• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• 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
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 14

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner of typical Swiss cuisine in Zermatt (HD)
• 12 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 4 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

14 Days ~ Italy ~ Switzerland

Tour Pace
Leisurely. This tour features two-night stays throughout, except for Lugano. This means plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. Can be combined with a relaxing river cruise to create a ‘Scenic Grand Tour’.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Rome.

DAY 2 – TUE – ROME
Welcome to Rome - the ‘Eternal City’. At the height of its power, it was said that all roads led to Rome. Take advantage of this now with your complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Ritz.

DAY 3 – WED – ROME SIGHTSEEING
Begin your guided sightseeing tour with a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, visit St Peter's Basilica, built around the tomb of St Peter, and designed by some of history's greatest architects including Bramante, Bernini and Michelangelo. Later, enter the Colosseum, where gladiators fought against wild beasts. Then overlook the Roman Forum, once the bustling centre of commerce, law and religion. (BB)

DAY 4 – THU – ROME – FLORENCE
Travel northwards along the Tiber Valley. Stop in beautiful Montepulciano, one of Tuscany’s highest hill towns, it’s fortifications offering fine views over Umbria and southern Tuscany. Continue through Chianti vineyards to Piazza Michelangelo overlooking Florence and the Ponte Vecchio, spanning the River Arno.
Hotel: Palazzo Ricasoli. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – FRI – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
This morning your walking tour includes the magnificent cathedral, Ghiberti's ‘Gates of Paradise’, and Signoria Square. Experience more artistic wealth of this great city with a visit to the Academy Gallery, to see the most controversial sculpture in Italy - Michelangelo's David. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax, shop or explore. (BB)

DAY 6 – SAT – FLORENCE – LA SPEZIA
After a leisurely morning, your first stop is at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, from where Galileo conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See also the splendid Cathedral and Baptistry, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Now onwards, past the quarries at Carrara, its milky white stone attracting everyone from Michelangelo to Mussolini. Stay tonight in La Spezia at the eastern end of the enchanting Italian Riviera.
Hotel: Jolly. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – SUN – CINQUE TERRE EXCURSION
Today is devoted to the Cinque Terre, or ‘five villages’, which were for years only accessible by donkey. Luckily, today you can take the train! A local expert will guide you around two of these villages, which both retain their charm and reputation for producing one of Italy’s most sought after and exclusive wines. (BB)

DAY 8 – MON – LA SPEZIA – LUGANO
Drive to the vibrant commercial city of Milan where sightseeing includes the magnificent Gothic Milan Cathedral, its marble facade bristling with 135 pinnacles and over 2000 statues! Also see the massive Sforza Castle and world famous La Scala Theatre too before continuing to Lugano, an elegant Swiss resort with a decidedly Italian ambiance. Your hotel is surrounded by a large park, less than 10 minutes drive from Lugano city centre.
Hotel: La Perla. (BB)

DAY 9 – TUE – LUGANO – ZERMATT
A beautiful drive along the shores of Lake Maggiore takes you past splendid villas set amid luxuriant gardens, with views over the exotic Borromean Islands. Now climb the spectacular Simplon Pass (2005m) into the Swiss Alps, and follow the narrow valley to Tasch. Here you must abandon your coach to board mini-buses and electric taxis which takes you to Zermatt - a traffic free haven at the foot of the Matterhorn! Enjoy a Highlight Dinner of Swiss cuisine tonight.
Hotel: Alpen Resort. (BB,HD)

DAY 10 – WED – ZERMATT AT LEISURE
A whole day to relax in the clean mountain air of this charming resort, dominated by the craggy pinnacle of the Matterhorn. Perhaps take an excursion on the Gornergrat rack railway, (highest in Europe), or conquer a mountain by cable car? (BB)

