The tring-tring of bicycles sounds the start of your European Whirl. Kick back on the canals of Amsterdam and Venice, in the quiet lakeside beauty of Lucerne and among the Tuscan hills near Florence, with flavors of Italian Chianti setting the tone for an unforgettable trip.
Day 1
Eurostar™ to Brussels and on to Amsterdam
- A brief interlude with the British capital this morning sees us meet our Travel Director before traveling to London’s St. Pancras International where we will board the Eurostar™ for a high-speed train journey to Brussels and a luxury coach journey to Amsterdam.
- Enjoy an orientation of this historic Dutch city before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a dinner cruise on its canals.
Day 2
Journey to the Rhineland and a Scenic Cruise
- Driving through the lush landscapes of the Netherlands and Germany, we arrive in Boppard where we board a cruise along the Rhine to St. Goar, passing vineyard-clad hills and medieval castles perched above riverside towns.
- Arriving in the Baroque city of Heidelberg, we explore its unexpected highlights before traveling to our Rhineland hotel.
Day 3
Off to Innsbruck
- Crossing the Swabian Alps on the edge of the Black Forest, we arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich.
- Our orientation takes us past the Hofbrauhaus, reputedly the most famous Beerhall in the world, and the neo-Gothic Town Hall which dominates the Marienplatz.
- We cross the Austrian border next, arriving in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps.
- Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Old Town, including Emperor Maximilian’s famous Golden Roof with its ornate façade and consider an evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment.
Day 4
Onwards to the Canals of Venice
- Journey through the emerald-green landscape along the Brenner Pass into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains to Venice.
- We cruise the beautiful Venetian lagoon by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark’s Square. View the ornate Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound made by condemned prisoners as they took one last longing look at their beautiful city before meeting their fate.
- Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness the centuries-old craft of Venetian glassblowing. You’ll learn how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass to make the exquisite and delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir as a reminder of this special visit.
- There’s time later to enjoy the city your way. Get lost in Venice, cross bridges and discover hidden campi where locals share their daily stories over a glass of Venetian Spritz.
Day 5
All Roads Lead to Rome
- Travel south across the Veneto Plain, passing Bologna and the dramatic Apennine Mountains as well as the green and golden fields of Lazio before reaching Rome, the ‘Eternal City’.
- En route, we Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience and enjoy true Tuscan hospitality with a local family on their private estate in the Chianti countryside.
Day 6
Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
- Our first stop today sees us discover the divine beauty of the Vatican City with a Local Specialist.
- Perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
- We continue to Ancient Rome to view Roman Forum, the walls of the iconic Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races centuries ago.
- The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your terms. Sit on the Spanish Steps savoring a tasty gelato, or shop up a storm on the trendy Via Condotti
Day 7
Continue to Renaissance Florence
- From Rome, we travel north through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and along the Arno valley to the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’, Florence.
- Delve into the rich Medici heritage of this beautiful medieval city with your Local Specialist. Visit the political hub of the city, Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi.
- View the imposing Duomo, crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome, and the Baptistery, renowned for its sculptured bronze doors.
Day 8
Across the Alps to Lucerne
- Drive via the scenic Italian Lakes District, across the Alps into beautiful Switzerland, where we’ll spend the next two nights in the medieval lakeside city of Lucerne.
- View the mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI.
- Walk along the flower-lined 14th-century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the river Reuss.
Day 9
Explore Lucerne
- During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
- This morning join an exciting Optional Experience to Pilatus and a stunningly beautiful lake cruise or a delightful tour of the countryside in a horse drawn carriages.
- We have some time later to discover the best Swiss chocolates in town.
Day 10
On to Captivating Paris
- Crossing the border into France this morning, we travel past the picturesque vineyards and country towns of Burgundy en route to the ‘City of Light’.
- Spend some time this evening strolling along the Seine and grand boulevards in search of a cozy bistro for fine French cuisine or consider an Optional Experience to a colorful Parisian cabaret.
Day 11
Discover the Sights of Paris
- Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour of this romantic city. View the sophisticated Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, the 19th-century Arc de Triomphe, honoring those who fought for France, and Notre Dame Cathedral
- After this, enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter.
- Our European Whirl is almost at its end, we spend the evening with fellow travelers and our Travel Director, enjoying dinner in a local bistro.
Day 12
Farewell Paris
Today bid adieu to your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable experience.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
- Enjoy your stay at carefully selected premium hotels that have been thoroughly vetted by us.
- Travel comfortably in luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi.
- Our Travel Directors play a crucial role in curating unforgettable experiences for the guests. These seasoned explorers, and culture enthusiasts share local insights from the start, offering a personalized, insider’s perspective of each destination.
- While visiting iconic sites is a travel highlight, doing so independently can be challenging. Our experts provide seamless access – from exclusive visits – to expert-led tours. Combined with the intimate revelations of their local specialists, these experiences transform you into an insider, not just a tourist.
- Through our extensive global network, you gain local access to communities worldwide. Our 100+ signature Be My Guest experiences, we invite you into locals’ homes, offering cultural insights and personal stories.
Interested to plan your trip? Click on the Get Quote button and share your details for us to get in touch with you.
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