Classic Europe Tour

DAY 1: London – Dover – Ferry – Calais – Brussels – The Netherlands

This morning, at the check-in point, you will meet your Tour Manager and join the coach for a leisurely drive from London to Dover port, to board the ferry for the short channel crossing to Calais. Upon arrival, we proceed through Belgium. We first visit the city of Brussels, where on our orientation tour we see the Grand Place, the Mannekin Pis statue and the Atomium (photo stop). We then visit Mini-Europe, a miniature park where you can see models of famous monuments from European cities like Brussels, London, Paris, Venice, etc., built to a scale of 1:25. Later we drive to our hotel and check-in for a two-nights stay. (Dinner)

DAY 2: The Netherlands: Zaanse Schans / Lisse, Volendam, Amsterdam

Today, we visit a working windmill village – Zaanse Schans (or Keukenhof Gardens for arrivals in Holland between March 20th and May 17th). Zaanse Schans, the open air museum, with its characteristic green wooden houses, warehouses and historic windmills gives the feeling of having stepped back in time. We also visit a cheese and clog making farm. You can sample local made cheeses and learn how the famous wooden clogs are made, Later, we drive north through the flat landscape of Holland passing windmills from a bygone era to visit the picturesque fishing village of Volendam. We then proceed to the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam for a canal cruise through the city’s complex system of waterways. Later we return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3: The Netherlands – Cologne – Rhine Cruise – Frankfurt / Mannheim area

Proceed east across The Netherlands and into Germany. Joining the autobahn, we arrive at the famous city of Cologne where you can marvel Europe’s largest Gothic twin spire cathedral. Continuing our drive into the Rhine valley we board a cruise ship for an unforgettable trip along the River Rhine. Admire the majestic views, mountain top fairy tale castles and fortresses from a bygone era. Late evening check into our hotel for an overnight stop. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4: Frankfurt / Mannheim area – Wattens – Innsbruck

Depart this morning for Austria. Our journey takes us through the spectacular region of the Bavarian Alps, arriving at Wattens, where we visit the famous Swarovski Crystal Worlds, for a tour through the kaleidoscope of senses and to see sparkling crystal artworks by famous artists. Visit the Crystal Worlds Shop displaying a unique selection of Swarovski products. We then proceed to Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. Enjoy this charming town of green domes and red roofs – see the Hofburg and the Goldenes Dachl. Late evening check-in at our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5: Innsbruck – Venice – Venice / Padova area

This morning we enjoy some spectacular scenery as we drive across Europabrucke, one of Europe’s highest bridges, winding our way through the Brenner pass to cross the Italian border. We leave behind the mountains for sunny Italy, to visit Venice, the city of unparalleled beauty and romantic gondolas. Our visit begins with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square – the most elegant square in the world, to see the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges Palace and the Basilica di San Marco. Here we also have a chance to watch the Venetian glass blowers at work and maybe buy a souvenir for the family. Later enjoy a romantic Gondola ride – gliding through serene waters, against the stunning backdrop of Baroque buildings is an experience you won’t soon forget. Late evening check-in at our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6: Venice / Padova area – Pisa – Florence – Arezzo area

Today we depart for Pisa. Watch the amazing scenery change as we cross the Appennines and the gentle hilly countryside of Tuscany to reach Pisa, where we visit the Field of Miracles. Here you can marvel at the marble Cathedral in the Pisan Romanesque style, the Baptistery, and one of the wonders of the world, the legendary Leaning Tower. Leaving Pisa, we continue on the autostrada to Florence. On arrival in the city of the Medicis, we will visit Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy one of the best views of this renaissance city across the River Arno. You then have some free time to wander around this city, where traffic is banned from the historic centre, admiring its timeless beauty. Later we continue our journey and check-in at our hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7: Arezzo area – Rome – Arezzo area