DAY 11 – THU – ZERMATT – GRINDELWALD
A scenic symphony awaits you today! Rejoin your coach to follow the ever narrowing gorge of the Upper Rhone almost to its glacial source. Now climb the winding hairpin bends of the Furka Pass (2431m), enjoying spectacular views across the Bernese Oberland before commencing your descent via the resort of Andermatt. Continue over the Susten Pass, (2224m) admiring the glaciers and rocky peaks of the Steingletscher in the late afternoon light. Stay tonight in the delightful glacier village of Grindelwald.
Hotel: Sunstar Hotel. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – FRI – VALLEY OF THE WATERFALLS EXCURSION
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a glorious day out filled with snow capped peaks, rushing torrents and sunlit alpine meadows bright with flowers! First marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks rising above the Firn Snowfield as you travel back down the valley. Then follow the sparkling Lutschine River to Lauterbrunnen village at the head of the ‘Valley of Waterfalls’. See the Staubbach Falls, a torrent plunging 300 metres. Then there is the option to take the funicular ride up to the tumbling Trummelbach Falls! (BB)

DAY 13 – SAT – GRINDELWALD – ZURICH
A delightful drive along the shores of Lake Brienz brings you to a wood-carving workshop. Continue over the Brunig Pass, to the beautiful 14th century city of Lucerne. Explore the covered wooden bridges, painted gables, emotive Lion Monument, lakeside walks and maybe even spend some time in the excellent shops. Finally, continue to thriving Zurich.
Hotel: Moevenpick Airport. (BB,D)

DAY 14 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
There are transfers to the airport today. (BB)

OPTIONAL CASTLES ALONG THE RHINE CRUISE

DAY 14 – SUN – EMBARK CRUISE IN BASEL
Transfer to Basel to embark your cruise. (BB,D)

DAY 15 – MON – CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
Alsace Wine Route sightseeing excursion. (B,L,D)

DAY 16 – TUE – STRASBOURG
See the sights of Strasbourg on a delightful canal cruise. (B,L,D)

DAY 17 – WED – CRUISE TO SPEYER
Guided walking tour of medieval Speyer. (B,L,D)

DAY 17 – THU – CRUISE TO RüDESHEIM
Visit Castle Vollrads for a wine tasting. (B,L,D)

DAY 19 – FRI – CRUISE TO KOBLENZ
Rhine Gorge cruise to Koblenz for a walking tour. (B,L,D)

DAY 20 – SAT – CRUISE TO COLOGNE
Cologne walking tour & Cathedral visit. (B,L,D)

DAY 21 – SUN – CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
Disembark and transfer to Amsterdam airport. (B)

Includes

• 7-nights in an outside stateroomon River Ambassador
• All meals onboard
• 6 shore excursions with English speaking guides
• Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Dinners
• Exciting onboard entertainment and lectures
• Transfers; Zurich to Basel & Cruise to Amsterdam Airport

Note: triple cabins or twin shares are not available

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• 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
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 10

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner of typical Swiss cuisine in Zermatt (HD)
• 8 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 4 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

10 Days ~ Switzerland ~ France ~ Italy ~ Liechtenstein

Tour Pace
A majority of two-night stays, a free day in Zermatt, the Glacier Express train, lake cruise, mountain-top cable car and the relatively short driving distances, means you are never on the coach for too long. Consequently, this tour is feature packed, but with an unhurried air.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Geneva.

DAY 2 – SAT – GENEVA AT LEISURE
Welcome to a land of contrasting scenery, people, language and religion, offering an extraordinary kaleidoscope of interests and wonders – many of which are revealed on this tour! Upon arrival at Geneva Airport there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel, where your Tour Director will be available to assist with check in. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Cornavin. (D)

DAY 3 – SUN – LAKE GENEVA EXCURSION
Your morning orientation tour of Geneva shows you the Jet D’Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument. Then follow the shores of Lake Geneva to visit Chillon Castle, which sits on a rocky islet on the lake, immortalised by Byron’s ‘Prisoner of Chillon’. Before returning to your hotel, embark on a highlight cruise on the serene waters of Lake Geneva, the ‘king of Europe's lakes’. Ever since Jean-Jacques Rousseau stayed on these shores in the 18C it has been a refuge of the Romantics and an attraction for travelers worldwide. (BB)

