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| Greetings from our Tour Director as we drive to the coast. Admire the White Cliffs of Dover before our Channel crossing to Calais in France. Then into Belgium and across Flanders fields to Holland and meadows of turning windmills. Soon we arrive in friendly Amsterdam, where we enjoy a canal cruise across the criss-crossing spider’s web of canals from a glass-topped boat. This evening, after a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow passengers, why not enjoy dinner in one of the downtown restaurants? |
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| First, as part of our orientation tour showing us Dam square and the Mint Tower, we visit a diamond factory (time permitting). Then we drive via Arnhem - scene of the Bridge, which was too far - into Germany where we follow the Ruhr and Rhine valleys to Cologne - dominated by its fine gothic Cathedral. Then via Bonn we drive to the pretty resort of Boppard on the shores of the Rhine so as to embark on our scenic Rhine cruise. We glide past vine-clad hills topped with crumbling castles before reaching St Goar, where we see the Lorelei rock and re-join our coach for the short journey to our hotel. (B,D) |
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| This morning we are off to Heidelberg to view the red sandstone castle towering above the city of ‘Student Prince’ fame. We continue via the Swabian hills to fun-loving Munich, where an orientation tour shows us the Olympic Stadium, the City Hall and the Marienplatz. A short drive brings us into Austria and the valley of the River Inn, where we stop in the Tyrolean capital Innsbruck. Tonight, why not enjoy some thigh slapping fun at a Tyrolean folklore show and feast on some delicious strudel? (B) |
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| Orientation of this mountain ringed Alpine resort this morning shows us the Golden Roof, Hofburg and Wilten Basilica. Time to shop for souvenirs before an exhilarating drive across the Brenner Pass into Italy. Spectacular scenery continues as we travel through the Dolomite Mountains to the Adige valley and the landscapes of Shakespeare’s theatre as we pass by Lake Garda, Verona and Vicenza. On arrival in Venice we’ll savour the city’s unique sights and sounds on an included canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark’s Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs, Doges’ Palace and more. After a visit to a traditional glass-blowing factory, time is your own to do as you please. We’ll enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening. (B,D) |
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| Today we head south along the Autostrada del Sole, across the Veneto plain, by-passing the University city of Bologna to cross over the Apennine hills and into the cradle of the Roman Civilisation - the Lazio. Then past golden stone landscapes to the Eternal City of Rome. (B) |
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| Our morning sightseeing with a local guide, audio system included, features a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City where we see Michelangelo’s moving masterpiece, the Pieta. Then we cross the River Tiber to ancient Rome where we overlook the Forum, see the mighty Colosseum, scene of gladiatorial combat, and finally have a view across the vast Circus Maximus where the Ben Hur style chariot races once took place. The rest of your day is free to maybe window shop in the exclusive streets near the Spanish Steps, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or maybe just relax in a café and watch the Roman world go by! ( B) |
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| Today we start the northward journey of our European circuit and drive into the vine-clad, sunflower planted hills of Tuscany. We are soon descending into the valley of the river Arno and reaching Florence, where a walking tour with a local guide shows us the main monuments and squares of this impressive Renaissance city including the Cathedral, Baptistery, Signoria Square and a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica, where the tombs of Italy’s great men throughout history are to be found. Time now for our Tour Director to reveal a Hidden Treasure! Then free time to sightsee further or to shop for fine leather goods or beautiful 18-carat gold jewellery. Tonight we will enjoy a dinner of local specialities in a Florentine trattoria. (B,D) |
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| Today we travel via Milan, through the area of the Italian Lakes to the Swiss border and the lakeside resort of Lugano. This balmy, palm-tree-lined lake resort in the Italian-speaking Ticino canton is home to the rich and famous and has a wonderful year-round climate. Time to explore the traffic-free shopping area and perhaps stop for a cappuccino in a lakeside café before a drive along the Gotthard highway into the heart of German speaking Switzerland and the lakeside town of Lucerne. (B,D) |
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| Orientation shows us the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument before free time to perhaps take a trip up a nearby mountain and shop for delicious chocolates and precision timepieces. (B,D) |
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| Travelling through picturesque scenery we head towards Basel and the French Border. Entering France we pass vestiges of the Maginot line at Belfort as we travel into Burgundy resplendent with vineyards, castles and picturesque villages. Finally we arrive in Paris, where tonight you may well wish to enjoy a tour of the city’s illuminations. (B) |
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| This morning our sightseeing tour with a local guide features a drive along the Champs Elysées from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Then we will see spectacular monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral and also ascend the Eiffel Tower to the second level by elevator for stunning views over the city. Then free time to perhaps take an excursion to the Palace at Versailles or to shop in the chic boutiques. Tonight we will get together with our travelling companions for a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro - a wonderful way to complete our tour of Europe! ( B,D) |
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| After breakfast we travel across the Battlefields of the Somme. We see the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge before we drive along the Opal Coast viewing German World War II bunkers. On our arrival i Calais, we board our ferry to Dover, where we drive back to London. Here we bid farewell to our Tour Director and newfound friends as our tour comes to an end. (B) |
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