• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury 40 seat touring coach with extra legroom & onboard toilet
• First Class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary transfers on Day 2 & Day 8 between the airport and your tour hotel

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner in Vienna at a local restaurant (HD)
• 6 buffet breakfasts (BB), 2 three course table d’hôte dinners, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

8 Days ~ Austria ~ Czech Republic ~ Slovakia ~ Hungary

Tour Pace - This well paced tour is designed to introduce you to three different cities - each with its own story to tell. The two night stops in Prague and Budapest allow time in the afternoon for shopping or your own activities.

Fellow Passengers - This tour is popular with those who want to experience the highlights of Eastern Europe in the space of a week. Medieval town squares, glistening with snow or Christmas lights, also appeal to the romantic at heart.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Vienna.

DAY 2 – ARRIVE VIENNA
Welcome to Vienna! On arrival at Vienna Airport there are transfers to your hotel at 09.00, 12.00 and 15.00 hours. The rest of the day is at leisure. Maybe stroll amid the statues of the city's greatest musicians in the City Park? Or browse among the tempting window displays on the Karntner Strasse? As night falls, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your fellow travelers and Tour Director.
Hotel: Hilton.

DAY 3 – VIENNA – PRAGUE
Leave Vienna and cross the Czech border to visit enchanting Cesky Krumlov, nestled on the banks of the Vltava River. On days when snow blankets the old medieval buildings, and the smell of wood smoke pervades through the narrow cobbled streets, one could be forgiven for thinking they had stepped into a scene straight out of a Christmas card! Spend some time here exploring the little back lanes and arch covered footpaths - not forgetting the outstanding castle which overlooks the town, considered by many to be the country's finest. This afternoon, continue north through the forested countryside of Bohemia to 'Golden Prague' - so named for its gleaming gilded spires.
Hotel: Diplomat. (BB,D)

DAY 4 – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing this morning with your local guide reveals the highlights of the Czech capital, spreading either side of the Vltava river. Begin at the lofty heights of Prague Castle, dominated by the spires of St. Vitus' Cathedral. Walk through medieval cobbled streets, past beautiful palaces, and enjoy a spectacular view over the whole city. Now descend to the Old Town Square to see the astronomical clock. For those traveling in December, be sure to grab a sausage and some hot wine at the brightly decorated Christmas Markets! If you’re lucky, you might even see school children in traditional dress, who come to dance and sing for the crowd. (BB)

DAY 5 – PRAGUE – BUDAPEST
The smooth motorway winds through peaceful farmland to the border with Slovakia. It was only in 1993, after more than 75 years of relatively calm coexistence, that the Czech and Slovak Republics split. You arrive in the fortified capital of Bratislava by lunch time. Bratislava has not only been part of Czechoslovakia, but has also belonged to Austria and Hungary during its long history - in fact, for a time, it was even capital of Hungary. Time here to walk from the banks of the Danube to the Old Town’s historic squares; all the while the four towered Bratislava Castle looms over the city. The Hungarian (and Austrian) border is only a proverbial stone’s throw away. Your destination is elegant Budapest, 'Queen of the Danube' - a grand metropolis and once the second city of the mighty Hapsburg Empire!
Hotel: Radisson SAS Beke. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING
This morning a local guide acquaints you both Buda and Pest, divided by the river, yet linked by the mighty Chain Bridge and the newer, elegant Elizabeth Bridge. First stroll the quaint lanes of the old town of Buda, perched high above the Danube, looking over the commercial and shopping centre of Pest. Admire the view from the Fisherman's Bastion, and visit Matthias Church, with its incredible interior decoration. Now enjoy another fine view from the old citadel on Gellert Hill, before crossing the Danube to the commercial Pest district. See the grandiose Parliament building and imposing statues of the ancestors of the Hungarian people in Heroes’ Square. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps join the shoppers amid the boutiques of Vaci street? In December, the street will be gaily lit and the Christmas fair will be in full swing! (BB)