DAY 4 – MON – GENEVA – ZERMATT
Today’s route takes you into France (remember your passport) for a scenic drive through the picturesque Arve Valley to Chamonix, at the foot of Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont-Blanc. Take the excursion by cable-car to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi, where the panoramic views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps are spectacular! Return to Switzerland by the Forclaz Pass Road, one of the great international routes of the Alps. Descend to Martigny in the southern Swiss canton of Valais, and follow the Rhone valley, whose high summer temperatures support vines and other fruits. The final stage of the journey is by mini-bus and electric taxi to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt. Tonight, enjoy a Highlight Dinner of Swiss cuisine.
Hotel: National. (BB,HD)

DAY 5 – TUE – ZERMATT AT LEISURE
Zermatt in summertime is an Shangri-la of leisure-time possibilities: try swimming or hiking or spend a whole day relaxing in the clean mountain air. Perhaps take an optional ride on Europe’s highest cable car to the snow-capped roof of the world for a magnificent panorama of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Italy and France? (BB)

DAY 6 – WED – ZERMATT – LUGANO
Descend to Tasch and re-join the coach. Drive through Brig and ascend the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping on the gentle shores of Lake Maggiore. Back in Switzerland, drive on to Lugano, one of the most popular resorts in Switzerland with a high proportion of sunny days and a spectacular setting among towering mountains beside the clear lake. Browse beneath the arcades of the Via Nassa and stroll beneath the trees in the glorious Municipal Park and along the lakeside promenade.
Hotel: De la Paix. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – THU – LUGANO – ST MORITZ
Bid farewell to this elegant lakeside resort and head north, passing by the three castles at Bellinzona en route to the Grisons region. See the evocative Misox Castle, and travel via San Bernardino and the town of Tiefencastel. Head east to the ancient Roman Julier Pass and the chic resort of St Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.
Hotel: Monopol. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – FRI – ST MORITZ – ZURICH
Start the day with one of the world's great train rides, the Glacier Express across the Grisons Mountains through unforgettable scenes of ice-capped mountains, stone-built villages and lush meadows. At Chur, re-board your coach and drive along the valley of the Upper Rhine to the Principality of Liechtenstein to spend a while in the tiny capital, Vaduz. Then cross back into Switzerland where a beautiful drive takes you alongside the dramatic Walensee and Lake Zurich to the commercial heart of the country, Zurich.
Hotel: Moevenpick Airport. (BB)

DAY 9 – SAT – LUCERNE EXCURSION
Today’s excursion is to the beautiful 14th century city of Lucerne with its covered wooden bridges, painted gables, medieval walls and watch towers, Lion monument and baroque church. Stroll along the lakeside promenades or shop for fine watches, cuckoo clocks or delicious chocolate. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with the complimentary shuttle to Zurich Airport. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury 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
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 15

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner of typical Swiss cuisine in Zermatt (HD)
• 13 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

15 Days ~ Switzerland & Italy

Tour Pace
Well paced tour with three nights in Villars, two-night stays in most of the other cities and no excessively long driving days. There is also the added bonus of travelling on the Glacier Express train to admire the scenery from a completely different perspective, with yet more wonderful photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Zurich.

DAY 2 – MON – ZURICH AT LEISURE
Welcome to Switzerland, a land of snow capped summits and romantic lakes that has always attracted poets, musicians and travelers! Upon arrival at Zurich Airport there is a complimentary shuttle service to your tour hotel, where your Tour Director will be available to assist with checking in. An orientation tour of the city includes the Fraumünster, with its stained glass windows, as well as the elegant Bahnhofstrasse. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Moevenpick Airport.

