• 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 17

Quality Dining

• Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Rome (DA)
• 1 Continental (CB), 1 Full Breakfast (B) & 13 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d’hôte dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

17 Days ~ England ~ Belgium ~ Germany ~ Austria ~ Italy ~ Switzerland ~ France

Tour Pace
This tour is well balanced with the majority of the one-night stays in the first section, followed by two-night stays in the key cities of Venice, Rome, Lucerne and Paris, where there is ample time to relax or to take optional tours. Travelling days feature frequent rest stops.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to London.

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

DAY 3 – 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 – LONDON – BRUSSELS
Meet your Tour Director and transfer to Dover. Bid farewell to the white cliffs as you cross the channel bound for Calais. Continue along the coast into Belgium. At medieval Bruges, walk with your Tour Director along peaceful canals and through the cobbled streets lined with high gabled houses to the Market Square. Admire the traditional exquisite lace work before continuing to Brussels, where you visit the Grand Place and see the Mannekin Pis. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Sofitel Toison d’Or. (CB)

DAY 5 – BRUSSELS – RHINELAND
Travel into Germany to view Cologne Cathedral before continuing via Bonn, to board a Highlight cruise at Boppard. Relax as you glide past medieval castles and vineyards to the village of St Goar, near the legendary Loreley Rock. Continue to Heidelberg, to see the clifftop castle before arriving at your Rhineland hotel.
Hotel: Renaissance Karlsruhe. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – RHINELAND – INNSBRUCK
Visit Bavaria and fun-loving Munich; see the Olympic Stadium, Hofbrauhaus and visit the Marienplatz with its Glockenspiel. Head into the Alps and over the Austrian border to reach the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. Perhaps spend the evening enjoying a fabulous Tyrolean folklore evening.
Hotel: Innsbruck. (BB)

DAY 7 – INNSBRUCK – SALZBURG
See the Imperial Palace and delightful Golden Roof in the old town before visiting the Wilten Basilica, its interior richly decorated with cherubs and angels. Now follow the Inn Valley to Salzburg, ‘alive with the Sound of Music'. Your local guide shows you the imposing fortress, Mozart’s birthplace and cathedral.
Hotel: Castellani Parkhotel. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – SALZBURG – VENICE
This morning a spectacular drive takes you through the Tauern Mountains to the Carinthian Lake District, and on to the Italian border. Follow mountain valleys and cascading streams down to the Veneto Plain on your way to the unique magical, water-bound city of Venice. Your hotel overlooks the Grand Canal.
Hotel: Continental. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Cruise by private launch to St Mark’s Square and alight to see the Bridge of Sighs which connects the Doges’ Palace to the prisons. Cross the square to see the famous Moors, the belltower and the beautiful mosaics of St Mark’s Basilica. After a demonstration of Venetian glass blowing, join an included romantic Premium Highlight gondola ride along the canals. Perhaps consider taking a boat trip to the island of Burano for a delicious seafood meal. (BB)

DAY 10 – VENICE – ROME
Head south over the Apennine Mountains and follow the ‘Highway of the Sun’ to Rome. Tonight, enjoy a Dine-Around evening which offers you and your fellow travelers a choice of dining experiences, atmosphere and cuisine.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,DA)

DAY 11 – ROME SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide to visit St Peter’s Basilica to see Michelangelo’s moving work the ‘Pieta’. Drive across the Tiber to visit the mighty Colosseum, where gladiators fought to the death against armed warriors and wild beasts. Look out over the Roman Forum, once a bustling centre of commerce, law and religion. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 12 – ROME – FLORENCE
Drive north into the Chianti Hills and the Renaissance city of Florence. Sightseeing with a local guide takes you to see the original statue of ‘David’ in the Academy Gallery. Afterwards, visit the Cathedral and see Giotto’s belltower, and the Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery. Continue to Signoria Square, lined with many statues. After watching a demonstration of leatherwork, there is time at leisure to shop or perhaps continue sightseeing.
Hotel: Sheraton/Villa Gabriele D'Annunzio. (BB,D)

