European Highlights
10 Days from $2,161 per person
From the White Cliffs of Dover to the lush Burgundy vineyards of France, delve into the mesmerizing landscapes of Europe - its rich heritage and distinctive flavors yours to share with new friends. Explore Amsterdam from its labyrinthine canals, soak up Lucerne's fresh Alpine air, and say bienvenue to the sophistication and splendor of Paris.
Overview
From the White Cliffs of Dover to the lush Burgundy vineyards of France, delve into the mesmerizing landscapes of Europe - its rich heritage and distinctive flavors yours to share with new friends. Explore Amsterdam from its labyrinthine canals, soak up Lucerne's fresh Alpine air, and say bienvenue to the sophistication and splendor of Paris.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included).
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Day 2: Arrive London (2 Nights)
After checking into your hotel, the rest of your day is free to relax or start to explore this exciting capital city.
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Day 3: London Sightseeing and Free Time
Many major sights are included on your morning guided sightseeing tour, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace with a Local Specialist. Your sightseeing tour will finish in central London, so the rest of the day is yours to discover more of the city, or perhaps make time for some last minute shopping.
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Day 4: London - Amsterdam
Meet your Travel Director this morning before leaving London. See the White Cliffs of Dover as you board your ferry to Calais. Travel through Belgium and later arrive in Amsterdam. Enjoy an orientation of the historic city centre followed by a Welcome Reception on a scenic canal cruise including a light dinner and welcome drinks.
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Day 5: Amsterdam - Rhine Cruise - Heidelberg
Travel across the German border to the Rhine Valley. Relax as you cruise along the River Rhine past terraced vineyards and medieval castles to St. Goar. Pass the famous Lorelei Rock, named after a mermaid who lured fishermen to their deaths with her mesmerising song. In Heidelberg view the red sandstone castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, which towers above Germany's oldest university town.
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Day 6: Heidelberg - Scahffhausen - Lucerne (2 Nights)
Drive into the enchanting Black Forest and stop for a Cultural Insight cuckoo clock making demonstration. Visit the dramatic Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen, the largest waterfall in Europe. Arrive later in Switzerland with its alpine scenery and enjoy magnificent views across Lake Lucerne.
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Day 7: Lucerne Orientation
Walk across the 14th century Chapel Bridge on your morning orientation. Visit the solemn Lion Monument, commemorating the Massacre of the Swiss Guards in 1792. Spend the afternoon shopping in the old town for Swiss souvenirs and chocolates. Consider an Optional Experience up a local mountain for panoramic views and enjoy the fresh Alpine air by taking a leisurely walk beside the beautiful lake.
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Day 8: Lucerne - Burgundy Wine Region - Paris (2 Nights)
See the changing landscape as you travel into France through Alsace and across the Maginot Line. Continue through the Burgundy countryside − one of the country's main wine-producing regions, famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varieties. This evening you may decide to take an Optional Experience to enjoy a famous Parisian Cabaret.
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Day 9: Paris Sightseeing
Your Local Specialist shows you the sights including views of the Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the magnificent Opera House, designed by Charles Garnier and opened in 1875. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower by elevator and view the city in all its glory. Spend the afternoon as you wish. Perhaps take an Optional Experience to visit the Palace of Versailles. Celebrate in the evening with your fellow travelers at a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.
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Day 10: Depart Paris
Today it's time to say ‘au revoir’ to your fellow travelers and Travel Director. An airport transfer is available. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
- Festive Celebrations
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jun 18 | 10 Jun 18 |
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$2,595$2,465pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 8 Jun 18 | 17 Jun 18 |
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$2,595pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 6 Jul 18 | 15 Jul 18 |
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$2,625$2,494pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 20 Jul 18 | 29 Jul 18 |
|
$2,625$2,494pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 27 Jul 18 | 5 Aug 18 |
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$2,625$2,494pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 3 Aug 18 | 12 Aug 18 |
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$2,625$2,494pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 17 Aug 18 | 26 Aug 18 |
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$2,625$2,494pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 7 Sep 18 | 16 Sep 18 |
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$2,625$2,494pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 21 Sep 18 | 30 Sep 18 |
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$2,625$2,494pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
2 Nov 18 | 11 Nov 18 | $2,325$2,209pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
16 Nov 18 | 25 Nov 18 | $2,325$2,209pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
30 Nov 18 | 9 Dec 18 | $2,325$2,209pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
14 Dec 18 | 23 Dec 18 | $2,325$2,209pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Festive Celebrations Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
20 Dec 18 | 29 Dec 18 | $2,495$2,370pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Festive Celebrations Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
25 Dec 18 | 3 Jan 19 |
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$2,550$2,423pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | |
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
11 Jan 19 | 20 Jan 19 | $2,275$2,161pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
25 Jan 19 | 3 Feb 19 | $2,275$2,161pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
8 Feb 19 | 17 Feb 19 | $2,275$2,161pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
22 Feb 19 | 3 Mar 19 | $2,325$2,209pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
8 Mar 19 | 17 Mar 19 | $2,325$2,209pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
22 Mar 19 | 31 Mar 19 | $2,325$2,209pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure |
5 Apr 19 | 14 Apr 19 | $2,425$2,304pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now |
- Festive Celebrations: Christmas and/or New Year Celebrations have been arranged for these departures.
