Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in London, England. (Mon.) Uniformed Globus Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 3:
London. (Tue.) Sightseeing with a professional Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: Knightsbridge with Harrods, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. Time in the afternoon for independent activities. Optional excursions are available to the Tower of London and to Windsor Castle. Tonight maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (FB)

Day 4:
London–Paris, France. (Wed.) Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and transfer to the railway station to board the EUROSTAR TRAIN to Paris, the splendid capital of a beautiful country. Tonight join your Tour Director for a toast to happy touring and you may wish to join an optional dinner in a ocal restaurant followed by an illumination drive of the city. (FB)

Day 5:
Paris. (Thu.) Discover the world capital of chic and style with a Local Guide and admire its most famous sights: the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more. For a bird’seye view take the elevator to the second floor of Paris’ most famous landmark, the EIFFEL TOWER. An optional excursion to the lavish baroque Palace of Versailles is available. Tonight, a lively cabaret show might just be the ticket. (BB)

Day 6:
Paris–Lucerne, Switzerland. (Fri.) A comfortable ride on the highway skirting Fontainebleau Forest and the vineyards of Burgundy to the Swiss border. Enjoy vistas of the Alps as you enter picture book Lucerne. (BB,D)

Day 7:
Lucerne. (Sat.) Admire Thorwaldsen’s LION MONUMENT and the ornate patrician houses lining the cobbled streets of the walled Old Town, then cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit Church. Afterwards, shop for Swiss watches and choose from our optional activities: climb a mountain by cable car, take a cruise on the fjord-like lake, or join a folklore party with yodeling and alphorn blowing. (BB)

Day 8:
Lucerne–Liechtenstein–Innsbruck, Austria–Munich, Germany. (Sun.) Morning break is in Vaduz, capital of the pocket-sized Principality of Liechtenstein. In Innsbruck take a pleasant stroll through quaint medieval lanes to Emperor Maximilian’s GOLDEN ROOF. Next, stunning mountain views all along the road from the Austrian Tyrol to Bavaria and Munich. (BB,D)

Day 9:
Munich. (Mon.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the Olympic Stadium, the 1,000-foothigh Television Tower, Nymphenburg Palace, MARIENPLATZ with the Old and New Town Hall, and the Gothic Frauenkirche. In the afternoon an optional excursion is available to King Ludwig’s Linderhof Castle and the Passion Play village of Oberammergau. (BB)

Day 10:
Munich–Rothenburg–Heidelberg. (Tue.) North to fabulous Rothenburg with its ramparts and towers, cobbled lanes, and 16th-century houses. Next stop is Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town of Student Prince fame. Visit its red-walled CASTLE where the GREAT VAT, a 49,000- gallon 18th-century wine cask, attracts particular attention. (BB,D)

Day 11:
Heidelberg–Amsterdam, Holland. (Wed.) Today’s highlight is a romantic RHINE CRUISE past castle-crested cliffs, terraced vineyards, and trim, half-timbered towns. During your break in Cologne, visit the awesome twin-spired gothic CATHEDRAL. Then continue through the Dutch region best known as the locale of A Bridge Too Far to Amsterdam, the Dutch capital. (BB,D)

Day 12:
Amsterdam. (Thu.) Enjoy a CANAL CRUISE with a Local Guide to see the patrician mansions, gabled façades, and humpback bridges, and hear about the history of the 700-year-old capital. Next, visit a major DIAMOND CENTER to appreciate how a rough mineral is transformed into a sparkling jewel. Later you may wish to join an optional excursion to Volendam. (BB)

Day 13:
(Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

LONDON
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and see the Changing of the Guard, if held

LONDON-PARIS
By Eurostar train

PARIS
Welcome drink; guided sightseeing, ascend the Eiffel Tower

LUCERNE
Walking tour including the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge

LIECHTENSTEIN
Stop in Vaduz

INNSBRUCK
Orientation including the Golden Roof

MUNICH
Guided sightseeing, visit Marienplatz

ROTHENBURG
Orientation of the walled town

HEIDELBERG
Visit the castle

RHINE CRUISE

COLOGNE
Visit the cathedral

AMSTERDAM
Guided sightseeing, canal cruise; visit a major diamond center
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Amsterdam, Holland. (Mon.) The day is free to rest or to start exploring the Dutch capital. At 6 p.m. meet your traveling companions and Tour Director for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3:
Amsterdam. (Tue.) A Local Guide shows you the 700-year-old capital, and the highlight is a CANAL CRUISE past patrician mansions, gabled façades, and humpback bridges. Next, visit a major DIAMOND CENTER to appreciate how a rough mineral is transformed into a sparkling jewel. You may wish to visit one of Amsterdam’s many museums. Later, an optional excursion to Volendam can be arranged. (BB)

