 |
|
|
| GRAND TOUR OF SWITZERLAND - 8 DAYS - USD
899 |
| |
| Day 01: |
| Day 1 Sat. ARRIVAL IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND.
Check into your hotel in Zurich. The rest of the day is
free for you to explore this exciting city. Tonight meet
your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D) |
| Day 02: |
 Sun.
ZURICH-ST. MORITZ. A sensational drive today through some
of Switzerland’s most famed cantons. First by way
of the market town of Herisau, then stop in Appenzell
to see the old town center with its Town Hall. Further
east to the minute principality of Liechtenstein. A scenic
drive through “Heidiland” to the Rhine Valley
before starting the ascent of the mighty Julier Pass.
Soon you’ll be in the heart of Switzerland’s
largest canton, the Grisons. Here see some of the world’s
best Alpine views before arriving in St. Moritz. (B) |
| Day 03: |
| Mon. ST. MORITZ-BERNINA EXPRESS TRAIN
TO TIRANO, ITALY-LUGANO, SWITZERLAND. Enjoy the highlight
of the whole tour and a wonderful way of crossing the
Alps. One of Europe’s most spectacular train rides
begins in St. Moritz and takes you across the lofty Bernina
Pass via the Swiss Poschiavo area to Tirano in the Italian
Valtellina. Here rejoin your coach for the journey to
the shores of Lake Lugano. (B) |
| Day 04: |
| Tue. LUGANO-LAKE MAGGIORE-TÄSCH.
Morning break in Lugano with a visit to a chocolate factory
in nearby Caslano. Afterwards return to Italy to savor
the luminous atmosphere of Lake Maggiore. Time for an
optional visit to Isola Bella, a magnificently located
palace and garden island. Then back into Switzerland via
scenic Simplon Pass. Overnight in the village of Täsch.
(B,D) |
| Day 05: |
 Wed.
TÄSCH-ZERMATT-LAUSANNE. This morning an excursion
by train to Zermatt, the famous resort beneath the Matterhorn.
In the afternoon motor through the vineyards and apricot
groves of the lower Rhône Valley to Lake Geneva
before arriving in Lausanne on its northern shore. (B) |
| Day 06: |
 Thu.
LAUSANNE-LAKE LUCERNE. Stop awhile in Gruyère to
visit a local cheese factory. Then on to Switzerland’s
beautiful capital, Berne, a charming town with arcaded
shops, carved fountains, and towers. The visit features
the Bear Pit and the monumental Federal Palace. Then by
way of the shores of Lake Thun to Interlaken. After a
visit continue over the Brünig Pass to Lake Lucerne.
Time for an optional folklore evening in Lucerne. (B,D) |
| Day 07: |
| Fri. LAKE LUCERNE-ZURICH. One of Switzerland’s
finest cities nestled amid its snow-capped Alps, surrounded
by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters
of the River Reuss. Your visit takes in the main highlights.
A grand selection of optional activities completes the
day. The most popular option is an excursion to the Stanserhorn.
In the late afternoon an easy drive back to Zurich for
overnight. (B) |
| Day 08: |
| Sat. THE TRIP ENDS TODAY. (B) |
|
| The Package Includes: |
SIGHTSEEING
Visits to Appenzell, Liechtenstein, St. Moritz,
Lugano, a chocolate factory at Caslano, Lake Maggiore,
Täsch, Zermatt, Lausanne, Gruyère village,
Berne, Interlaken, Lucerne; Jungfraujoch excursion
|
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Julier Pass, Engadine Valley, Swiss-Italian Lake
District, Simplon Pass, Lake Geneva, the Bernese
Oberland |
GUIDES
Services of a professional Tour Director while touring
|
QUALITY HOTELS
Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes,
porterage, tips, and service charges
ZURICH Novotel City West (F), ST. MORITZ Sporthotel
Bären (ST) or Löffler (ST), LUGANO Acquarello
(ST), TÄSCH Walliserhof (ST) or City Rhone
(ST) at Visp, LAUSANNE City Lausanne (ST) or Continental
(ST), LAKE LUCERNE Löwen (T) at Lungern or
Seehof (T) at Flüelen |
MEALS
Buffet breakfasts (B) and dinners (D) as detailed
in the tour description |
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers can be provided on additional
request. |
OPTIONALS
Choice of optional excursions at reasonable prices
to customize your own experience. |
|
|
 |
|
|
| ENGLAND , SCOTLAND AND WALES - 10 DAYS
- USD 1150 |
| |
| Day 01: |
 Wed.
