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EUROPEAN MASTERPIECE (52702012)

A 29-Day Cosmos Tours tour starting from $4,019

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Tour Overview

Tour Type:
 Escorted Tour
Tour Category: Other Cosmos Tours
Tour Operator: Cosmos Tours
Tour Code: 5270-2012
Tour Highlights

Cities Visited

See Description
Sightseeing Highlights

City Highlights
Headsets throughout the tourVisits to Tours, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Arles, Nice, Pisa, Sorrento, Olympia, San Marino, Venice, Velden, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Liechtenstein, Lucerne; Rhine cruiseNotes:July 17, July 20, July 24, July 27, August 3 & August 10 Departures - cross channel by ferry instead of Eurostar train.Security cruise regulations require first and last name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and passport number at time of booking.

Scenic Highlights
Châteaux country, Bordeaux wine country, French and Italian Rivieras, Bay of Naples, Peloponese, Lake Wörth, Carinthia, Tyrolean Alps, Swiss Alps, Rhineland

Overview

Title
European Masterpiece

Vacation Overview
This comprehensive vacation takes in the best of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. Start in London and cross the English Channel by Eurostar train bound for Paris (except where specified). Among the highlights: see the Champs Elysées in Paris, French Châteaux Country, Plaza Catalunya in Barcelona, the glamorous French Riviera, Pisa’s Leaning Tower, Renaissance Florence’s Duomo, the Colosseum in Rome, and the Pompeii archaeological site. Enjoy an overnight ferry crossing to Greece and a visit to Athens’ Acropolis and Olympia. Return to Italy by ferry, first to the oldest state in the world, San Marino, then to romantic Venice with St. Mark’s Basilica and Square. Enjoy Vienna’s imperial city center, the majestic Swiss Alps, and Germany’s Rhineland. The vacation ends amidst the remarkable canals of Amsterdam. Note:December 12 Departure - Christmas lunch in Rome

Year Round Offers
  • 10% Discount for Travelers under 18 yrs old
  • Pay $25 Less For Your 2nd & Subsequent Vacations
  • Vacations start as low as $115 a day
  • Lower prices during the low season (October–March)
Start Date End Date Brochure price Our Price Quote
5/25/2012
6/23/2012
$4,389
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5/29/2012
6/27/2012
$4,389
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6/1/2012
6/30/2012
$4,389
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6/5/2012
7/4/2012
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6/8/2012
7/7/2012
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6/12/2012
7/11/2012
$4,389
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6/15/2012
7/14/2012
$4,389
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6/19/2012
7/18/2012
$4,389
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6/22/2012
7/21/2012
$4,389
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6/26/2012
7/25/2012
$4,389
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6/29/2012
7/28/2012
$4,389
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7/3/2012
8/1/2012
$4,389
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7/6/2012
8/4/2012
$4,389
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7/10/2012
8/8/2012
$4,389
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7/13/2012
8/11/2012
$4,389
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7/17/2012
8/15/2012
$4,349
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7/20/2012
8/18/2012
$4,349
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7/24/2012
8/22/2012
$4,349
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7/27/2012
8/25/2012
$4,349
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8/3/2012
9/1/2012
$4,349
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8/10/2012
9/8/2012
$4,349
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8/14/2012
9/12/2012
$4,389
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8/17/2012
9/15/2012
$4,389
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8/21/2012
9/19/2012
$4,389
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8/24/2012
9/22/2012
$4,389
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8/28/2012
9/26/2012
$4,389
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8/31/2012
9/29/2012
$4,389
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9/4/2012
10/3/2012
$4,389
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9/7/2012
10/6/2012
$4,339
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9/11/2012
10/10/2012
$4,339
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9/14/2012
10/13/2012
$4,339
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9/18/2012
10/17/2012
$4,339
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9/21/2012
10/20/2012
$4,249
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9/25/2012
10/24/2012
$4,249
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9/28/2012
10/27/2012
$4,249
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10/5/2012
11/3/2012
$4,249
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10/12/2012
11/10/2012
$4,209
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10/19/2012
11/17/2012
$4,209
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10/26/2012
11/24/2012
$4,099
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11/2/2012
12/1/2012
$4,039
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11/23/2012
12/22/2012
$4,019
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12/12/2012
1/10/2013
$4,019
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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.

