Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to London.
Day 2 - Arrive London
Time to relax after checking into your Trafalgar hotel.Hotel: Ibis Earls Court
Day 3 - London - Paris (2 nights)
It's a Sunday unlike any other, we're off for a 'European Break' – through Kent to Dover, where we embark on our Channel crossing to France. Then across the Somme Battlefields to the exciting city of Paris. On our arrival we'll get to know our fellow traveling companions and enjoy a Welcome Drink. (Continential breakfast)Hotel: Mercure la Defense 5
Day 4 - Paris sightseeing & at leisure
Our included sightseeing tour features, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Later, maybe take a trip to visit the Palace of Versailles? This evening, after an included illuminations tour you'll have the chance of exploring the city's nightlife and we'll have late-night transportation organized so that you can get back to your hotel in comfort. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 5 - Paris - Loire Castles - Tours
A short drive to Chartres with its Cathedral famous for its stained-glass windows. On to the nearby Loire Valley where we stop to view Chambord Castle. Then on to visit fairy-tale Chenonceau Castle, and finally to Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried. In Tours, we enjoy dinner in a 'Tourangelle' restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)Hotel: Novotel Tours Sud
Day 6 - Tours - Oradour-sur-Glane Cahors
We pause in Loches to admire the fortified castle and continue to visit the ruined village of Oradour-sur-Glane. Then on through the green hills of the Correze and into the valley of the Lot arriving at picturesque Cahors with its 11th century bridge, 'Le Pont Valentré'. Tonight we will enjoy a dinner of local cuisine in a characteristic restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)Hotel: Interhotel de Fran
Day 7 - Cahors - Carcassonne - Barcelona (2 nights)
This morning after breakfast we start with a scenic drive through the green fields of Gascony to the walled town of Carcassonne – used as the backdrop for the film,'Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves'. Through the snow-capped Pyrenees we drive into Spain. On arrival in 'avant-garde' Barcelona we enjoy dinner in a typical Catalan restaurant. Later, maybe experience a passionate fiery Flamenco show! (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)Hotel: Abba Garden
Day 8 - Barcelona sightseeing & at leisure
Our sightseeing today takes us from Gaudi's 'Sagrada Familia', to the somber buildings of the Gothic Quarter, from the lively cafés on the Ramblas to the tranquil views over the city from the Montjuich Park. Barcelona is a city with something for everyone – especially at night when you'll be able to take advantage of the late-night transportation back to your hotel. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 9 - Barcelona - Arles - Aix-en-Provence
Along the French Amethyst coast to the Camargue with its wild horses, black bulls and pink flamingos to reach the Provencal town of Arles. Once home of Van Gogh, Arles was also a Roman town as the ancient Amphitheatre proves! Time to explore before continuing to Aix-en-Provence, perhaps France's favorite University city. Tonight, dinner is in one of the many charming restaurants. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Day 10 - Aix-en-Provence - Cannes Nice (2) - Monte Carlo Excursion
Relax this morning in this city of fountains and traffic-free squares. Then a pretty drive to Cannes, where we can ogle the yachts, see the Film Festival Centre and be dazzled by the 'hotel-palaces' loved by the rich and famous. In Grasse, we visit the Fragonard Perfume factory before heading to Nice. Tonight, get on your party gear, because after a dinner of local specialties in a characteristic restaurant, we'll join the 'beautiful people' in Monte Carlo with a chance to visit one of the Casinos. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Day 11 - Nice at leisure
Today it’s the Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena, the best beaches, shopping areas and you can choose how to spend your day. Tonight, take in some nightlife. There is a Casino and plenty of clubs and cafés. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 12 - Nice - Pisa - Florence (2 nights)
This morning after a leisurely breakfast we leave the Côte d'Azur for another exciting new destination – Italy! Soon we are driving along the Riviera dei Fiori past Rapallo and Portofino to arrive in Pisa where we view the Leaning Tower. Then a short drive to Florence where tonight you may want to feast on a Florentine beefsteak and later hit the local clubs, we'll have transportation at hand to take you back to your hotel. (Buffet breakfast)Hotel: Golden Tulip Mirage
Day 13 - Florence sightseeing & at leisure