LONDON-STRATFORD-RETFORD. Meet your Tour Director and
traveling companions and depart at 8 a.m. from your London
joining hotel (see your travel documents) for a memorable
day’s sightseeing. Head for Shakespeare’s
Stratford-upon-Avon to take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s
Cottage, then explore the town at your own pace. After
lunch, visit Coventry, whose center had to be rebuilt
after the devastation of World War II bombings and hear
the tale of Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom before admiring
the splendid modern cathedral. Finally, head northwards
out of the Midlands, passing the once-mighty Sherwood
Forest, home of the legendary Robin Hood, to tonight’s
destination. (D) |
| Day 02: |
| Thu. RETFORD-YORK-EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND.
In York, England’s most complete medieval city,
stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster,
then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint
streets including the narrow Shambles. Continue through
wild Northumberland National Park and inspect a section
of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense
against marauding northern tribes. Then cross the Scottish
border and at Jedburgh glimpse the house of Mary, Queen
of Scots, and see the abbey ruins. Late afternoon arrival
in Edinburgh. For tour numbers 0808, 0815 and 0822 tickets
are included for tonight's performance of the world-renowned
Military Tattoo. (FB) |
| Day 03: |
 Fri.
EDINBURGH. A full day to enjoy this “Prince of Cities.”
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you
to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous
scientists, inventors and novelists. In the “Old
Town”, drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh
Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon
at leisure. A suggestion for this evening: join your Tour
Director for a traditional Scottish night out with Highland
dancers, bagpipers, and of course the Ceremony of the
Haggis. (FB) |
| Day 04: |
| Sat. EDINBURGH-HIGHLANDS. A day of
memorable sightseeing: St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient
Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing; Braemar,
home of the Royal Highland Games for over 900 years; Royal
Deeside, where the Queen is an annual visitor; the battlefield
of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie;
Inverness, the Highland capital. Finally skirt Loch Ness,
looking out for the mysterious monster on the way to your
Highland destination. (FB,D) |
| Day 05: |
| Sun. HIGHLANDS-ISLE OF SKYE-GLASGOW.
More heather clad moors as you drive through the western
Highlands to Lochalsh and the Inner Hebridean Isle of
Skye. The route back to the mainland is by ferry across
the sound of Sleat to Mallaig, then breathtaking scenery
all the way to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Glen Coe,
where the MacDonald Clan was treacherously massacred by
the Campbells in 1692, and a drive along the “Bonnie
Banks” of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the
way to Glasgow, Scotland’s great cultural city.
(FB,D) |
| Day 06: |
| Mon. GLASGOW-LAKE DISTRICT-LIVERPOOL,
ENGLAND. South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills
and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used
to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery
in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s
national parks. Visit Wordsworth’s Grasmere, then
follow the shores of Lake Windermere. End the day in Liverpool
of Beatles fame, once the departure port of the great
transatlantic liners. (FB,D) |
| Day 07: |
| Tue. LIVERPOOL. NORTH WALES EXCURSION.
A day dedicated to the mountainous splendor of North Wales.
Follow the coastal road via the walled town of Conway
to Caernarvon, where the castle saw the investiture of
Charles as Prince of Wales. Then a scenic drive through
Snowdonia National Park, over spectacular Llanberis Pass
and via pretty Betws-y-Coed. Time to relax back in Liverpool.
Your Tour Director will have suggestions for this evening.
