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European Flair

Operated by: Insight Vacations

12 Days from $3,308 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Gondola in the canal with bridge, Venice, Italy

Countries Visited

England, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Vatican City ...more England, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Vatican City

Locations Visited

London, Amsterdam, Wurzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Prague, Salzburg, Venice, Rome, Vatican, Vatican Museums ...more London, Amsterdam, Wurzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Prague, Salzburg, Venice, Rome, Vatican, Vatican Museums
  1. Day 1 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 Park Plaza Victoria, London.
  2. Day 2 Depart from London by Eurostar and onto Amsterdam

    Meet your Travel Director at 07:00 and transfer to London's St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you through the Channel Tunnel en route to Amsterdam. Later, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests as you cruise along some of the 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.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Hilton Amsterdam.
  3. Day 3 Onto Würzburg

    Cross into Germany, through the Rhine Valley and into Würzburg, to see the mighty Marienburg Fortress. With a Local Expert, visit the imposing Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at intricate decorations and lavish staterooms boasting with French, Austrian and Venetian influences.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Maritim Hotel Würzburg.
  4. Day 4 Rothenburg and Golden Prague Relaxed Start

    In the morning venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most well-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Continue east to the Czech border, passing the town of Pilsen renowned for its beer, to reach the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, perhaps take a river cruise through the heart of the city?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel NH Collection Prague City.
  5. Day 5 Prague, City of a Hundred Spires

    Explore Prague with Insight Choice. Choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walk through the Jewish Quarter to learn about a different side of the history of Prague and taste Tredlník, traditional chimney cakes. Then, the city is all yours to explore. Perhaps rummage through the renowned antique stores or shop for the finest Bohemian crystal? In the evening, why not enjoy an Optional Experience in the Czech countryside?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel NH Collection Prague City.
  6. Day 6 Salzburg, City of Mozart Relaxed Start

    Journey through the Czech Republic and 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. In the evening for your Farm-to-Table dining experience, dine at a local organic farm in an old barn or courtyard. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of farm life as you savour the taste of homemade dishes and locally made cider.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg.
  7. Day 7 The Tauern Mountains to Venice Relaxed Start

    Enjoy a leisurely morning in Salzburg to shop for local marzipan specialties. 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. Continue to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic, where your hotel is perfectly located in one of the quietest peaceful and authentic Venetian districts.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
  8. Day 8 Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start

    Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre. Take a private cruise 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. 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?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
  9. Day 9 Onto 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.Enjoy a Celebration Dinner with Italian wines accompanied by your newfound companions.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome.
  10. Day 10 Rome with the locals Relaxed Start

    Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and pizzazz, and your morning walking tour with a Local Expert 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?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome.
  11. Day 11 The Vatican

    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 priority entry to avoid the crowds and gives you 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. The rest of the day is at your leisure; perhaps shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome.
  12. Day 12 Arrivederci Roma

    Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.

    meals Breakfast
European Flair Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Prague: Stroll through the Jewish Quarter with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Prague, and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry.
  • Prague: Visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral and explore the atmospheric courtyards of the historic Prague Castle with your Local Expert.

Authentic Dining

  • Amsterdam: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam for a delightful Welcome Dinner, served with wine.
  • Salzburg: Relish in the authentic experience of farm-to-table dining.
  • Rome: Savour a four-course Celebration Dinner complete with wine, to the rich tremolo of some of Italy's best loved opera.

Insight Experiences

  • Vatican: Gain priority access into the Vatican Museums and admire the famous Bramante Staircase. Witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and view the splendid dome of St. Peter's Basilica.

Make Travel Matter

  • Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft.  The workshop advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Top Rated Highlights

  • London: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train as you journey from London to Europe via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel.
  • Amsterdam: Cruise along the old waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
  • Wurzburg: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Würzburg Residence with a Local Expert.
  • Wurzburg: Stand on the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke and see the Marienburg fortress.
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the best-preserved medieval town in Germany and a truly enchanting destination. Step back in time and explore the city walls, towers, and gates around the old town as well as the old town itself.
  • Prague: Stroll through the Jewish Quarter with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Prague, and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry.
  • Prague: Visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral and explore the atmospheric courtyards of the historic Prague Castle with your Local Expert.
  • Salzburg: Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.
  • Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
  • Rome: During your orientation with you Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
  • Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you through vibrant backstreets, showing you how modern life takes place around ancient treasures.

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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May 2023
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Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Prague

Available on Day 3

Prague by Night

A wonderful introduction to the “Golden City”. Begin with spectacular views over Prague and the Vlatava River from the heights of the Strahov Monastery. Now with your Local Expert explore the narrow cobbled lanes of 'Mala Strana' the lesser town. Join the locals for a glass of pilsner or wine in one of Prague's famous beer pubs, and enjoy a walk on the Charles Bridge. Finally have your cameras ready as we cruise by private boat along the 'Devil's Canal' and the Vltava River.
Adult Price: € 53
Note: Occasionally this optional experience may be operated without the river cruise at EURO 33.

