Itinerary

Day 1:
Day 1 BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
ARRIVAL 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 3:
LONDON. A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (B)

Day 4:
LONDON-AMSTERDAM AREA, HOLLAND. Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you embark on your ferry for the Continent. Meet your Tour Director and board your luxury coach for the drive to the Amsterdam area. (B)

Day 5:
AMSTERDAM AREA-THE RHINELAND, GERMANY. A morning to enjoy Holland’s busy metropolis. After your included visit to a famous diamond center, it’s time for morning sightseeing with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights; finally, a canal cruise to see Amsterdam from water level. In the afternoon travel southward

Day 6:
THE RHINELAND-INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA. A choice today of the included scenic drive along the shores of the Rhine or, even more thrilling, the optional Rhine cruise with vistas of the Lorelei Rock, hilltop castles, half timbered wine villages, and terraced vineyards. In the afternoon ride along the Autobahn to Austria. Overnight in Innsbruck. (B,D)

Day 7:
INNSBRUCK-VENICE AREA, ITALY. Early morning departure via the Tyrolean Alps to the unique floating city of Venice. This afternoon’s sightseeing includes a boat ride followed by a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D)

Day 8:
VENICE AREA-ASSISI-ROME. An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then through the gentle Umbrian hills to Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous Basilica with its beautiful frescos by Giotto, then head for Rome. (B)

Day 9:
ROME. The "Eternal City"—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 10:
ROME-FLORENCE AREA. An easy drive this morning on the Highway of the Sun to Florence. This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide that features most of the city highlights. You will see the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate to Paradise.” (B,D)

Day 11:
FLORENCE AREA-PISA-LAKE LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND. Start the morning by driving to Pisa to visit the Square of Miracles and admire the Leaning Tower. Next, journey northwards through Tuscan hills across the River Po into the Lombardy Plains, crossing into Switzerland for a stop in lovely Lakeside Lugano. In the afternoon travel through some of Europe’s most splendid Alpine scenery through the St. Gotthard Tunnel to descend to Lake Lucerne for an overnight. (B,D)

Day 12:
LAKE LUCERNE-INTERLAKEN-LAUSANNE. Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s finest cities, nestled amid its snow-capped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. Your visit takes in the impressive city walls, a covered wooden bridge, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, and the Lion Monument. Next, to nearby Stans for an optional excursion by funicular and cable car to the 6,227-foot summit of the Stanserhorn. Later, Interlaken for a stop. Follow the shoreline of Lake Thun to the delightful hilltop village of Gruyère. A few more miles to Lausanne overlooking Lake Geneva. (B,D)

Day 13:
LAUSANNE-PARIS, FRANCE. Vistas of famous vineyards on the way to Beaune. Visit the medieval Burgundian town, known the world over for its wine production. Later, via the comfortable autoroute to Paris. Tonight maybe an optional cabaret show? (B)

Day 14:
PARIS. Two days in which to explore the city that’s known throughout the world for its fashions, art and museums, delicious food, and joie de vivre. Included sightseeing with a local expert of 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. Optional excursions are also available to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles and to the Louvre Museum. (B daily)

Day 15:
PARIS. Two days in which to explore the city that’s known throughout the world for its fashions, art and museums, delicious food, and joie de vivre. Included sightseeing with a local expert of 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. Optional excursions are also available to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles and to the Louvre Museum. (B daily)

Day 16:
YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT FROM PARIS ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Innsbruck, Assisi, Pisa, Lugano, Lucerne, Interlaken, Gruyère, Lausanne, Beaune
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Sat. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Sun. ARRIVAL IN LONDON, ENGLAND. Check into your hotel. Then enjoy an afternoon in the lively British capital. Uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your time.

