• Escorted by a professional Tour Director (hosted by Insight staff in London)
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Airport arrival transfer Day 2 and departure transfer in Paris on Day 11

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner aboard a floating restaurant on Amsterdam Harbour (HD)
• 1 Continental (CB), 1 Full Breakfast (B) & 7 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 2 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

11 Days ~ England ~ Belgium ~ Holland ~ Germany ~ Switzerland ~ France

Tour Pace
This is a well paced tour with two-night stays in Amsterdam, Lucerne and Paris, allowing plenty of time for in-depth sightseeing. The only one-night stay is in the delightful Hessische Bergstrasse region of Germany. The driving days are comfortable with frequent stops.

DAY 1 – THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to London.

DAY 2 – FRI – ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! On arrival you are transferred to your London tour hotel.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch.

DAY 3 – SAT – LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your half day sightseeing tour shows you Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The afternoon is free to explore or shop. (B)

DAY 4 – SUN – LONDON – AMSTERDAM
Meet your Tour Director and drive to Dover for the short English Channel crossing to Calais. Pass historic Dunkirk, famous for its Second World War evacuations, and follow the coast north into Belgium. Enter your fourth country, the Netherlands, passing windmills on the way to the cultural capital of Amsterdam, ‘City of Canals’. In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink with the Tour Director before boarding a canal cruise. Glide past high gabled houses and under low bridges to alight at a floating restaurant on Amsterdam’s magnificent harbour. Here, you will share a Highlight Dinner with your tour companions.
Hotel: Moevenpick City Centre. (CB,HD)

DAY 5 – MON – AMSTERDAM SIGHTSEEING
An orientation tour reveals the Mint Tower, Dam Square and Royal Palace. Then drive through the Dutch countryside, with its windmills and canals, to the old, traditional village of Volendam, situated on what was once the Zuider Zee. Later, make a photo-stop beside one of the picturesque windmills and then visit a cheese farm and a ‘Klompenhuis’, where wooden clogs are made. Return to Amsterdam for a visit to a diamond cutting factory, whose industry dates back to the 16th century. This evening, consider a visit to the famous Sailors’ Quarter. (BB)

DAY 6 – TUE – AMSTERDAM – RHINELAND
Today you pass the border town of Arnhem, renowned for its ‘Bridge Too Far’ (the Rhine bridge which was the object of bitter fighting at the end of the Second World War), then cross the extensive Ruhr Basin to Cologne. This city was also badly damaged in the war, but its superb Gothic Cathedral survived. Take time to marvel at the soaring vaults and spires, and to stroll in the bustling pedestrian mall. Then it’s on to Bonn, birthplace of Beethoven and capital of West Germany for more than 40 years until Berlin was reinstated as capital of a reunified Germany after the fall of the wall. Travel to the picturesque Rhine Gorge to board a Highlight Cruise at Boppard, and glide past medieval hill-top castles and steep leafy vineyards to the legendary Loreley Rock. Rejoin the coach at St Goar and continue to Bensheim, the ‘town of flowers and wine’ on the Bergstrassse (literally ‘Mountain Road’).
Hotel: Clarion Collection Parkhotel Krone. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – WED – RHINELAND – LUCERNE
Visit Heidelberg, city of the ‘Student Prince’, on the banks of the River Neckar and view the ruined clifftop castle. Take the scenic route along the Rhine Valley to the ancient city of Freiburg, before climbing into the heart of the Black Forest, home of the cuckoo clock industry. After stopping to see how these clocks are made, continue past Lake Titisee and across the Swiss border to Schaffhausen. Admire the Rhine River thundering over the Rhine Falls before driving, via Zurich, to lakeside Lucerne. After checking into your hotel, shop for chocolate or a special timepiece, and consider joining an optional Swiss Fondue Party in the evening.
Hotel: Astoria. (BB)