Our sightseeing tour on foot shows us the Duomo, Piazza Signoria and the Holy Cross Basilica. Then time to shop for bargains in leather and 18 carat gold jewelry. Tonight, we enjoy a pizza dinner with wine in a downtown restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Day 14 - Florence - Siena - Rome (2 nights)
First stop is medieval Siena, where we visit the Piazza del Campo – home of the Palio horse race. 'All roads lead to Rome' so we continue through sunflower fields, olive groves and vineyards into Latium to the 'Eternal City'. Tonight, we enjoy dinner in a local trattoria. If you wish to stay out late after dinner, we have transportation at hand! (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)Hotel: Aran Park
Day 15 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure
Sightseeing includes the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican and the ancient Forum and Colosseum. Then time to explore. The Catacombs, Frascati, Villa Borghese? It's up to you. Tonight, join in the outdoor life of the pavement cafés with the locals. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 16 - Rome - Orvieto - Venice (Marghera) (2 nights)
Through the tufa hills of Lazio to Umbria where we ascend by funicular to the medieval hilltop town of Orvieto, famous for its crisp white wine, beautiful ceramics and its Gothic Cathedral. Then over the Apennine mountains to Venice. Tonight, we enjoy dinner in a canal-side restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Day 17 - Venice sightseeing and at leisure
Along the canals, past Palladian Palazzos and churches by private launch to St. Mark's Square where we see the Doge’s Palace and Byzantine Basilica. We visit one of the oldest glass-blowing workshops and watch craftsmen creating crystal sculptures from the molten glass. Later why not take a Lagoon cruise and enjoy some fantastic seafood before we return to our hotel. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 18 - Venice (Marghera) - Verona - Lucerne (2 nights)
The city of the star-crossed lovers Verona is our destination this morning. Here we see Juliet's balcony and the Roman Arena before traveling through the region of the Italian Lakes to Switzerland. Crossing Lake Lugano we take the scenic St. Gotthard route to central Switzerland and Lucerne. Tonight, enjoy the atmosphere of this lively lakeside resort with its eccentric cafés and traffic-free old town! (Buffet breakfast)Hotel: Drei Konige munich Eurohotel & Suites
Day 19 - Lucerne orientation & at leisure
We see the Lion Monument, the Chapel Bridge and the ancient turreted walls. We have the chance to take an exhilarating mountain excursion. Tonight, we enjoy a dinner of local specialties in a typical Swiss restaurant. (buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Day 20 - Lucerne - Neuschwanstein Castle - Munich
Skirting the lake of Constance we drive into German Bavaria. Soon we are at Germany's most famous and extravagant castle – Mad Ludwig's 'Neuschwanstein'. After our included visit we continue to nearby fun-loving Munich where a short orientation tour shows us the Hofbräuhaus and the Glockenspiel. This evening, we enjoy a meal of typical Bavarian specialties at the Hofbräuhaus. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)Hotel: Eurohotel & Suites
Day 21 - Munich - Heidelberg - Rhineland (Ludwigshafen)
This morning we see the Olympic Stadium on our way to the University town of Heidelberg. Here we admire the red sandstone castle and have time to shop in the cobbled streets of the pedestrian quarter before we enjoy dinner in an ancient tavern. Later we arrive at our Rhineland hotel for the night. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)Hotel: Europa
Day 22 - Rhineland (Ludwigshafen) - Rhine Cruise - Amsterdam (2 nights)
We head north to the Rhine for a cruise past the famous Lorelei Rock with views of steeply terraced vineyards and medieval castles. Then along the 'autobahn' to the Dutch border and via Utrecht en route to friendly Amsterdam. This evening, we enjoy a delicious included dinner in a local restaurant! Afterwards it's up to you – but we'll have a late-night coach available to take you back to your hotel. (Buffet breakfast)Hotel: Ibis Schiphol
Day 23 - Amsterdam sightseeing and at leisure
This morning our orientation tour will show us the Tower of Tears, Jewish Synagogue, Skinny Bridge and Dam Square. Then time to do all that last minute shopping before enjoying our last evening together in Amsterdam. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 24 - Amsterdam - London
We drive to Calais for the Channel crossing back to England. Then on to London. (Buffet breakfast)Hotel: Ibis Earls Court
Day 25 - London - USA
Time for farewells or perhaps extend your stay with your new friends. (Buffet breakfast)
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