DAY 3 – TUE – ZURICH – VILLARS
After a short drive to Berne, see the Bear Pits, Cathedral of St Vincent, the Federal Palace and the floral displays and fountains. Gather at the clock tower to watch the mechanical procession of painted figures before viewing the grim Ogre Fountain. Visit Murten with its ramparts, towers and yachts, and see the main street with its arcaded houses and the 13th century castle which affords splendid views of the lake. Now to the shores of Lake Geneva for a visit to Chillon Castle, which sits on a rocky islet, immortalised by Byron’s ‘Prisoner of Chillon’. Continue up the scenic road into the mountains to the Alpine village of Villars.
Hotel: Du Golf. (BB,D)

DAY 4 – WED – SWISS COUNTRY EXCURSION
Drive through vineyards and alpine meadows to the fortified town of Gruyères, renowned for its cheese. Spend time exploring its picturesque main street and castle before returning to the hotel via Gstaad, one of Europe’s most fashionable ski resorts. (BB)

DAY 5 – THU – LAKE GENEVA EXCURSION
Follow the shores of Lac Leman to the international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet D’Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument. Before returning to your alpine hotel, embark on a highlight cruise on Lake Geneva past the cultural resort of Montreux. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – FRI – VILLARS – ZERMATT
Journey into the upper Rhône valley to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheatre. Continue to the town of Sion which is dominated by two rocky peaks, each crowned with episcopal fortresses, and see the cathedral and Old Town Hall. The final stage of the journey to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt is by mini-bus and electric taxi. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner of Swiss cuisine.
Hotel: Alpen Resort. (BB,HD)

DAY 7 – SAT – ZERMATT AT LEISURE
Spend a whole day relaxing in the clean mountain air. Perhaps take an excursion on the Gornergrat rack railway (the highest in Europe), or conquer a mountain by cable-car. (BB)

DAY 8 – SUN – ZERMATT – LUGANO
Descend to Tasch and re-join the coach. Drive through Brig and ascend the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping on the gentle shores of Lake Maggiore. Back in Switzerland, drive on to the lakeside resort Lugano.
Hotel: De la Paix. (BB)

DAY 9 – MON – LUGANO – ST MORITZ
Head north, passing by the three castles at Bellinzona en route to the Grisons region. See the evocative Misox Castle, and travel via San Bernardino and the town of Tiefencastel. Head east to the ancient Roman Julier Pass and the chic resort of St Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.
Hotel: Monopol. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – TUE – ST MORITZ AT LEISURE
Today is free to enjoy at your own pace. Jostle with the jet-set in the elegant boutiques, or perhaps take a horse-drawn carriage ride through a nearby valley for spectacular views? (BB)

DAY 11 – WED – ST MORITZ – INTERLAKEN
All aboard for the Glacier Express – one of the world’s great railway journeys. Ascend through the spiral tunnels of the Albula Pass and cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge past the Devils Bridge. On through William Tell Country to stay ‘between the lakes’ in the charming resort of Interlaken.
Hotel: Royal St Georges. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – THU – THE ‘VALLEY OF WATERFALLS’
Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley. Follow the sparkling Lutschine River to Lauterbrunnen at the head of the ‘Valley of Waterfalls’, and see the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 metres. Consider taking the funicular up to the tumbling Trummelbach Falls. (BB)

DAY 13 – FRI – INTERLAKEN – LUCERNE
A delightful drive along the shores of Lake Brienz leads to a wood-carving workshop. Next, experience Swiss rural life throughout the ages at the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum. Now continue over the Brunig Pass and drive along side the lakes of Lungern and Sarnen to the beautiful 14th century city of Lucerne.
Hotel: Astoria. (BB,D)

DAY 14 – SAT – MT PILATUS EXCURSION
Take an excursion by cog-wheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus, which offers a stunning view of Lucerne, as well as the lakes, countryside and hills surrounding it. Return to Lucerne to see the covered wooden bridge, together with the famous Lion Monument carved from a limestone cliff. Spend the afternoon browsing in the shops. (BB)

DAY 15 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
Last chance to buy fine watches, cuckoo clocks or delicious chocolate! The tour ends with transfers to Zurich Airport. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• 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
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 9

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner of local cuisine in medieval Rothenburg (HD)
• 7 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 2 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

9 Days ~ Germany

Tour Pace
Driving days are not long and there are two-night stays in both Munich & Berlin, but with so much packed into this itinerary, time will appear to pass quite quickly. A well planned tour to allow you to experience the very best Germany has to offer in just over a week.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Frankfurt.