Day 3:
Mon. LONDON-BRUSSELS, BELGIUM. Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you embark on your ferry for the Continent. Here meet your Tour Director and board your luxury coach for the drive to Brussels. (B)

Day 4:
Tue. BRUSSELS-RHINELAND, GERMANY-ULM. A comfortable journey using the German Autobahn traveling south into the Rhineland, then past Stuttgart into Bavaria, with its woods, farms, and pretty villages. Next, to Ulm, a lovely city located on the banks of the Danube, famed for its cathedral with the world’s highest spire and also as the birthplace of Albert Einstein. (B,D)

Day 5:
Wed. ULM-INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA-VENICE AREA, ITALY. Drive south this morning into Austria by way of Fern Pass into the Tyrol and on to its capital, Innsbruck. Continue by way of the Europa Bridge into Italy and make a stop in the lovely winter sports resort of Cortina in the Dolomites. Descend into the valley of the Trentino and the Venetian plain; then travel eastwards to the Venice area for an overnight. (B,D)

Day 6:
Thu. VENICE. Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and quiet little piazzas. The included tour starts with a boat ride and is followed by highlights such as a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B)

Day 7:
Fri. VENICE AREA-ASSISI-ROME. An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then through the gentle Umbrian hills to Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous Basilica with its beautiful frescos by Giotto, then head for Rome. (B)

Day 8:
Sat. ROME. The "Eternal City"—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 9:
Sun. ROME-MONTE CASSINO-POMPEII-SORRENTO. Deeper into the south today, making a first stop in Monte Cassino to view the monastery and abbey perched high above the valley. The monastery was the motherhouse of the Benedictines, founded in 529 and destroyed four times over the past centuries. The last time it was laid to ruin was in 1944 during the great Battle of Monte Cassino. Next is another great sight. Time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town of Pompeii with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. You can see the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum (entrance fees and Local Guide are included). Just a few more miles to Sorrento, and where you''ll stay for the next two nights. (B)

Day 10:
Mon. SORRENTO. BOAT TRIP TO CAPRI. Visit this legendary island, surrounded by rocky coastline, where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants is a mecca for the jet set. An optional island tour is available. (B,D)

Day 11:
Tue. SORRENTO-ORVIETO-FLORENCE AREA. This morning retrace part of the route, bypassing Rome for a stop in Orvieto to visit its black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Next, enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Overnight in the Florence area. (B,D)

Day 12:
Wed. FLORENCE. EXCURSION TO PISA. This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Don’t miss the included walking tour with a Local Guide, which features most of the city highlights. You will see the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it off, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate to Paradise.” In the afternoon take advantage of an included excursion to Pisa and enjoy the sights of the “Square of Miracles” with its Leaning Tower. (B)

Day 13:
Thu. FLORENCE AREA-BOLOGNALUGANO, SWITZERLAND. This morning drive just 50 miles (80 km) northeast to Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Stop awhile to see the twin “leaning towers” and the lovely Piazza Maggiore. Journey northwards across the mighty River Po, through the Lombardy plains and into Switzerland for an overnight in charming Lugano. (B,D)

Day 14:
Fri. LUGANO-LAKE LUCERNE. Some truly magnificent Alpine scenery this morning as you travel into the very heart of the Swiss Alps. Once through the St. Gotthard Tunnel you start your descent to Lucerne, perhaps rightly considered the most Swiss-looking city in the whole confederation. This afternoon’s sightseeing takes in the impressive city walls, a covered wooden bridge, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, and the Lion Monument, a masterful stone sculpture in honor of the heroic Swiss Guard of Louis XVI. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a cruise on the fjord-like lake; a funicular and cable car ride to the 6,227-foot summit of the Stanserhorn; and, of course, there is time to shop for that very Swiss watch. Return to your overnight hotel in the Lake Lucerne area. (B,D)

Day 15:
Sat. LAKE LUCERNE-PARIS, FRANCE. Enjoy vistas of green pastures and attractive chalets with rustic timbering and luxuriant flowers. Then into France on the comfortable highway past some of its most famous vineyards, to Paris. Arrive in time to enjoy the optional cabaret show. (B)

Day 16:
Sun. PARIS. One full day to explore the city that’s known throughout the world for its fashions, art and museums, delicious food, and joie de vivre. Included sightseeing with a local expert of 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.Optional excursions are also available. Maybe celebrate the success of your tour with a French farewell dinner. (B)

Day 17:
Mon. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT FROM PARIS ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Brussels, Ulm, Innsbruck, Cortina, Assisi, Monte Cassino, Sorrento, Capri, Orvieto, Pisa, Bologna, Lugano, Lucerne
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Sat. ARRIVAL 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 3:
Sun. LONDON. A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (B)

