Itinerary for: The Best of Europe (5161T)
| Belgium | Holland |
| Germany | Italy |
| Switzerland | France |
| Amsterdam | Rhine Valley |
| Heidelberg | Lucerne |
| Venice | Rome |
| Florence | Pisa |
| French Riviera | Grenoble
Beaune |
| Paris |
This is the 2012 itinerary. Eurostar from London St Pancras to Amsterdam is included in the price.
DAY 1: UK - Amsterdam area.
Travel by Eurostar to Brussels where you will be met by your tour director and transferred to your hotel in Amsterdam for one night.
DAY 2: Amsterdam area - Rhineland.
This morning, explore the delightful city of Amsterdam on an included visit to a diamond factory, a sightseeing drive with a local guide, and a canal cruise to see the city's highlights from the water. This afternoon, head southeast to Germany for an overnight in the Rhineland area. (B, D)
DAY 3: Rhineland - Heidelberg - Lucerne.
Start today with a scenic drive along the shores of the Rhine or choose an optional Rhine cruise to see charming villages, hilltop castles and terraced vineyards. Next, head to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town and home to a sprawling red sandstone castle that dominates the skyline. Later, continue to Lucerne for two nights. (B)
DAY 4: Lucerne.
Nestled amid snow-capped Alps and dominated by its clear blue lake, Lucerne is one of Switzerland's finest cities. See the city's highlights, such as the covered wooden bridge and Lion Monument and enjoy spectacular Alpine views on the optional cable car trip to the 10,000 foot summit of Mount Titlis. (B)
DAY 5: Lucerne - Lugano - Verona - Venice area.
Admire breathtaking panoramas on a journey through lush Alpine scenery to the subtropical climes of the Ticino region. Enjoy a stop in beautiful Lugano to stroll along its lakeside promenade before crossing the border into Italy, past Milan and across the Po valley to Verona to see the legendary balcony of Juliet. Later, continue to the Venice area for two nights. (B)
DAY 6: Venice area.
With its criss-crossing canals, arched bridges and piazzas, Venice is an unforgettable city. Enjoy an included canal boat-ride to the heart of the city, see the Bridge of Sighs and St Marks Square before visiting a Venetian glass blowing workshop. Don't miss out on the optional Gondola serenade. (B, D)
DAY 7: Venice area - Assisi - Rome.
Drive across the Po Delta and cross the Apennines en route to Umbria. Stop in historic Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, where you can marvel at the magnificent Basilica before continuing to Rome, for two nights. (B)
DAY 8: Rome.
The 'Eternal City', Rome is a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and absolutely unique. Today's included sightseeing trip with a local guide starts in St Peter's Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B)
DAY 9: Rome - Pompeii - Neapolitan Riviera.
This morning, enjoy views of mighty Mount Vesuvius, the only live volcano on the European mainland, before heading to Pompeii, an incredible ancient city preserved for centuries under lava ashes from the volcano. Enjoy an included site tour with a local guide before continuing to the Neapolitan Riviera for two nights. (B)
DAY 10: Neapolitan Riviera - Capri - Neapolitan Riviera.
Cruise across the Bay of Sorrento to the lovely island of Capri today, an isle dotted with rose-tinted rocks and beautiful coves of translucent blue-green waters. To really admire the island's unique beauty, join the optional island tour. (B, D)
DAY 11: Neapolitan Riviera - Florence.
Drive through central Italy, passing olive groves, Chianti vineyards and the beautiful medieval towns of the Tuscany region to Florence. On the included walking sightseeing tour with a local guide, discover the landmarks of this magnificent Renaissance city. Enjoy a visit to one of Florence's fashion leather shops. One night in the Florence area. (B, D)
DAY 12: Florence - Pisa - French Riviera.
Journey to Pisa and stop to admire the legendary Leaning Tower and the Square of Miracles. Carry on through the flower growing region of Liguria getting glimpses of the Italian Riviera. Cross into France to the blue shores of the Cote d' Azur. (B)
DAY 13: French Riviera - Route Napoleon - Grenoble.
Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon and trace the route he followed as he escaped from exile in Elba - now best known as the Route Napoleon. He journeyed from the shores of the French Riviera to Paris via Grasse, Digne and Gap to Grenoble. Head to Grenoble for one night. (B, D)
DAY 14: Grenoble - Beaune - Paris.
This morning leave the mountains behind and marvel at the beauty of the Burgundy region as you pass rich vineyards and meadows en route to Beaune. Stop awhile in this medieval town, renowned for its wine production, and see the 'Hotel Dieu,' former hospital building before heading to Paris for two nights. This evening, why not attend the optional cabaret show? (B)
DAY 15: Paris.
Enjoy a day to get a feel for this magnificent city – renowned throughout the world for its fashion, delicious food, art and museums. Today’s included sightseeing trip with a local guide takes in many of the best-known Parisian sights and there is also a full programme of optional excursions available. (B)
DAY 16: Paris - UK.
Transfer to the station to join the Eurostar service to the UK. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Amsterdam area: NH Airport at Schiphol or Grand Amstelveen or Inntel at Zaandam (4*); Rhineland: Stadtwald Cologne (4*) or Anker Andernach or Ramada at Bruehl or Arthotel at Aachen (3*); Lucerne: Luzernerhof or similar (4*); Venice area: All seasons at Mestre (3*) or Poppi at Mira (4*); Rome: Residence Parco Tirreno or Princess or Stylehotel (4*);Neapolitan Riviera: Ascot or Tirrenia (3*); Florence: Meridiana (3*) or Holiday Inn (4*); French Riviera: Park Inn at Nice or Quality at Menton (3*); Grenoble: Europole (3*); Paris: Kyriad Bercy Village or Holiday Inn Express Italie (3*).