|
Day 1 London – Brussels
A warm welcome from our Tour Director as we drive to the White Cliffs
of Dover, and our short sea-crossing to Calais in France. Over the border
we drive through the Belgian countryside to Brussels. After a welcome
drink with our Tour Director, an orientation tour of the city shows
us the main sights plus the beautiful Grand' Place.
 Day
2 Brussels – Rhine Cruise – Heidelberg – Rhineland (Karlsruhe)
Our day begins with a drive to Cologne to see its Cathedral. Then via
Bonn to Boppard where we board for our scenic Rhine cruise past castles
and ancient vineyards before disembarking at St. Goar. Next, on to Heidelberg
where our Tour Director takes us to visit the courtyards of the ancient
Castle, its fascinating wine cellar with its giant wine-barrel and finally
to the castle terrace with amazing views over this baroque city. Later,
off to our Rhineland hotel. (BB D)
Day 3 Rhineland (Karlsruhe) Munich – Innsbruck
A morning drive through the Swabian Uplands to Munich. Here orientation
includes the Olympic Stadium and Marienplatz. Then we head to Austria
and mountain-ringed Innsbruck. On our arrival an orientation tour includes
the famous Golden Roof and Hofburg Palace. After dinner, maybe try a
yodel at a Tyrolean Folklore show. (BB D)
Day 4 Innsbruck – Salzburg
– Vienna (2)
This morning we visit the Wilten Basilica before a drive through the
Tyrol region and a section of Germany to Salzburg. Here our sightseeing
tour on foot highlights Mozart's birthplace and the Cathedral Square.
Later, we journey through spectacular Alpine scenery en route to the
Austrian capital, Imperial Vienna, for two nights. (BB)
Day 5 Vienna sightseeing and at
leisure
Morning sightseeing shows us highlights of this elegant city. We'll
see the Opera, the Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Parliament,
and the Imperial Boulevards. The rest of your day is free to relax at
a coffee house or sightsee and shop along the fashionable Kärntnerstrasse.
(BB)
Day 6 Vienna – Venice (Mestre)
(2)
We journey south across the Austrian Alps past forested mountains, rushing
streams and small market towns to the Austrian Lake District and Italy's
border. The Carnian Alps give way to the plains of Northern Italy on
our approach to the magical city of Venice for our two-night stay. (BB
D)
Day 7 Venice sightseeing and at
leisure
This morning we savour the sights and sounds of this serene Byzantine
city on a canal cruise by motor launch to St. Mark's Square, viewing
the Bridge of Sighs. Then, after visiting a traditional glass-blowing
factory, you're free to explore or take a trip to the island of Burano
and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. (BB D)
Day 8 Venice (Mestre) – Verona
– Milan
Today's drive takes us across the Veneto Plains, stopping in Verona
to see the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony. From here we will continue
through Lombardy en route to Milan. Here an orientation tour shows us
the gothic Cathedral, 'La Scala' Opera House and the beautiful Galleria.
Tonight we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. (BB) (HD)
Day 9 Milan – Lugano – Lucerne
This morning we enjoy a full day of marvellous scenery as we drive via
Lake Lugano continuing through the St. Gotthard route and across the
Alps to Lucerne. On our arrival an orientation tour includes a visit
to the famed Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge. Later, why not enjoy
a leisurely stroll in the narrow streets of the medieval Old Town? Tonight
dinner is at our hotel. (BB D)
Day 10 Lucerne – Paris (2)
This morning, we descend from the Alps to the French border and continue
through wine-producing Burgundy to view the ancient vineyards at Savigny-Lès
Beaune. From here our journey brings us to lively Paris for the next
two nights. This evening, this vibrant and romantic city beckons. (BB)
 Day
11 Paris sightseeing and at leisure
Our morning guided sightseeing tour features an included Seine cruise
that highlights the flying buttresses of Notre Dame Cathedral and the
Pont Alexandre III. We also drive from the Place de la Concorde along
the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe and then to the Eiffel
Tower where we ascend to the second level by elevator for spectacular
views over the city. Later, perhaps shop for next year's fashions or
relax in a café. This evening, why not enjoy dinner in Montmartre
or a Left Bank bistro? (BB)
Day 12 Paris – London
After breakfast it's 'au revoir' Paris as we cross the Somme Battlefields
into northern France. We continue past the Canadian War Memorial at
Vimy Ridge and along the Opal Coast with remnants of German World War
II bunkers. From here we arrive in Calais, to board our ferry to Dover,
returning by coach to London. (BB)
|