DAY 8 – THU – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
See Lucerne’s proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the Swiss Guards massacred defending the King during the French Revolution. Take time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit church. Enjoy an exciting Premium Highlight – an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Admire the stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks – including the Eiger and Jungfrau – before descending over mountain crags and pine forests back to terra firma. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – FRI – LUCERNE – PARIS
Leaving the Alpine region, cross the Rhine at Basel and continue into France. Travel past the fortified town of Belfort, gateway to Alsace, and along the forested ridges of the Jura Mountains into Burgundy. Continue through leafy vineyards and past the forests of Fontainebleau to arrive in the glittering French capital of Paris for a two-night stay. Why not sample the fabulous local cuisine tonight?
Hotel: Marriott Rive Gauche. (BB)

DAY 10 – SAT – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing tour with a local guide takes you by the Île de la Cité to see Notre Dame Cathedral with its famous tale of Quasimodo, the hunchback of Notre Dame. Pass the immense facades of the Louvre and marvel at Garnier’s splendid Opera House. See the Obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the elegant Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. A Premium Highlight takes you up to the viewing platforms of the wonderful Eiffel Tower for spectacular views of the city. Visit the magnificent gilded Église du Dôme to see the imposing tomb of Napoleon. Spend the afternoon exploring Paris at your own pace. Perhaps take an optional tour to magnificent Versailles and, by night, why not join in the fun at a world famous cabaret show? (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
Your tour ends with a transfer to the airport. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director (hosted by Insight staff in London)
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Airport arrival transfer Day 2 and departure transfer in Paris on Day 14

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner on a floating restaurant on Amsterdam Harbour (HD)
• 1 Continental (CB), 1 Full Breakfast (B) & 10 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 4 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

14 Days ~ England ~ Belgium ~ Holland ~ Germany ~ Austria ~ Italy ~ Switzerland ~ France

Tour Pace
This tour slows down considerably after the first two days in Amsterdam and the Rhineland. It then runs at a leisurely pace with two-night stays in the key cities of Innsbruck, Venice, Lucerne and Paris, with time to relax or participate in optional excursions organised by your Tour Director.

DAY 2 – FRI – ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! On arrival you are transferred to your London tour hotel.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch.

DAY 3 – SAT – LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your half day sightseeing tour shows you Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The afternoon is at leisure to explore or shop. (B)

DAY 4 – SUN – LONDON – AMSTERDAM
Drive to the white cliffs of Dover to cross the English Channel. Disembark at Calais and follow the coast into Belgium and the Netherlands. See your first windmills en route to Amsterdam. Pass the Mint Tower and Royal Palace in Dam Square on your way to watch diamonds being cut and polished. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director before boarding a special sightseeing boat and cruising past mansions and under low bridges to alight in the harbour for a Highlight Dinner aboard a floating restaurant.
Hotel: Moevenpick City Centre. (CB,HD)

DAY 5 – MON – AMSTERDAM – RHINELAND
Pass Arnhem, renowned for its ‘Bridge Too Far’, and continue over the German border to Cologne. Despite the city being badly damaged in World War Two, its Gothic Cathedral survived. After marvelling at its soaring spires, continue through Bonn to the scenic Rhine Gorge. Board a cruiser at Boppard and glide past vineyards and imposing castles, and hear the legend of the Loreley Rock before rejoining the coach at St Goar.   
Hotel: Maritim Parkhotel. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – TUE – RHINELAND – INNSBRUCK
Skirt the northern Black Forest and pass Ulm, which has the world’s highest church spire. Stop at the base of the Bavarian Alps to see the Royal castles, including King Ludwig’s fabulous fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein. Cross the Austrian border and drive over the spectacular Fern Pass to arrive in Innsbruck, capital of the Tyrol. Tour the architectural jewels of the city, seeing the Imperial Palace, delightful Golden Roof and the 14th century houses of the old town before enjoying dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: Innsbruck. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – WED – SALZBURG EXCURSION
Drive out to visit Innsbruck’s superb Wilten Basilica – its interior richly decorated with cherubs and angels. Follow the Inn Valley to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart’s home city. From the formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace, photograph the city skyline crowned by its castle. Cross the river to the Getreidegasse and Mozart’s birthplace, and stroll through the Old Town’s narrow lanes to the cathedral and Residenz fountain. Return to Innsbruck in the afternoon, after which you can opt to join a lively folklore party. (BB)

