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Traditional Grand European

€4,000.00

This trip not only covers all the “must-see” cities and sights in Europe, but also includes a Eurostar train ride from London to Brussels, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a Rhine cruise, the Black Forest, the Rhine Falls, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Sound of Music Salzburg, a private boat transfer in Venice, and visits to Ferrara and Pisa in Italy, and Avignon in France. In all cities, visit the stand-out features, like St. Paul’s in London, St. Stephen’s in Vienna, St. Mark’s Basilica and Doges’ Palace in Venice, St. Peter’s, the Sistine Chapel and Colosseum in Rome, and Michelangelo’s David in Florence. In Nice at the Côte d’Azur, enjoy a full day at leisure with the possibility to visit Monte Carlo. In Paris, a visit to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower has been included in your guided sightseeing tour of the “City of Light.” Return to London by Eurostar train and stay one additional night.

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Product Description

This trip not only covers all the “must-see” cities and sights in Europe, but also includes a Eurostar train ride from London to Brussels, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a Rhine cruise, the Black Forest, the Rhine Falls, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Sound of Music Salzburg, a private boat transfer in Venice, and visits to Ferrara and Pisa in Italy, and Avignon in France. In all cities, visit the stand-out features, like St. Paul’s in London, St. Stephen’s in Vienna, St. Mark’s Basilica and Doges’ Palace in Venice, St. Peter’s, the Sistine Chapel and Colosseum in Rome, and Michelangelo’s David in Florence. In Nice at the Côte d’Azur, enjoy a full day at leisure with the possibility to visit Monte Carlo. In Paris, a visit to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower has been included in your guided sightseeing tour of the “City of Light.” Return to London by Eurostar train and stay one additional night.

We design our journeys around the stories that they will tell. What story will you discover next?

Day 1 Arrive in London, England
Uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 2 London
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Visit ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL and see the Changing of the Guard, if held. (Breakfast)

Day 3 London–Brussels, Belgium
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and board the EUROSTAR TRAIN to Brussels. Walk to GRAND’ PLACE and famous Manneken Pis, followed by a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 Brussels–Amsterdam, Holland
In Amsterdam, enjoy a CANAL CRUISE, the best way to see the 700-year-old capital, and visit a major DIAMOND CENTER. Later, maybe join an optional excursion to Volendam? (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 Amsterdam–Heidelberg, Germany–Rhineland
Pass the locale of A Bridge Too Far on the way to Cologne. Here, visit the gothic CATHEDRAL. The afternoon’s highlight is a romantic RHINE CRUISE. Next is Heidelberg, famous for its red-walled castle. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 Rhineland–Lucerne, Switzerland
Morning stop in the BLACK FOREST, renowned for its cuckoo clocks. On the Swiss border, take your pictures of the thundering RHINE FALLS, and continue to Lucerne. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 Lucerne
During your walking tour, admire the LION MONUMENT and cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit Church. Afterwards, shop for Swiss watches and choose from our optional activities: climb a mountain by cable car, take a cruise on the fjord-like lake, or sign up for a folklore party. (Breakfast)

Day 8 Lucerne–Liechtenstein–Innsbruck, Austria–Munich. Germany
A short stop in Vaduz, capital of the pocket-sized Principality of Liechtenstein. Next, a panoramic drive to Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol. Walk through its quaint streets and take pictures of Emperor Maximilian’s GOLDEN ROOF before continuing to Munich. Tonight is your chance to try a stein of beer in the famous Hofbräuhaus. (Breakfast)

Day 9 Munich–Salzburg, Austria–Vienna
Through southern Bavaria to the Austrian border and on to Salzburg. A pleasant stroll with your Local Guide takes you through the historic center. Admire exquisite MIRABELL GARDENS, the Great Festival Hall, and ST. PETER’S CHURCHYARD. Time to browse through the shops or to visit Mozart’s birthplace, if you wish. Then, drive along the Danube Valley to Vienna. (Breakfast)

Day 10 Vienna
Guided sightseeing features Prater Park with its Ferris wheel, the United Nations City on the Danube, the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, a stop at the Hofburg Palace, and a visit to ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. Optional excursions to Schönbrunn Palace or to Grinzing for a taste of Heurigen wine are available. (Breakfast)

Day 11 Vienna–Venice, Italy
Journey across scenic Semmering Pass and through the loveliest parts of Austria to Venice. Tonight is your chance to sample the city’s fine restaurants. (Breakfast)