Day 4:
Mon. LONDON-BRUSSELS, BELGIUM. Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you board your ferry for the Continent. Here meet your Tour Director and board your luxury coach for the drive to Brussels. (B)

Day 5:
Tue. BRUSSELS-LUXEMBOURG-THE RHINELAND, GERMANY-FRANKFURT AREA. Drive south this morning into the Duchy of Luxembourg. Cross the German border and make a stop in ancient Trier before continuing through the splendid scenery of the Moselle Valley. A choice this afternoon of the included scenic drive along the shores of the Rhine or, even more thrilling, the optional Rhine cruise with vistas of the Lorelei Rock, hilltop castles, half-timbered wine villages, and terraced vineyards. Just a few more miles by coach to the overnight in the Frankfurt area. (B,D)

Day 6:
Wed. FRANKFURT AREA-NUREMBERG-SALZBURG AREA, AUSTRIA. Journey through the heart of Germany on the highway to reach Nuremberg, at one time Germany’s most beautiful city and much later famed for the war criminal trials which took place in 1945. Stop for a short visit. Drive south this afternoon through Bavaria, past Munich, across the German-Austrian border, and into the Salzburg area for an overnight. (B,D)

Day 7:
Thu. SALZBURG AREA-VIENNA. A morning to enjoy some optional sightseeing in Salzburg, Mozart’s hometown. In the afternoon journey through the Salzkammergut Lakelands of Sound of Music fame, past Mondsee to follow the Danube almost all the way to Vienna. (B)

Day 8:
Fri. VIENNA. Start the morning with an included sightseeing tour featuring the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg. Finally, an inside visit of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Complete the day by joining the optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace. (B)

Day 9:
Sat. VIENNA-LAKE BALATON, HUNGARY-BUDAPEST. East today into Hungary through the historic city of Györ. Next, the vast stretch of Lake Balaton unfolds as you drive through some of its summer resorts. Reach Budapest by way of Martonvasar, where Beethoven wrote his Appassionata. Tonight an optional cruise on the Danube to

Day 10:
Sun. BUDAPEST. Buda Castle dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Heroes’ Square typifies the modern capital, while along the riverbank you find the old inns and wine cellars. Included sightseeing takes in the Parliament building, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Royal Castle, and Matthias Coronation Church. (B)

Day 11:
Mon. BUDAPEST-PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Start the day by traveling into Slovakia. Once across the border, have a break in Bratislava, its capital. Drive north to cross yet another border into the Czech Republic. The highway will take you through Bohemia, an enchanted land of castles, spas, and picket-fenced villages. Evening arrival in Prague. (B,D)

Day 12:
Tue. PRAGUE. The wealth of Gothic and Baroque architecture here perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. Included sightseeing features landmarks such as the National Theater, Belvedere, Charles Bridge, and the old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock. (B,D)

Day 13:
Wed. PRAGUE-DRESDEN, GERMANY-BERLIN. Discover more of Bohemia as you journey towards the German frontier. Next, the mountains and fortresses of the Erzgebirge range. Today’s highlight is a stop in Dresden, a magnificently restored city after its almost total destruction in World War II. In the afternoon travel north across the River Elbe to reach Berlin for two overnights. Maybe join the optional dinner outing. (B)

Day 14:
Thu. BERLIN. Included sightseeing focuses on the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and the Europa Center. Reunited Berlin has regained not only its territorial integrity but also the status of a German capital. There is also the option of visiting Berlin''s most important museums. (B)

Day 15:
Fri. BERLIN-RHINELAND. Back on the Autobahn this morning past Brunswick on the way to Hamelin. Stop and hear the story of the Pied Piper. Next, the grand scenery of the Teutoburger Forest and into the Ruhr, then farther west to the Rhineland for an overnight. (B,D)

Day 16:
Sat. RHINELAND-LONDON, ENGLAND. A comfortable drive this morning to the Channel port for your ferry crossing from the Continent to England. Through Kent return to London for an evening arrival. (B)

