di San Marco. Here we also have a chance to watch the Venetian glass blowers at work and maybe buy a souvenir for the family. Arrive at our hotel late evening and check in. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5: Venice / Padova area – Florence – Arezzo area

Today we depart for Florence. Watch the amazing scenery change as we cross the Appennines and the gentle hilly countryside of Tuscany to reach Florence. On arrival in the city of the Medicis, we will visit Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy one of the best views of this renaissance city across the River Arno. You then have some free time to wander around this city, where traffic is banned from the historic centre, admiring its timeless beauty. Later we continue our journey and check into our hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6: Arezzo area – Rome – Arezzo area

Passing sunlit valleys of the Chianti wine country and ancient fortresses perched high on the hills, we reach the ‘Eternal City’. On arrival, we meet our local guide and proceed to the Vatican City, where we will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, a renaissance masterpiece. In the afternoon, we take in other ancient sights – Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, which was the political centre of the Roman Empire, Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and the spectacular Trevi Fountain, where you may make a wish. Late evening return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7: Arezzo area – Pisa – Sanremo area

Today we depart for Pisa, where we visit the Field of Miracles. Here you can marvel at the marble Cathedral in the Pisan Romanesque style, the Baptistery, and one of the wonders of the world, the legendary Leaning Tower. Continuing our journey, we drive past spectacular scenery along the Ligurian Sea and arrive at the Italian Riviera region, and early evening we check into our hotel. After dinner, you may either rest in your hotel or join the additional excursion – Monte Carlo by Night Tour. (Breakfast, Lunch, Continental Dinner)

DAY 8: Sanremo area – Nice – Lyon

This morning, we visit a French Perfumery to see a demonstration of how French perfumes are made. Later we visit Nice, where on our panoramic tour we see the main sights, including the Flower Market and the Promenade des Anglais, a sea-front avenue, where you can take a leisurely stroll. Proceeding, we drive through the Provence of Cezanne and Van Gogh onto the Lyon area where we check into our hotel for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 9: Lyon – Paris

Today we depart for Paris, one of the most exciting and popular cities of Europe, renowned for its fashion, perfumes, and of course the most talked about French wines. On arrival in Paris, we visit the third floor (*) of the Eiffel Tower to witness a spectacular panoramic view of the city. After dinner, on our Paris by Night Tour we will see the main sights illuminated. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 10: Paris – Calais – Ferry – Dover – London

This morning, we proceed to Paris, where we will enjoy an amazing cruise (**) on the River Seine – admire the spectacular facades from your covered boat. We then depart and journey north for Calais to board the ferry for the return channel crossing. On arrival at Dover port, we proceed to London, where we board the London Eye for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the English capital. A flight on the London Eye lasts for approximately 30 minutes – relax in one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules and enjoy the London skyline. Later check into our hotel for an overnight stop. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 11: London – Check-out from Hotel

This morning check-out of the Hotel (before 11:00 a.m.) and proceed for your flight / home, on your own. The Tour ends. (Breakfast)

Note (*): The reservation for the visit to the Eiffel Tower is subject to availability, and could be up to the 2nd Floor or 3rd Floor.

Note (**): Please note that the River Seine Cruise may be operated on either Day 9 or Day 10 as per convenience.