European Whirl

16 Days
Featuring: England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Holland, Belgium

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Day 1  Depart USA Overnight flight to London.

Day 2  Arrive London (2nights) After checking into your Trafalgar hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3  London sightseeing Many major sights are included on today's morning sightseeing tour. (Continental breakfast)

Day 4  London - Paris (2nights) Greetings from our Tour Director as we drive to the coast. Admire the White Cliffs of Dover before our short Channel crossing to Calais in France. Next we cross World War I Battlefields to exciting Paris. Tonight, after a welcome drink with our Tour Director, why not enjoy a tour of this city's illuminations? (Continental breakfast)

Day 5  Paris sightseeing & at leisure With a local guide our sightseeing of the city features views of the Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, a Seine cruise highlight monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral. We also ascent of the Eiffel Tower to its second level by elevator for stunning views over the city. Then free time to perhaps take an excursion to shop in the chic boutiques. Tonight do not miss the chance of trying out some delicious Parisian cuisine in a cosy left bank bistro! (Buffet breakfast)

Day 6  Paris - Lucerne We head into France and through wine-producing Burgundy to the medieval Beaune. Then across the remains of wartime defenses, passing the Maginot Line near Belfort. Next into Switzerland at Basel for first picture-book views of chalets on the approach to the Alps and lakeside Lucerne. (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 7  Lucerne orientation - Milan Morning orientation in this medieval town includes a visit to the Lion Monument. At leisure, maybe take a trip up a nearby mountain peak. We head along the St. Gotthard route, through Alpine scenery and the Italian Lake District en route to the fashionable Milan. Tonight, we enjoy dinner of local specialities in a downtown restaurant. (Buffet breakfast/ Specialities restaurant dinner)

Day 8  Milan - Rome (2nights) Today we drive through the agricultural region of Emilia Romagna to Bologna and the Apennine Mountains bound for Rome. Later, why not dine out at a local trattoria? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 9  Rome sightseeing & at leisure Today's sightseeing with a local guide includes a visit to St. Peter's Basilica where we see Michelangelo's Pieta, spectacular views of the Colosseum, a stop at the Forum, plus a photo-stop at the Circus Maximus where the chariot race in Ben Hur is said to have taken place. The rest of your day is free to naybe shop, visit the Sistine Chapel or relax in a sidewalk cafe. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 10  Rome - Florence Today begins with a drive through the Chianti wine-producing region of Tuscany to Renaissance Florence. Here sightseeing on foot includes the Cathedral, Baptistry, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Basilica. The rest of the day is free to shop, or walk along the River Arno to the Ponte Vecchio. (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 11  Florence - Venice (Mestre) A short drive to Venice where we savour the city's unique sights and sounds on an included canal cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs. After a visit to a traditional glass-blowing factory, time is your own to do as you please. (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 12  Venice (Mestre) - Innsbruck Our first stop today is at Verona to see the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony. Then passing the Dolomites, we climb Brenner Pass into Austria. From here we cross the Europa Bridge and begin our descent into Innsbruck where we enjoy an orientation of this mountain-ringed resort. Tonight, why not join in the fun of a Tyrolean folklore show? (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 13  Innsbruck - Munich - Heidelberg - Rhineland Today's drive brings us to fun-loving Munich where we see the Olympic Stadium and City Hall. Next on to Heidelberg to view the Castle, high above this University city of 'Student Prince' fame. Then we head to our Rhineland hotel. (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 14  Rhineland - Amsterdam We embark by the Lorelei Rock in St. Goar for a Rhine cruise gliding past medieval castles and terraced vineyards. We step ashore in Boppard, and drive via Bonn to Cologne where we see its magnificent gothic Cathedral. From here we cross the border before Arnhem, scene of World War II action and continue to Amsterdam where we visit a diamond factory. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 15  Amsterdam - London Today's morning orientation tour includes the Tower of Tears, the Royal Palace and Dam Square. Next we are acquainted with the city on a wonderful canal cruise by glass-topped boat. On through Belgium, past Antwerp en route to Calais for our ferry crossing to England. Here our coach takes us back to London, where we bid farewell to our Tour Director. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 16  London - USA Bid farewell as we transfer to the airport for our return flight to America. (Continental breakfast)