(FB) |
| Day 08: |
| Wed. LIVERPOOL-CHESTER-CARDIFF, WALES.
In Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee,
your walking tour includes the Roman remains, black and
white halftimbered buildings, and the two-tiered arcades
called the “Rows.” Pause in the pretty market
town of Ludlow before heading back into Wales and Brecon
Beacons National Park, land of salmon rivers and the Welsh
mountain pony. Finally, through “The Valleys”
whose iron ore and coal were the raw materials for the
Industrial Revolution, to the Welsh capital. Here an orientation
drive introduces you to the major attractions: Cardiff
Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium and the stately
civic buildings. Ask your Tour Director about tonight’s
optional Welsh evening. (FB) |
| Day 09: |
| Thu. CARDIFF-BATH, ENGLAND-PLYMOUTH.
Leaving Wales, cross the Severn Bridge for a visit to
the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famed for its Roman
relics, before heading into the romantically scenic West
Country and Glastonbury with its King Arthur associations.
In the heart of Dartmoor National Park, visit quaint Widecombe
in the Moor, ghostly setting for Conan Doyle’s Hound
of the Baskervilles. Finally, in Plymouth, hear about
Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the
Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. (FB,D) |
| Day 10: |
| Fri. PLYMOUTH-LONDON. On the final
leg of your journey, take in Thomas Hardy’s Wessex;
views of the intriguing prehistoric monument of Stonehenge;
Salisbury with its vast cathedral, the ultimate in Early
English Gothic. Return to London around 4 p.m., where
the vacation ends. (FB) |
|
| The Package Includes: |
SIGHTSEEING
Visits to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon,
Coventry, Hadrian’s Wall, Jedburgh, Edinburgh
Castle, tickets for Edinburgh Military Tattoo (tour
numbers 0808, 0815, 0822), St. Andrews, Braemar,
Culloden Moor, Inverness, Fort William, Glasgow,
Gretna Green, Grasmere, Liverpool, Caernarvon, Ludlow,
Bath, Glastonbury, Widecombe in the Moor, Plymouth,
Salisbury; orientation drive in Cardiff; walking
tours in York, Chester |
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
 Northumberland
National Park, Scottish Highlands and Lowlands,
Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond, Lake District National
Park, Lake Windermere, Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons
National Park and “The Valleys”, Dartmoor
National Park, Stonehenge and Salisbury Plain |
GUIDES
Local Guide for city sightseeing in Edinburgh; host
service in London. Professional Tour Director while
touring. |
QUALITY HOTELS
RETFORD Ye Olde Bell (ST), EDINBURGH Greens (ST),
HIGHLANDS Ben Wyvis (ST) at Strathpeffer, GLASGOW
Quality (ST), LIVERPOOL Britannia Adelphi (ST),
CARDIFF Park Inn (F), PLYMOUTH Novotel (ST) |
MEALS
9 full English breakfasts (FB); 5 three-course dinners
(D) with choice of menus and coffee |
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers can be provided on additional
request. |
OPTIONALS
Choice of optional excursions at reasonable prices
to customize your own experience. |
|
|
|
|
|
| FOCUS ON SCANDINAVIA - 12 DAYS - USD 1480 |
| |
| Day 01: |
| ARRIVAL IN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK. Check
into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore
the Danish capital. Tonight meet your Tour Director and
fellow travelers. (D) |
| Day 02: |
| COPENHAGEN. Day at leisure in Hans
Christian Andersen’s friendly city. See some of
the more famous sights on your included orientation drive.
An optional tour of Zealand’s castle is also available.
(B) |
| Day 03: |
| COPENHAGEN-FREDERIKSHAVN. After breakfast
start the journey northwards enjoying the drive across
the new Storebaelforbindelsen bridge, which will connect
you to the fairy-tale island of Funen. Via Odense, Hans
Christian Andersen’s home, and the Little Belt waterway,
head for tidy Aalborg on the rural Jutland peninsula for
overnight in Frederikshavn. (B,D) |
| Day 04: |
 FREDERIKSHAVN
AREA-OSLO, NORWAY. A pleasant two-hour ferry ride from
Frederikshavn across the strategic Kattegat to Gothenburg,
Sweden’s thriving second-largest city and one of
Europe’s major sea ports. From here follow the inland
route and cross into Norway. Evening arrival in Oslo.
