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Day 1 London – Paris (2)
Greetings from our Tour Director as we drive to the coast. Admire the
White Cliffs of Dover before our 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?
Day 2 Paris sightseeing and at leisure
With a local guide our sightseeing tour features a drive along the Champs
Elysées from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe,
a Seine cruise highlighting monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral.
We also ascend the Eiffel Tower to the second level by elevator for
stunning views over the city. Then free time to perhaps take an excursion
to the Palace at Versailles or 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! (BB)
Day 3 Paris – Lucerne
We head into France and through wine-producing Burgundy to medieval
Beaune. Then across the remains of wartime defenses, passing the Maginot
Line near Belfort. Next into Switzerland at Basel for our first picture-book
views of chalets on the approach to the Alps and lakeside Lucerne. (BB
D)
Day 4 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. Next
our journey takes us along the St. Gotthard route, through Alpine scenery
and the Italian Lake District en route to fashionable Milan. Tonight,
we enjoy a dinner of local specialities in a downtown restaurant. (BB)
(HD)
Day 5 Milan – Rome (2)
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? (BB)
Day 6 Rome sightseeing and 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 maybe shop, visit the Sistine Chapel or relax
in a sidewalk café. (BB)
Day 7 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 visits the Santa Croce
Basilica. The rest of the day is free to shop, or walk along the River
Arno to the Ponte Vecchio. (BB D)
Day 8 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. (BB D)
Day 9 Venice (Mestre) – Verona
– 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? (BB D)
Day 10 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. (BB D)
 Day
11 Rhineland – Rhine Cruise – Amsterdam
We embark by the Lorelei Rock in St. Goar for a Rhine cruise gliding
past medieval castles and terraced vineyards. We will 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. (BB)
Day 12 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.
(BB)
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