DAY 8 – THU – INNSBRUCK – VENICE
Leave Innsbruck and travel across the impressive Europa Bridge, and cross the Brenner Pass into Italy. Follow the Adige River through spectacular scenery down to the great plain. Visit fascinating Verona, with its first century Roman Arena, maze of elegant squares and, of course, Juliet’s famous balcony. Now you pass Padua on your way to your hotel on the fashionable Venice Lido.
Hotel: Le Boulevard. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – FRI – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Relax on a private launch as it cruises past the island of San Giorgio to alight at St Mark’s Square. Stroll along the water’s edge to see the Bridge of Sighs that connects the Doges’ Palace with the prisons. See St Mark’s Basilica and belltower before watching one of the few remaining craftsmen hand-blow Venetian glass. The tour concludes with a gondola ride through the canals. Don’t miss the chance to try the delicious seafood, freshly caught in the lagoon. (BB)

DAY 10 – SAT – VENICE – LUCERNE
Travel through some of the richest farmland in Europe as you cross northern Italy. Glimpse the beautiful Italian Lake District as you continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, past gushing streams and soaring peaks to scenic Lake Lucerne. Consider spending the evening at a fondue party and folklore night.
Hotel: Astoria. (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
Visit the Lion Monument, commemorating the Swiss Guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution. Spend time shopping or strolling along the Chapel Bridge to the richly ornate Jesuit Church. Embark on a Premium Highlight excursion by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of one of Switzerland’s most famous mountains, Mount Pilatus. Admire the views over the snow-capped Jungfrau and Eiger peaks before returning to Lucerne. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – MON – LUCERNE – PARIS
Drive to Basel before crossing the Rhine to France. Travel across the fertile fields of Burgundy to Paris, the vibrant heart of French life, and a city which glitters by night. Here, you have the option of a night-time illuminations tour.
Hotel: Hilton. (BB)

DAY 13 – TUE – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
A guided sightseeing tour includes seeing the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Garnier’s Opera, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. A Premium Highlight sees you ascend by elevator to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower before visiting the gilded Dôme Church to see the imposing tomb of the Emperor Napoleon. There is time in the afternoon for sightseeing at your own pace. (BB)

DAY 14 – WED – RETURN TO USA
Sadly, your tour ends after breakfast with a transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director (hosted by Insight staff in London)
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Airport arrival transfer Day 2 and departure transfer in London on Day 13

Quality Dining

• Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Rome (DA)
• 1 Continental (CB), 1 Full Breakfast (B) & 9 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 3 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

13 Days ~ Italy ~ Switzerland ~ France ~ England

Tour Pace
This classic tour is evenly paced with two-night stays in the key cities of Rome, Venice, Lucerne and Paris. The only one-night stop is the Renaissance city of Florence which is only a short drive from Rome, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing and shopping.

DAY 1 – THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Rome.

DAY 2 – FRI – ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome! On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel, set in scenic gardens. There’s time at leisure to explore or relax: perhaps spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Crowne Plaza St Peters.

DAY 3 – SAT – ROME SIGHTSEEING
A local guide introduces you to the grandeur of the city today. In the independent Vatican State, visit the superb Vatican Museums, housing a vast art collection gathered by Popes over the ages. Continue into the Sistine Chapel, glorious masterpiece of Michelangelo's fresco skills. Now enter St Peter's Basilica, seeing Michelangelo's early ‘Pieta’ and Bernini's ‘Popes' Altar’ sited above the spot where St Peter is reputed to have been crucified. Cross the Tiber to hear tales of the glory of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum. It’s a Dine-Around evening tonight so get together with your new found friends for a delectable dinner from a selection of local restaurants. (BB,DA)

