|
 |
| |
| A warm welcome from our Tour Director as we begin our drive to Dover. Time to admire the White Cliffs before the short Channel crossing to Calais in France. Next by coach, we will continue our journey through Belgian countryside to Brussels. On our arrival an orientation tour includes the Atomium and Royal Palaces, and then we walk to see the Grand Place and the Mannekin Pis. Later we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and travelling companions. |
|
|
 |
|
| Our first stop today is at Cologne to see its gothic Cathedral. Then we travel via Bonn, Beethoven's birthplace, to Boppard for a relaxing Rhine cruise. We will disembark in St. Goar and continue on by coach to view Heidelberg Castle before arriving at our Rhineland hotel for the night. (B,D) |
|
|
 |
| |
| This morning after breakfast, we drive through the Black Forest to admire the mighty Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen. Then we continue into Switzerland, and soon arrive at lakeside Lucerne. After dinner in our hotel, why not sample the fun of an optional Swiss folklore evening? (B,D) |
|
|
 |
|
| Our orientation tour shows us the Lion Monument and the Old Town walls and our Tour Director shows us a Hidden Treasure as well! Later, enjoy awesome scenery as we head into Italy and via Milan to magical Venice. On our arrival perhaps you'll have time for a gondola ride before dinner tonight at the hotel. (B,D) |
|
|
 |
|
| This morning relax and take in the sights of this city on an included canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark's Square, where we view the Bridge of Sighs. Later, we cross the fertile Po Valley to Bologna and join the Autostrada del Sole across the Apennine Mountains to Rome, the 'Eternal City', for our two-night stay. (B) |
|
|
 |
|
| After breakfast our day begins with a guided tour which includes our excellent audio system and local guide. We visit St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, which includes the moving Pieta of Michelangelo, St Peter's Square. Then we cross the Tiber to overlook the Forum and the mighty Colosseum and to see the Circus Maximus, scene of ‘Ben Hur’ style chariot races. Later, enjoy time at leisure to do as you please, you may wish to shop, relax with a cappuccino at a pavement café or visit the Sistine Chapel and the Catacombs. (B) |
|
|
 |
|
| This morning we travel through the hill towns of Umbria and the Chianti wine-producing region of Tuscany to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. On our arrival a walking tour, with a special audio system and a local guide, will include the Cathedral, Baptistry, Signoria Square and a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica. The area around this basilica is now the centre of the Italian luxury goods trade. You'll have time to shop here before dinner at the hotel this evening. (B,D) |
|
|
 |
|
| Our first stop this morning is at Pisa to see its intriguing Leaning Tower. From here we continue past the marble quarries of Carrara and along the Motorway of Flowers, via Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus, to the French border and Nice on the spectacular French Riviera coastline. This evening, why not enjoy a stroll along the elegant Promenade des Anglais? (B) |
|
|
 |
|
| This morning after breakfast enjoy a full day at lesiure to savour the relaxed ambience of the Côte d'Azur. Why not lounge on the beach, shop in the boutiques or visit medieval St. Paul de Vence? Later, experience a taste of the high life on our included visit to the Principality of Monaco where we see the Monte Carlo casinos. We will enjoy dinner in a French restaurant this evening. (B,D) |
|
|
 |
|
After breakast today a scenic drive takes us through Provence to Lyon, where we board our rapid and supremely comfortable TGV train. The journey will take us through Burgundy's fertile vineyards to the fascinating city of Paris, where we spend the next two nights. This evening the chance to enjoy one of the
world famous Parisian cabaret shows! (B) |
|
|
 |
|
| First with a local guide we drive from the Place de la Concorde along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe and then ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower by elevator for amazing views over the city. Next we enjoy views of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pont Alexandre III. Our Tour Director reveals another Hidden Treasure to us today. Afterwards, there's time on your own to perhaps shop for next year's fashions or relax and watch the world go by in one of the chic pavement cafés. On your last night, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Director and new found friends. (B,D) |
|
|
 |
|
| This morning it’s ‘au revoir’ to your Tour Director and Paris as we transfer you to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your return flight home. (B) |
|
|
