Grand European 2010

Grand European 2010

Day 1 - London – Bruges – Brussels
We admire the White Cliffs of Dover before our Channel crossing to Calais. Then into Belgium and the criss-crossing canals of Bruges. Later we continue to Brussels, where an orientation tour shows us the Atomium and the Royal Palaces. Then our Tour Director shows us the Manneken Pis and the Grand Place plus a Hidden Treasure is revealed! Tonight, we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Hotel: Hilton

Day 2 - Brussels – Amsterdam
This morning after breakfast we drive to friendly Amsterdam, where an orientation tour includes a canal cruise in a glass-topped boat. We also enjoy a visit to a diamond-polishing factory. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Mercure Aan De Amstel

Day 3 - Amsterdam – Rhine Cruise – Heidelberg – Rhineland
We cross into Germany after Arnhem, and stop to see Cologne Cathedral. Then past Bonn, we head into the Rhine Valley for a Rhine cruise. We disembark at St. Goar and head to Heidelberg where we view the castle. Next on to our hotel in Mannheim. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Holiday Inn City Centre

Day 4 - Rhineland – Black Forest – Rhine Falls – Engelberg (2 nights)
Today’s drive takes us through the fairytale Black Forest and on to the Swiss border. After viewing the Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen, we make our way to the ski resort of Engelberg. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Europe Engelberg

Day 5 - Lucerne excursion
It’s a short drive to lakeside Lucerne. Here an orientation of this medieval town includes a visit to the poignant Lion Monument and we see the wooden Chapel Bridge which spans the River Reuss. The rest of the day is free to explore. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Day 6 - Engelberg – Liechtenstein – Innsbruck
We drive to Liechtenstein, stopping in its capital Vaduz. Then on into Austria and follow the Arlberg route into the Tyrol and Innsbruck. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Hotel Innsbruck

Day 7 - Innsbruck – Salzburg – Vienna (2 nights)
Today we drive via Germany to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace. Our guided walking tour explores the city that featured in “The Sound of Music”. Then on towards Vienna.  (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Hilton Danube

Day 8 - Vienna sightseeing and at leisure
We see the State Opera House, the Hofburg, City Hall, Parliament and the Imperial Boulevards. Tonight, perhaps enjoy a concert of Viennese music? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 9 - Vienna – Venice (2 nights)
Enjoy a scenic drive to the Austrian Lake District and Italian border. Then the Carnic Alps give way to Northern Italy and Venice. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Antony

Day 10 - Venice sightseeing and at leisure
The delights of this city are included on a canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark’s Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs and more. After a visit to a glassblowing factory, why not take a lagoon cruise to the Island of Burano? (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Day 11 - Venice – Assisi
We cross the Apennine Mountains to Assisi where we visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and enjoy an orientation tour including St. Francis Basilica. Then our Tour Director shares another Hidden Treasure with us. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Giotto

Day 12 - Assisi – Isle of Capri – Sorrento
We pass Monte Cassino en route to the Bay of Naples. Today’s highlight is a visit to the enchanting Isle of Capri. With a local guide we will enjoy a walking tour of the island enhanced by our excellent audio system. Then free time before we sail back to the mainland and Sorrento. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Parco Del Sole

Day 13 - Sorrento – Pompeii – Rome (2 nights)
We drive to Pompeii for a guided walking tour which brings to life the Roman town which was ‘petrified’ by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. From here we continue to the Eternal City of Rome. (Buffet breakfast) 

Hotel: Villa Pamphili

Day 14 - Rome sightseeing and at leisure
Michelangelo’s amazing works are included on our guided sightseeing tour. First we visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel where we admire Michelangelo’s depiction of The Creation. Then in St. Peter’s Basilica we see Michelangelo’s sculpture of the Pieta. Then we cross the Tiber for views of the Forum, the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. Then free time to explore or relax. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 15 - Rome – Florence
Today’s drive takes us through Tuscany to Renaissance Florence, where our guided walking tour with audio system highlights the marble cathedral, Signoria Square, the baptistery and visits the Santa Croce Basilica. Then enjoy a Highlight Dinner of Florentine cuisine in a local restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner) 

Hotel: Holiday Inn

Day 16 - Florence – Pisa – Nice – Monte Carlo excursion (2 nights)
We drive to Pisa where we see its famous Leaning Tower. Then passing the quarries of Carrara, we drive via Genoa, Columbus’ birthplace, continuing along the magnificent Riviera coastline to jet-set Nice. Later, we visit the Principality of Monaco seeing the Monte Carlo Casino before we enjoy a Highlight Dinner in a specially selected restaurant this evening. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner) 

Hotel: Holiday Inn

Day 17 - Nice – Côte d'Azur excursion
We drive to the medieval hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence. Later, we visit a perfumery before we return to Nice, with the rest of the day at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 18 - Nice – Avignon – Beaune
We drive through the countryside to Avignon, where orientation includes the Papal Palace and St. Benezet Bridge. Then past Lyon and into the hills of Burgundy to the wine-town of Beaune. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Mercure Beaune Centre

Day 19 - Beaune – Paris (2 nights)
Morning orientation shows us the ancient walls and old town square. Then we head
for the capital city of Paris. (Buffet breakfast) 

Hotel: Courtyard Marriott Neuilly

Day 20 - Paris sightseeing and at leisure
First we drive along the Champs Élysées and on to the Eiffel Tower where we ascend to the second level. This evening we join our Tour Director for a celebration Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)

Day 21 - Paris – London
’Au revoir’ as we pass World War I battlefields en route to Calais where we board our ferry to Dover. From here we return to London by coach. (Buffet breakfast)