DAY 2 – SAT – ARRIVE FRANKFURT – MAINZ
From the Rhine Valley to Bavarian Alpine peaks, this is a tour of contrasts!  Experience lively cosmopolitan cities, historic old towns, as well as breathtaking natural scenery. On arrival at Frankfurt Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. As night falls, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Hilton City Mainz. (D)

DAY 3 – SUN – MAINZ – ROTHENBURG
Begin your exploration of Germany with an orientation tour of Frankfurt, seeing the Romerberg Square, the 14th century cathedral and the house where Goethe was born. Continue to Heidelberg, the city of the ‘Student Prince’, set on the banks of the River Neckar. Sightseeing includes the view over the old quarter of the city from the heights of the famous castle fortress. Now on to Rothenburg-ob-der Tauber, the most well-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Plunge back into the 16th Century as you walk through narrow cobbled streets lined with high-gabled houses to the market square dominated by its magnificent Renaissance town hall. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Highlight Dinner of local cuisine.
Hotel: Eisenhut. (BB,HD)

DAY 4 – MON – ROTHENBURG – MUNICH
Enjoy an enchanting journey through peaceful countryside and villages of flower-decked farmhouses as you follow the Romantic Road south to Munich. An orientation tour of the fun-filled Bavarian capital passes the Olympic Stadium with its amazing 'hanging' roof, and continues along the imposing Ludwigstrasse past the university and Victory Arch into the heart of the city. In the Marienplatz, crowds gather outside the soaring neo-gothic Town Hall to watch the colorful Glockenspiel.
Hotel: Sheraton Arabella Park. (BB)

DAY 5 – TUE – BAVARIAN ALPS EXCURSION
Travel through the beautiful scenery of the German Alps, and visit Oberammergau, home since 1634 to the Passion Play: see the immense theatre and admire the colorfully painted chalets. Afterwards, continue along part of the German Alpine Road to the Wieskirche, a masterpiece of Bavarian rococo, before arriving at the 'fairytale' castle Neuschwanstein, perched on a spectacular Alpine mountainside. This was Ludwig II's favorite castle, though he spent little time here before his death. Visit exuberantly decorated apartments, including the Throne Room and Lohengrin Grotto. Return to your Munich hotel later this afternoon. Tonight, consider joining the locals for a lively evening of dinner, entertainment and foaming beer at one of Munich's world-famous 'Bier Kellers'? (BB)

DAY 6 – WED – MUNICH – DRESDEN
Drive north across the Danube to Nuremberg, a treasure trove of early German history and medieval architecture. Tour the Old Town, carefully rebuilt after wartime destruction, and see the charming blend of stone and timbered dwellings and the massive ramparts with its 46 towers. Take time to shop for delicious Lebkuchen (gingerbread) before heading for the 'Florence of the Elbe', Dresden.
Hotel: Westin Bellevue. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – THU – DRESDEN – BERLIN
Join a local guide to see the splendors of the city. From the Frauenkirche, which has risen again from the destruction of WWII, walk past 'The Procession of the Dukes', a mosaic of colossal proportions on the Royal Palace façade. See the cathedral, Semper Opera House and baroque Zwinger Palace, before departing for the German capital, Berlin. You might like to try some traditional Berliner cuisine tonight?
Hotel: Concorde. (BB)

DAY 8 – FRI – BERLIN SIGHTSEEING
A guided sightseeing tour takes you along the Unter den Linden past the Humboldt University and Opera. Stop on Museum Island before passing the Brandenburg Gate, symbol of the reunification. See the glass-domed Reichstag building and drive through the Tiergarten. Spend the afternoon at leisure or take an optional excursion to Potsdam, site of the post war meetings which resulted in the division of the city? This evening perhaps round off the trip by sampling Berlin's fabled nightlife? (BB)

DAY 9 – SAT – RETURN TO USA
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast with complimentary transfers to Berlin's Tegel Airport. (BB)