Grand Europe Tour(17 Days)
TARIFF: Speak to our Customer Care, for more details
London, Brussels, Zaanse Schans / Lisse, Volendam, Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Valley, Black Forest, Rhine Falls, Wattens, Innsbruck, Venice, Florence, Capri, Rome, Pisa, Glacier 3000, Vevey, Broc, Bern, Montreux, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, Interlaken, Geneva, Paris
DAY 1: Arrive London
Today, arrive at your Heathrow Airport / Wembley area hotel (transfer not included), and check-in (after 14:00 p.m.). In the afternoon, you will meet your Tour Manager and depart for a panoramic tour of London to see the main sights: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge. Later we board the London Eye for a spectacular bird‟s eye view of the English capital. A flight on the London Eye lasts for approximately 30 minutes – relax in one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules and enjoy the London skyline. Late evening return to your hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 2: London – Folkestone / Dover – 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 Folkestone or Dover, for the short channel crossing to Calais by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle or Ferry. On arrival, we proceed to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the seat of several European Union institutions including the European Commission and Parliament. Here we visit the Grand Place and see 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-night stay. (Breakfast only for passengers staying at London Hotel on Day 1, Dinner)
DAY 3: 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 24th and May 16th). 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, where you have some free time. 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 4: The Netherlands – Germany: Cologne – Rhine Cruise – Frankfurt / Mannheim area
Today we 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, mountaintop fairytale castles, and fortresses from a bygone era. Late evening check into our hotel for an overnight stop. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 5: Germany: Mannheim / Frankfurt area – Black Forest – Switzerland: Rhine Falls – Austria
This morning we depart after breakfast. Joining the autobahn we enter the enchanting Black Forest region, where you will marvel at the timeless serenity and unparalleled scenery around you. We visit a Cuckoo Clock outlet where you have time to shop for cuckoo clocks and other souvenirs. Later driving through small idyllic villages, we cross the Swiss border, to visit the majestic Rhine Falls. Continuing our drive, we arrive at our hotel in Austria, and check-in for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 6: Austria: Wattens – Innsbruck – Italy: Venice / Padova area
Today we begin the day with a drive to 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 visit Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. Enjoy this charming town of green domes and red roofs see the Hofburg and the Goldenes Dachl. Later see 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.
Continuing our drive, we arrive at our hotel in the Venice / Padova area, and check-in for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 7: Italy: Venice / Padova area – Venice – Venice / Padova area
This morning you may either rest in your hotel or join the additional excursion – visit Lake Garda. We drive to Sirmione, one of the most popular resorts on Lake Garda. Here you have free time – view the picturesque peninsula or see the thirteenth-century castle and impressive Roman ruins at the end of the promontory. In the afternoon, we drive to 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 glassblowers 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 we return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 8: Italy: Venice / Padova area – Florence – Rome
Today we depart for Florence. Watch the amazing scenery change as we cross the Apennines and 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 center, 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 9: Italy: 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 harbor 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 rowboats 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 harbor and then back to Rome. Return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 10: Italy: 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 and Square, a renaissance masterpiece. In the afternoon, we take in the ancient sights of Rome – Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, which was the political center 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)
Important Note: 2016 has been declared as a Jubilee Year – the Holy Year of Mercy. Due to restrictions on coaches for entering many parts of Rome, much of the tour may be done on foot or by local buses.
