SPECTACULAR EUROPE 13 DAYS

DAY 2: The Netherlands – Cologne – Rhine Cruise – Mannheim / Frankfurt area

Proceed east across The Netherlands and into Germany. Joining the autobahn, we arrive at the famous city of Cologne where you can marvel Europe’s largest Gothic twin spire cathedral. Continuing our drive into the Rhine valley we board a cruise ship for an unforgettable trip along the River Rhine. Admire the majestic views, mountain top fairy tale castles and fortresses from a bygone era. Late evening check into our hotel for an overnight stop. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3: Mannheim / Frankfurt area – Wattens – Innsbruck

Depart this morning for Austria. Our journey takes us through the spectacular region of the Bavarian Alps, arriving at Wattens, where we visit the famous Swarovski Crystal Worlds Shop displaying a unique selection of Swarovski products. We then proceed to Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. Enjoy this charming town of green domes and red roofs – see the Hofburg and the Goldenes Dachl. Late evening check-in at our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4: Innsbruck – Verona – Venice / Padova area

This morning we enjoy some spectacular scenery as we drive across Europabrucke, one of Europe’s highest bridges, winding our way through the Brenner pass to cross the Italian border. We leave behind the mountains for sunny Italy, to briefly visit Shakespeare’s Verona – see Juliet’s balcony and the Roman Arena. We then drive 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 the 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. Late evening check-in at our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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

Today we depart for Pisa. Watch the amazing scenery change as we cross the Appennines and the gentle hilly countryside of Tuscany to reach 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. Leaving Pisa, we continue on the autostrada to 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-in at our hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6: Arezzo – Rome – Arezzo

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 – Milan – Lake Lugano area – Switzerland

This morning we depart for Milan, the cultural and economic hub of Italy. Here, you have free time to explore the historic centre of the city – see the famous Duomo (Cathedral), one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Italy, La Scala Opera House and the Castello Sforzesco. Leaving Milan, we continue on the autostradas, before crossing the Swiss border, passing spectacular scenery around the lake regions of Como and Lugano. We make a brief photo stop near Lake Lugano, before driving north through the Gotthard tunnel. We arrive at our hotel late evening, and check in for a three-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 8: 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 9: Switzerland: Interlaken – Jungfraujoch

Today, we first drive to the picturesque town of Interlaken, the scene of many “Bollywood” films, where you have some time to browse through the shops. From there a short drive brings us to Lauterbrunnen (or Grindelwald Grund), where we board the train for the scenic journey to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres (weather permitting). Visit the Ice Palace with ice sculptures or enjoy the panoramic views from the Sphinx Terrace. Early evening we begin our descent and return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 10: Switzerland – Paris

Early morning we leave the Swiss Alps behind us. Once into France, we join the super fast highways, driving past vineyards and mustard fields. Continue onto Paris, one of the most exciting and popular cities of Europe, renowned for its fashion, perfumes, and of course the most talked about French champagne and wines. On arrival in Paris, we visit the third floor (*) of the Eiffel Tower to witness a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Later, we check into our hotel for a two-night stay. Tonight, you may either rest at the hotel or join us for an exciting optional Lido Paris Cabaret Show. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 11: Paris

Today you have the choice of two exciting day tours;

Paris City Tour

This morning, on our orientation tour of Paris, we will be introduced to the main sights of this beautiful city: Hotel des Invalides, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the Opera. Later, we proceed to Versailles, to visit the magnificent Gardens at the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of the famous “Sun King”. This evening, enjoy an amazing cruise (**) on the River Seine – admire the spectacular facades from your covered boat. Then on our Paris by Night Tour (***) we will see the main sights illuminated. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

OR

Disneyland Paris Theme Park (****)

This morning we drive to the famous Disneyland Paris Theme Park where a day of excitement awaits the entire family. Meet your favourite Disney characters, watch amazing shows, ride the hair-raising “Space Mountain: Mission 2” roller coaster, enter Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril and find yourself in a runaway wagon speeding through the ancient ruins. This evening, enjoy an amazing cruise (**) on the River Seine – admire the spectacular facades from your covered boat. Then on our Paris by Night Tour (***) we will see the main sights illuminated. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 12: Paris – Calais – Ferry – Dover – London

This morning we visit a French perfumery for some last minute shopping. 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 13: 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 11 or Day 12 as per convenience.

Note (***): Please note that the Paris by Night Tour may be operated on either Day 10 or Day 11 as per convenience.

Note (****): A supplement is payable for the visit to Disneyland Paris Theme Park – the details are mentioned under Additional Excursions.