DAY 1 - LONDON - AMSTERDAM
This morning meet your Travel Director and travelling companions to board your trip coach and set off from London. You approach the port of Dover via the famous White Cliffs and board a ferry for the short Channel crossing to Calais in France. Drive through Belgium's Flanders fields into The Netherlands, renowned for tulips, clogs and windmills. Later arrive in Amsterdam, one of Europe's friendliest cities.
Meal(s)
Welcome Reception Hotel: Mercure City
DAY 2 - AMSTERDAM - COLOGNE - RHINELAND
Cross the border into Germany and view Cologne Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Europe. In Boppard embark on a scenic cruise down the River Rhine past terraced vineyards and towering fairytale castles. Finish the day at your hotel in the Rhineland.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast & Dinner Hotel: Sinsheim
DAY 3 - RHINELAND - MUNICH - INNSBRUCK
Crossing the Swabian Jura, arrive in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, for an orientation drive including the Olympic Stadium and City Hall. View the Glockenspiel on Marienplatz. A short drive through splendid scenery and across the Austrian border brings you to Innsbruck. Admire the architecture of the Old Town including the Emperor Maximilian's famous Golden Roof. Consider experiencing traditional Tyrolean entertainment this evening.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast Hotel: Hilton/Grauer Bär
DAY 4 - INNSBRUCK - VENICE
Drive along the Brenner Pass into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains. Arrive in the enchanting city of Venice. Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace along the way. Visit a traditional glassblowing workshop for a Cultural Insight demonstration, then spend the afternoon exploring the sights of your choice.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast Hotel: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana
DAY 5 - VENICE - ROME (2 NIGHTS)
Striking south across the Veneto plain, you pass by Bologna and over the dramatic Apennine Mountains, continuing through the Lazio region to Rome, the Eternal City. This evening take the opportunity to explore the city's beautiful squares and fountains and perhaps savour the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast Hotel: A Roma Lifestyle/Courtyard by Marriott Central Park
DAY 6 - ROME SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Today's sightseeing includes a visit to St. Peter's Basilica − the most significant Christian church in the world − to view Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. In ancient Rome see sites including the Colosseum with your Local Specialist. Spend the rest of the day exploring or perhaps take an Optional Experience to see the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican Museums.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
DAY 7 - ROME - FLORENCE
From Rome travel north into rolling countryside of Tuscany. In the Renaissance city of Florence enjoy spectacular views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Discover the city's rich artistic and medieval heritage with your Local Specialist. Visit the Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi. Marvel at the baptistery and the multimarble Duomo, with its dome designed by Brunelleschi. Dine tonight at a local restaurant and enjoy a Regional Meal with your travelling companions.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast & Regional Meal Hotel: Executive Style
DAY 8 - FLORENCE - LUCERNE (2 NIGHTS)
Drive via picturesque Italian Lakes and across the Alps into Switzerland. Spend the next two nights in the beautiful lakeside town of Lucerne.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast / Dinner Hotel: Grand Europe Authentic Accommodation
DAY 9 - LUCERNE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME
View the poignant Lion Monument during your morning orientation. Walk along the 14th-century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the River Reuss. Don't miss the opportunity to take an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding mountains with breathtaking views. Later there is time to shop for Swiss souvenirs including watches and chocolates.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
DAY 10 - LUCERNE - PARIS (2 NIGHTS)
Pass Basel and cross the border into France this morning. In every direction, vineyards and picturesque villages provide a memorable backdrop for your journey. Consider an Optional Experience this evening to a fabulous Parisian Cabaret.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast Hotel: Evergreen Laurel
DAY 11 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
See all the famous sights during your morning tour with a Local Specialist. View the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking view of the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring your favourite sights and indulging your curiosity. This evening celebrate with your Travel Director and travelling companions at a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast/ Farewell Dinner
DAY 12 - PARIS - LONDON
Cross the Somme and pass the First World War battlefields at Vimy Ridge as you drive towards the coast. In Calais board a ferry to Dover and travel on to London by coach where your journey of discovery ends.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
# WHAT'S ALWAYS INCLUDED
Sightseeing Highlights
- Cologne
View the Gothic cathedral
- Florence
Enjoy panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo. Admire Florentine leatherwork
- Dover
See the White Cliffs
- Amsterdam
See the historic city centre
- Innsbruck
View the famous Golden Roof and see the ski-jump
- Lucerne
Visit the Lion Monument and see the medieval Old Town
- Munich
See the Glockenspiel in the Marienplatz and the Hofbräuhaus
- Paris
Sightseeing includes views of Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower
- Rhine Valley
Cruise the romantic Rhine
- Rome
Sightseeing with your Local Specialist. Visit St. Peter's Basilica. View the Colosseum and see the ancient sites
- Swiss Alps
Picture-book scenery
- Venice
Cruise by private boat to St. Mark's Square. Visit a traditional glassblowing workshop
Dining
- 11 buffet breakfasts
- 5 three course dinners
Travel Highlights
- Luxury air-conditioned coach
- Ferry from Dover to Calais
- Variety of Optional Experiences
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- An expert Travel Director and separate driver
- The services of a London Travel Agency Local Host in London
- All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
- Audio Headsets Provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- Pick-up if you stay at the London Travel Agency recommended London Hotel booked through London Reception Centre
Airport Transfers
- FREE airport transfers, conditions apply.
Take in the stunning scenery and beautiful cities of Britain, Germany, France and Italy on this CostSaver trip. Mountains and monuments dot your route from London to Rome. Admire Munich's musical Glockenspiel in Marienplatz, take an exhilarating journey through an Alpine highway and marvel at St. Mark's Square in Venice, with stops in Rome, Lucerne and Paris.
European Whirl 12 days, 14 cities
Hand-picked 4 star accommodation