European Grandeur (2014) from Insight Vacations

Highlights:

An epic adventure covering all points of the European compass. From Amsterdam in the north to Rome in the south, Vienna in the east and Madrid in the west.
Tour Pace - Comfortable: Insight has introduced high speed trains on a couple of travelling days to give you more time in the famous cities. This results in a moderately paced tour, allowing for a mix of sightseeing, personal exploration and optional excursions.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES AND DINING

- Eurostar: Relax on the smooth high-speed Eurostar train from London via the historic Channel Tunnel to Paris.
- Paris: Skip the queues and enjoy the views! Your tickets to the Eiffel Tower have been arranged in advance.
- Loire Valley: Visit the beautiful Chateau Chenonceau, a jewel spanning the river Cher on elegant arches
- Lourdes: Join the emotive candlelight procession through the streets of Lourdes - an unforgettable experience!
- Madrid: An expert art historian shows you the highlights of the Spanish masterpieces in the Prado Museum.
- AVE Train: The high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona, is quiet, smooth and makes the best use of your precious time in Spain.
- Cote d'Azur: The secrets of perfume making are revealed during a guided tour of a perfume laboratory.
- Rome: Enjoy VIP fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and access to the Bramante staircase.
- Pompeii: Explore the ill-fated streets with a guide.
- Isle of Capri: Cruise to the 'Isle of Dreams' and ride in comfort and style up to the town by open top taxi.
- Assisi: Find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of Europe.
- Venice: Enjoy a Gondola Serenade through the canals.
- Venice: Visit an artisan showroom and workshop to see master craftsmen honouring age old Venetian crafts.
- Vienna: Enjoy a private guided tour of magnificent Schonbrunn Palace
- Mount Pilatus: Embark on a cog-wheel rail journey to the summit offering spectacular panoramic views.
- Rhine Valley: Watch medieval hill-top castles, sleepy villages and vineyards slip by as you enjoy a scenic cruise.
- Lucerne: Choose from a selection of fine restaurants.
- Monnickendam: A Celebration Dinner with wine in a quaint Dutch village.

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

- Paris: See Notre Dame Cathedral, the facades of the Louvre Museum, the Place de la Concorde & Opera House. Drive along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Bordeaux: A guided tour shows you the quayside facades, Grand Theatre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces.
- Madrid: Your guided tour shows you the statue of Don Quixote in the Plaza de Espana, Royal Palace, Gran Via, Cibeles Fountain, Parliament and Puerta del Sol.
- Barcelona: Enjoy a walking tour through the old lanes and squares of the Gothic Quarter. Drive down the elegant Passeig de Gracia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Stand in awe beside Gaudi's incredible Sagrada Famila.
- Monaco: Drive on part of the Grand Prix circuit. See the Grimaldi Royal Palace. See the tomb of Princess Grace.
- Eze: Explore the winding streets of this fortified medieval village.
- Pisa: See the famous Leaning Tower.
- Florence: View the Cathedral, 'Gates of Paradise' and Piazza Signoria. Traditional Florence leather-work demonstration
- Orvieto: Visit the pleasant Umbrian hilltop town. View the Cathedral facade - one of the most celebrated in Italy.
- Rome: Visit St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican City. See the mighty Colosseum and overlook the Forum
- Sorrento: Demonstration of 'Intarsio' inlay woodworking.
- Assisi: See the Church of St. Mary of the Angels.
- Venice: Cruise, with commentary, to St. Mark's Square. See the Doges Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
- Vienna: Tour the Ring Road seeing the Hofburg, Opera House, Parliament building and St Charles Church.
- Salzburg: Walk through the Mirabell Gardens with a guide, see Mozart's Birthplace and the Cathedral.
- Innsbruck: Walk the narrow streets of the Old Town, lined with medieval houses and arcades, to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.
- Vaduz: Visit the capital of Liechtenstein and see the Castle.
- Lucerne: View the emotive Lion Monument. See the covered Chapel Bridge and Jesuit Church.
- Schaffhausen: View the Rhine Falls
- Amsterdam: See Dam Square, the Royal Palace and Mint Tower.

PREMIUM HOTELS AND LOCATIONS

- A few minutes from the legendary Champs Elysees, rooms at the stylish Le Meridien Etoile feature modern decor overlooking a peaceful interior garden and courtyard.
- The luxurious Hilton Molino Stucky gazes out over the Giudecca Canal and an unforgettable Venetian skyline.

SIGNATURE HOTELS AND LOCATIONS

- The prestigious Fairmont Monte Carlo is a Monaco landmark, a gathering place for the international elite. Over breakfast, look out over three countries and the ever changing moods of the Mediterranean.

INCLUDED QUALITY DINING

- A Welcome Reception with drinks and Welcome Dinner (WD)
- 27 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Dine-Around (DA), 1 Celebration Dinner (CD) and 7 three-course table d’hôte Dinners or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

INCLUDED FIRST CLASS SERVICES

- Escorted by one of Insight's expert Tour Directors - your 'travelling concierge', expert guide, consummate facilitator and friend in a foreign land who ensures your journey is as enjoyable as possible.
- Baggage handling everywhere on tour, with seamless and prompt delivery to your door at every hotel
- Hotel and restaurant tips included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for coins or banknotes
- Free Wi-Fi in most hotel rooms or lobbies
- Personal radio headsets to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your local expert's fascinating insights and commentary
- Insight Flourishes - from time to time your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination
- Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom. Complimentary on-board wi-fi where possible.
- London Airport transfer service available.
- Amsterdam Airport transfers at scheduled times on the last day of your escorted journey.

European Grandeur (2014)

From $8650 USD

Eurostar to Paris

After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, transfer to London’s St Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable two hour rail journey takes you via the historic Channel Tunnel to Paris where you enjoy free time on arrival.

Meals: Welcome Reception / Welcome Dinner

Hotel: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris

Paris, the City of Light

In the morning, sightseeing with a local expert takes you by the Île de la Cité to see Notre Dame Cathedral with its famous tale of Quasimodo. Then around the imposing façades of the Louvre and Garnier’s Opera House. See the obelisk in the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows?

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris

Châteaux of the Loire & Bordeaux

Head southwards towards Châteaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley to visit the enchanting “Ladies Castle” of Chenonceau, the home of Diane de Poitiers (tragic mistress of Henri II) and later of his vengeful wife Catherine of Medici. After some time to stroll in the lovely gardens, a continue past Poitiers and through the Cognac area to arrive on the coastal plain. Cross the Gironde River into the bustling seaport of Bordeaux with it’s unique 18th Century character.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Three-course table d’hôte Dinner or Buffet

Hotel: Pullman Aquitania, Bordeaux

The Light of Lourdes

Before departure, join a local expert for a guided tour of France's finest 18th Century architecture. The façades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d’Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all helped Bordeaux earn inclusion on UNESCO ’s World Heritage list. Then drive through the vineyards of Sauternes and Graves to Lourdes - a place of pilgrimage. Visit the miraculous grotto, drink the spring waters credited with curative powers and join the torchlit procession - a moving experience never to be forgotten.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Three-course table d’hôte Dinner or Buffet

Hotel: De La Grotte, Lourdes

Through Old Castile to Madrid

Welcome to a land of fiestas, food and Flamenco! Cross the Pyrenees and follow in the footsteps of El Cid via Burgos and over the Sierra de Guadarrama to the Spanish capital of Madrid.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Tryp Ambassador, Madrid

Madrid of the Bourbons

This morning, join a local expert for a sightseeing tour along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles. Drive down the Gran Via to the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol. A highlight is a visit to the magnificent Prad o Museum, a rose coloured palace housing works by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens and others. This afternoon relax at a café or shop in the trendy boutiques.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Tryp Ambassador, Madrid

Barcelona, the City of Gaudi

Board your luxurious high-speed AVE train, the most efficient way to get around Spain. In less than three hours you're in the vibrant port of Barcelona. Join a local expert in the heart of the Gothic quarter. See the cathedral and walk through the Roman gate to tour the narrow lanes and old squares. Now drive by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to stand before the facade of Gaudi’s extraordinary Sagrada Familia church.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Melia, Barcelona

Barcelona at leisure

The next day is at leisure for you to relax, shop or stroll along the leafy Ramblas? Why not take an optional excursion to the ancient Monastery of Montserrat, dedicated to the ‘Black Madonna’?

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Melia, Barcelona

Around the Mediterranean Coast to Monaco

Cross the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains this morning and follow the coastline of the Golfe du Lion through the vast vineyards of the Languedoc region, once independent of France and boasting one of the great cultures of Europe. Continue across the edge of the marshy Camargue, to the sunbaked landscapes which inspired the greatest works of Van Gogh and Cezanne. Your hotel is in the elegant Principality of Monaco.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Fairmont Monte Carlo

Exploring Monaco & the Côte d’Azur

After a restful night, explore the medieval village of Eze, miraculously perched high on a rock and surrounded by ancient walls. After taking in the views, unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Back in Monaco, drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and walk through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family lives, the yacht-filled harbour and Cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Monaco at your leisure.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Fairmont Monte Carlo

Follow the Riviera to Pisa & Florence

Cross into Italy and follow the “Flower Riviera” along the Adriatic Highway through tunnels and bridges. Glimpse the world famous marble quarries of Carrara before arriving in Pisa. Once one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean, its wealthy merchants dedicated some of their wealth to building a fine cathedral and baptistry - but today it is the belltower which attracts most notice by leaning 4 metres from the perpendicular! A short drive brings you to the renaissance city of Florence. Enjoy skyline views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Three-course table d’hôte Dinner or Buffet

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli

Exploring Renaissance Florence

Next morning, join a local expert for a walking tour of the historic city centre. At the multi-coloured marble Cathedral, admire Giotto’s bell tower and ‘Gates of Paradise’. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and the area around Santa Croce Basilica - famous for the quality of its luxury goods. After a demonstration of leather work there’s free time to shop or continue sightseeing. This evening don’t miss the chance to sample the fine Florentine cuisine.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli

Hill-top Orvieto & the Eternal City of Rome

Travel through the Chianti hills on your way to hilltop Orvieto, a former papal stronghold, located on a rock pedestal over looking a vine yard covered plain. Savour the distinctly medieval ambiance during your orientation tour and admire the richly decorated façade of the Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. There’s time to shop for hand painted ceramics before continuing to the “eternal city”. Rome comes alive at night, the Via Veneto - scene of the Dolce Vita, the cosmopolitan squares and beautiful fountains.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Romanico Palace, Rome

Exploring Papal Rome

The following morning, join a local expert in the Vatican City for a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. Admire Michelangelo's emotive ‘Pieta’ and see Bernini's intricately carved Popes' Altar. Then cross the Tiber to see the Colosseum, scene of many gladiatorial contests and see the Roman Forum. The rest of the day is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk café.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Romanico Palace, Rome

Ill-fated Pompeii & Sorrento

Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Insight has arranged special VIP entrance to avoid the crowds, together with behind the scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general public. Now into the Sistine Chapel. Enjoy clear commentary via your audio headset as you admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Head south now, past the brooding Abbey of Monte Cassino to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. A wal king tour with a local expert through the cobbled streets reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum and peer into ancient shops and patrician villas, decorated with colourful wall paintings. Continue to the picturesque holiday town of Sorrento, bustling with life until late at night.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel: Grand Cesare Augusto, Sorrento

Excursion to Capri, the Isle of Dreams

In the morning, board your cruise to Capri - the isle of dreams. Under the Mediterranean sun, take an open top taxi up to Capri Town, where you can explore the narrow alleyways, browse in exclusive boutiques and enjoy the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and cruise to Sorrento. Investigate the art of ‘intarsio’ or marquetry wood inlaying before an afternoon at leisure Perhaps take a drive along the famous Amalfi Coast with its clear blue waters and picturesque resorts?

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Grand Cesare Augusto, Sorrento

In Search of St Francis in Assisi

Follow the Highway of the Sun north before turning into the foothills of the Apennine Mountains. Stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built around the tiny chapel of the monastery founded by the saint himself. A chance here to see the place where Francis died and the miraculous Thornless Rose. Now ascend to the hill-town of Assisi, a perfectly preserved medieval community of cobbled streets and houses of warm pink stone. Visit the huge Basilica of St. Francis, housing the saint’s tomb. Built in the 13C, the frescoes by Giotto heralded a new era in Italian art.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Three-course table d’hôte Dinner or Buffet

Hotel: Giotto, Assisi

On to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic

A delightful mountain drive takes you through the heart of the Apennines to the Po Valley. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian lagoon and across the causeway to the unique city of Venice. Tonight take a stroll by the canals and listen to the romantic songs of the gondoliers as they drift beneath the bridges.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Three-course table d’hôte Dinner or Buffet

Hotel: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice

Venice & the Magic of La Serenissima

Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Witness the skill of glass blowers, mask makers and gondola builders on a visit to a traditional arts centre. Only minutes away by private launch is St Mark's Square where the city’s former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St Mark’s Basilica. Admire also the Doge’s Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. A highlight is a traditional gondola serenade through the ‘watery streets’. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere, music and songs as you drift along the romantic canals. The afternoon is at leisure to sit a while at a canal side cafe and sip the local wine?

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice

Via the Lakes of Carinthia to Vienna

Leave the Adriatic coastline today, driving through the spectacular Italian Alps beneath towering cliffs alongside sparkling mountain streams. Cross into Austria and drive through the heart of the Carinthian Lake District alongside Lake Worth, warmest lake in Europe! Now through “unknown Austria”, traversing the quiet villages and forested mountains of Styria. Finally you reach Vienna, once the elegant heart of an empire which reached to every corner of Europe. Tonight maybe take the option of a delicious dinner in a historic country mansion with live music and unlimited drinks?

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Hilton Vienna Plaza

Vienna & the Habsburgs

This morning join a local expert for a private tour of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Then get your cameras ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, show-cases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament building. Maybe discover hidden squares of the old city this afternoon?

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Hilton Vienna Plaza

Salzburg, City of Mozart & Innsbruck

Pass the impressive Benedictine monastery of Melk, as the highway speeds you through the rich farmlands of eastern Austria, towards the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut. Enjoy a fine view of the Mondsee lake before reaching the enchanting city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Join a local expert for a visit to the Mirabell Gardens and a stroll through the old town, seeing the house where Mozart was born and the immense cathedral. Continue to the mountain ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Hilton, Innsbruck

Liechtenstein & Lakeside Lucerne

Follow the Inn Valley, passing flower-filled meadows and picturesque chalet-style villages, via the Arlberg Tunnel to the Principality of Liechtenstein. Spend some time in its tiny capital, Vaduz, then cross into Switzerland and through glorious mountains to lake-side Lucerne.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Astoria, Lucerne

Lucerne’s Lions & Dragons

In the morning, visit Lucerne’s proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Take time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit church. Later, embark on a highlight excursion by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of one of Switzerland’s most famous mountains, Mount Pilatus. In medieval times, it was believed that dragons lived in these rugged clefts, but now the only amazing sights to see are over the snowcapped Jungfrau and Eiger peaks. For dinner tonight, choose your own style of cuisine from our selection of restaurants.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dine-Around

Hotel: Astoria, Lucerne

The Black Forest, Rhineland & Mainz

After breakfast, pass through Zurich to Schaffhausen where the Rhine River thunders over the Rhine Falls with an awe-inspiring roar. Drive into Germany and deep into the Black Forest, where cuckoo clocks are made by hand. Then follow the Rhine Valley north past the spa resort of Baden Baden to your hotel in Mainz.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Three-course table d’hôte Dinner or Buffet

Hotel: Hilton City Mainz

The Rhine Valley & Amsterdam

Take to the water this morning for a delightful scenic cruise past fortified towns and leafy vineyards. Pass the twin strongholds of the ‘Enemy Brothers’, the Cat and Mouse castles and hear the legend of the Loreley Rock. Disembark in the quaint wine village of Boppard. Continue on via Bonn towards Cologne, whose Gothic Cathedral has spires reaching 500 ft. high. Crossing into The Netherlands you immediately recognise the distinctive Dutch countryside. Arrive at friendly Amsterdam the ‘Venice of the North’, a city with hundreds of tree-lined canals. Tonight, perhaps take the option of a delicious Dutch dinner with drinks served in a beautiful old restaurant, followed by a walk through the ‘Sailors Quarter’?

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Mövenpick City Centre, Amsterdam

Amsterdam & the Dutch Countryside

After a restful night’s sleep, your Amsterdam orientation tour shows you the Mint Tower, Dam Square and Royal Palace. See a demonstration of diamonds being cut and polished before enjoying the afternoon at leisure. For your last night, drive through typical Dutch countryside to the fishing village of Monnickendam for a rousing Celebration Dinner with wine. The perfect finale to your tour.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner

Hotel: Mövenpick City Centre, Amsterdam

Depart Amsterdam

Hotel transfers arrive Schiphol Airport at 08:00 & 10:00 hours.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Agency: Insight Vacations

European Grandeur (2014)

From $8650 USD

Agency: Insight Vacations

European Grandeur (2014)

From $8650 USD

Agency: Insight Vacations