(B) |
| Day 05: |
| OSLO-TELEMARK AREA. Vistas of Akershus
Castle, the 4th-century fortress guarding the harbor,
are a highlight on the included morning tour which features
the soaring City Hall, National Theater, Parliament, Royal
Palace, Broadcasting House, and Gustav Vigeland’s
stark sculptures of people and animals in Frogner Park.
In the afternoon, drive through the Telemark region to
Bolkesjo. (B,D) |
| Day 06: |
 TELEMARK
AREA-BERGEN. Take the scenic route this morning for a
visit to Vemork, where the heavy water plant was blown
up by a commando unit of British and Norwegians known
as the Heroes of Telemark. Visit the Vemork Museum, then
proceed through the Telemark region with its lakes, winding
valleys, and rugged gorges backed by towering mountains.
En route a picture stop at the 500-foot Latefoss Waterfall,
then by ferry across the Hardangerfjord from Utne to Kvanndal.
Continue to Bergen, Norway’s picture-perfect Hanseatic
seaport. (B) |
| Day 07: |
 BERGEN.
Built on seven hills with the fjords on one side and the
1,000-foot Mount Floyen on the other, Bergen was the home
of the composer Grieg. The optional sightseeing excursion
takes in the main sights, including St. Mary’s Church,
one of the oldest in Norway, and also a panoramic view
of the city from one of the surrounding hills. Tonight
an optional folklore evening. (B) |
| Day 08: |
| BERGEN-SOGNEFJORD CRUISE-FAGERNES.
More spectacular scenery as you drive towards the Sognefjord
where you embark for a breathtaking cruise on one of Norway’s
most mighty fjords. Today may well be the highlight of
your journey. Overnight in Fagernes. (B,D) |
| Day 09: |
 FAGERNES-KARLSTAD,
SWEDEN. First to Lillehammer of Olympic fame. See the
highlights of this famous winter sports resort on the
included visit. Then great scenery: green valleys, shimmering
lakes, and towering mountains. Drive towards Gjovik and,
after a stop, motor along beautiful Lake Mjosa and continue
through Värmland’s unspoiled wilderness of
forest and lakes to Karlstad. (B) |
| Day 10: |
| KARLSTAD-STOCKHOLM. Leave Karlstad
this morning and head east towards Stockholm via Alfred
Nobel’s Bofors, the ancient garrison town of Örebro,
and modern Eskilstuna, world famous for its stainless
steel. Just before reaching Stockholm stop in Mariefred
to view the Castle of Gripsholm. The Swedish capital’s
beauty is due to its unique setting on 14 islands between
Lake Mälar and the Baltic. Join the optional evening
outing. (B) |
| Day 11: |
| STOCKHOLM. This is perhaps the most
beautiful of the Scandinavian capitals, because the crystalline
waters which flow through its intersecting canals gives
a luminous appearance to palaces, castles, and parks.
Your included city sightseeing takes in all the highlights.
(B,D) |
| Day 12: |
| THE TRIP ENDS TODAY. (B) |
|
| Your Travel Package Includes: |
SIGHTSEEING
Visits to Copenhagen, Frederikshavn, Odense, Gothenburg,
Telemark, Vemork Museum*, Fagernes, Lillehammer,
Karlstad, Mariefred *entrance fee included |
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Jutland Peninsula, Hardanger Plateau, Sogne and
Hardangerfjord, Värmland, Lake Mjosa |
GUIDES
Local Guides for city sightseeing in Oslo, Stockholm.