Day 1:
Arrive in London, England. Check into your hotel. In the afternoon you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 2:
London. Enjoy free time for independent activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s famous landmarks, consider Madame Tussauds or a ride on the London Eye. Your local host will be on hand to assist. (B)

Day 3:
London–Paris, France. Transfer to the railway station and board the Eurostar train to Paris. Here you’ll be met by your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (B)

Day 4:
Paris. Included sightseeing with a local expert shows off many of the best-known Parisian sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid near the Louvre, the Invalides, and Champs Elysées. (B)

Day 5:
Paris–Châteaux Country–Tours–Bordeaux. Start the day by motoring south to Blois and then parallel to the River Loire past the castles of Chaumont and Amboise for a short stop in Tours. Take the comfortable Autoroute L’Aquitaine as far as Poitiers, beautifully situated on a rocky plateau. South again to Saintes, then the Grand Champagne wine-growing area. Another 60 miles and you’ll be in Bordeaux on the banks of the Garonne. (B,D)

Day 6:
Bordeaux–Carcassonne–Barcelona, Spain. From the vineyards of the Gironde and the Garonne, travel eastwards, bypassing Toulouse to Carcassonne in the foothills of the Pyrenées. Stop and admire what is perhaps the best-preserved medieval fortified town in Europe. Later, reach the Spanish border and motor through Catalonia. Once across the River Ter, you’ll soon be in Barcelona. (B,D)

Day 7:
Barcelona. This morning’s sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a panoramic view of the port and city. The drive continues to the city center to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces in the Houses Batlló and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). (B)

Day 8:
Barcelona–Arles, France–French Riviera. Retrace your drive to the French border, then into the vine-covered region of the Herault for a stop in Arles. Later, motor westwards across the Rhône towards the Mediterranean shores for an overnight on the French Riviera. (B)

Day 9:
French Riviera–Eze–Pisa, Italy–Florence. Today, travel along the high coastal road to visit a perfume workshop in Eze. The day is highlighted by the drive along the French and Italian Rivieras and into hilly Tuscany for a visit to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and the Square of Miracles. Don’t miss the included walking tour of Florence with a Local Guide, featuring most of the city highlights. (B,D)

Day 10:
Florence–Sorrento. Leave Florence this morning, and travel south on the Autostrada del Sole through the sunlit valleys of Chianti country south to Sorrento. (B,D)

Day 11:
Sorrento. An optional excursion today to the legendary island of Capri. The island is surrounded by a rocky coastline, where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town, with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. Return to Sorrento. (B)

Day 12:
Sorrento–Pompeii–Rome. Today, travel north, with the Vesuvius volcano in the distance. Then to Pompeii, where time stopped in 79 AD, when the Vesuvius eruption totally destroyed it. On the included visit you can see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. Later, head towards Rome for an overnight. (B)

Day 13:
Rome. The “Eternal City,” Rome is a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B)

Day 14:
Rome–Overnight Ferry Crossing to Patras, Greece. Drive across the rugged Apennine Hills towards the coast for embarkation on the overnight ferry to Greece. The modern ferries offer all comforts, including boutique, duty-free shop, two restaurants, three bars, discotheque, casino, and swimming pool. (B)

Day 15:
Patras–Olympia. Enjoy some daylight cruising towards the Greek coast before reaching Patras. Then, drive to Olympia for an overnight in the Peloponnese. (B,D)

Day 16:
Olympia–Tripolis–Athens. This morning, join the optional sightseeing tour and learn more about the history of the original Olympic Games, when athletes competed with each other to honor the king of deities. Then, motor into the mountains of Arcadia by way of Tripolis and over the Corinth Canal to Athens. Time later for an evening in the lively Plaka area. (B)

Day 17:
Athens. Today, take advantage of the included morning sightseeing, which features the highlights of this ancient capital and a visit to the fascinating Acropolis. Later, enjoy one of the optional excursions or explore the shops and museums. (B)

Day 18:
Athens–Patras–Overnight Ferry Crossing to Italy. Leave Athens and journey to Patras for embarkation on the ferry for the Ionian Sea crossing back to Italy. Departure is in the early evening. (B)

Day 19:
San Marino. Disembark in the late morning. Then, proceed north for an overnight in San Marino, one of the world’s smallest and most ancient states, perched on Monte Titano. (B,D)

Day 20:
San Marino–Venice Area. Take a short walk through the main gate and up to Government House in the very heart of this tiny ancient republic. Later this morning, travel along the Adriatic coastline through the Po Delta towards the Venice area. (B)

Day 21:
Venice Area. The included orientation starts with a boat ride and is followed by some time at leisure to absorb the atmosphere of this unique city, and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers. Don’t miss the optional gondola trip. (B,D)