DAY 13 – FLORENCE – LUCERNE
Journey north, past the great commercial centre of Milan and the Italian Lake District, to the Swiss border. Take the St Gotthard route and enjoy its Alpine scenery on the way to Lucerne.
Hotel: Astoria. (BB)

DAY 14 – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing in Lucerne begins with a visit to the emotive Lion Monument. See the covered Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church, then enjoy a superb Premium Highlight as you ascend Mount Pilatus by cog-wheel railway. From the summit, admire some of the best possible views of the snow-covered Alps. (BB,D)

DAY 15 – LUCERNE – PARIS
Pass the Swiss port city of Basel on your way to France. After crossing the wine region of Burgundy, it’s on to glittering Paris for two fabulous nights. Consider spending the evening sampling wonderful French cuisine.
Hotel: Hilton/Pullman Paris Porte de Sevres. (BB)

DAY 16 – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
A guided sightseeing tour shows you Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre building and Opera House. Drive from the Place de la Concorde along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Your visit would not be complete without an ascent of Paris’ most famous symbol! Survey the city from the heights of the Eiffel Tower, before visiting the Tomb of Napoleon in the Église du Dôme, As evening falls, there is the chance to see a cabaret show. (BB)

DAY 17 – 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 22

Quality Dining

• Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Rome (DA)
• 1 Continental (CB), 1 Full Breakfast (B) & 18 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 7 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

22 Days ~ England ~ Belgium ~ Holland ~ GermanyCzech Republic ~ Austria ~ Italy ~ Switzerland ~ France

Tour Pace
Insight has planned this itinerary with two-night stays in every major city. This allows you time to settle into your new environment before your sightseeing tour the following day. Leisure time follows each city tour - relax or indulge in an optional excursion if you like!

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 at leisure to explore or shop. (B)

DAY 4 – SUN – LONDON – AMSTERDAM
Meet your Tour Director and transfer to Dover. Bid farewell to the white cliffs as you cross the channel to France. Continue via Belgium to Amsterdam. As evening falls, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Eden Rembrandt Square. (CB,D)

DAY 5 – MON – AMSTERDAM SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy a taste of glamour at one of Amsterdam’s great diamond houses, see the Mint Tower and nearby floating flower market and drive across the Dam Square. Join a local guide who will show you the priceless paintings of the Rijksmuseum, including Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’. The rest of the day is at leisure - why not visit Volendam? (BB)

DAY 6 – TUE – AMSTERDAM – HAMBURG
Head north across the 30km long Afsluitdijk - the barrier dam separating the Ijsselmeer from the North Sea. Pass Groningen before reaching the German frontier. Then on across the Weser River at Bremen and continue to Hamburg, Germany's most important port and part of the Hanseatic League of the Middle Ages.
Hotel: Maritim Reichshof. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – WED – HAMBURG – BERLIN
Sightseeing will reveal the spires of the city and the sparkling waters of the Alster lake. Then the smooth autobahn leads you to Berlin.
Hotel: Berlin. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – THU – BERLIN SIGHTSEEING
A guided city tour takes you along the Unter den Linden past Humboldt University and the Opera. Stop on Museum Island before returning past the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building and a drive through the Tiergarten. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 9 – FRI – BERLIN – PRAGUE
Stop in Dresden, which was almost totally destroyed by air raids in 1945. Now faithfully restored, see the Frauenkirche, the huge mosaic on the Castle wall, the Opera House and Zwinger Palace before crossing the Czech border to Prague.
Hotel: Diplomat. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – SAT – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
During your morning sightseeing tour visit Prague Castle, dominated by the soaring spires of St Vitus' Cathedral, look down on the Old Town before descending to explore the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN – PRAGUE – VIENNA
Enjoy a drive through the green Bohemian countryside to medieval Cesky Krumlov. Take time to explore the old town, with it’s cobbled streets, little back lanes and arch covered footpaths. In the afternoon, continue across the Austrian border to Vienna.
Hotel: Hilton. (BB)

DAY 12 – MON – VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide, visit Schönbrunn Palace, built as a summer residence for Maria Theresa during the golden age of the Hapsburg empire. Head into the city centre to tour the Ring Street, pass the Opera, the soaring spires of the City Hall and the Parliament. Spend the afternoon relaxing with a spot of shopping or a famous Viennese coffee? (BB)

