Essentials Inclusions

Superior Touring

• Arrival & departure transfers between Madrid Airport & your tour hotel at specified times on Day 2 & Day 11.
• Comfortable Moderate First Class & First Class hotels specially selected for each departure.
• Luxury, air-conditioned touring coach with 49 reclining seats.
• Hotel service charges, taxes & porterage.
• Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack.

Professional Service

• Experienced professional Tour Director to escort you.
• Qualified local city guides on major city sightseeing tours.

More Included Meals

• 9 Breakfasts (B) 4 three course evening meals (D)

Highlights & Sightseeing

• Guided tour of Toledo, Granada, Seville, Lisbon and Madrid
• Orientation tours of Fatima, Salamanca and Avila

Spain

• Visit the town of Toledo to admire its Cathedral
• See the Cathedral & Giralda Tower, Santa Cruz quarter, and Alcazar in Seville
• See the Plaza Mayor and Puente Romano in Salamanca
• Visit the walled town of Avila
• See the Puerta del Sol, Gran Via, Royal Palace and Cibeles Fountain in Madrid

Portugal

• See the Monument to the Discoveriesand Belem Tower in Lisbon
• Visit the pilgrimage village and Basilica in Fatima

VISITING MADRID, GRANADA, SEVILLE, LISBON AND SALAMANCA

Day 1 – Depart USA
Overnight flight to Madrid

Day 2 – Madrid at Leisure
On arrival at Madrid Airport you are transferred to your hotel. Then relax and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before a Welcome Meeting with your Tour Director.
Hotel: Florida Norte.

Day 3 – Madrid – Granada
Leave Madrid and head south to the town of Toledo, where you will walk the ancient cobbled streets to see the Gothic cathedral. Afterwards, continue through the mountains to Granada, the former capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain.
Hotel: Nevada Palace. (B,D)

Day 4 – Granada – Seville
Spend the morning sightseeing. You can also join an optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace and the gardens of the Generalife, known as the gardens of Paradise. A beautiful drive through white villages and brilliant fields of golden sunflowers brings you to Seville, the capital of Andalucìa and one of Spain’s most charming cities. Consider spending the evening enjoying a Flamenco show after dinner.
Hotel: Alcora. (B,D)

Day 5 – Seville Sightseeing
This fascinating town has historic associations Julius Caesar, Sultan Yacoub Al Mansur, Don Juan and Carmen. See the massive Cathedral on your guided tour, which houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Nearby stands the Moorish Giralda Tower (originally a minaret), the Alcazar, and the adjoining Santa Cruz quarter, with its flower-decked balconies. The rest of the day is yours to relax or sightsee. (B,D)

Day 6 – Seville – Lisbon
Travel into the heart of Portugal, across the modern Tagus Bridge to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
Hotel: Costa Da Caparica. (B)

Day 7 – Lisbon Sightseeing
A panoramic guided tour along the spacious avenues takes you to the Terreiro do Paco, finest square in the city. See the modern Monument to the Discoveries and ancient Belem Tower – a fortress originally set in the middle of the river, but now high and dry on the riverbank. Spend the afternoon at leisure: shop for pottery or join an optional excursion to Sintra, once the summer residence of the Kings of Portugal. (B)

Day 8 – Lisbon – Salamanca
Head north this morning to visit the Basilica at Fatima, commemorating the Virgin Mary’s appearance before three children in 1917; it is one of the most important centres for Roman Catholics worldwide. Cross the border back into Spain and continue to the ‘Golden City’ of Salamanca.
Hotel: Vincci Ciudad de Salamanca. (B,D)

Day 9 – Salamanca – Madrid
Sightseeing in Salamanca shows you the handsome Plaza Mayor, and the Puente Romano bridge across the river Tormes - 15 of its 26 arches still date from the time of the ancient Romans! Now cross the rock strewn hills of La Morana towards St Theresa's city of Avila, still entirely enclosed within 11th century walls. Walk awhile within the ancient city, before crossing the wild Guadarrama Mountains back to Madrid.
Hotel: Abba Madrid. (B)

Day 10 – Madrid Sightseeing
Your guided tour shows you the Royal Palace, Plaza de Espana and Cervantes statue. Pass the Cibeles Fountain, Parliament and cross the Puerta del Sol. This afternoon is at lesure. Why not celebrate this evening with a farewell dinner at a restaurant in the Plaza Mayor? (B)

Day 11 – Return to USA
Your memorable tour concludes this morning, after breakfast, with a transfer to Madrid Airport. (B)

Essentials Inclusions

Superior Touring

• Arrival & departure transfers between Rome Airport & your tour hotel at specified times on Day 2 & Day 13.
• Comfortable Moderate First Class & First Class hotels specially selected for each departure.
• Luxury, air-conditioned touring coach with 49 reclining seats.
• Hotel service charges, taxes & porterage.
• Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack.

Professional Service

• Experienced professional Tour Director to escort you.
• Qualified local city guide in Rome.

