Itinerary

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

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

Day 3:
London. (Mon.) Sightseeing with a 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. Afternoon at leisure. (FB)

Day 4:
London–Brussels, Belgium. (Tue.) Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and transfer to the railway station to board the EUROSTAR TRAIN to Brussels, headquarters of the European Union. Your orientation tour focuses on GRAND’ PLACE with its baroque guild houses and famous Manneken Pis. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (FB,D)

Day 5:
Brussels–Amsterdam, Holland. (Wed.) Past Antwerp and into the Netherlands. In Amsterdam visit a major DIAMOND CENTER to appreciate how a rough mineral is transformed into a sparkling jewel. Next, enjoy a CANAL CRUISE, the best way to see the 700-year-old capital. Afternoon at leisure or join an optional excursion to Volendam. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Amsterdam–Heidelberg, Germany–Rhineland. (Thu.) A passing glance at the Dutch region best known as the locale of A Bridge Too Far on the way to Cologne. Here you will 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 7:
Rhineland–Lucerne, Switzerland. (Fri.) A scenic day! Morning stop in the lush valleys and pine-clad hills of the BLACK FOREST, renowned for its cuckoo clocks. On the Swiss border take your pictures of the thundering RHINE FALLS, then continue to picture-book Lucerne. (BB,D)

Day 8:
Lucerne. (Sat.) 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 choose from our optional activities: climb a mountain by cable car, take a cruise on the fjord-like lake, or sign up for a folklore party with yodeling and alphorn blowing for a first-hand impression of Alpine merrymaking. (BB)

Day 9:
Lucerne–Liechtenstein–Oberammergau, Germany–Munich. (Sun.) Morning stop in Vaduz, capital of the pocket-sized Principality of Liechtenstein. Next is a panoramic drive through the Bavarian Alps, with picture stops at Mad King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle and the Passion Play town of Oberammergau. On arrival in Munich an orientation tour of major landmarks: Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, and 17th-century Nymphenburg Palace. How about a stein of beer at the Hofbräuhaus tonight? (BB,D)

Day 10:
Munich–Salzburg, Austria–Vienna. (Mon.) Through the forested landscape of southern Bavaria to the Austrian border and on to Salzburg. A pleasant stroll with your Local Guide takes you through the historic center of Mozart’s hometown. Admire exquisite MIRABELL GARDENS, the Great Festival Hall, ST. PETER’S CHURCHYARD, and the monumental Domplatz. Then browse in the shops of the charming Getreidegasse or visit the birthplace of the musical genius, if you wish. Afternoon drive along the Danube Valley to Vienna. (BB)

Day 11:
Vienna. (Tue.) Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features vistas of Prater Park with its Ferris wheel and the United Nations City on the Danube. Pass the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz, and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. An optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace is available. Tonight you may want to visit Grinzing for a taste of Heurigen and the merry wine village atmosphere. (BB)

Day 12:
Vienna–Venice, Italy. (Wed.) Scenic Semmering Pass, stately Styrian crossroad towns, Carinthian lakes and resorts provide the ever-changing Alpine backdrop to today’s journey through the loveliest parts of Austria to Venice. Tonight is your chance to sample the city’s fine restaurants. (BB)

Day 13:
Venice. (Thu.) Enter in style by PRIVATE BOAT to meet your Local Guide. Highlights of your walking tour are ST. MARK’S SQUARE and the byzantine BASILICA, 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 14:
Venice–Ferrara–Rome. (Fri.) A comfortable drive to Ferrara. Time to stroll along the imposing Este Castle to the marble cathedral before continuing through the Apennine Hills to the Eternal City. (BB)

Day 15:
Rome. (Sat.) Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. 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. Then time for independent activities and exciting optional excursion possibilities. (BB)

Day 16:
Rome–Tuscany. (Sun.) An easy morning drive back north to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. 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. Afterwards, check out the shops with Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry. (BB,D)

Day 17:
Tuscany–Pisa–Nice, France. (Mon.) 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 towards the Principality of Monaco. Here leave the highway for the panoramic Moyenne Corniche. Before arriving in Nice, visit one of the PERFUME FACTORIES for which the area is famous. This evening you might want to sample some French cuisine. (BB)

Day 18:
At Leisure in Nice. (Tue.) Full day to enjoy this enchanting resort on the Côte d’Azur at your own pace. Take your pick from fine museums, elegant shops, or stroll along the elegant Promenade des Anglais. You could also join a relaxed included walk with your Tour Director through the historic Old Town. In the late afternoon there’s an exciting optional outing to Monte Carlo. (BB)

Day 19:
Nice–Avignon–Lyon. (Wed.) Along the Côte d’Azur and past Cannes to Van Gogh’s beloved Provence. Stop in Avignon, an important spiritual center in the Middle Ages and the residence of several Popes and antipopes. Take your pictures of the gothic papal palace and the bridge of the popular song before proceeding through the orchards of the Rhône Valley to Lyon, the country’s secondlargest city. (BB,D)