Day 12 Venice
Enter in style by PRIVATE BOAT. Highlights of your guided walking tour are ST. MARK’S SQUARE and its BASILICA, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also enjoy a GLASSBLOWERS’ DEMONSTRATION. Then, explore Venice at your own pace or join an optional gondola ride. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 13 Venice–Ferrara–Rome
In Ferrara, time to stroll along imposing Este Castle to the marble cathedral before continuing to the “Eternal City.” (Breakfast)

Day 14 Rome
Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL. Continue to monumental ST. PETER’S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM. Time for independent activities and exciting optional excursion. (Breakfast)

Day 15 Rome–Florence–Tuscany
An easy morning drive to Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance.” During your walking tour with a Local Guide, visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo’s celebrated David, admire the magnificent cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gate of Paradise,” and sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 16 Tuscany–Pisa–Nice, France
Focus on Pisa this morning for pictures of its amazing Leaning Tower. Next, a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast towards the Principality of Monaco. Here, leave the highway for the panoramic Moyenne Corniche and visit one of the PERFUME FACTORIES. This evening, you might want to sample some French cuisine. (Breakfast)

Day 17 At Leisure in Nice
Full day to enjoy this enchanting resort on the Côte d’Azur at your own pace. Later, an exciting optional excursion to Monte Carlo is available. (Breakfast)

Day 18 Nice–Avignon–Lyon
Stop in Avignon, the medieval residence of several Popes and antipopes. Walk through the Old Town and take pictures of the gothic papal palace and the bridge of the popular song before proceeding to Lyon, the country’s second-largest city. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 19 Lyon–Paris
Drive through Burgundy to Paris, the traditional climax of a European vacation. Afternoon at leisure to explore the world capital of chic and style at your own pace or join an optional excursion to the famous Louvre Museum. (Breakfast)

Day 20 Paris
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the the Opéra, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Elysées. For a bird’s-eye view, take the elevator to the second floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. An optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles is available, and tonight, a lively cabaret show might just be the ticket! (Breakfast)

Day 21 Paris–London, England
Board the high-speed EUROSTAR TRAIN to London, arriving in the afternoon. Why not take in a West End show tonight? (Breakfast)

Day 22 London
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

INCLUDED FEATURES

Headsets throughout the tour on the continent

London:
Guided sightseeing, visit St.Paul’s Cathedral and see the Changing of the Guard, if held

London–Brussels:
By high-speed Eurostar train

Brussels:
Visit Grand’Place; welcome dinner

Amsterdam:
Canal cruise; visit a major diamond center

Cologne:
Visit the cathedral
Rhine Cruise

Heidelberg:
Take pictures of the castle
Black Forest
Rhine Falls

Lucerne:
Walking tour including the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge

Vaduz:
Visit the capital of Liechtenstein

Innsbruck:
Walk to the Golden Roof

Munich:
Orientation drive

Salzburg:
Guided walking tour, visit Mirabell Gardens and St. Peter’s Churchyard

Vienna:
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Venice:
Private boat ride; guided walking tour, visit St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; glassblowers’ demonstration

Ferrara:
Walk along Este Castle to the cathedral

Rome:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Colosseum and Roman Forum

Florence:
Guided walking tour, visit Michelangelo’s David and Signoria Square

Pisa:
Take pictures of the Leaning Tower

Nice:
Visit a perfume factory

Avignon:
Walk to the Palace of the Popes

Paris:
Guided sightseeing, ascend the Eiffel Tower

Paris–London:
By high-speed Eurostar train

Note:
In the rare event that the Eurostar train or TGV train is unavailable, alternative services will be provided.

INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

MEALS
Full buffet breakfast; 7 three-course dinners, including a welcome dinner in Brussels.

SUPERIOR HOTELS – (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
London Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (SF), Brussels Bedford (F), Amsterdam Mercure Aan De Amstel (F), Rhineland Renaissance (SF) at Karlsruhe, Lucerne Grand Hotel Europe (F), Munich Sheraton Munich Westpark (F), Vienna Hilton Vienna Danube (SF), Venice Ambasciatori (F) at Mestre, Rome Crowne Plaza St. Peter’s (F), Tuscany Francia e Quirinale (F) at Montecatini, Nice Boscolo Park (F), Lyon Mercure Grand Saxe Lafayette (F), Paris Mercure Tour Eiffel Suffren (F), London Hilton London Metropole (SF)

Optional Excursions
Important Note the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this cruise in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your cruise will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back a later.

Here’s a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it’s a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.

