Tour EU06 - Europe in Depth for 12 Days

Day 1 (Monday): Frankfurt - Amsterdam

The morning begins with a leisurely drive northwest from Frankfurt to Bonn, the capital of former West Germany until reunification. The national government is now run from Berlin, but Bonn retains a rich history that is well worth exploring. Discover the city’s secrets on an orientation stroll through its streets, walking past highlights such as the Rococo-fronted town hall and Ludwig Van Beethoven Haus, a museum celebrating the life of the much-loved composer. Then it’s on to Cologne, where you’ll head inside the city’s glorious Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Cologne further, do a spot of local shopping, or simply relax with a suitably refreshing German brew.

After lunch, the day is rounded off with a drive to the Netherlands.

Day 2 (Tuesday): Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans 
A day of delights begins with a leisurely trip through the Dutch countryside, where you’ll get to sample at close quarters some of the things that the Netherlands is traditionally famous for clogs, cheese, and windmills. Call in at the hugely popular model town of Zaanse Schans. Next, you’ll head from the quiet countryside to the cosmopolitan city as your journey takes you back to Amsterdam.

After visiting a well-known diamond factory, where you’ll see the unique cutting techniques that have been practiced here since the 16th century, you can take an optional hour-long pre-dinner canal cruise, which is a great way to discover more about this unique European city.

After disembarking you’ll walk to one of the city’s grandest areas, Dam Square, where the Royal Palace is located and the Queen’s birthday celebrations take place. You’ll have photo opportunities here, free time for shopping or further sightseeing, and then round the day off with dinner. (B)

From mid-March to mid-May the tour will also visit Keukenhof Garden, a 32-hectare seasonal exhibition of beautifully colored and scented displays of spring flowers - most notably millions of tulips.

 

Day 3 (Wednesday): Amsterdam - Paris 
After leaving Amsterdam in the morning you’ll head south across the border into Brussels, the Belgian capital and political center of the European Union.

On the way, the tour stops to see the distinctive Atomium monument, a cell-shaped structure of stainless steel spheres and tubes built for the 1958 World’s Fair. In the center of Brussels itself, an orientation tour will call in at the exquisite Grand Place, as well as seeing the famous playful Manneken Pis statue.

After some free time, during which you can try some gourmandize Belgian delights. Then from Brussels, it’s south again across the French border and on to the bright lights of Paris.

 

Day 4 (Thursday): Paris - Versailles 
Paris is your oyster over the next two days as you enjoy guided tours around one of the world’s most celebrated cities. Your Parisian adventures get off to a spectacular start with a drive along the famous Champs Élysées to the Place de la Concorde which played such a key part in the French Revolution. You’ll also get to see the iconic Arc de Triumph too, the imposing monument that sits near the western end of the avenue and commemorates the fall of the revolution and Napoleonic wars.

You’ll take in another significant historical building next as you head to L’Hôtel National des Invalides, where Napoleon’s tomb is located, followed by a stop at the most legendary of all Paris’s icons: the Eiffel Tower.

Finally, you’ll travel on the coach out through the Parisian suburbs to the splendid Palace of Versailles, the vast regal château that was the residence of the royal family until the start of the revolution in 1789. Today the palace is another popular Parisian attraction.

In the evening, you can enjoy one of our optional Paris evening shows.

Due to limited daily access control in the Palace of Versailles, customers who strongly request to visit this palace to book tickets online in advance at https://en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit/tickets-and-prices
Visit time: 14:00 – 14:30

 

Day 5 (Friday): Paris
The second day of your Parisian experience begins with a visit to the Louvre, one of the world’s greatest art museums. Here you’ll set your eyes upon some of history’s most famous masterpieces, including the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace (also called Nike of Samothrace), and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Opt for a guided gallery tour, which will enhance your experience and allow you to browse through hundreds of works in just a few hours. You can then take a leisurely cruise along the river Seine, a great sightseeing option that offers splendid views of iconic Parisian landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral and Pont Alexandre III.

After an exhilarating morning of walking the gallery corridors, replenish your energy levels with lunch in the museum before heading to the area surrounding the Palais Garnier, Paris’s Opera House. Afterward, you have an option of having a French 4-course Dinner and Show experience or spending time shopping at the legendary department store Galleries Lafayette.

Due to limited daily access control in the Louvre Palace, to avoid disappointment, we recommend customers who strongly request to visit this palace book tickets online in advance at https://www.ticketlouvre.fr/louvre/b2c/index.cfm/calendar/eventCode/MusWeb Visit time: 13:00 – 14:00.

 

Day 6 (Saturday): Paris - Lucerne
After boarding a luxury coach in Paris, sit back and enjoy a scenic journey across the classic French countryside en route to mountainous Switzerland.

We will pass through Basel, which is located at the point where the Swiss, French, and German borders meet, before arriving at the picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne, nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Swiss Alps.

