Grand Europe Tour

Grand Europe Tour
16 Days starting at £ 1895.00 per Adult
Tour Code: 16D-GRD

Tour Itinerary
Destinations…
Brussels, Zaanse Schans / Lisse, Volendam, Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Valley, Wattens, Innsbruck, Venice, Florence, Capri, Rome, Pisa, Nice, Glacier 3000, Interlaken, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, Vevey, Broc, Lucerne, Paris

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 – Florence – Rome

nd the gentle hilly countryside of Tuscany to reach 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 to the ‘Eternal City’, where we check into our hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7: Rome – Naples – Capri – Rome

Today we drive south down the Italian peninsula and past the well-tilled fields and orchards of the Neapolitan countryside. After crossing Naples, we reach the harbour where we will take the high-speed boat to Capri, the beautiful dream island of the Mediterranean. Weather- permitting, we will take the motor launch and row boats to the unique Blue Grotto, a large cavern lit by sunlight reflecting off the submerged limestone walls. Later you have some time off on your own to browse through the shops. Late afternoon we begin our return journey by the high-speed boat to the Naples harbour and then back to Rome. Return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 8: Rome – Arezzo area

This morning, we meet our local guide and proceed to the Vatican City, where we will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, a renaissance masterpiece. Later 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. In the evening we depart from Rome and drive to our overnight stop – check-in at our hotel on arrival. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 9: Arezzo area – Pisa – Sanremo area

Today we depart for 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. Continuing our journey, we drive past spectacular scenery along the Ligurian Sea and arrive at the Italian Riviera region, and early evening we check into our hotel. After dinner, you may either rest in your hotel or join the additional excursion – Monte Carlo by Night Tour. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 10: Sanremo area – Nice – Switzerland: Villars

This morning, we visit a French Perfumery to see a demonstration of how French perfumes are made. Later we visit Nice, where you have some free time at the Promenade des Anglais, a sea-front avenue, where you can take a leisurely stroll. Proceeding, we drive to Villars, where we check into our hotel for a three-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 11: Switzerland: Glacier 3000 – Golden Pass Line – Chateau de Chillon

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 return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 12: 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 13: Switzerland: Vevey – Broc – Lucerne

This morning, we 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 14: 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 15: 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 16: Paris – Calais – Ferry – Dover – London

Today we visit the third floor (***) of the Eiffel Tower to witness a spectacular panoramic view of the city. 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 14, Day 15 or Day 16 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.