Passing sunlit valleys of the Chianti wine country and ancient fortresses perched high on the hills, we reach the ‘Eternal City’. On arrival, we meet our local guide and proceed to the Vatican City, where we will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, a renaissance masterpiece. In the afternoon, we take in other ancient sights – Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, which was the political centre of the Roman Empire, Colosseum (photo stop), Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, and the spectacular Trevi Fountain, where you may make a wish. Late evening return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 8: Arezzo – Switzerland: Villars

This morning we depart for Switzerland We arrive at our hotel early evening, and check-in for a three-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 9: Switzerland: Glacier 3000 – Golden Pass Line – Chateau de Chillon – Montreux

Today we visit Glacier 3000: enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view that includes some of the most beautiful alpine peaks – from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau to the Matterhorn, and views onto over 24 peaks that are over 4000 m high. Experience a wild ride on the Alpine Coaster (entrance not included), the world’s highest bobsleigh track or take a ride on a specially-designed vehicle, the Snow Bus (ticket not included), which takes guests on a ride over the glacier. After lunch, we begin our descent to Gstaad, where we take the GoldenPass Line, one of the most beautiful and scenic railway routes in Switzerland to Montreux. Later, we visit Le Château de Chillon, an architectural jewel located in the most beautiful setting imaginable – on the shores of Lake Geneva, right at the foot of the Alps. This monument with over 1000 years of history, has inspired artists and writers, from Victor Hugo to Lord Byron. We then proceed to town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva, where you have some free time to explore the lakeside. Late evening we return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 10: Switzerland: Jungfraujoch – Interlaken

Today, we first drive to Lauterbrunnen (or Grindelwald Grund), where we board the train for the scenic journey to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres (weather permitting). Visit the Ice Palace with ice sculptures or enjoy the panoramic views from the Sphinx Terrace. In the afternoon we begin our descent to the picturesque town of Interlaken, the scene of many “Bollywood” films, where you have some time to browse through the shops. and return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 11: Switzerland: Vevey – Broc – Lucerne

This morning, we first drive to the town of Vevey, one of the “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera”, where we visit the Lionel Meylan S.A. – Horlogerie & Bijouterie, for a demonstration of watch making. We then stop at the lakeside, where you can take a photo of Vevey’s most famous inhabitant, Charlie Chaplin, who spent the last twenty five years of his life here. This afternoon, we visit the Chocolate Factory at Broc. Later, we drive to Lucerne to see the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. Arrive at our hotel late evening and check-in for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 12: Switzerland – Paris

Early morning we leave the Swiss Alps behind us. Once into France, we join the super fast highways, driving past vineyards and mustard fields. Continue onto Paris, one of the most exciting and popular cities of Europe, renowned for its fashion, perfumes, and of course the most talked about French champagne and wines. On arrival in Paris, enjoy an amazing cruise (*) on the River Seine – admire the spectacular facades from your covered boat. Tonight why not join us for an exciting optional Lido Paris Cabaret Show. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 13: Paris

Today you have the choice of two exciting day tours;

Paris City Tour

This morning, on our orientation tour of Paris, we will be introduced to the main sights of this beautiful city: Hotel des Invalides, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the Opera. We then proceed to Versailles, to visit the magnificent Gardens at the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of the famous “Sun King”. After dinner you may either rest in your hotel or join the additional excursion – Evening in Paris Tour. On our tour we will see the main sights illuminated. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 14: Paris – Calais – Ferry – Dover – London

Today we visit the third floor (***) of the Eiffel Tower to witness a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Later, we visit a French perfumery for some last minute shopping. Early afternoon we depart and journey north for Calais to board the ferry for the return channel crossing. On arrival at Dover port, we proceed to London, where the tour ends, and it is time to say farewell to all the friends you have made on tour. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Note (*): Please note that the River Seine Cruise may be operated on either Day 12, Day 13 or Day 14 as per convenience.
Note (**): A supplement is payable for the visit to Disneyland Paris Theme Park – the details are mentioned under Additional Excursions below.
Note (***): The reservation for the visit to the Eiffel Tower is subject to availability, and could be up to the 2nd Floor or 3rd Floor.