Services of a professional Tour Director while touring
|
QUALITY HOTELS
Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes,
porterage, tips, and service charges
COPENHAGEN Comfort Osterport (ST) or Quality
Dan (ST) at Kastrup or Park Inn (ST) at Kastrup,
AALBORG AREA SAS Radisson Jutlandia (F) at Frederikshavn,
OSLO Comfort Boersparken (ST) or Rica Oslo (F),
TELEMARK AREA Bo Hotel (ST) at Bo or Norlandia
Telemark (ST) at Notodden, BERGEN Scandic Bergen
City (F), FAGERNES Quality Fagernes (F), KARLSTAD
SAS Radisson Plaza (F) or Rica Hotel (F), STOCKHOLM
Quality Nacka (ST) or Scandic Alvik (ST) |
MEALS
11 buffet breakfasts (B); 5 dinners (D) |
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers can be provided on additional
request. |
OPTIONALS
Choice of optional excursions at reasonable prices
to customize your own experience. |
|
|
|
|
|
| SPAIN, PORTUGAL AND MOROCCO - 15 DAYS - USD
1320 |
| |
| Day 01: |
| Sun. ARRIVAL IN MADRID, SPAIN. Check
into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start
exploring lively Madrid. Tonight, meet your Tour Director
and fellow travelers. (D) |
| Day 02: |
| Mon. MADRID. Of the Spanish capital,
situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say
it’s the nearest thing to heaven. You’ve only
a day here and it’s certainly worth making the most
of it by joining the included guided sightseeing tour:
a full panoramic drive by way of the Avenida Mayor, Puerta
del Sol, Parliament Square, and a picture stop outside
the Royal Palace. The optional trip to Toledo is most
rewarding, too. The splendid setting of this old walled
city above the Tagus was made famous in El Greco’s
painting, and even now it’s like a great open-air
museum of Spanish history and art. (B) |
| Day 03: |
 Tue.
MADRID-AVILA-COIMBRA, PORTUGAL. West for a visit to fortified
Avila with its many towers. Next is Salamanca, just six
miles from the spot where Wellington routed Napoleon’s
Army in 1812. Make sure you spend some time wandering
around Plaza Mayor, the grandest square in Spain. Across
the frontier to Guarda, the highest town in Portugal.
From here descend to the valleys of the Serra da Estrela
to Coimbra for overnight. (B,D) |
| Day 04: |
| Wed. COIMBRA-FATIMA-LISBON. This morning
enjoy your orientation tour of Coimbra, celebrated for
its beauty and ancient university. Later travel southwards
to Batalha with a visit to its beautifully sited monastery.
Today’s penultimate highlight is a visit to the
Sanctuary of Fatima. A sterner and more desolate landscape
accompanies you to Lisbon for your overnight in Portugal’s
capital. A stop en route includes a wine bodega and some
wine tasting. (B) |
| Day 05: |
| Thu. LISBON. Henry the Navigator
made Lisbon the 15th-century mistress of the seas. On
the included tour see his monument, the Belem Tower, the
Moorish Citadel, and the impressive Black Horse Square.
Spend the afternoon in the Alfama’s tile-decorated
streets, or take an optional excursion to coastal Estoril
and Cascais. (B) |
| Day 06: |
| Fri. LISBON-SEVILLE, SPAIN. From the
rolling plains of the Alentejo with its woodlands of cork
and eucalyptus trees, southwards all the way to the blinding
light of Andalusia. Admire its neat white-painted villages
and sun-drenched plantations of olives, figs, and almonds,
while traveling by way of Beja into magnificent Seville.
(B,D) |
| Day 07: |
 Sat.
SEVILLE. At leisure in one of Spain’s most colorful
cities. Perhaps you’d like to spend this morning
enjoying an optional sightseeing tour including the main
highlights of the vibrant city. (B) |
| Day 08: |
| Sun. SEVILLE-FERRY TO MOROCCO-FEZ.
An interesting drive today which starts with views of
the sherry wine region before reaching the coast for embarkation
on the ferry to Morocco. Next, motor south along what
was once North Africa’s infamous Barbary coast.