More Included Meals

• 11 Breakfasts (B)7 three course evening meals (D)

Highlights & Sightseeing

• Guided tour of Rome
• Orientation tours of Assisi, Venice, Lugano & Sorrento

Italy

• Visit St. Francis’ Assisi In Venice, cruise to St. Mark’s Square by private launch & see the Bridge of Sighs & Doges’ Palace
• Demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing
• See Juliet’s balcony & the Roman arena, Verona
• Lake Maggiore excursion to Stresa
• See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• View the city of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
• Demonstration of leatherwork
• Scenic clifftop drive to Sorrento
• See Sorrento’s inlaid woodwork
• In Rome see the Colosseum and the Forum

Vatican City

• Visit St. Peter’s Basilica See Michelangelo’s ‘Pieta’

Switzerland

• Visit the Swiss lakeside resort of Lugano

VISITING ROME, ASSISI, VENICE, LUGANO, ITALIAN LAKES, PISA, FLORENCE, SORRENTO AND VATICAN CITY

Day 1 – Depart USA
Overnight flight to Rome.

Day 2 – Rome at Leisure
Welcome to Rome - the 'Eternal City'! You will be met on arrival at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport and transferred to the Cristoforo Colombo Hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to relax. Perhaps sip a cappucino at a sidewalk cafe in the Piazza Navona (the 'Living Room of Rome') and watch life go by! Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Director at a Welcome Meeting.
Hotel: Cristoforo Colombo.

Day 3 – Rome – Venice
Pass Etruscan hill towns and olive groves on your way to Assisi where you will see the great Basilica of St Francis. Cross the Appenine Mountains and descend onto the vast Venetian plain.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Marghera. (B,D)

Day 4 – Venice Sightseeing
A private launch takes you along the Guidecca canal past monumental architecture to St Mark’s Square; see palatial residences which seem to float on the water, while gondolas bob beneath the Bridge of Sighs. Cruise by St George Island, then see a glass-blowing master create a work of art. Consider combining a lagoon cruise with a delicious seafood lunch. (B,D)

Day 5 – Venice – Lugano – Italian Lakes
Stroll the narrow streets of Verona to see Juliet’s balcony and the Roman arena. Continue past the Italian fashion capital , Milan , before heading north to briefly enter Switzerland to visit mountain ringed Lugano. Then continue to your hotel for the next two nights.
Hotel: Le Terrazze. (B,D)

Day 6 – Italian Lakes Excursion
A drive around the shores of Lake Maggiore brings beautiful mountains, tranquil islands and picturesque towns and villages together. Stop in the lakeside resort of Stresa for a chance to take an excursion to Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands. (B,D)

Day 7 – Italian Lakes – Tuscany
Marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which has sat in the Field of Miracles since 1350. Next to the tower, see also the white marble Cathedral, which dates from the 11th century. Continue onto the Tuscan spa town of Montecatini.
Hotel: Tuscany Inn. (B,D)

Day 8 – Florence Sightseeing
Drive to Florence, which began life as an Etruscan village centuries before Christ and flourished during the Renaissance as a centre of art and culture. View the city from Piazzale Michelangelo before watching a demonstration of leatherwork. Spend the afternoon at leisure: see the cathedral, Giotto’s Belltower and other highlights of the city. (B,D)

Day 9 – Tuscany – Sorrento
Drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills. Continue south along the 'Highway of the Sun' past Naples, nestling in the shadow of fuming Mount Vesuvius. Finally the road twists its way round the rugged coastline to clifftop Sorrento.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Due Golfi. (B)

Day 10 – Sorrento at Leisure
Relax in this peaceful resort, known for its many beautiful gardens. Maybe join an optional excursion to the isle of Capri, which has welcomed famous visitors for over 2,000 years? (B,D)

Day 11 – Sorrento – Rome
This morning consider visiting the excavations at Pompeii where, in AD79, the city was covered after the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius. The incredible preservation of the site means visitors are able to visualise life in Roman times. Stop at the Commonwealth cemetery at Cassino, overlooked by the imposing abbey, before driving through vine-covered hills to return to your hotel in Rome.
Hotel: Cristoforo Colombo. (B)

Day 12 – Rome Sightseeing
Rome is one of the world’s most historic cities. Join your local guide for a tour which begins with a visit to the Vatican City and the awe-inspiring St Peter’s Basilica. There’s time for an optional visit to the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s amazing ceiling which depicts the creation. Cross the river Tiber to see the Colosseum, built in 72AD and the scene of many gladiatorial contests. The model for all subsequent stadiums, it still has the power to impress. See the ancient Forum before spending time relaxing and exploring. Why not say ‘arrivederci’ to your new friends over a farewell dinner party? (B)

Day 13 – Return to USA
Your tour ends after breakfast with a transfer to Rome Airport. (B)

Essentials Inclusions

Superior Touring

• Arrival & departure transfers between Vienna Airport & your tour hotel at specified times on Day 2 & Day 12.
• Comfortable Moderate First Class & First Class hotels specially selected for each departure.
• Luxury, air-conditioned touring coach with 49 reclining seats.
• Hotel service charges, taxes & porterage.
• Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack.

Professional Service

• Experienced services of a professional multi-lingual Tour Director.
• Qualified local city guides on major city sightseeing tours.