DAY 13 – TUE – VIENNA – VENICE
Journey southwards past quiet villages and forested mountains into the Carinthian Lake district. Cross into Italy near Tarvisio, and follow mountain valleys and cascading streams down to the Veneto Plain on your way to Venice.
Hotel: Dei Dogi. (BB,D)

DAY 14 – WED – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
An included canal cruise takes you to St Marks Square to see the Doges' Palace and Basilica. Witness the ancient art of glass-blowing before enjoying a gondola ride through the watery 'streets'. (BB)

DAY 15 – THU – VENICE – ROME
Head south over the wild Appenine Mountains, to the valley of the river Tiber and follow its course to the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome. Tonight you are offered a selection of restaurants of varying cuisine and ambience for your dining pleasure.
Hotel: Cicerone. (BB,DA)

DAY 16 – FRI – ROME SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing with a local guide in this magnificent city includes a visit to the vast St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. Cross the Tiber now to visit the Colosseum and overlook the Roman Forum. The afternoon is free for shopping, relaxing or more sightseeing. (BB)

DAY 17 – SAT – ROME – FLORENCE
Travel north to Renaissance Florence. Overlook the city from the panoramic terrace of the Piazza Michelangelo before a local guide shows you the Duomo, Ghiberti's ‘Gates of Paradise’, and Signoria Square.
Hotel: Villa Gabriele D’Annunzio. (BB,D)

DAY 18 – SUN – FLORENCE – LUCERNE
Journey to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower before continuing to Milan, a city dominated by the magnificent Duomo. Drive through the Italian Lake District to Switzerland and the beautiful lakeside resort of Lucerne.
Hotel: Astoria. (BB)

DAY 19 – MON – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
Explore the covered wooden bridges, medieval fortifications, Lion Monument and lake-side walks of this beautiful city. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to the summit of Mt Pilatus for magnificent snow-capped views and true Alpine majesty. (BB,D)

DAY 20 – TUE – LUCERNE – PARIS
Cross the Rhine at Basel, then enter France. Continue through the wine growing Burgundy region. Your destination is the glorious city of Paris, vibrant heart of French life. Don't miss the chance to tour the sparkling illuminations tonight.
Hotel: Sofitel Bercy. (BB)

DAY 21 – WED – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
A locally guided sightseeing tour highlights the Champs Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, plus you’ll see the gothic splendor of Notre Dame Cathedral. Ascend the Eiffel Tower and visit Napoleon's tomb, before spending the afternoon at leisure. (BB)

DAY 22 – THU – 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 23

Quality Dining

• Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Rome (DA)
• 1 Continental (CB), 1 Full Breakfast (B) & 19 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

23 Days ~ England ~ Belgium ~ Holland ~ Germany ~ Czech Republic
Slovakia ~ Hungary ~ Austria ~ Italy ~ Switzerland ~ France

Tour Pace
This is a well paced tour with two-night stays in the eight key cities, allowing ample time for sightseeing and exploration. The travelling days have been well planned with plenty of stops both for refreshment and photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to London.

DAY 2 – ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! On arrival you are transferred to your London tour hotel.
Hotel: Park Plaza Victoria.

DAY 3 – 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 – LONDON – BRUSSELS
After driving to Dover and taking the ferry to France, make your way to medieval Bruges in Belgium, where you can stroll along cobbled streets and beside peaceful canals. Then it’s on to Brussels to marvel at the gilded buildings in the Grand Place and to see the Mannekin Pis statue. Later, enjoy a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Marriott/Sofitel Toison d’Or. (CB)

DAY 5 – BRUSSELS – AMSTERDAM
Drive to Amsterdam and pass Dam Square and the Mint tower en route to a demonstration of diamond cutting. Visit the fishing village of Volendam and learn how clogs and cheese are made before returning to Amsterdam.
Hotel: Moevenpick City Centre. (BB)