Day 4:
Amsterdam–Heidelberg, Germany–Rhineland. (Wed.) A passing glance at the Dutch region best known as the locale of A Bridge Too Far on the way to Germany. Stop in Cologne to visit the awesome twin-spired gothic CATHEDRAL. Then the afternoon’s highlight: a romantic RHINE CRUISE past castle-crested cliffs, terraced vineyards, and trim, half-timbered towns. Next stop is Heidelberg, famous for its red-walled castle. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Rhineland–Rothenburg–Munich–Garmisch. (Thu.) Leisurely morning break on the Romantic Road in spectacular Rothenburg with its ramparts and towers, cobbled lanes, and 16th‑century houses. South towards the Danube Valley and Munich, Germany’s “secret capital.” Your orientation tour features the Olympic Stadium, 1,000‑foot‑high Television Tower, and MARIENPLATZ with the Old and New Town Hall. Then continue into the Bavarian Alps to Garmisch, site of the fourth Winter Olympics in 1936, where you spend the next two nights. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Garmisch. Bavarian Excursion. (Fri.) Focus on Neuschwanstein, Germany’s premier tourist attraction. Visit KING LUDWIG’S CASTLE on its craggy outcrop high above a sparkling lake. Afternoon at leisure in Passion Play town OBERAMMERGAU, with the chance to join an optional excursion to nearby Linderhof Castle. (BB)

Day 7:
Garmisch–Innsbruck, Austria–Venice, Italy. (Sat.) Morning break in Innsbruck, capital of the Austrian Tyrol. Stroll through quaint medieval lanes to Emperor Maximilian’s GOLDEN ROOF. Continue south on the spectacular Brenner Pass road across the mighty barrier of the Tyrolean Alps. Take a picture of the ski jump at Cortina, Italy’s skiing and mountaineering center beneath the jagged limestone towers of the Dolomites, before reaching Venice, the celebrated “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Tonight is your chance to sample the city’s fine restaurants. (BB)

Day 8:
Venice. (Sun.) Enter Venice in style by PRIVATE BOAT to meet your Local Guide. Highlights of your walking tour are ST. MARK’S SQUARE and the byzantine BASILICA, the Clock Tower, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects in an age-old traditional manner. Then enjoy Venice at your own pace, or join an optional gondola ride. (BB,D)

Day 9:
Venice–Lugano, Switzerland–Lucerne. (Mon.) Through the lush Lombardian plains, past the commercial capital of Milan into Italian-speaking southern Switzerland. Free time in flower-festooned Lugano for lunch and to browse through the shops of Via Nassa. Admire the towering majesty of the Swiss Alps on the way over 6,935- foot-high St. Gotthard Pass and through William Tell country to the captivating charm of Lucerne. Why not sign up for a folklore party with yodeling and alphorn blowing for a first-hand impression of Alpine merrymaking? (BB)

Day 10:
Lucerne–Montreux. (Tue.) Admire Thorwaldsen’s LION MONUMENT and the ornate patrician houses lining the cobbled streets of the Old Town, then cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit Church. Afterwards, shop for Swiss watches and why not join an optional excursion to the top of a mountain? Later in the afternoon, a smooth drive to Montreux of festival fame. Take a picture of the Festival Hall (BB,D)

Day 11:
Montreux–Lausanne–Paris, France. (Wed.) A short drive to Lausanne, where you board the high-speed “TGV” train to Paris, the traditional climax of every European vacation. Discover the world capital of chic and style with a Local Guide and admire its most famous sights: the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs- Elysées, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more. For a bird’s-eye view take the elevator to the second floor of Paris’ most famous landmark, the EIFFEL TOWER. (BB)

Day 12:
At Leisure in Paris. (Thu.) Another day to enjoy what this extraordinary metropolis has to offer. Shop for perfume and fancy fashion accessories, take your pick from many fine museums, or stroll through the magnificent parks. Optional excursions are available to the Louvre Museum and the lavish baroque Palace of Versailles. Tonight maybe a lively cabaret show? (BB)

Day 13:
(Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

AMSTERDAM
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, canal cruise; visit a major diamond center