More Included Meals

• 10 Breakfasts (B)5 three course evening meals (D)

Highlights & Sightseeing

• Guided tour of Vienna, Budapest, Prague & Berlin
• Orientation tours of Nuremberg and Dresden

Austria

• In Vienna see the Imperial Winter Palace, City Hall,the Parliament Building and Opera House

Hungary

• Visit Matthias Church in Budapest’s Castle Hill district, See the huge Parliament Building and visit Heroes’ Square

Slovakia

• See Bratislava Castle and stroll the old town

Czech Republic

• Walk within the walls of Prague Castle to St Vitus’s Cathedral
• Stroll through Prague’s Jewish Quarter to reach the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square

Germany

• See the Zwinger Palace, Opera House and the newly restored Frauenkirche in Dresden
• Admire the colossal mosaic “The Procession of the Dukes” covering the Castle wall
• See Berlin’s Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate
• See St Nikolai Church in Leipzig
• See Nuremberg’s Zeppelinwiese and tour the old town to see Albrecht Durer’s house, Beautiful Fountain and town ramparts
• Stroll through the old town of Passau

VISITING AUSTRIA, HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA, CZECH REPUBLIC AND GERMANY

Day 1 – Depart USA
Overnight flight to Vienna.

Day 2 – Vienna at Leisure
On arrival at Vienna Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Bosei Hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Austrian capital's famous sights. Relax at a Viennese café or stroll through the Stadtpark to see the golden statue of Strauss? Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Meeting.
Hotel: Bosei.

Day 3 – Vienna – Budapest
This morning we cross the Hungarian border and continue through farmland to the baroque town of Gyor before arriving in Budapest. Our sightseeing on arrival takes us to hilltop Buda to explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visit the Matthias church and enjoy views over the Danube. Then to the commercial district of Pest where we see the Parliament Building and Heroes’ Square, before continuing to our hotel for the next two nights.
Hotel: Budapest. (B,D)

Day 4 – Budapest at Leisure
You are free today to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. Maybe shop for bargains in fine porcelain or take an optional excursion to the picturesque riverside village of Szentendre with its brightly coloured houses and quaint churches. (B)

Day 5 – Budapest – Prague
Take a delightful scenic drive across the Blue Danube to reach the Slovakian border. Visit the capital city of Bratislava to see the dominating castle before continuing through the Czech countryside to the beautifully preserved ‘golden’ city of Prague.
Hotel: Barcelo. (B,D)

Day 6 – Prague Sightseeing
From the heights of Prague Castle, a ‘city within a city’ dominated by the soaring spires of St Vitus’ Cathedral, look down on the Old Town and the Vltava River. Stroll the cobbled streets, explore the ancient Jewish quarter and the Old Town Square – don’t miss the Four Apostles above the Astronomical Clock on the hour. (B,D)

Day 7 – Prague – Berlin
Leave Prague and cross the border to Germany, arriving in historic Dresden in time for a walking tour of the courtyards of the glorious Zwinger Palace and the opulent Opera House. See the colossal Castle of the Electors of Saxony, including the unique Saxon Wall overlaid with Meissen tiles and, finally, the renovated Frauenkirche. Drive on to the German capital, Berlin.
Hotel: Abacus Tierpark Hotel. (B,D)

Day 8 – Berlin Sightseeing
Join a local guide to see this re-unified city. Follow the Unter den Linden past the Opera and Alexanderplatz, before continuing on to the Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of Berlin. See the Reichstag, a massive Neo-Renaissance-style palace inaugurated in 1894 which has recently been crowned with a new dome. See the Victory Column in the Tiergarten Park before spending the rest of the day at leisure – take in the shops or perhaps join an optional excursion to Potsdam. (B)

Day 9 – Berlin – Nuremberg
Head south to the musical city of Leipzig, where Mendelssohn and Bach lived and played. See St Nikolai Church, where the 1989 Peace Prayers led to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Continue to Nuremberg, once Germany’s medieval centre of culture and craftsmanship, now home to the country’s most famous Christmas Market. See the Zeppelinwiese, used for Hitler’s rallies and tour the Old Town to see Albrecht Durer’s house, Beautiful Fountain, and the massive town ramparts.
Hotel: NH Forsthaus. (B,D)

Day 10 – Nuremberg – Vienna
Take a scenic drive past Regensburg and on to the frontier town of Passau, nestled between Bavaria and Austria. Time is set aside to stroll along the Danube and admire the Baroque churches and patrician houses of the Old Town before crossing the Austrian border. See the Benedictine Melk Abbey at the very tip of a rocky bluff overlooking the Danube before arriving in Vienna.
Hotel: Bosei. (B)

Day 11 – Vienna Sightseeing
A guided tour shows you the Imperial Winter Palace , the Parliament and the imposing baroque architecture of the Opera House. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy – perhaps visit the State Apartments of Schonbrunn Palace or do some last minute shopping on the Karntnerstrasse? (B)

Day 12 – Return to USA
Your tour ends this morning after breakfast with transfers from your hotel to Vienna Airport. (B)