Available on Day 4

Traditional Dinner & Folklore Entertainment

Hearty and delicious, Czech cuisine borrows heavily from its Central European neighbours, but also boasts a few unique twists of its own. In a local restaurant, enjoy a traditional Czech meal accompanied by the planet's most perfect pilsner. During dinner, lively musicians in traditional dress set the mood with songs and dances from Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia.
Adult Price: € 61

Salzburg

Available on Day 6

Eagle's Nest & The Bavarian Alps

Drive over the German border, past picturesque farmhouses and villages to Obersalzberg. Nearly 75 years ago, this small mountain paradise was the summer playground for top Nazi brass. Here we will transfer to special coaches for the scenic drive up the mountain to Hitler's notorious "Eagle's Nest". Used as a restaurant since the 50's, there are splendid views through the arches up to the 'Hohen Goll' and across the snow capped peaks.
Adult Price: € 68
Note: This optional is weather dependent and subject to seasonal closures, therefore it may not be available on all departures.

Venice

Available on Day 6

Gondolas & the Grand Canal

Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice's dreamy, narrow waterways.
Adult Price: € 79

Available on Day 6

The Sound Of Music

Move over Mozart! Salzburg's other claim to melodic fame is that it's the setting for story of the Von Trapp Family, made into one of the most successful musicals of all time. Do-re-minisce and relive scenes from 'The Sound of Music' with our Local Expert at various sites around the city, including Maria’s Monastery and St Peter’s Cemetery.
Adult Price: € 29

Available on Day 7

Burano Excursion & Meal

Leave the hustle of St Mark's Square behind on a delightful private cruise around the islands of the Venetian lagoon. Alight at the island of Burano, a photographer's paradise, famous for its candy coloured houses, artisan lace makers and leaning bell tower that would give Pisa a good run for its money. Enjoy a superb meal sampling the local specialities with wine included. An excursion not to be missed!
Adult Price: € 72

Available on Day 7

Hidden Venice

To only experience Venice's big set pieces - St Mark's Square; the Rialto; the Grand Canal - is to miss out on a hidden world full of surprises! Join a Local Expert for a fascinating walk through some of the lesser known quarters of Venice. The back lanes and ‘campi’, small squares, where tourists seldom tread are full of history and great places to sample local life.
Adult Price: € 34

Rome

Available on Day 8

Rome By Night - Illuminations Drive

Join your Travel Director for a classic journey through one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Rome by night is a vision with its ancient monuments, classical buildings, palaces and churches beautifully illuminated against the evening sky. A wonderful introduction to the Eternal City!
Adult Price: € 19

Available on Day 9

Guided Visit to the Colosseum

With our Local Expert, step back in time to explore the glorious history of the Roman Empire. Admire the Arch of Constantine and tread in the footsteps of Gladiators and Roman Soldiers. Enjoy priority reserved entrance ahead of the crowds and once inside the mighty Colosseum hear tales of deadly gladiatorial combat and the mighty Roman Empire.
Adult Price: € 53
Note: This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.,

Available on Day 9

Roman Dinner Party

Enjoy an evening of delicious Roman cuisine with drinks and a great Italian ambiance.
Adult Price: € 62

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Alicia Vargas
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Service
Michele Gumringer was very efficient and professional. She was very prompt in answering any questions we may have had. We definitely look forward to working with her again
Vacation
My husband and I participated in the Eureopean Flair tour early this Oct. The tour was well planned and executed for the most part. There was one glaring exception: while in Venice, the Tour Director, BobWillemse, led us thru and are between two buildings to ge to a boat dock. Unfortunately, the area had no lighting whatsoever and we were not cautioned by Bob to be careful walking. I tripped and fell over a low marble step that was protruding from one of the buildings. Everyone in the group expressed dismay (except Bob) and all were very helpful. My back had been giving me problems prior to the fall so it became very painful to walk long distances at a brisk pace. Bob was asked to slow down and he would at the start, but then would resume his brisk pace. I finally advised him I could not participate in any of the guided tours or scheduled events that required long walking distances from to to the bus. Other members of the tour also spoke to Bob about slowing down the pace as they felt they were missing photo opportunities. B ob never did inquire about my injuries from the fall other than to say he was shocked Could not keep up with the group.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are deeply saddened to hear about this. We apologize for the lack of empathy on behalf of your Travel Director and will address this specifically with his superiors. Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. We hope that you were able to come home with some happy memories despite this terrible incident in Venice.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
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