European Whirl 2009
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to London.
Day 2 - Arrive London (2 nights) Welcome to London!
Day 3 - London sightseeing & at leisure Enjoy the many major sights that are included in our morning sightseeing tour, with free time afterwards to explore on your own. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 4 - London — Amsterdam Greetings from our Tour Director as we drive to Dover before our Channel crossing to Calais in France. Then into Belgium and across Flanders fields to Holland. Soon we arrive in Amsterdam, where we see Dam Square, the Mint Tower and enjoy a canal cruise in a glass-topped boat. This evening, we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director. (Continental breakfast)
Day 5 - Amsterdam orientation — Rhine Cruise — Rhineland (Mannheim) We drive into Germany and to Cologne, dominated by its fine gothic cathedral. Then via Bonn we drive to Boppard where we embark on a scenic Rhine cruise. We pass vineyards and castles before reaching St. Goar, where we see the Lorelei Rock and rejoin our coach. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6 - Rhineland (Mannheim) — Heidelberg — Munich — Innsbruck First we see Heidelberg's castle, before continuing to Munich, where we see the Olympic Stadium, the City Hall and the Marienplatz. A short drive brings us to Innsbruck, where we see the Golden Roof, Hofburg and Wilten Basilica. Tonight, why not enjoy a Tyrolean folklore show" (Buffet breakfast)
Day 7 - Innsbruck — Venice (Mestre) We enjoy a scenic drive across the Brenner Pass into Italy. Spectacular scenery continues as we travel along the Adige valley. On arrival in Venice we embark on an included canal cruise to St. Mark's Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. After a visit to a traditional glass-blowing factory, time at leisure. We - ll enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8 - Venice — Rome (2 nights) We drive across the Veneto plain, cross the Apennines and continue into the region of Lazio to Rome. (BB)
Day 9 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure Our guided tour features a visit to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City where we see Michelangelo's moving masterpiece, the Pieta. Then we cross the River Tiber to ancient Rome where we overlook the Forum, see the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. The rest of your day is free to explore this "Eternal City"! (Buffet breakfast)
Day 10 - Rome — Florence Today we head north into Tuscany to Florence where a guided walking tour shows us the cathedral, baptistery, Signoria Square and a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica. Time now for our Tour Director to reveal a Hidden Treasure! Then free time to sightsee further or to shop. Tonight we enjoy a Highlight Dinner of local specialities in a Florentine trattoria. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 11 - Florence — Lugano — Lucerne (2 nights) Today we pass by Milan, through the area of the Italian Lakes to the Swiss border and the lakeside resort of Lugano. This balmy, palm-tree-lined lake resort in the Italian-speaking Ticino canton is home to the rich and famous and has a wonderful year-round climate. Time to explore the traffic-free shopping area and perhaps stop for a cappuccino in a lakeside café before a drive along the Gotthard highway into the heart of German-speaking Switzerland and the lakeside town of Lucerne. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 12 - Lucerne orientation and at leisure This morning our orientation tour shows us the poignant Lion Monument, which commemorates the heroism of the Swiss Guards during the period of the French Revolution, and we have time to walk along the wooden Chapel Bridge across the rushing River Reuss to the Jesuit Church. Then maybe take an exhilarating mountain excursion and still have time to shop for Swiss watches and delicious chocolate! (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 13 - Lucerne — Paris (2 nights) Travelling through picturesque scenery we head towards Basel and the French border. Entering France we pass vestiges of the Maginot Line at Belfort as we travel into Burgundy resplendent with vineyards, castles and picturesque villages. Finally we arrive in the capital city, Paris, where tonight you may well wish to enjoy a tour of the illuminations which really provide a wonderful introduction to this beautiful city. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 14 - Paris sightseeing & at leisure Our guided sightseeing tour features a drive along the Champs Élysées from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Then we will see spectacular monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral and also ascend the Eiffel Tower to the second level by elevator for stunning views over the city. Then free time to perhaps take an excursion to the Palace at Versailles. Later, tonight we will get together for a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro — a great way to end our tour of Europe! (Buffet breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 15 - Paris — USA Time to bid farewell to our Tour Director and new-found friends. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 16 - Free airport transfers: Return transfer from the last hotel will arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08.00.
Day 17 - Free London Return: Passengers may return to London by Trafalgar motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Accommodation will be required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening. Ask your travel agent to book this for you.
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