Today, check in to your Heathrow Airport/ Wembley area hotel on your own. Early afternoon you will meet your Tour Manager and depart for a half day tour. We first visit Madame Tussauds where you can marvel at some of history’s infamous wax figures, including Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. Continuing on with our tour we see the main sights: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge. Later marvel at the Swaminarayan Temple. Late evening return to hotel.
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). Later we drive to the Netherlands and check into our hotel for a two-nights stay. (D)
Day 03
The Netherlands: Amsterdam
Today we visit the Madurodam Model Village to see miniature Holland (or Keukenhof Gardens for arrivals in Holland between March 22nd and 20th May). Later we drive north through the flat landscape of Holland passing windmills from a bygone era, to Amsterdam for a canal cruise through the city’s complex system of waterways and to visit a diamond house to see the cutters at work. Late evening return to our hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 04
The Netherlands - Cologne – Mannheim / Frankfurt 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. (B, L, D)
Day 05
Mannheim / Frankfurt area – 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. Later we check into our hotel for a two-nights stay. (B, L, D)
Day 06
Innsbruck – Venice – Mestre 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 tour starts 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. Late evening check into our hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 07
Mestre area – Florence – Rome
Today we depart for Florence. Watch the amazing scenery change as we cross the Appennines 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 centre, admiring its timeless beauty. Later we continue our journey to the ‘Eternal City’, where we check into our hotel for a two-nights stay. (B, L, D)
Day 08
Rome
This morning, we meet our expert local guide who will show us the splendours of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, a renaissance masterpiece. In the afternoon, we take in other ancient sights – Piazza Venezia, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, which was the political centre of the Roman Empire, Circus Maximus, and the spectacular Trevi Fountain, where you may make a wish. Late evening return to our hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 09
Rome – Pisa – Florence area
Today we depart for Pisa. Passing ancient fortresses perched high on the hills and the sunlit valleys of the Chianti wine country we 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. Late evening check into our hotel for an overnight stop. (B, L, D)
Day 10
Florence area – Milan – Switzerland
After breakfast, we proceed to Milan, the cultural and economic hub of Italy. Here, you have free time to explore the historic centre of the city – see the famous Duomo (Cathedral), one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Italy, La Scala Opera House and the Castello Sforzesco. Leaving Milan, we continue on the Autostrada, before crossing the Swiss border, passing spectacular scenery around the lake regions of Como and Lugano. We make a brief photo stop near Lake Lugano, before driving north through the Gotthard tunnel. We arrive at our hotel late evening, and check in for a three-nights stay. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Switzerland: Mount Titlis - Lucerne
Driving through the Swiss alpine region and the winding mountain roads to the valley of Engelberg, we start our ascent to board the world’s first revolving cable car, reaching the peak of 10,000 feet and the highest viewpoint in central Switzerland (weather permitting). Visit the Glacier Grotto or enjoy a breathtaking panorama from the sun terrace. In the afternoon, we begin our descent, passing the glaciers and thawing ice, which create majestic waterfalls. Later we visit the town of Lucerne, to see the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. Late evening return to our hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 12
Switzerland: Interlaken – Jungfraujoch
We first drive to the town of Interlaken, the scene of many “Bollywood” films. From there a short drive brings us to Lauterbrunnen, where we visit the Trummelbach Falls, the only accessible, mountain-interior glacier waterfalls in Europe. Later 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. Early evening we begin our descent and return to our hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 13
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 it’s fashion, perfumes, and of course the most talked about French wines. Early evening we check into our hotel, later we proceed for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 14
Paris
This morning, on our orientation tour of Paris, we will be introduced to the main sights of this beautiful city: Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the Opera. Later enjoy a cruise on the River Seine - admire the spectacular facades from the boat. We then meet our expert local guide to visit the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of the famous “Sun King”. Finally join us for an exciting optional Lido cabaret show. (B, L, D)
Day 15
Paris – Calais - Ferry – Dover – London
Today we visit the top floor of the Eiffel Tower to witness a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Next 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 board our local coach and arrive London late evening, where the tour ends, and its time to say farewell to all the friends you have made on tour. (B, L)