COLOGNE
Visit the cathedral

RHINE CRUISE

HEIDELBERG
Picture stop of the castle

ROTHENBURG
Orientation of the walled town

MUNICH
Orientation including Marienplatz

GARMISCH
Excursion to King Ludwig’s Castle in Neuschwanstein and Passion Play town Oberammergau

INNSBRUCK
Orientation including the Golden Roof

CORTINA
Picture stop

VENICE
Private boat ride; guided sightseeing including headsets, visit St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; glassblowers’ demonstration

LUGANO
Lunch stop

LUCERNE
Walking tour including the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge

MONTREUX
Picture stop at the Festival Hall

LAUSANNE-PARIS
By “TGV” train

PARIS
Guided sightseeing, ascend the Eiffel Tower
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Rome, Italy. (Mon.) Time to rest or start exploring the Eternal City. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a welcome dinner at one of Rome’s lively restaurants. (D)

Day 3:
Rome. (Tue.) Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings. Continue to monumental ST. PETER’S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman Legions marched in triumph. Afternoon and evening at leisure. (BB)

Day 4:
Rome–Ferrara–Venice. (Wed.) A scenic day. Drive north across the Apennine Mountains to Ferrara. Time to stroll along to imposing Este Castle to the marble cathedral before continuing through the fertile plains of the mighty River Po to Venice, a powerful magnet for romantics and art lovers from around the globe. (BB)

Day 5:
Venice. (Thu.) Enter in style by PRIVATE BOAT to meet your Local Guide. Highlights of your walking tour are ST. MARK’S BASILICA and SQUARE, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects in an age-old traditional manner. Then enjoy Venice at your own pace or join an optional cruise to Burano. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Venice–Padua–Florence. (Fri.) A short drive to Padua, city of St. Anthony. Time to explore its lively centre and to admire the majestic six-domed basilica. Then continue to Florence, the splendid capital of Tuscany. This evening you might try the culinary delights of a fine Florentine restaurant. (BB)

Day 7:
Florence. (Sat.) Follow your Local Guide to visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo’s celebrated David, the magnificent CATHEDRAL, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gate of Paradise,” and sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. Afternoon at leisure. You may wish to join your Local Guide for an optional visit of the Uffizi Gallery. (BB,D)

Day 8:
Florence–Pisa–Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco. (Sun.) Focus on Pisa this morning for pictures of its amazing Leaning Tower, 180 feet high and 12 feet out of the perpendicular. Then a scenic drive past a string of Italian and French Riviera resorts to Monte Carlo. (BB)

Day 9:
At Leisure in Monte Carlo. (Mon.) The day is yours to do as you please. You may wish to dabble in the blue Mediterranean or stroll along the elegant Promenade des Anglais. Exciting optional excursions are available. (BB)

Day 10:
Monte Carlo–Arles, France–Barcelona, Spain. (Tue.) Along the glittering shores of the Côte d’Azur past Cannes, famous for its annual international film festival to Arles on the northern edge of the Camargue alluvial plain. During your walking tour take pictures of the Roman Amphitheater before continuing across the border into Spain to Barcelona, the proud capital of Catalonia. (BB,D)

Day 11:
Barcelona. (Wed.) Your Local Guide takes you to the Columbus Monument, elegant tree-lined Ramblas and Plaza de Cataluna, historic buildings along Paseo de Gracia, the Church of the Holy Family, a panoramic view of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill, and a visit to the Cathedral of SANTA EULALIA. Afternoon at leisure. An optional excursion to Montserrat can be arranged. (BB)

Day 12:
Barcelona–Saragossa–Madrid. (Thu.) Today travel through Catalonia and Aragon to Saragossa. Enjoy an orientation tour before continuing through three sierras to Madrid on the plateau of Castille. (BB)

Day 13:
Madrid. (Fri.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide in Spain’s capital features Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, and a highlight visit to the PRADO MUSEUM. Afternoon at leisure, and tonight enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the success of your European vacation. (BB,D)

Day 14:
(Sat.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

ROME
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing including headsets, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Colosseum and Roman Forum

FERRARA
Afternoon stop

VENICE
Private boat ride; guided sightseeing including headsets, visit St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; glassblowers’ demonstration

PADUA
Morning stop

FLORENCE
Guided sightseeing including headsets, visit Michelangelo’s David, the cathedral, and Signoria Square

PISA
Picture stop at the Leaning Tower

ARLES
Orientation including the amphitheater

BARCELONA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia

SARAGOSSA
Orientation

MADRID
Guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum; farewell dinner