Day 20:
Lyon–Paris. (Thu.) Follow the valley of the River Saône into Burgundy where road signs read like the wine list of an expensive restaurant on your way to Paris, the traditional climax of a European vacation. This afternoon, sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the most famous sights: the Opéra, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Elysées. For a bird’s-eye view take the elevator to the second floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. Tonight, a lively cabaret show might just be the ticket! (BB)

Day 21:
At Leisure in Paris. (Fri.) Another day to enjoy what this extraordinary metropolis has to offer. Explore the world capital of chic and style at your own pace: 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. (BB)

Day 22:
(Sat.) Your homebound flight from Paris 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-BRUSSELS
By Eurostar train

BRUSSELS
Welcome dinner; orientation including the Grand’Place

AMSTERDAM
Canal cruise; visit a major diamond center

COLOGNE
Visit the cathedral

RHINE CRUISE

HEIDELBERG
Picture stop of the castle

BLACK FOREST
Morning stop

RHINE FALLS
Picture stop

LUCERNE
Walking tour including the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge

LIECHTENSTEIN
Stop in Vaduz

BAVARIA
Picture stop at King Ludwig’s Castle and visit Passion Play town Oberammergau

MUNICH
Orientation

SALZBURG
Guided sightseeing, visit Mirabell Gardens and St. Peter’s Churchyard

VIENNA
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral

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

FERRARA
Morning stop

ROME
Guided sightseeing including headsets, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Colosseum and Roman Forum

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

PISA
Picture stop at the Leaning Tower

NICE
Visit a perfume factory, orientation of the Old Town

AVIGNON
Orientation

PARIS
Guided sightseeing, ascend the Eiffel Tower
 

Itinerary

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

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

Day 3:
London. (Sat.) Sightseeing with a 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 Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. Afternoon at leisure. (FB)

Day 4:
London–Brussels, Belgium. (Sun.) Meet your Tour Director and travel companions and transfer to the railway station to board the EUROSTAR TRAIN to Brussels, proud capital of Belgium and the European Union. Your orientation drive focuses on GRAND’ PLACE with its baroque guild houses and Gothic Town Hall, and famous Manneken Pis. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (FB,D)

Day 5:
Brussels–Amsterdam, Holland. (Mon.) Past Antwerp and into the Netherlands. In Amsterdam visit a major DIAMOND CENTER to appreciate how a rough mineral is transformed into a sparkling jewel. Next, enjoy a CANAL CRUISE, the best way to see the 700-year-old capital. Afternoon free. An optional excursion to the quaint fishing village of Volendam can be arranged. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Amsterdam–Heidelberg, Germany–Rhineland. (Tue.) A passing glance at the Dutch region best known as the locale of A Bridge Too Far on the way to Germany. During your break in Cologne, 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 7:
Rhineland–Lucerne, Switzerland. (Wed.) A scenic day! Morning stop in the lush valleys and pine-clad hills of the BLACK FOREST, renowned for its cuckoo clocks. On the Swiss border take your pictures of the thundering RHINE FALLS, then continue to picture-book Lucerne. (BB,D)

Day 8:
Lucerne. (Thu.) Admire Thorwaldsen’s LION MONUMENT on your walking tour of the Old Town and 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 or take a cruise on the fjord-like lake. Why not sign up for a folklore party with yodeling and alphorn blowing for a first-hand impression of Alpine merrymaking? (BB)

Day 9:
Lucerne–Liechtenstein–Innsbruck–Salzburg, Austria. (Fri.) Morning break in Vaduz, capital of the the pocket-sized Principality of Liechtenstein on your way to Innsbruck, Austria’s Olympic resort in the Tyrolean mountains. Enjoy a pleasant walk through its quaint medieval lanes to Emperor Maximilian’s GOLDEN ROOF. In the afternoon take the scenic route to Salzburg. (BB,D)

Day 10:
Salzburg–Vienna. (Sat.) Morning stroll with a Local Guide through the historic center to admire exquisite MIRABELL GARDENS, the Great Festival Hall, ST. PETER’S CHURCHYARD, the monumental Domplatz, and take pictures of Mozart’s birthplace. Then travel past the Sound of Music country to the Danube Valley and Vienna. (BB)

Day 11:
Vienna. (Sun.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide features vistas of Prater Park with its Ferris wheel and the United Nations City on the Danube. Pass the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz, and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. An optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace is available. (BB)

Day 12:
Vienna–Venice, Italy. (Mon.) Scenic Semmering Pass, stately Styrian crossroad towns, and Carinthian lakes and resorts provide the everchanging Alpine backdrop to today’s journey through the loveliest parts of Austria to the northern tip of the Adriatic Sea. Tonight is your chance to sample Venetian fare. (BB)