Once in Lucerne, we will visit famous landmarks, including Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and some wonderfully preserved Baroque and Gothic architecture, followed by some free time to shop or take pictures.

 

Day 7 (Sunday): Lucerne - Venice 
Head south from Lucerne through spectacular Switzerland and into northern Italy, where your first stop will be Milan, the fashion capital of the world. Your city tour will introduce you to the iconic sights, including the Gothic cathedral, Duomo. You’ll also see one of the earliest shopping malls, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where you can wander among the boutique shops and have lunch in one of the sophisticated cafes.

After enjoying the many delights of Milan, you’ll head to another vintage Italian city: Venice.

 

Day 8 (Monday): Venice - Rome
Spend the morning in the company of a knowledgeable local guide as you explore Venice, the most magical of cities. Begin with a waterbus ride to San Marco Island, a memorable crossing of the lagoon that gives you a real taste of the city’s charm as you approach the dreamy spires and distinctive waterside buildings. Once on the island, you’ll be led around some of Venice’s best-known locations, beginning in the Piazzo with the Basilica di San Marco, a stunning piece of Byzantine architecture.

You’ll also see the legendary Bridge of Sighs, which appears on many a postcard or picture of Venice and connects the old prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.

Afterward, you’ll have a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at close quarters with a demonstration by Murano glassblowers; their exquisite creations make excellent souvenirs. Of course, the ultimate Venice activity is to ride through the warren of waterways on a gondola, and for most people, this optional excursion is a must. Step aboard, relax, and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Transfer to Rome in the afternoon.

 

Day 9 (Tuesday): Rome - Arezzo
Your day in Rome starts with a visit to the smallest country in the world, The Vatican City, which lies at the heart of the Italian capital. Here you’ll marvel at St Peter’s Basilica, home to Pope Francis and arguably the most significant site in Christianity. The exquisitely beautiful Basilica has been present here for almost 1,700 years and contains a bewildering collection of paintings, frescoes, and designs crafted by some of humanity’s most famous artists, which you can explore. Alternatively, you can choose to add on the optional Sistine Chapel tour to view Michelangelo’s famous painted ceiling. Next, you’ll see the famous Trevi Fountain, the lavish Baroque showpiece where people flock to throw coins into the water – an action which is said to ensure that you’ll return to the city again one day. After lunch, take a step even further

back in time as you visit Italy’s unrivaled Roman relics. An optional guided tour of the Colosseum, built in AD 72, is highly recommended. History comes to life as you imagine yourself witnessing gladiatorial combat inside the spectacular Amphitheatre, or you can walk at your leisure around the outside to admire the facade of this ancient wonder. After the Colosseum, get up close to the nearby Arch of Constantine, which dates back to the fourth century AD, then spend some further free time enjoying Rome, sampling the rich and creamy delights of “gelato” Italian ice cream.

 

Day 10 (Wednesday):  Arezzo - Florence - Pisa - Genoa
Your voyage of cultural discovery continues as you get to know Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to some fabulous architecture and fine art. To begin the day you’ll enjoy a guided walk around Florence’s many highlights, including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo, and Campanile Tower.

Next, you can see a demonstration of the traditional craft of leather working at close quarters in a local workshop, and you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase some of the high-quality leather items for which the city is famous.

You’ll pass the Uffizi Gallery, which contains one of the most notable art collections in Florence. You’ll have free time to see the city further, shop, or watch the world go by from an alfresco cafe, before traveling on to your next destination, Pisa.

Here, be sure to have your camera ready to get a shot of the iconic Leaning Tower, the famous bell tower in the ‘Square of Miracles, which also contains the centuries-old Cathedral and Baptistery.

After that, we are transferring to a city near Genoa in the late evening for a stay. Please note we will not visit the city of Genoa.

 

Day 11 (Thursday):  Genoa - Avignon
A breathtaking drive along one of Europe’s most famous stretches of Mediterranean coastline awaits while we say 'Arrivederci!' to Italy and 'Salut!' to Monaco. This small principality enclaved in France is chic and beautiful, home to the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix.

A walking tour takes you to the grand Prince’s Palace, where you’ll have some free time to soak up the refined atmosphere, before continuing to view the 1920s Courthouse, the Cliffside Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral, where Grace Kelly is buried.

We then travel a little further to visit the famous Fragonard Perfume Factory. Here you’ll be taken on a fascinating guided tour around this working factory.

Next, it’s Nice, where you’ll stop for lunch to sample some excellent local cuisine and warm-hearted hospitality.

Your journey continues to Cannes, where many a movie star has enjoyed the sweet smell of success. Be sure to take the opportunity to snap some photos of the Palais des Festival, home to the city’s annual international film festival, before transferring to the hotel

 

Day 12 (Friday):  Avignon - Paris
Take a well-earned rest today as you travel through great views of the rural charms of the French countryside on the journey back to Paris, for some guests, it will be time to say a fond farewell to new friends upon arrival back in the capital, while others may choose to extend their European adventure with another night in the capital.