DAY 4 – SUN – ROME – FLORENCE
Head north, following the valley of the River Tiber, to reach Umbria’s hill-top towns and the beautiful region of Tuscany. View Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before walking to the magnificent Duomo; Brunelleschi’s dome is perfectly complimented by the slender belltower. See the ‘Gates of Paradise’ on the baptistery before continuing to the living gallery of Signoria Square, political stage of the Florentines. Take time to shop for leather and gold products in this wonderful city before reaching the hotel.
Hotel: Cosmopolitan. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – MON – FLORENCE – VENICE
Cross the Apennine Mountains, passing Bologna and the flood plains of the River Po to enjoy a scenic drive along the famous Brenta Riviera. See the magnificent classical villas that were once the summer residences of the Venetian nobility. Drive along the canal through Strà, Dolo and Mira to reach your hotel on the fashionable Venice Lido.
Hotel: Biasutti. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – TUE – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Soak up the atmosphere as a private launch takes you across the Venetian Lagoon to St Mark’s Square. Hear the glorious history of ‘La Serenissima’, once one of the greatest trading centres of the world – the city’s wealth and power is demonstrated by the riches of St Mark’s Basilica. See the Doges’ Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs before visiting a glass showroom for a demonstration of traditional craftsmanship. Gondolas are an inseparable part of the image of Venice - find out why on your included Premium Highlight gondola ride along the peaceful canals. Don’t miss the chance to try the delicious seafood, freshly caught in the lagoon. (BB)

DAY 7 – WED – VENICE – LUCERNE
Leave the Veneto region this morning and stop in Verona where you can see Juliet’s balcony and the first century Roman arena, now used for the annual Verona Music festival. Then on through the Italian lake District to the Swiss Alps, with snow-covered mountain peaks and flower-bedecked chalets, to the delightful town of Lucerne.
Hotel: Astoria. (BB)

DAY 8 – THU – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
Join your Tour Director to see the covered Chapel Bridge and the stirring Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss guards who died defending the King of France. Spend some time shopping for watches and chocolate. Enjoy an exciting included highlight - an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Admire the stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks, including the Eiger and Jungfrau, before descending over mountain crags and pine forests back to terra firma. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – FRI – LUCERNE – PARIS
Pass the Swiss port city of Basel en route to France, skirting the Jura Mountains, and travelling through the wine producing area of Burgundy. Head for Paris where you stay for two fabulous nights.
Hotel: Sofitel Bercy. (BB)

DAY 10 – SAT – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide to see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral before driving past the façades of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine was set up for the execution of Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Continue along the elegant Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Now ascend the Eiffel Tower for fine views over the city before concluding the tour with a visit to Napoleon’s Tomb in the Église du Dôme. Spend the evening at leisure. (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN – PARIS – LONDON
Cross the battlefields of World War One en route to Calais and your voyage back to Dover. A short drive brings you back to London.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch. (BB)

DAY 12 – MON – LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your half day sightseeing tour shows you Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The afternoon is at leisure to explore or shop. (B)

DAY 13 – TUE – RETURN TO USA
Your tour ends with a transfer to the airport. (CB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director (hosted by Insight staff in London)
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Airport arrival transfer Day 2 and departure transfer in Rome on Day 15

Quality Dining

• Highlight Farewell Dinner with entertainment in Rome (HD)
• 1 Continental (CB), 1 Full Breakfast (B) & 11 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 4 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

15 Days ~ England ~ France ~ Switzerland ~ Austria ~ Italy

Tour Pace
This classic tour is well paced with two-night stays in Paris, Lucerne, Venice, Montecatini and Rome. The only one-night stop is in the musical city of Salzburg. The travelling days are planned for your comfort with frequent rest stops.

DAY 1 – SAT – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to London.

DAY 2 – SUN – ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! On arrival you are transferred to your London tour hotel. Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch.