Day 13:
Venice. (Tue.) Enter in style by PRIVATE BOAT to meet your Local Guide. Highlights of your walking tour are ST. MARK’S SQUARE and the byzantine BASILICA, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects. Later, enjoy Venice at your own pace or join an optional gondola ride. (BB,D)

Day 14:
Venice–Rome. (Wed.) A scenic drive through the fertile northern plains and across the wooded Apennine Hills. A scenic drive through the wineand olive-clad Tuscan hills, home of Chianti, brings you to the Eternal City. (BB)

Day 15:
Rome. (Thu.) Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. 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. Then time for independent activities and exciting optional excursion possibilities. (BB)

Day 16:
Rome–Florence–Tuscany**. (Fri.) Drive to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, and follow your Local Guide to Michelangelo’s celebrated David in the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS, the magnificent CATHEDRAL, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gate of Paradise,” and sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. Also check out the shops with Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry. (BB,D)

Day 17:
Tuscany**–Pisa–Nice, France. (Sat.) Focus on Pisa this morning for pictures of its amazing Leaning Tower. Then a scenic drive past a string of Italian and French Riviera resorts towards the Principality of Monaco. Follow the panoramic Moyenne Corniche and stop at one of the famous PERFUME FACTORIES before arriving in Nice. (BB)

Day 18:
Nice. Excursion to St. Paul de Vence. (Sun.) This morning visit the picturesque hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence. Then a lazy afternoon to dabble in the blue Mediterranean or stroll along the elegant Promenade des Anglais. Tonight, an optional excursion is available to Monte Carlo. (BB)

Day 19:
Nice–Arles–Barcelona, Spain. (Mon.) This morning follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps on your way to Arles, where he painted more than 300 canvases. Your orientation shows you the famous Roman Amphitheater. Time to stroll around and browse through the shops. Then continue through the endless vineyards of the Languedoc-Roussillon, stretching most of the way to the Spanish border. Overnight in Barcelona, the proud capital of Catalonia. (BB,D)

Day 20:
Barcelona. (Tue.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide features 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. (BB)

Day 21:
Barcelona–Saragossa–Madrid. (Wed.) Rustic Catalonian and Aragonian landscapes on your journey to Saragossa in the fertile Ebro Valley. Stop for lunch in its magnificent Plaza del Pilar. In the afternoon wind your way through three sierras to Madrid on the plateau of Castile. (BB)

Day 22:
Madrid. (Thu.) The capital of Spain since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then the highlight: a visit to the palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight your Tour Director will suggest a typical Spanish dinner. (BB)

Day 23:
Madrid–Burgos–Bilbao. (Fri.) North to Burgos for a morning stop, then continue to Bilbao for a guided visit to the famous GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM. (BB,D)

Day 24:
Bilbao–Biarritz, France–Bordeaux. (Sat.) Back into France. Visit Biarritz, an ancient fishing village turned trendy seaside resort. Skirt the sandy dunes and swamps of the Landes region in Gascony on the way to Bordeaux. An orientation tour on arrival acquaints you with this historic port. Before dinner enjoy a WINE TASTING to learn about the famous Bordeaux wines. (BB,D)

Day 25:
Bordeaux–Paris. (Sun.) This morning the high-speed “TGV” TRAIN whisks you to Paris. This afternoon, sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the most famous sights: the Opéra, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Elysées. For a bird’s-eye view take the elevator to the second floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. Tonight a cabaret show might just be the ticket! (BB)

Day 26:
At Leisure in Paris. (Mon.) Another day to enjoy what this extraordinary metropolis has to offer. Explore the world capital of chic and style at your own pace. Exciting optional excursions are available. (BB)

Day 27:
(Tue.) Your homebound flight from Paris arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

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

LONDON-BRUSSELS
By Eurostar train

BRUSSELS
Welcome dinner; visit Grand’Place

AMSTERDAM
Canal cruise; visit a major diamond center

COLOGNE
Visit the cathedral

RHINE CRUISE

HEIDELBERG
Picture stop of the castle

BLACK FOREST
Morning stop

RHINE FALLS
Picture stop

LUCERNE
Walking tour including Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge

LIECHTENSTEIN
Stop in Vaduz

INNSBRUCK
Orientation including the Golden Roof

SALZBURG
Guided sightseeing, visit Mirabell Gardens and St. Peter’s Churchyard

VIENNA
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral

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

ROME
Guided sightseeing including headsets, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Colosseum and Roman Forum

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

PISA
Picture stop at the Leaning Tower

NICE
Visit a perfume factory; excursion to St. Paul de Vence

ARLES
Orientation

BARCELONA
Guided sightseeing, visit the cathedral

MADRID
Guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum

BURGOS
Morning stop

BILBAO
Guided visit to the Guggenheim Museum

BIARRITZ
Morning stop

BORDEAUX
Orientation; wine tasting

BORDEAUX-PARIS
By high-speed “TGV” train (first-class)

PARIS
Guided sightseeing, ascend the Eiffel Tower