European Marvel 2009
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to London.
Day 2 - Arrive London (2 nights) After checking into your Trafalgar hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure to relax and unwind.
Day 3 - London sightseeing and at leisure Many major sights are included on our morning sightseeing tour, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Afterwards free time on your own to explore this exciting city. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 4 - London — bruges — Brussels A warm welcome from our Tour Director as we drive to Dover for our short sea crossing to Calais in France. Over the border we drive through the Belgian countryside to medieval Bruges where we can walk along the cobbled streets beside the peaceful canals. Then onto Brussels where orientation includes the Atomium, the Royal Palaces and a walk to see the Manneken Pis plus a Hidden Treasure is revealed by our Tour Director. Later we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and get to know our traveling companions. (Continential breakfast)
Day 5 - Brussels — Rhine Cruise — Heidelberg This morning, we drive to Cologne to see its gothic Cathedral. Then we continue via Bonn to Boppard where we embark on our scenic Rhine cruise past medieval castles and vineyards. Next, we make our way to Heidelberg where our Tour Director takes us on a walking tour to visit the courtyards of the ancient Castle and to its terrace with amazing views over this baroque city. (Buffet breakfast / DInner)
Day 6 - Heidelberg — Munich — Innsbruck A morning drive through the Swabian Uplands to Munich. Here orientation includes the Olympic Stadium and Marienplatz. Then we head to Austria and mountain-ringed Innsbruck. On our arrival an orientation tour includes the famous Golden Roof and Hofburg Palace as well as the Wilten Basilica. Perhaps later enjoy a horse and carriage ride through the Tyrolean countryside, before we have our Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Day 7 - Innsbruck — Salzburg — Vienna (2 nights) This morning we drive through the Tyrol region and a section of Germany to the charming city of Salzburg. On our arrival a walking tour with a local guide will highlight Mozart's birthplace and the cathedral square. Later, we continue our drive through spectacular Alpine scenery en route to Vienna. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 8 - Vienna sightseeing and at leisure Our morning sightseeing tour shows us the highlights of this elegant city. We'll see the Opera, the Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Parliament and Imperial Boulevards. Then our Tour Director will show us another Hidden Treasure before the rest of the day is at leisure perhaps to relax at a typical Viennese coffee house or sightsee and shop along the fashionable Kärntnerstrasse. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 9 - Vienna — Venice (Mestre) (2 nights) Today our journey takes us south across the Austrian Alps past forested mountains and small market towns to the Austrian Lake District and Italy's border. The Carnian Alps give way to the plains of Northern Italy on our approach to the floating city of Venice for our two-night stay. This evening, dinner is included at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 10 - Venice sightseeing and at leisure This morning we savour the sights and sounds of this serene Byzantine city on a canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark's Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs. Then, after visiting a traditional glass-blowing factory, you're free to explore or take a trip to the Island of Burano and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 11 - Venice (Mestre) — Verona — Milan Today's drive takes us across the Veneto plains, stopping in Shakespeare's Verona to see the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony. From here we will continue through Lombardy en route to fashionable Milan. On our arrival a walking tour with our Tour Director shows us the gothic cathedral, La Scala Opera House and the beautiful galleria. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 12 - Milan — Lugano — Lucerne This morning we enjoy a full day of marvellous scenery as we drive via Lake Lugano continuing through the St. Gotthard route and across the magnificent Alps to Lucerne. On our arrival an orientation tour includes a visit to the famed Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge. Later, why not enjoy a leisurely stroll in the narrow streets of the medieval old town" Our dinner tonight is at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 13 - Lucerne — Paris (2 nights) This morning, we descend from the Alps to the French border and continue through wine-producing Burgundy to view the ancient vineyards at Savigny-Lès Beaune. From here our journey brings us to lively Paris for the next two nights. This evening, this vibrant and romantic city beckons. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 14 - Paris sightseeing and at leisure Our morning guided sightseeing tour features the flying buttresses of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pont Alexandre III. We also drive from the Place de la Concorde along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and then to the Eiffel Tower where we ascend to the second level by elevator for spectacular views over the city. Later, with time at leisure perhaps shop for next year's fashions or relax in a café and watch Paris go by! Tonight, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and new-found friends. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Day 15 - Paris - USA Say "au revoir" to Paris and our Tour Director as our tour comes to an end. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 16 - Free airport transfers Return transfer from the last hotel will arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08.00.
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