CITY: Amsterdam

Volendam, its Windmill and Dutch Cheese Farm
Enjoy an excursion to the quaint 17th-century fishing village of Volendam, where many inhabitants still wear traditional costumes. Later, see how Dutch cheese and wooden clogs are made at a traditional Dutch farm. Excursion operated by Lindbergh or Key Tour.
Approximate value: EUR €23 per person

CITY: London

Tower of London and Crown Jewels Afternoons daily
Let your guide bring the 900-year-old Tower of London to life before you inspect the fabulous Crown Jewels. Afternoons daily.
Approximate value: GBP £35 per person

Afternoon Excursion to Windsor Castle Daily
Enjoy your guided visit to the Queen’s favorite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The highlight is the newly refurbished state rooms.
Approximate value: GBP £35 per person

Buckingham Palace & the Royal Mews Afternoons daily July 27 to September 29
First a guided visit to the Royal Mews to see the magnificent gold coach, then admire over 20 grand rooms in the palace used by the Queen for state occasions.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person

A Taste of London Daily April to October
Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion includes a three-course dinner with wine and beer at a famous London pub situated on the banks of the River Thames, followed by a narrated illumination cruise.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person

Shownight – The Lion King Dinner & Theatre
A marvellous evening in London’s theater district starts with a gourmet dinner at Christopher’s restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden, followed by best seats at The Lyceum Theatre to see the spectacular London staging of Disney’s The Lion King. A price supplement (GBP 31) applies on Fridays and Saturdays.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person

Shownight – Billy Elliot (Mondays & Wednesdays)
A marvelous evening in London’s theater district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at the Victoria Palace Theatre to see the original London staging of the inspirational musical, “Billy Elliot.”
Approximate value: Please check back later per person

Shownight – Wicked (Mondays & Wednesdays)
A marvelous evening in London’s theater district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at The Apollo Victoria Theatre to see the sensational London production of Wicked.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person

CITY: Lucerne

Horse Carriage Ride
The horse carriage ride will start in the little town of Giswil, from where you will ride through the Swiss Alpine countryside, viewing magnificent hills and imposing mountains. This is followed by a tasting of home made drinks and snacks at a chalet dating back to 1634.
Approximate value: EUR €44 per person

Mount Pilatus
A spectacular panoramic view over Central Switzerland from 7,000 feet up, via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (inclination 48 degrees) as well as the silent aerial tramway and panoramic gondolas.
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person

Mount Rigi
At Vitznau board Europe’s first cogwheel train to Mount Rigi, 6,000 feet high, surrounded by three sparkling lakes. Return by train and by spectacular aerial cable car to Weggis.
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person

One-Hour Cruise On Lake Lucerne
Board your private motorboat for an enchanting and relaxing one-hour cruise on glassy Lake Lucerne also known as the Vierwaldstattersee or “Lake of the Four Forest Cantons”. Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery and admire fjords, bays and rolling meadows. See also the Rutli meadows, where the Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291.
Approximate value: EUR €27 per person

Swiss Folklore Party
A real taste of Switzerland! Swiss folklore, alphorns, yodeling, and traditional instruments entertain you as you enjoy a typical three-course lunch including cheese fondue and two drinks. Note: Depending on the meal schedule of your tour, this excursion may be offered with a full three-course dinner for EUR 62.00 per person.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person

CITY: Munich

Famous Hofbrauhaus
Have a stein of beer at the HOFBRAUHAUS, Munich’s largest beer hall.
Approximate value: EUR €25 per person

CITY: Nice

Panoramic Drive & Provencal Dinner
Take in breathtaking views of the French Riviera on your way up through the famous “corniche.” Then, proceed to delightful Eze for dinner in a typical restaurant.
Approximate value: EUR €49 per person

Monte Carlo by Night with Dinner
Take a scenic drive along the Riviera followed by a delicious French dinner and wine. See the Cathedral and the Palace of Prince Albert in the principality of Monaco. Afterwards time to gamble or relax on a terrace, enjoying the elegant atmosphere. Note: Some gambling areas may be subject to an admission fee, identification required. Minimum age limit to enter the CASINO is 18 years old.”
Approximate value: EUR €62 per person

Excursion to St. Paul de Vence
See lovely landscapes on your drive to St. Paul de Vence, a medieval Provencal village set on a spur, surrounded by well-preserved ramparts. Wander the narrow cobbled streets and enjoy the peace and harmony of this idyllic spot made famous by world-renowned artists such as Chagall, Matisse and Cezanne.
Approximate value: EUR €25 per person

CITY: Paris

Dinner Party and Illumination Drive
A perfect introduction to Paris! After a full-course dinner with choices of typical French dishes, drinks included, your tour director will show you the City of Lights.
Approximate value: EUR €62 per person