DAY 11: Italy: Arezzo – Pisa – Switzerland
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. Later, we depart for Switzerland. On arrival at our hotel, we check-in for a three-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 12: Switzerland: Glacier 3000 – Golden Pass Line – Vevey
Today we visit Glacier 3000 (weather permitting): 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. Take a ride on the ‘Ice Express’ chairlift or experience the ‘Peak Walk by Tissot’, the first and only suspension bridge to connect two mountain peaks (all activities are weather permitting). 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 drive to the town of Vevey, one of the “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera”, where we stop at the lakeside. Here you can take a photo of Vevey’s most famous inhabitant, Charlie Chaplin, who spent the last twenty-five years of his life here. Late evening we return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 13: Switzerland: Broc – Bern – Montreux
This morning, we first drive to Broc to visit Maison Cailler, where all your senses can be immersed in the wonderful world of Cailler chocolate. We then proceed to the capital of Switzerland, Bern, whose quaint Old Town is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1983. On our walking tour, we will see the Cathedral of Bern, Switzerland’s largest ecclesiastical building, the Clock Tower with its ornate astronomical clock and the Parliament Building which is the seat of the Swiss Government (Federal Council) and the Parliament (National Council and Council of States). Later we drive to the 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 14: Switzerland: Jungfraujoch – Interlaken – Geneva area
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 meters (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. After dinner, we drive to our hotel and check-in for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 15: Switzerland: Geneva area – Geneva – France: Paris
Early morning, we depart for Geneva, Switzerland‟s truly cosmopolitan city and home to many international organizations. On our panoramic tour, we will see the main sights: UN buildings, English gardens, the Flower Clock and the Jet d‟eau. We then 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 16: France: 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. Later, why not join us for an exciting optional Lido Paris Cabaret Show. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
OR
Disneyland Paris Theme Park (**)
This morning we drive to the famous Disneyland Paris Theme Park where a day of excitement awaits the entire family. Meet your favorite Disney characters, watch amazing shows, ride the hair-raising “Space Mountain: Mission 2” roller coaster, enter Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril and find yourself in a runaway wagon speeding through the ancient ruins. 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. Later, why not join us for an exciting optional Lido Paris Cabaret Show. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 17: France: 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 15, Day 16 or Day 17 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 (***): Please note that the visit to the Eiffel Tower may be operated on either Day 15, Day 16 or Day 17 as per convenience. The reservation for the visit to the Eiffel Tower is subject to availability and could be up to the 2nd Floor or 3rd Floor.
Note: Glacier 3000 will remain closed from 10th to 28th October 2016 for maintenance.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
LONDON: Panoramic Tour; a visit to the London Eye
BRUSSELS: Visit the Grand Place; see the Mannekin Pis and the Atomium (photo stop); visit Mini-Europe
THE NETHERLANDS: Visit Zaanse Schans (or Keukenhof Gardens between March 24th and May 16th); visit Cheese & Clog making Farm;
visit Volendam; Amsterdam Canal Cruise
COLOGNE: Visit the Gothic Cathedral – “Dom” RHINE VALLEY: Scenic drive; River Rhine Cruise
BLACK FOREST: Scenic drive; visit Cuckoo Clock outlet WATTENS: Visit to Swarovski Crystal Worlds INNSBRUCK: See the Hofburg and Goldenes Dachl
VENICE: Boat ride to St. Mark‟s Square; visit St. Mark‟s Square – see the Bridge of Sighs, Doges Palace and the Basilica di San Marco;
Gondola ride (6 persons in each Gondola)
FLORENCE: View of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo; free time in the historic center of the city
CAPRI: Visit the Blue Grotto (weather permitting), free time
VATICAN CITY: Visit St. Peter‟s Basilica and Square
ROME: Guided City Tour to see Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, Colosseum and Circus Maximus; visit the Trevi Fountain
PISA: Visit Field of Miracles – see the Cathedral, and Leaning Tower SWITZERLAND: See the Rhine Falls; visit Glacier 3000;
GoldenPass Line; visit Vevey, Bern, Montreux, Interlaken, and Geneva; visit Chocolate Factory at Broc; visit Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
PARIS:
Paris City Tour: River Seine Cruise (*); Orientation Tour of Paris; visit the Gardens at the Palace of Versailles; visit third floor (***) of the Eiffel Tower; French Perfumery
OR
Disneyland Paris Theme Park: River Seine Cruise (*); Visit to Disneyland Paris – one day one park pass (**); visit third floor (***) of the Eiffel Tower; French Perfumery
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:
- 16 nights in a First Class Hotel with private facilities
- Meal Plan is indicated at the bottom of your daily itinerary: 15 Continental Breakfasts (1 additional Breakfast for passengers staying at London Hotel on Day 1), 14 Vegetarian Lunches (Hot / Packed) (1 additional Lunch on Day 16 for Paris City Tour passengers) and 15 Indian Dinners (1 additional Dinner for passengers staying at London Hotel on Day 1)
- Return channel crossings by Ferry or Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
- All coach transportation by executive cruise liners from departure to tour termination points
- All sightseeing, entrances, and excursions as mentioned in the Itinerary
- All tips and service charges
Services of Bi-lingual Tour Manager throughout the Tour