Join the new motorway for the drive southwards, then west
bypassing Meknes for overnight in Fez. (B,D) |
| Day 09: |
| Mon. FEZ. At leisure in ancient Fez,
which occupies a position of outstanding scenic beauty
and is blessed with an ample supply of water. This morning
visit the Medina on the included sightseeing tour and
watch the crowds of Berbers in their flowing robes as
they buy and sell their goods, accompanied by veiled women.
Take advantage of an optional excursion for sightseeing
in Meknes. (B) |
| Day 10: |
| Tue. FEZ-MIDDLE ATLAS-MARRAKESH. Enjoy
glimpses of North African village life reminiscent of
Beau Geste while motoring through the Middle Atlas on
your way to Marrakesh. (B,D) |
| Day 11: |
| Wed. MARRAKESH. The highlight of this
morning is the included city sightseeing. You’ll
really feel as if you’ve stopped the march of time.
Marrakesh has always been a meeting place, first just
a group of nomad tents, now a bustling city. An optional
evening excursion will be a fitting choice to end the
day. (B) |
| Day 12: |
 Thu.
MARRAKESH-CASABLANCA-RABAT. This morning drive northwest
from the heartland of Morocco by way of Settat, to reach
the most western of all Moroccan cities Casablanca. Stop
here awhile. Later in the afternoon continue by way of
the motorway northwards to Rabat, Morocco’s capital
for city sightseeing and overnight. (B,D) |
| Day 13: |
| Fri. RABAT-FERRY CROSSING TO SPAIN-GRANADA.
Today an early departure retraces your steps northwards
for the ferry across the Straits of Gibraltar to mainland
Spain, and drive directly in the heart of Andalucia to
reach Granada for overnight. (B,D) |
| Day 14: |
 Sat.
GRANADA-MADRID. Take advantage of the included visit with
a Local Guide of the Alhambra Palace, a summer palace
built by the Moorish kings. You’ll treasure the
memory of its architectural beauty, dazzling ceilings,
and magnificent gardens. This afternoon drive into the
very heart of La Mancha, famed for its castle and windmills.
Overnight in Madrid. (B) |
| Day 15: |
| Sun. THE TRIP ENDS TODAY. (B) |
|
| Your Travel Package Includes: |
SIGHTSEEING
Visits to Avila, Salamanca, Coimbra, Batalha,
Fatima, Portuguese wine Bodega, Seville,
Casablanca |
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Serra da Estrela, Andalusia, Guadalquivir
Valley, Costa del Sol, La Mancha, Middle Atlas
|
GUIDES
Local Guides for city sightseeing in Madrid,
Lisbon, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, Granada-Alhambra
Palace*. Services of a professional Tour Director
while touring
*entrance fees included |
QUALITY HOTELS
Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel
taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges
MADRID Praga (ST) or Abba (F), COIMBRA
Dom Luis (ST), LISBON Roma (ST), SEVILLE
Don Paco (ST), FEZ Menzeh (ST), MARRAKESH
El Andalous (F), RABAT Mercure (ST), GRANADA
Don Juan (ST) |
MEALS
14 buffet breakfasts (B); 7 dinners (D) |
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers can be provided on additional
request. |
OPTIONALS
Choice of optional excursions at reasonable
prices to customize your own experience. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| THE GRAND EUROPEAN - 21 DAYS - USD 2220 |
| |
| Day 01: |
 Fri.
LONDON-AMSTERDAM AREA, HOLLAND. Leave in the early morning
from your London joining hotel (see your travel documents)
and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel
port, where you embark on your ferry for the Continent.
Meet your Tour Director and board your luxury coach for
the drive to the Amsterdam area. |
| Day 02: |
| Sat. AMSTERDAM AREA-THE RHINELAND,
GERMANY. A morning to enjoy Holland’s busy metropolis.
After your included visit to a famous diamond center,
it’s time for morning sightseeing with a Local Guide
pointing out the city highlights. Finally a canal cruise
to see Amsterdam at water level. In the afternoon travel
southward to the Rhineland area for overnight. (B,D) |
| Day 03: |
 Sun.