DAY 6 – AMSTERDAM – WüRZBURG
Head into Germany to see Cologne’s soaring Gothic cathedral. Continue via Bonn to the scenic Rhine Gorge to join your Highlight cruise. Glide past vineyards and medieval castles to see the Loreley Rock before continuing on to Würzburg with its Baroque Residenz palace, Marienberg fortress and statue-lined bridge.
Hotel: Maritim. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – WüRZBURG – PRAGUE
Stop in Nuremberg to see the charming blend of stone and timbered dwellings and the massive town ramparts before continuing east to the Czech border. Pass Pilsen, known for its beer, to reach the ‘golden city’ of Prague.
Hotel: Diplomat. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
A local guide introduces the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St Vitus’ Cathedral before descending to the Old Town Square, with its Astronomical Clock. Later, there is time to shop for fine Bohemian crystal. (BB)

DAY 9 – PRAGUE – BUDAPEST
Drive through the wine-producing area of South Moravia into Slovakia and stop in its fortified capital, Bratislava. After free time to explore, cross into Hungary and follow the River Danube to Budapest.
Hotel: Hilton West End. (BB)

DAY 10 – BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING
With a Budapest guide, see the murals in Matthias Church beside the Fisherman’s Bastion, which affords a grand view over the Danube and the Parliament. See the Royal Palace of Buda, then cross over to Pest to visit Heroes’ Square. The afternoon is free. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – BUDAPEST – VIENNA
Heading out of Budapest, survey the bridges over the Danube from the lofty citadel atop Gellert Hill. Continue through peaceful farmland, dotted with orchards and vineyards to the austrian border and Vienna.
Hotel: Hilton Plaza/NH Danube City. (BB)

DAY 12 – VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
A Premium Highlight visit takes you inside the fabulous Schönbrunn Palace. On a guided city tour, see the Parliament, Winter Palace and Opera House along the Ring Road. Spend the afternoon at leisure. (BB)

DAY 13 – VIENNA – VENICE
Cross over the Semmering Pass and across the border into Italy. Arrive at your hotel on Venice’s fashionable Lido.
Hotel: Hungaria Palace. (BB,D)

DAY 14 – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Cruise by private launch to St Mark’s Square to see the Doges’ Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St Mark’s Basilica, followed by a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration. Enjoy a fascinating Highlight gondola ride along the canals. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 15 – VENICE – ROME
Head south into the Apennine Mountains and follow the course of the Tiber to the Eternal City of Rome. As night falls, join your fellow passengers for a Dine-Around evening of local cuisine offered from a selection of restaurants.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,DA)

DAY 16 – ROME SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide to visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, complete with a Tour of St Peter’s Basilica to see Michelangelo's the Pieta. Now cross the Tiber to visit the Colosseum and see the Forum. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 17 – ROME – FLORENCE
Head north into the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany, driving to Piazzale Michelangelo for views over Florence. After a leather-work demonstration, spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful city.
Hotel: Palazzo Ricasoli. (BB,D)

DAY 18 – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
A local guide takes you to Santa Croce Basilica to see the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo. Continue to the lofty Cathedral where Giotto's 14C Campanile is said to be the most beautiful bell-tower in the world. See the 'Gates of Paradise' on the Baptistry and visit Signoria Square with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture. (BB)

DAY 19 – FLORENCE – LUCERNE
Head north through the scenic Italian Lake District, glimpsing Lake Como as you cross into Switzerland. Enjoy magnificent mountain scenery as you travel on to lake-side Lucerne.
Hotel: Flora Hotel. (BB)

DAY 20 – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
In Lucerne, see the emotive Lion Monument before strolling along the Chapel Bridge to the richly ornate Jesuit Church. Embark on a Premium Highlight excursion 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 21 – LUCERNE – PARIS
Leave Switzerland and skirt the Jura Mountains into the Burgundy wine region before continuing on to Paris.
Hotel: Sofitel Bercy/Pullman Paris Porte de Sevres. (BB)

DAY 22 – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
A comprehensive guided sightseeing tour shows you 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 tomb of the Emperor Napoleon. The evening is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 23 – RETURN TO USA
Your tour ends with a transfer to the airport. (BB)