Moulin Rouge
An exciting evening at the world-renowned Parisian cabaret. Dinner with half a bottle of wine is served during the show. A glass of champagne completes your evening in style.
Approximate value: EUR €155 per person

Paradis Latin
Le PARADIS LATIN, designed by Gustave Eiffel and one of the city’s oldest theaters, is located on the Left Bank. Enjoy dinner, wine, champagne, and a very French revue.
Approximate value: EUR €115 per person

La Nouvelle Eve
No visit to Paris is complete without a night out at the cabaret! A whirling international dinner show (unlimited wine) at Pigalle’s one and only LA NOUVELLE EVE.
Approximate value: EUR €115 per person

Louvre (closed on Tuesday, Public Holiday, and Sundays to groups)
Let your guide bring to life the most celebrated treasures of the impressive LOUVRE MUSEUM including the famous “Mona Lisa”, the masterpiece of Leonardo Da Vinci. Note: This excursion is not available to groups on Tuesdays, public holidays, and Sundays.
Approximate value: EUR €39 per person

Versailles (closed on Monday)
A short journey from Paris with your local guide to the lavish 17th-century classical palace built by Sun King Louis XIV, with its magnificent STATE APARTMENTS, Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Chapel. Time to stroll through parts of the elegant 250-acre GARDENS. Note: This excursion is not available on Mondays and public holidays.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person

CITY: Rome

Excursion to Tivoli
Leave Rome for a guided visit of the famous VILLA ADRIANA or the VILLA D’ESTE GARDENS and FOUNTAINS in Tivoli. A typical country-style dinner with wine, spumante, and music can also be included for a total price of EUR 69.00 per person.
Approximate value: EUR €48 per person

Orientation Drive and Roman Dinner
Wander through the Eternal City, toss your coins into Trevi Fountain, then be spoiled with Italian specialties and wine at one of Rome’s popular restaurants.
Approximate value: EUR €56 per person

Roman Highlights
A guided walking tour takes you to some of the most famous monuments. Admire the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Piazza Navona, Parliament, and Pantheon. A four-course dinner including drinks at a popular Roman restaurant can also be added for the total price of EUR 63.00 per person.
Approximate value: EUR €36 per person

Roman Hidden Treasures
Your Tour Director will propose a tailor-made itinerary for your tour that features some of Rome’s authentic jewels such as: Trastevere and its basilica of Santa Maria or the baroque district, Campo de’ Fiori, the Pantheon and San Luigi dei Francesi with Caravaggio paintings or famous Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Via dei Condotti and Piazza del Popolo with its church of Santa Maria del Popolo and displays of Caravaggio paintings.
Approximate value: EUR €36 per person

CITY: Venice

A Venetian Night Out
Travel by private water taxi along the splendid Grand Canal with its elegant palaces to a fine Venetian restaurant, and taste four mouth-watering courses of local specialties and wine. Later there’s time to explore and absorb the romantic and unique atmosphere of Venice by night.
Approximate value: EUR €67 per person

Gondola Serenade
Enjoy a serenaded ride in a traditional gondola (for 6 people), gliding through centuries-old canals, under famous arched bridges, and past lavish palaces and quaint piazzas.
Approximate value: EUR €37 per person

Lagoon Cruise with Lunch or Dinner in Burano
Leave the crowds of Venice behind and appreciate the peaceful vistas of the Lagoon while you glide past the islands of San Giorgio, Santa Elena, and the famous Lido. In the picturesque fishing village of Burano, renowned for its pastel-colored houses, savor a four-course lunch/dinner with drinks included. Afterward there’s time to shop and stroll.
Approximate value: EUR €66 per person

CITY: Vienna

Classical Austrian Dinner
This famous restaurant, in former Austrian imperial hunting country, has hosted many illustrious people. Enjoy a fine four-course dinner with drinks.
Approximate value: EUR €51 per person

Heurigen Dinner
Visit one of the picturesque villages in this wine-growing area nestled among the Vienna Woods for traditional Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel and Heurigen (wine from the last grape harvest). Musicians create a merry atmosphere.
Approximate value: EUR €48 per person

Schonbrunn Palace
Commissioned in the 17th century by Leopold I and extended by Habsburg Empress Maria Theresia, this magnificent Imperial summer residence is certainly one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Visit the dazzling staterooms and the impressive baroque gardens with an expert guide. Approximate value: EUR €40 per person

Best of Mozart & Strauss
Attend a concert in one of the most beautiful Viennese concert halls. The costumed Orchestra performs well-known arias composed by Mozart and famous pieces like “The Bleu Danube Waltz” and “The Radetzky March” composed by Strauss. Opera singers and a soloist will also add to the ambiance of the evening.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person