DAY 7 – BUDAPEST – VIENNA
A leisurely drive today returns you to Vienna for your afternoon sightseeing tour with a local guide who will reveal all the highlights of this grand city. First a visit the glorious Schonbrunn Palace, built as a summer residence for Maria Theresia during the Golden Age of the Hapsburg Empire. Now into the city centre to tour the Ring Street. Pass magnificent St Charles' church, the Vienna State Opera House, the soaring spires of the City Hall and the Parliament. Finally catch a glimpse of Strauss in the Stadtpark before free time for shopping this afternoon. This evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Hilton. (BB,HD)

DAY 8 – RETURN USA
Transfers arrive at Vienna Airport at 07.00 and 09.00 hours where your tour ends. (BB)

• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Hosted or escorted on Days 2,3,4,6 & 8
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Welcome Drink & informative meeting

Quality Dining

• 6 full Breakfasts (B)

8 Days ~ England

A locally hosted week in London that combines the freedom of the city with the convenience of a coach tour. You’ll enjoy the finest sightseeing the capital has to offer, as well as day trips to places like Stonehenge, Bath, Leeds Castle and Canterbury. Spend your spare time taking in London’s pomp and pageantry, restaurants, museums, galleries, shops and theatres.

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

DAY 2 – SUN – ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! After transferring from the airport and checking into the tour hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax, shop or explore. In the evening you are invited to an informative meeting and Welcome Drink with your Insight local host.

DAY 3 – MON – LONDON SIGHTSEEING
On your London sightseeing tour, stop in Parliament Square for a guided walking tour to observe the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Continue along Whitehall past Downing Street to Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square. Another guided walk takes you along The Mall, to see Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard. Lastly, drive along Piccadilly, past Green Park and the Ritz, to finish in the heart of the West End. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. (B)

DAY 4 – TUE – LEEDS CASTLE & CANTERBURY EXCURSION
Head out into the peaceful Kent countryside to visit fairytale Leeds Castle, which rises like a jewel from its own lake. Originally built as a stronghold but converted into a royal palace by Henry VIII, Leeds remains one of the loveliest castles in the world. After time to explore the castle and its grounds, depart for the medieval city of Canterbury, whose cathedral has been a focal point for Anglicans for centuries. It was here that Chaucer found inspiration for his ‘Canterbury Tales’ and also where Thomas a Becket was murdered, achieving martyrdom in 1170. See 12th century Dover Castle, overlooking the English Channel, and also the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Finally to Greenwich with it’s long maritime history, to join a Thames cruise back to the centre of London. (B)

DAY 5 – WED – LONDON AT LEISURE
Spend the day exploring London’s green parks, exquisite shops, museums and art galleries, and discover why London is Europe’s most popular tourist centre. Why not devote part of the day to the ancient treasures of the British Museum, or the Old Masters in the National Gallery? Or perhaps visit St Paul’s Cathedral, baroque masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren. Once night falls, consider taking in a show in the heart of London’s famous West End. (B)

DAY 6 – THU – WINCHESTER, STONEHENGE & BATH EXCURSION
Leaving London, head west to the city of Winchester, with it’s magnificent 11th century Cathedral. Then to pre-historic Stonehenge, whose strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be over 4,000 years old. After visiting this mysterious stone circle, continue to the fine city of Bath, famous for its Roman and Georgian aspects. Bath is the most celebrated of British spas and is the site of Britain’s only hot, mineral springs. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Roman Baths and Pump Room, and a panoramic coach and walking tour of the elegant Georgian buildings. (B)

DAY 7 – FRI – LONDON AT LEISURE
Spend your last full day in the British capital exploring the city at your own pace. Why not see the fabulous Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, (for savings on additional London sightseeing see page 21). If shopping is your thing, try world-famous Harrods, or the smaller boutiques of the Knightsbridge area. The department stores on Oxford Street and the local street markets offer great alternatives. (B)

DAY 8 – SAT – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast when you will be transferred back to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

• Athens hotel including service charges, taxes & porterage
• Travel by luxury 40 seatair-conditioned coach
• Services of Insight’s professional multilingual Tour Director Days 3 - 7
• Services of Insight’s Resident Manager in Athens
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary Transfers
• Athens arrival & departure transfers between the airport and your Insight tour hotel

Quality Dining & Entertainment

• 6 Breakfasts (BB), and 4 special-menu Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

8 Days ~ Greece Classical Tour

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Athens.

DAY 2 – ATHENS AT LEISURE
After being met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, there is time to relax or explore before a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Metropolitan. (D)

DAY 3 – ATHENS SIGHTSEEING
Your sightseeing tour this morning delves deep into the glorious history of Athens. Highlight of the tour, of course, is a visit to the Acropolis, still dominating the frantic bustle of modern Athens with its serene presence. Admire the Parthenon, built to the honour of the goddess Athena and still amazing in its grace, despite the loss of the Elgin Marbles. Then see the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Why not join your fellow travelers for a night out with dinner and entertainment? (BB)

DAY 4 – ATHENS – OLYMPIA
Cross the breathtaking Corinth canal to the Peloponnese region and drive to the ancient ruined city of Mycenae. Walk through the Lion Gate, see the giant ‘Cyclopean’ stones which were used to build the city walls and visit the Beehive Tombs. A delightful drive takes you across the Arcadia Mountains to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776BC.
Hotel: Antonios. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – OLYMPIA – DELPHI
Tour Olympia, this morning seeing sites of the ancient temples, the Olympic Stadium and Gymnasium. Cross to the mainland and follow the coast to Delphi, clinging to the side of Mount Parnassus at 2,000 feet. Ascend the Sacred Way, past the splendid Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians to the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words’.
Hotel: Amalia. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA
Cross fertile Thessaly and head for the amazing monasteries of Metéora, incredibly perched on pinnacles of rock. Visit one of the monasteries and enjoy stunning views before continuing to your hotel in Kalambaka.
Hotel: Divani. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – KALAMBAKA – ATHENS
A morning scenic drive along the coast brings you to Thermopylae, site of the famous battle between the Spartans and Persians. Return to Athens for your final night in this fascinating city.
Hotel: Metropolitan. (BB)

DAY 8 – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to Athens airport. (BB)

These Great Tour Features are Included

Excursions & Sights

• In London see Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
• View historic Westminster Abbey
• In Paris see the Place de la Concorde, Madeleine, Opera House, the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral

Guided City Tours

• In depth half day sightseeing tours of London and Paris
• Insight's First Class Services
• First Class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Travel by standard Eurostar Express train from London to Paris
• Porterage included on Eurostar
• Escorted from London to Paris (Days 6-9)
• Arrival and Departure transfers
• Welcome Drink & informative meeting

Quality Dining

• 4 full breakfasts (B) & 3 Continental breakfasts with fruit juice (CB)

9 Days - England - France

Ideal for the independent traveller, with 4 nights in London, an included half day sightseeing tour & plenty of time to explore at your leisure. Then take the fast route to France on the high speed Eurostar, for 3 nights in Paris, with included sightseeing & time to really get to know this glittering capital city.

DAY 1 – SAT – DEPART USA

Overnight flight to London.

DAY 2 – SUN – ARRIVE LONDON

Welcome to London - an immense metropolis steeped in history and tradition! After checking into your hotel, enjoy a Welcome Drink and informative meeting with your Insight local host.

DAYS 3, 4, 5 – LONDON AT LEISURE

Soak up the city sights on your included sightseeing tour. Drive through London’s West End seeing Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Also admire historic Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens have been crowned since 1065. Why not complete your stay with a visit to the Natural History, British or Victoria & Albert Museums? Harrods is a must for shoppers, and don’t forget London’s world renowned theatres. Perhaps take a day to explore further afield? We suggest a morning at Windsor Castle; a full day to Stonehenge and Bath, or to Shakespeare’s Stratford. These and many more First Class tours are offered by Insight’s sister company, Evan Evans Tours. (B)

DAY 6 – THU – LONDON – PARIS

Meet your Tour Director and transfer to Waterloo Station where it’s all aboard for the Eurostar Express train to Paris. Pass through the Channel Tunnel, and only two and a half hours after leaving London, arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. Now you are at leisure in this romantic city. Perhaps an optional tour of the Paris illuminations tonight? (B)

DAYS 7 & 8 – PARIS AT LEISURE

Your half day sightseeing tour includes the Opera House, the Place Vendome, the Madeleine, the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. You also see the famous symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. Then relax in sidewalk cafés, or perhaps ascend the Eiffel Tower or go shopping at the Galleries Lafayette! Tonight maybe enjoy dinner in an atmospheric Parisian bistro or experience a dazzling cabaret show? (CB)

DAY 9 – SUN – RETURN TO USA

Your vacation ends after breakfast with a transfer to the airport from the hotel at 07.30 am. (CB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury 40 seat touring coach with extra legroom & onboard toilet
• First Class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal & information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 1 and departure transfer Day 8

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner in Strasbourg (HD)
• 7 buffet breakfasts (BB), 3 three course table d’hôte dinners, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

9 Days ~ Christmas Market Special

The festive season is a very special time in Europe and each year the traditional Christmas markets draw millions of visitors, opening before the first Sunday of Advent, (around the time of Thanksgiving in the U.S.) and usually continuing until Christmas Eve.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Frankfurt.

DAY 2 – ARRIVE FRANKFURT
‘Frohe Weihnachten’ (Merry Christmas) and welcome to Germany! Transfers from Frankfurt Airport to the tour hotel depart at 09:30 & 12:00. Later, enjoy an orientation tour before joining your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Sheraton Congress. (D)

DAY 3 – FRANKFURT – COLMAR
Follow the scenic Rhine and Moselle Rivers to the former Roman town of Trier. Visit the festive Christmas market in front of the cathedral before skirting the Vosges Mountains to your hotel in Colmar, which has prospered from the wine trade since the 13th century. Hotel: Best Western Grand Hotel Bristol. (BB,D)

DAY 4 – COLMAR SIGHTSEEING
Today is devoted to Colmar’s Old Town, site of the illuminated Christmas Market. Admire the picturesque old houses along Rue des Marchands (Merchants Street) and Rue Merciére (Haberdasher Street) and also see the imposing Dominican church. Maybe even join in the fun at the open-air ice-rink? (BB)

DAY 5 – COLMAR – STRASBOURG
Explore the Christmas markets of the Alsace today! Follow part of the wine road to the small towns of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé where you can sample the local specialties on offer. Continue to Obernai. At this time of year it is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets past high gabled houses to the Marché de la Gastronomie (food market). Home for the next two nights is Strasbourg. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner tonight. Hotel: Hilton. (BB,HD)

DAY 6 – STRASBOURG
Spend a day in the capital of Alsace, seat of the Council of Europe and Court of Human Rights. Strasbourg Christmas market is France’s oldest and one of the largest with more that 100 stalls. You also visit La Petite France, a cosy neighbourhood of timbered fairy-tale buildings with Christmas shops and a gingerbread bakery. (BB)

DAY 7 – STRASBOURG – HEIDELBERG
Travel through part of the Black Forest on your way to Heidelberg, city of the 'Student Prince'. Look out over the River Neckar from the castle heights before exploring the Christmas Markets in the town centre. Hotel: Best Western Leonardo. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – HEIDELBERG – FRANKFURT.
Visit the Christmas Shop and celebrated Christmas market in the charming medieval walled city of Rothenburg. Return to Frankfurt in the late afternoon. Hotel: Sheraton Congress. (BB)

DAY 9 – RETURN TO USA
After breakfast, your transfer to Frankfurt Airport’s Terminal 1 arrives at 09.00 and Terminal 2 at 09:15. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury 40 seat touring coach with extra legroom & onboard toilet
• First Class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary transfers Day 1 & Day 8 between Rome Airport and your tour hotel

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner of Italian cuisine in Rome (HD)
• 7 buffet breakfasts (BB), 2 three course table d’hôte dinners, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

8 Days - Italy

Tour Pace - With two night stays in each of the cities, this tour is relaxed and well paced. Rome to Florence & Florence to Venice are only half day drives, allowing plenty of time to explore Orvieto and Verona en route.

Fellow Passengers - This tour appeals to passengers seeking an in-depth look into the three main cultural cities of northern Italy. Popular with guests who have a limited vacation time and lovers of art, history and architecture.

DAY 1 – ARRIVE ROME
Welcome to the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome - once the hub of a vast empire that spread from Britain to the Persian Gulf and from Africa to Germany. Complimentary transfers to your Insight tour hotel depart from Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09.30, 12.30 & 15.30 hours. Later, you are invited to join your fellow guests and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Massimo D’Azeglio.

DAY 2 – ROME SIGHTSEEING
A local guide introduces you to the grandeur of the city today. Your tour begins at St. Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith and built around the tomb of St Peter. Once inside, marvel at Michelangelo's early masterpiece - the ‘Pieta’, as well as the splendid dome, completed after his death. Now cross the River Tiber to visit one of the wonders of ancient Rome – the Colosseum, where gladiators (and sometimes martyrs) fought to the death against armed warriors or wild beasts. Your tour concludes with a view over the remains of the Roman Forum, once the bustling centre of commerce, law and religion. This afternoon is free to shop, relax on the Via Veneto, or continue sightseeing? Perhaps visit the Catacombs, the Pantheon, or the Spanish Steps. This evening, why not try a typically Roman dinner in one of the many restaurants? (BB)

DAY 3 – ROME – FLORENCE
Following breakfast, take a short drive to the independent Vatican State. Here, with a local guide, visit the superb Vatican Museums - treasure house of the Catholic faith with vast collections of ancient and Renaissance art, gathered by Popes over the ages. Marvel at Raphael's brilliant work as you continue into the Sistine Chapel, glorious masterpiece of Michelangelo's fresco skills. Leaving Rome, ascend the Apennine Mountains to the hilltop town of Orvieto, blessed with a wealth of historic buildings. On arrival visit the impressive cathedral, its breathtaking facade is considered to be among Italy’s finest! Then, a beautiful drive takes you through the Tuscan vineyards to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views over Florence – a great photo opportunity! Now on to your hotel.
Hotel: Croce Di Malta. (BB,D)

DAY 4 – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
On your guided walking tour visit the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s original statue of David. Then continue to the Cathedral, dedicated to St. Mary of the Flowers, to admire Giotto’s bell tower and the Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery. Next stop is Signoria Square, political heart of the city and still an open air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Your final visit is at the Basilica of Santa Croce which houses the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, followed by a leather work demonstration. The rest of the day is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 5 – FLORENCE – VENICE
This morning travel to the fascinating and historic town of Verona, setting for one of history's saddest love stories. Walk with your Tour Director through the old narrow streets to view Juliet's balcony and the well-preserved Roman Arena (still used for open-air opera performances). Then continue to the romantic city of Venice – a step back in time to the 16th century!
Hotel: Principe. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Venice - a living treasure! Appreciate her splendour as you cruise by the Church of the Redentore and Palladio's San Giorgio Maggiore, to St Mark's Square. Once one of the greatest trading centres of the world, importing goods especially from the Orient, the city's wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St Mark's Basilica. Admire the Doges’ Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs before a visit to one of the glass showrooms for a demonstration of traditional craftsmanship, unchanged for centuries. Now time to relax and watch the gondolas as they slip beneath the bridges. Don't miss the chance to try the delicious seafood, freshly caught in the lagoon! (BB)

DAY 7 – VENICE – ROME
Today follow the smooth highway across the fertile valley of the river Po before climbing high into the Apennine mountains. Continuing southwards, reach the valley of the river Tiber and follow its course back to Rome. Tonight, drive to a local restaurant for a lively Highlight Dinner including wine and entertainment!
Hotel: Villa Pamphili. (BB,HD)

DAY 8 – ROME
Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Transfers from the hotel arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07.00 & 09.30 hours. (BB)