Day 17:
Sun. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Trier, Nuremberg, Bratislava, Dresden, Hamelin
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Wed. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Thu. ARRIVAL 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 3:
Fri. LONDON. A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (B)

Day 4:
Sat. LONDON-BRUSSELS, BELGIUM. Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you board your ferry for the Continent. Here your Tour Director and luxury coach meet you and you’re off to Brussels. (B)

Day 5:
Sun. BRUSSELS-RHINE CRUISE, GERMANY-WÜRZBURG. Drive south this morning to the shores of the mighty Rhine. Your included Rhine steamer cruise is today’s highlight with some legendary sights such as the Lorelei Rock. An easy and relatively short drive southeast to Würzburg, a baroque city famed for its cathedral, bridges, palace, and gardens. (B,D)

Day 6:
Mon. WÜRZBURG-NUREMBERG-PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Travel eastwards today, making a first stop in Nuremberg, an ancient city still showing its medieval walls with rampart walks and an 11th-century castle. It is also famous for its 1945 trials of the Nazi leaders and war criminals. Continue by way of the world’s beer capital, Pilsen, to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic for overnight. (B,D)

Day 7:
Tue. PRAGUE-VIENNA, AUSTRIA. The wealth of Gothic and baroque architecture perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the National Theater, Belvedere, Charles Bridge, and the old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock. This afternoon, motor from Bohemia into Moravia and continue southwest for a few more miles before crossing into Austria for two nights in its splendid capital, Vienna. This evening, enjoy an optional Viennese concert. (B)

Day 8:
Wed. 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 and take an inside visit of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, an optional trip to the Palace of Schönbrunn. (B)

Day 9:
Thu. VIENNA-VENICE AREA, ITALY. Breathtaking scenery as you travel across Austria to Velden and beautiful Lake Worth for a short visit. Next, into Italy by way of Tarvisio, then through the flat and fertile plains of Venetia to the Venice area for two overnights. (B)

Day 10:
Fri. VENICE. The included tour starts with a boat ride and is followed by a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip. (B,D)

Day 11:
Sat. VENICE AREA-ROME. Today travel south across the Po Delta into the very heart of the Apennines, dotted with towns and villages perched on the mountain sides. Reach the Eternal City in time to join the optional Rome by Night excursion. (B)

Day 12:
Sun. ROME. The "Eternal City"—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 13:
Mon. ROME-FLORENCE AREA. This morning join the optional excursion to the Vatican Museum before driving northward through the Tuscan countryside to reach Florence in the late afternoon. On the included walking tour with a Local Guide, discover most of the city highlights: the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio, and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate to Paradise.” (B,D)

Day 14:
Tue. FLORENCE AREA-LAKE LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND. Across the Lombardy plains this morning to Italian Switzerland’s subtropical resort of Lugano. Here you take a break to stroll along the lakeside promenade, before climbing towards the St. Gotthard Tunnel. Emerge on the German-speaking side of Switzerland and then descend into the gentle landscape around Lake Lucerne. (B,D)

Day 15:
Wed. LUCERNE. One of Switzerland’s finest cities, nestled amid its snow-capped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. Your visit takes in the impressive city walls, a covered wooden bridge, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, and the Lion Monument—a masterful stone sculpture in honor of the heroic Swiss Guard of Louis XVI. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a cable car ride to the 10,000-foot summit of Mount Titlis; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course, there is time to shop for that very Swiss watch. (B,D)

Day 16:
Thu. LAKE LUCERNE-PARIS, FRANCE. Enjoy vistas of green pastures and attractive chalets with rustic timbering and luxuriant flowers. Then into France on the highway past some of its most famous vineyards to Paris. Arrive in time to enjoy the optional cabaret show. (B)

Day 17:
Fri. PARIS. Paris holds a special place in the imagination. It’s a city of many facets famed for its culture, beauty, sophistication, and sparkle. By sitting with a glass of wine in a bistro or sidewalk café, you can absorb the essence of the city and the individualism of its people. The center has wide boulevards and impressive buildings. Included sightseeing with a local expert of 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. Optional excursions are also available to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles and, to celebrate the success of your tour, a French farewell dinner might be just the ticket. (B)

Day 18:
Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT FROM PARIS ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices