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Day 1 London – Amsterdam
Greetings from our Tour Director before a drive to the coast. Admire
the White Cliffs of Dover before our Channel crossing to Calais in France.
Then by coach via Belgium to Amsterdam where a canal cruise in a glass-topped
boat is a wonderful introduction to the city. This evening we visit
a diamond-polishing factory before enjoying a welcome drink with our
Tour Director.
 Day
2 Amsterdam – Rhine Cruise – Rhineland
Morning orientation includes Dam Square and the Tower of Tears. Later,
we drive past Arnhem into Germany stopping in Cologne to see its Cathedral.
After passing Bonn, we embark on a Rhine cruise past castles and vineyards.
We disembark in St. Goar with views of the Lorelei Rock before reaching
our Rhineland hotel. (BB D)
Day 3 Rhineland – Munich – Innsbruck
Today we cross the Swabian Uplands to Bavarian Munich. Here an orientation
tour shows us the Olympic Stadium and Marienplatz, with its Glockenspiel
clock. Next we drive to Austria and the Tyrolean capital Innsbruck.
On our arrival an orientation shows us the Golden Roof and Wilten Basilica.
(BB D)
Day 4 Innsbruck – Salzburg – Vienna (2)
It's a short drive to the splendours of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart.
Here our sightseeing includes locations used in the film "The Sound
of Music". Later, on towards the River Danube and the baroque elegance
of Vienna. (BB)
Day 5 Vienna sightseeing
and at leisure
Our morning sightseeing of this elegant city highlights views of the
Opera, the Hofburg, Stadtpark, the Parliament and the Imperial Boulevards.
The rest of your day is at leisure to sightsee and shop along the fashionable
Kärntnerstrasse. (BB)
Day 6 Vienna – Venice (Mestre) (2)
We drive into the heart of the Austrian Alps past mountains and small
towns to the Austrian Lake District. Then we continue over the Italian
border, where the Carnian Alps give way to Northern Italy and the delights
of magical Venice. (BB D)
Day 7 Venice sightseeing
and at leisure
We discover this Byzantine city on an included canal cruise by private
motor launch to St. Mark's Square. View the Bridge of Sighs and the
Doges' Palace before a visit to a glass-blowing factory. After, time
at leisure to shop or cruise to Burano for a seafood lunch. (BB D)
Day 8 Venice (Mestre) – Rome (2)
Today we cross the fertile Po Valley and join the Autostrada del Sole
for our journey through the Apennine Mountains to Rome. Later, perhaps
discover Rome's vibrant nightlife. (BB)
Day 9 Rome sightseeing
and at leisure
A guided visit of St. Peter's Basilica, including the Pieta of Michelangelo,
the tomb of the unknown soldier at Piazza Venezia, views across the
ancient Forum and Colosseum, the Circus Maximus scene of 'Ben Hur' style
chariot races all form part of our sightseeing tour. Then time at leisure
to relax in a sidewalk café or take an excursion to visit the
Catacombs. (BB)
Day 10 Rome – Florence
We drive through the Chianti wine region of Tuscany en route to Renaissance
Florence. Sightseeing on foot includes the imposing Cathedral, the Baptistry,
Signoria Square and a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica. Then there's
plenty of free time to visit famous Art galleries or explore the handicrafts
quarter around Santa Croce. Tonight, we enjoy dinner in a typical Florentine
restaurant. (BB) (HD)
Day 11 Florence – Lucerne (2)
Our day starts with a drive via Bologna and Milan towards the Italian
and Swiss Lake Districts to beautiful Lugano. After, we continue on
through the Italian-speaking Ticino region to the St. Gotthard route
across the Alps. Next we travel through the St. Gotthard tunnel to lakeside
Lucerne. Why not try a Swiss folklore evening tonight? (BB D)
Day 12 Lucerne
orientation and at leisure
Our morning orientation tour highlights this medieval town and includes
a visit to the Lion Monument. Later, there's time at leisure to perhaps
take a trip up a nearby mountain peak, famed for its splendid views.
(BB D)
Day 13 Lucerne – Paris (2)
This morning we travel over the French border passing Belfort and remnants
of the Maginot Line. Next through wine-producing Burgundy, where we
view the Savigny-Lès-Beaune vineyards before we make our way
to Paris, 'City of Light'. (BB)
Day 14 Paris sightseeing
and at leisure
Sightseeing with a local guide includes a drive from the Place de la
Concorde along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe, the
ascent of the Eiffel Tower to the second level and a scenic Seine cruise
highlighting Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pont Alexandre III. This evening
why not go out on the town and enjoy a Cabaret show? (BB)
Day 15 Paris – London
We drive across Northern France and Somme Battlefields past the Canadian
War Memorial at Vimy Ridge. Then along the Opal Coast, with its World
War II bunkers, to Calais for our ferry to Dover and our coach back
to London. (BB)
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