Day 22:
Venice Area–Velden, Austria–Vienna. Today, leave the flat and fertile plains of Venetia and journey by way of Tarvisio Pass into the grand mountain and lakeland scenery of Austria for a stop in Velden on Lake Wörth. Northwards through the Styrian landscape to Vienna. (B)

Day 23:
Vienna. There’s so much to see on your included sightseeing tour: the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg. (B)

Day 24:
Vienna–Salzburg–Innsbruck. Westwards, almost parallel with the Danube, to Mozart’s Salzburg. Time for a stroll down the charming Getreidegasse, the town’s elegant main shopping street. The last leg of today’s drive takes you into the very heart of the Tyrol to its capital, Innsbruck. (B,D)

Day 25:
Innsbruck–Liechtenstein–Lucerne, Switzerland. Time this morning to get acquainted with Innsbruck. The orientation tour includes the famous Golden Roof. Later, drive through the valleys and villages of the mountainous Tyrol to the Arlberg tunnel, descending into Switzerland. Stop briefly in Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s capital, before heading for Lucerne. (B)

Day 26:
Lucerne. Sightseeing in one of Switzerland’s finest cities takes in the impressive city walls, a wooden bridge, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, and the Lion Monument. A selection of optional activities completes the day: a cruise on the fjord-like lake or an excursion to the top of one of the most beautiful mountains. (B,D)

Day 27:
Lucerne–Rhine Cruise–Rhineland, Germany. More of Switzerland and its quaint little villages, farms, and chalets before crossing into Germany to use its Autobahn on the journey northwards to the shores of the Rhine. Today’s highlight is the included Rhine cruise past the legendary Lorelei rock, hilltop castles, terraced vineyards, and half-timbered villages. Overnight in the Rhineland. (B,D)

Day 28:
Rhineland–Amsterdam Area, Holland. North today, first through the industrial Ruhr and then into the green, canal criss-crossed countryside of Holland to the Amsterdam area. Enjoy a canal cruise to see the town from water level, then watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a famous diamond center. Later, sightseeing includes an orientation drive with a Local Guide. (B)

Day 29:
Amsterdam. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Cosmos Tours

Guides
Host service in London. Local Guides for city sightseeing in Paris, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Athens, Vienna, Amsterdam. Professional Tour Director while touring

Hotels


LONDON
Kensington Close (ST),

PARIS
Quality Porte d'Orleans (F) or Forest Hill (ST) at La Villette,

BORDEAUX
Mercure Meriadeck (ST),

BARCELONA
Catalonia Atenas (ST) or Confortel Auditori (ST),

FRENCH RIVIERA
Park Inn (F) at Nice or Quality (F) at Menton or All Seasons (ST) at Nice,

FLORENCE
Ambasciatori (F) or Diplomat (ST) or Grifone (ST),

ROME
Princess (F) or Fleming (F),

SORRENTO
Central Park (ST) at Massa Lubrense,

OLYMPIA
Olympia Palace (F),

ATHENS
Acropolis Select (F) or Golden Age (F),

SAN MARINO
Titano (ST),

VENICE AREA
Holiday Inn (F) at Marghera or Poppi (F) at Mira,

VIENNA
Austria Trend Bosei (F) or Ramada Encore (F),

INNSBRUCK
Dollinger (ST) or Rumerhof (F) at Rum,

LUCERNE
NH Lucerne (F) or Pilatusblick (ST) at Kriens,

RHINELAND
Holiday Inn (F) at Cologne-Bonn Airport or Ramada (F) at Bruehl or Holiday Inn Stadtwald (F) at Cologne or Zum Anker (ST) at Andernach,

AMSTERDAM AREA
NH Airport (F) at Schiphol

Meals
Buffet breakfasts (B); 10 dinners (D)

Transportation
Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in London and Amsterdam if Cosmos issues the air tickets. Eurostar London-Paris. Transportation between the Channel port and London; on the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Cross-Channel ferry; two-berth cabins with private shower and toilet on overnight ferries Italy-Greece-Italy. Canal transfer boat in Venice; Rhine cruise. July 17, July 20, July 24, July 27, August 3 & August 10 departures cross channel by ferry instead of Eurostar.

Cosmos Disclaimer - Indicates that this departure and vacation is available for 2012 early booking. Book early, secure the best departures and protect yourself from any price modifications. All tours will be open for 2012 bookings in the Fall of 2011. Vacation upgrades and/or additions will not be available for early booking, as well as, any extra pre- or post-night pricing until the Fall of 2011. With the exception of Journeys Club discounts, future travel promotions are not applicable and are not retroactive on early bookings.

