Overview

1. Day 1: Your Journey Begins

   Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included).

2. Day 2: Welcome to London

   Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

   hotel:Amba Hotel Marble Arch, London

3. Day 3: Depart London and on to Amsterdam

   In the morning meet your Travel Director and transfer to London's St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you via the historic Channel Tunnel. Later, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception. Mingle and get to know your fellow travelers as you cruise along some of the many quaint, tree-lined canals, to explore the heart of the Old City, before enjoying a pleasant evening of dinner and wine at a local restaurant.

   meal(s):BB, DW

   hotel:Hilton Amsterdam

4. Day 4: Legends along the Rhine and into Würzburg.

   Cross in to Germany and head for the romantic Rhine Gorge. Visit a castle set upon the Rhine for a private estate viewing with the owner. Unlock the secrets of Rhineland's modern kings and queens as you learn the history of the castle and surrounding area. Continue to Würzburg, where there is time to stroll through the heart of the Old Town and down to the Alte Mainbrücke, the 16th century bridge over the River Main, adorned with sandstone statues. From here, admire the city at night and appreciate the mighty Marienburg Fortress on the opposite side of the river.

   meal(s):BB

   hotel:Maritim Hotel, Wurzburg

5. Day 5: Rothenburg and Golden Prague

   In the morning, see the Residenz Palace – the immense baroque palace of the Prince Bishops and one of the most important landmarks in Germany. Venture to Rothenburg-ob-der Tauber, the most well-preserved town on the Romantic Road. With an artisan baker, enjoy a demonstration and learn the history of the traditional pastry Schneeballen (snowball), followed by a tasting. Continue east to the Czech border. Pass through the town of Pilsen, renowned for its beer before reaching the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, perhaps take a river cruise through the heart of the city?

   meal(s):BB, DW

   hotel:pentahotel, Prague

6. Day 6: Prague, City of a Hundred Spires

   Join a Local Expert in the morning for guided sightseeing of one of the most beautiful and intact historical centers in Europe. Start with the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle, to admire the stained glass of St. Vitus Cathedral and enjoy amazing views over the Old Town. Finish in the Old Town Square where the mechanical antics of the Astronomical Clock’s glockenspiel that delights onlookers each hour. Then, the city is all yours to explore with the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps you may choose to rummage through the renowned antique shops or shop for the finest Bohemian crystal?

   meal(s):BB

   hotel:pentahotel, Prague

7. Day 7: Salzburg, City of Mozart

   Journey through the Czech Republic to picturesque Český Krumlov. Your Travel Director introduces you to the town before free time to explore this fairytale vision from the Middle Ages, nestled amid a loop in the Vltava River. Wander through the cobblestone, traffic-free streets and pass colorful houses that lead up to the finest castle in the land. Continue south, over the Austrian border and onto Salzburg, the city of Mozart and the ‘Sound of Music.' A Local Expert shows you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace which includes the fountains and statues where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed. Later see Residence Square and its fountain, where Maria sings 'I Have Confidence'. Witness the imposing fortress, immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. Relish in the authentic experience of Farm-to-Table dining.

   meal(s):BB, DW

   hotel:ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg

8. Day 8: Tauern Mountains to Venice

   Enjoy a leisurely morning in Salzburg to shop for local marzipan specialties or seek out locations from the 'Sound of Music.' Perhaps take the opportunity to marvel at impressive views atop Kehlsteinhaus - the Eagle's Nest - a unique example of historic architecture in a stunning alpine setting? Later, stunning scenery surrounds you as you travel down the Tauern Mountains to cross the Italian border. Among the hills of Conegliano Veneto, stop at a local winery where meticulous viticulture and manual harvesting, produce excellent prosecco. Savor a tasting of these luxurious sparkling wines and discover how to make the perfect Bellini. Continue to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic, where your hotel is perfectly located in a quiet area full of quaint charm.

   meal(s):BB

   hotel:Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice

9. Day 9: Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima

   Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts center. Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square where the city's former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St. Mark's Basilica. Admire the Doge's Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. A highlight is meeting a gondolier to learn about the age-old tradition of gondola navigation. With the rest of the day free, why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?

   meal(s):BB

   hotel:Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice

10. Day 10: On to the Eternal City of Rome

    Head into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria. Your journey continues as you follow the course of the Tiber to your hotel in the Eternal City of Rome.

    meal(s):BB

    hotel:Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome

11. Day 11: Rome with the locals

    Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and pizzazz, and your walking tour in the morning includes this in abundance. Toss a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain and see the best-preserved monument from the Roman period - the Pantheon, before enjoying free time to do as the Romans do, in Piazza Navona. Perhaps join a tour inside the Colosseum, the scene of many gladiatorial contests, and see the Roman Forum? 

    meal(s):BB

    hotel:Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome

12. Day 12: VIP Vatican and Florence

    Start the day with your Local Expert they introduce you to the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Insight provides special VIP entry to avoid the crowds and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general public. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter's Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. Your travels continue with a drive to the Chianti Hills, to arrive at the city of Florence. A Local Expert will accompany you to the Duomo, where the Gates of Paradise adorn the baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city. Lined with fountains and statues, it acts as an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Take time to gaze at Neptune and David as you explore the historic city center.

    meal(s):BB

    hotel:Hotel Londra, Florence

13. Day 13: The Cinque Terre and Italian Riviera

    The famous Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre are a highlight of your journey. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. Spend time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. Return by train to your resort in Rapallo. Spend your last night in Italy indulging in a family-style dinner with authentic, home-made cuisine at a trattoria, where fresh ingredients are prepared to traditional recipes.   

    meal(s):BB, DW

    hotel:Grand Hotel Bristol, Rapallo

14. Day 14: Across the Alps to Lucerne

    Pass Milan as you head north for the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world. Travel alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, down to scenic Lake Lucerne. Tonight, enjoy a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.

    meal(s):BB, DW

    hotel:Hotel Astoria, Lucerne

15. Day 15: Lucerne's Lakes, Moutains and Lion

    In the morning, embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn, where you will meet a Swiss Ranger and learn about the local wildlife. Take in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Upon return to Lucerne, see the town'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. Then, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit church. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for fine watches and delectable chocolates. 

    meal(s):BB

    hotel:Hotel Astoria, Lucerne

16. Day 16: Sights and Delights of Paris

    In the morning, travel through France to the City of Light. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. With the evening free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Why not visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows?

    meal(s):BB

    hotel:Le Meridien Etoile, Paris

17. Day 17: Food and Flavors of Paris

    Meet an avid foodie and explore neighborhoods where Parisians go about their daily lives. In small groups, indulge in local delicacies in a pâtisserie, boulangerie, fromagerie and chocolatier. With the afternoon free, perhaps venture to the Bohemian quarter and artist's retreat of Montmartre? In the evening, you will adore your Celebration Dinner, accompanied by delicious French wines, at a local favorite very popular among the locals.

    meal(s):BB, DW

    hotel:Le Meridien Etoile, Paris

18. Day 18: Au Revoir Paris

    Your discovery of Europe comes to an end after breakfast. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 and 11:00.

    meal(s):BB