DAY 3 – MON – LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your half day sightseeing tour shows you Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The afternoon is at leisure to explore or shop. (B)

DAY 4 – TUE – LONDON – PARIS
After a warm greeting from your Tour Director, leave London for Dover and wave goodbye to the white cliffs on board your ferry to Calais. View the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy as you cross the battlefields of northern France to arrive in the French capital late afternoon. Enjoy a Welcome Drink with your fellow travelers and, afterwards, consider an evening of fun at one of the spectacular cabaret shows.
Hotel: Marriott Rive Gauche. (CB)

DAY 5 – WED – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing with a local guide shows you the highlights of the city. See Notre Dame cathedral, before driving past the facades of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Now ascend the Eiffel Tower for fine views over Paris before visiting Napoleon’s tomb in the Église du Dôme. The afternoon is free. (BB)

DAY 6 – THU – PARIS – LUCERNE
After an early breakfast, follow the autoroute across France’s great agricultural lands and on through the Burgundy wine region. After passing the Jura Mountains, cross into Switzerland at Basel before ending the day in lovely Lucerne.
Hotel: Astoria. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – FRI – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
Join your Tour Director to see the Chapel Bridge and the stirring Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss guards who died defending the King of France. Enjoy an exciting included highlight – an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Admire the stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks, including the Eiger and Jungfrau, before descending over mountain crags and pine forests back to terra firma. There is time set aside to shop for fine watches and delicious chocolate in Lucerne. (BB)

DAY 8 – SAT – LUCERNE – SALZBURG
Drive east past the Principality of Liechtenstein to Austria, and continue on through the Arlberg Tunnel to arrive in Innsbruck, where you will see the Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace. Follow the Inn Valley and pass the Wild Kaiser mountain range to reach Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the film, The Sound of Music.
Hotel: Castellani Parkhotel. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – SUN – SALZBURG – VENICE
Photograph the city skyline from the Mirabell Gardens, then join a local guide and cross the river to see Mozart’s birthplace on the Getreidegasse. A stroll through the Old Town’s narrow lanes will lead to the Cathedral Square to view the domed cathedral and Residenz fountain. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Tauern Mountains down to the Carinthian Lake District and across the border into Italy. Reach the flat Veneto plain en route to Venice and your hotel on the fashionable Lido.
Hotel: Quattro Fontane. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – MON – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Soak up the atmosphere as a private launch takes you across the Venetian Lagoon to St Mark’s Square. Hear the glorious history of ‘La Serenissima’, once one of the greatest trading centres of the world. Take in the riches of St Mark’s Basilica, the Law Courts, Campanile, Doges’ Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs before visiting a glass showroom for a demonstration of traditional craftsmanship. The tour concludes with a gondola ride through the city’s peaceful canals. Don’t miss the chance to try the region’s delicious seafood, freshly caught in the lagoon. (BB)

DAY 11 – TUE – VENICE – TUSCANY
Bid farewell to Venice and follow the highway past the university city of Bologna, into the wild Apennines and on to the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. Your destination: the fashionable spa town of Montecatini where you can shop or enjoy a stroll through town before dinner. Hotel: Nizza & Suisse. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – WED – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
Drive to the Tuscan capital, Florence, and join a local guide for a sightseeing tour which includes entrance into the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s original ‘Statue of David’ and the half-completed ‘Slaves’. See the magnificent Cathedral, the ‘Gates of Paradise’, and the living gallery of Signoria Square, political stage of the Florentines. Then spend some time shopping for leather, gold and other treasured memories in this wonderful city. (BB)

DAY 13 – THU – TUSCANY – ROME
Take the ‘autostrada’ south to Rome, arriving at your hotel mid-afternoon. After freshening up, perhaps start the evening with a ‘passeggiata’ (traditional evening stroll). Rome comes alive at night so why not explore the cosmopolitan squares like the Piazza Navona with its beautiful fountains?
Hotel: Cardinal St Peter. (BB)

DAY 14 – FRI – ROME SIGHTSEEING
A local guide will introduce you to the grandeur of the city today with a visit to St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. See Michelangelo’s, the Pieta, as well as the splendid dome. Cross the Tiber to hear tales of the glory of ancient Rome! Visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum. Later, there is time for sightseeing at your leisure. As night falls, join your Tour Director for a celebration Highlight Dinner of local cuisine, wine and entertainment. (BB,HD)

DAY 15 – SAT – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast. Transfers from the tour hotel arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07.00am and 09.30am. (BB)