Price Details US
Dates and prices do not include international air travel. When planning your trip, allow one extra day before tour date for travel between the USA and Europe.Prices based on double room occupancy.Single room supplement: $1610No triple room reduction.No single accommodation on board the ferry Italy-Greece and Greece-Italy. Singles will be asked to share.2013 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification. Details will be available in Oct. 2012.Notes:Guarantee share accommodations are not available on departures June 19-August 14.December 12 Departure - Christmas lunch in RomeJuly 17, July 20, July 24, July 27, August 3 & August 10 Departures - cross channel by ferry instead of Eurostar train.

Related Tours
5275|Extend Your Stay in London

Cosmos Year Round Deals

Cosmos Year Round Discounts



 

Young Traveler Discounts

      

 

With Cosmos, travel is definitely a family affair. Young travelers ages 8-17 receive a 10% discount on the land-only portion of their Globus vacation.



Discount for Repeat Travelers

      

 

Journeys Club members can save 5% on any 2012 Cosmos vacation. This is on top of other great member benefits, including exclusive deal alerts throughout the year, unique travel accessories, and special partner discounts and benefits. 



Second Tour Discount

      

 

It pays to travel more often! Book two Cosmos vacations traveling in the same year and receive 5% off the land portion of your second tour. And if you take three tours, you save 5% on each of your next two.





Triple Room Reduction

      

 

You can also save when three people travel together and share accommodations. Refer to the itinerary pages for the specific reduction per tour.



Big Savings for Small Groups

      

 

Traveling with family and friends has always been rewarding, and now the rewards can really pile up. Small groups of 5, 6, or 7 can save 5% per person off the land-only portion of Cosmos tour vacations. 

And don't forget: in groups of 8 to 15, one person travels at half-price; in a group of 16+, one person travels free. So, bring others along and multiply the fun—and the savings!

Traveling party of 5, 6 or 7 must travel from same origination point and must be advised at the time of booking. Discount on the land-only portion of core tour, not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips and supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 10, 2011 and December 31, 2012, for travel commencing by December 31, 2012. Does not apply to Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon Waterways. Not combinable with any other offer or discount other than the Journeys Club repeat traveler benefit. Not combinable with other group allowances. Travelers already traveling at a discount, such as children, do not count toward the party total. Offer reliant on space availability, and applies to new 2012 bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


 

Avoid the Single Room Supplement

      

 

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!

 


 

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour's average rating:

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The most recent reviews for this tour:


Thanks for voting !

Martin rated this tour a 2 on 7/2/2011 7:14:24 AM and says:

"European Masterpiece Review The tour is provided by Cosmos Tours. Whatever the stated cost of this trip, you will be asked for an additional up-front gratuity for the bus driver and the tour director at the time of booking by your travel agent. For those who refuse this option, the tour director will remind you at the end of the tour just how much he would expect everybody to tip the driver, $4-$5 per person, per day. The tour directors own tip is left up to you but the very strong inference is that it will not be less than the drivers. Optional tours are available at various locations however the additional costs quickly add up and $800 per person would not be unusual and should be budgeted for. The standard of the meals provided as part of the optional tours was dissapointing. This 31 day trip is rated as “Leisurely”. It is not, unless you consider sitting on a bus for very long periods of time as enjoyable and relaxing. Those I travelled with did not. Add to this, rising early (average between 6am to 7am) with 45 minutes to shower, pack your case and leave it outside your room. Another 45 minutes to breakfast and board the coach. The bus journeys between cities seemed endless while included tours were usually too short and rushed to get a real appreciation of the cities. Everyone I spoke with said that they had underestimated the amount of time they would spend on the bus and how little time they had in the cities visited. Hotels and rooms are generally good, occasionally very good and occasionally very bad. Most hotels are not central. This means that if you don’t avail of the optional tours, you are on your own using taxis or public transport to get around. This can be challenging and rewarding but it’s not for everybody. The meals provided were a mixed bag too, most were average, one was dreadful and some were excellent. All the cities visited were as beautiful as promised unfortunately with such huge distances to cover, there was little time to appreciate them. The tour director and the driver were both very competent and maintained an excellent relationship with the group. However being told how much they expected to be tipped is wrong. Much is made of the holiday being great value, if the holiday had been all about clocking up kilometers then it would have won hands down but if it was about quality time in beautiful cities, then for me it failed."

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.