THE RHINELAND-HEIDELBERG-LAKE LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND. Take
the optional Rhine River cruise this morning and enjoy
splendid scenery including the Lorelei Rock.
Next, drive into Germany’s oldest university town,
Heidelberg, nicely located at the confluence of the Rivers
Necker and Rhine, for a short visit. In the afternoon,
travel by way of the fast autobahn into Switzerland
for an overnight around Lake Lucerne. (B,D) |
| Day 04: |
| Mon. LUCERNE. One of Switzerland’s
finest cities nestled amid its snow-capped Alps, surrounded
by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters
of the River Reuss. Your sightseeing takes in the impressive
city walls, a covered wooden bridge, ornate patrician
houses lining cobblestone streets, and the Lion Monument—a
masterful stone sculpture in honor of the heroic Swiss
Guard of Louis XVI. A grand selection of optional activities
completes the day: a cruise on the fjord-like lake; a
cable car ride to the 10,000-foot summit of Mount Titlis.
(B) |
| Day 05: |
| Tue. LAKE LUCERNE-LUGANO, VERONA,
ITALY-VENICE AREA. More wonderful Alpine scenery as you
drive into the mountain ranges that surround the massive
St. Gotthard. Once through its great tunnel, you’ll
start your scenic descent into the warmer and sunnier
ambiance of the Canton Ticino. Stop in beautiful Lugano
and take a stroll along the lakeside promenade. In the
afternoon, cross into Italy and drive across the Po valley
to Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo
and Juliet. See Juliet’s House and Balcony and stroll
around the picturesque market square. Tonight you are
in the Venice area. (B) |
| Day 06: |
Wed. VENICE. It’s really more
like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with
its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched
bridges, palaces and quiet little piazzas. The included
tour starts with a boat ride and is
followed by a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and a
chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate
objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out
on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque
canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D) |
| Day 07: |
| Thu. VENICE AREA-ASSISI-ROME. A long
but interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po
Delta, then joining the expressway which skirts the Adriatic
coast. After crossing the Apennines, stop in Assisi, where
St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the Basilica, then
head for Rome. (B) |
| Day 08: |
 Fri.
ROME. Included sightseeing with Local Guide starts in
St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman
Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B) |
| Day 09: |
| Sat. ROME-PISA-FLORENCE AREA. Vistas
of undulating hills, rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards,
olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of
your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Take a break in
Pisa to see the Square of Miracles and the amazing Leaning
Tower, then on to the Florence area. (B) |
| Day 10: |
| Sun. FLORENCE. This Renaissance gem
and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a
whole day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center
so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city’s
timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Don’t
miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide
that features most of the city highlights. You will see
the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria;
the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei
Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its
cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent
East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate to
Paradise.” (B,D) |
| Day 11: |
 Mon.
FLORENCE AREA-ITALIAN & FRENCH RIVIERAS, FRANCE. An
early start this morning for the journey northwest with
views of the Italian Riviera. Continue in to France traveling
along the celebrated Côte d'Azur. An optional Monte
carlo by night is available. (B) |
| Day 12: |
| Tue. FRENCH RIVIERA-AVIGNON-CARCASSONNE.
Today’s journey will take you through some of France’s
loveliest scenery, sun-drenched landscapes right out of
Van Gogh’s paintings, on the way through Provence.
Stop for a visit in historic Avignon. Continue westwards
to the impressive walled city of Carcassonne for overnight.
(B,D) |
| Day 13: |
| Wed. CARCASSONNE-BARCELONA, SPAIN.
Enjoy a visit of this almost untouched piece of military
fortified architecture still standing in all its walled
glory, with fortifications, drawbridges, towers, battlements,
watch turrets, ramparts and even arrow-slits to repel
the enemy. Later, drive by way of Perpignan across the
border into Spain, skirting the Costa Brava to arrive
in Barcelona for overnight. (B) |
| Day 14: |
| Thu. BARCELONA. This morning’s
sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around
Monjuich to see the Olympic Stadium and a panoramic view
of the port and city. The drive continues to the city
center to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire
the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi’s architectural
masterpieces in the Houses Batllo and Mila and the Sagrada
Familia (entrance fee not included). (B) |
| Day 15: |
| Fri. BARCELONA-MADRID. See more of
Catalonia as you drive northwest via Saragossa through
the very heart of new Castille for overnight in Spain’s
capital, Madrid. (B) |
| Day 16: |
 Sat.
MADRID. Not only because it’s the capital of Spain,
but also because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level,
the Spaniards say Madrid is the nearest thing to heaven.
Enjoy the main highlights on the included sightseeing
excursion. The optional trip to Toledo is most rewarding,
too. The splendid setting is like a great open-air museum
of Spanish history and art. (B) |
| Day 17: |
| Sun. MADRID-BURGOS-BILBAO. Climb the
Somosierra Pass, the boundary between Old and New Castile,
to the walled city of Aranda de Duero, before stopping
in Burgos. On through Basque Country to Bilbao, now famous
for four living architects, Norman Foster, Santiago Calatrava,
Cesar Pelli, and Frank Gehry. (B,D) |
| Day 18: |
| Mon. BILBAO-BORDEAUX, FRANCE-POITIERS.
A change of scenery as you travel into France across Gascoigne
for an orientation drive of Bordeaux, the wine capital
of France. Travel further north by way of the Cognac area
to Poitiers of Black Prince fame for overnight. (B,D) |
| Day 19: |
| Tue. POITIERS-CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY-ORLEANS-PARIS.
The fast and comfortable autoroute L’Aquitaine will
take you directly to Tours and along the Loire passing
the castles of Amboise and Chaumont. Stop in Orleans before
reaching Paris in time to enjoy an optional French dinner.
(B) |
| Day 20: |
 Wed.
PARIS. One full day to explore the city that’s known
throughout the world for its fashions, art and museums,
delicious food, and joie de vivre. Included sightseeing
with a local expert of many of the best-known Parisian
sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine,
the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid near the Louvre, the Invalides,
and Champs Elysées. Optional excursions are also
available to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles and,
to celebrate the success of your tour, enjoy a cabaret
show. (B) |
| Day 21: |
| Thu. PARIS-LONDON, ENGLAND. Relax
and let the countryside whiz by on the broad north to
the coast, where you board your Channel ferry. Through
Kent return to London for an evening arrival. (B) |
|
| Your Travel Package Includes: |
SIGHTSEEING
Visits to Heidelberg, Lucerne, Verona, Assisi, Pisa,
Avignon, Carcassonne, Bilbao, Bordeaux |
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Rhineland, French Riviera, Châteaux Country |
GUIDES
Host service in London. Local Guides for city sightseeing
in Amsterdam, Venice, Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Madrid,
Paris. Professional Tour Director while touring |
QUALITY HOTELS
AMSTERDAM AREA Ibis West Corner (ST), RHINELAND Regina
(ST) at St. Augustin, LAKE LUCERNE Pilatusblick (ST)
at Kriens, VENICE AREA Poppi (ST) at Mira, ROME Ibis
Tor Vergata (ST), FLORENCE AREA Europa (ST) at Signa,
FRENCH RIVIERA Holiday Inn (ST) at Cannes Le Cannet
or Apogia (ST) at Nice, CARCASSONNE Des 3 Couronnes
(ST), BARCELONA Amray (ST), MADRID Catalonia Centro
(F), BILBAO Nervion (ST) or Novotel Barakaldo (ST),
POITIERS Ibis Centre (ST), PARIS Ibis Paris Berthier
(ST) |
MEALS
20 buffet breakfasts (B); 7 dinners (D) |
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers can be provided on additional request. |
OPTIONALS
Choice of optional excursions at reasonable prices to
customize your own experience. |
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