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Autumn Winter Spring Departure: Please note, these departures are subject to change in price, discount and hotel.
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a room.
Single Room Supplement: from $560 p.p.
Triple Room Discount: up to $40 p.p.
Shared Rooming: Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Airport Transfers: A return transfer on the last day will arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 8:00 am.
Gratuities : Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver, $68 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Frequent Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the price of the vacation.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
11 meals: 8 Buffet Breakfasts, 2 Dinners (including Be My Guest) with local wine, 1 dinner.
Included Highlights
Cultural Insight
- Watch as skilled craftsman capture the distinctive sound of the cuckoo demonstrating the centuries’ old craft of clock making in the Black Forest
Be My Guest
- Go Dutch and share a gezellig dinner, savoring delicious local cheeses, with the Pauw family on their dairy farm near Amsterdam
Authentic Accommodations
- Enjoy the elegance of yesteryear and sweeping lake vistas at the Grand Hotel Europe in Lucerne, where warm Swiss hospitality and a grand past spanning over a century guarantee an unforgettable stay
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in London and Paris
- Orientation of Amsterdam and Lucerne
- Visit the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen
- The Lion Monument in Lucerne
- The Eiffel Tower in Paris
- Cruise along the canals of Amsterdam
- The River Rhine
- View the White Cliffs of Dover
- the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne and the Champs Élysées
- Arc de Triomphe and Opera House in Paris
- See the Lorelei Rock
- Vineyards of Burgundy
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Mount Pilatus And Lake Cruise
A series of cable cars will take us gradually up through the fields and forests to the summit of Lucerne's most well-known mountain. Here you have time to explore, write a postcard, and breathe in the fresh mountain air, before we descend by cable car once more. A cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne will complement this experience.
Adult Price: FR.112.00
Swiss Countryside & Carriages
A chance to get to know the Swiss, you’ll meet local farmers and enjoy a delightful countryside tour in horse drawn carriages. Soak up the stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a working farm where you’ll savour local drinks and snacks.
Adult Price: FR.67.00
Moulin Rouge Cabaret And Dinner
Enjoy dinner and cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world-famous Moulin Rouge – the original Paris cabaret. Immortalized by the award-winning film of the same name, this Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!
Adult Price: €162.00
Seine Cruise And Paris Illuminations
Paris at night is a city transformed. Enjoy this superb 'City of Light' on a leisurely cruise along the River Seine. Afterwards, as we drive through this amazing city, we’ll stop at some vantage points for you to capture the fascinating sights on camera. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
Adult Price: €38.00
Versailles Palace And Gardens
Built for the Sun King, Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles was the envy of every European ruler. Your Local Specialist will take you through the State apartments and famous Hall of Mirrors, with free time to stroll the symmetrical tree-lined gardens. Please note: this optional is subject to availability.
Adult Price: €65.00
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens traveling to Europe must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering countries in the Schengen Area, and the UK.
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Currency
The currency for most countries you will visit in Europe is the Euro (€). Several exceptions apply including the Pound (£) in Great Britain, Scotland and the Swiss Franc (CHF) in Switzerland.
While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
English specialties include fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, sausages, stilton cheese, and scones with clotted cream. Culinary experiences to not to miss include a traditional pub meal, afternoon tea, and full English breakfast.
Traditional German cuisine is rich and delicious. Try specialties including a variety of bratwurst with sauerkraut, cold cuts, spätzle and potato dumplings. For dessert you cannot miss the world famous Black Forest Gateau. Beer is a big part of German culture; sample a variety of German offerings including pilsner, Kölsch and sour beers. In Frankfurt, try the local cider (Apfelwein). Wine is also popular throughout Germany, and world-class whites are produced in the Rhine and Mosel regions.
Dutch cuisine is simple and rustic. You might like to try specialties such as rookworst (smoked sausage), kibbeling (fried fish), and pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes). And, if you’re feeling adventurous you can try local raw herring prepared with onions and gherkins. For something sweet, try stroopwafels, a delicious chewy cookie made with two thin layers of waffle and sticky syrup filling.
The French have an ongoing love affair with food and wine. Meals are lovingly prepared and consumed leisurely through a bevy of appetizers and main courses, usually accompanied by a number of wines. Boeuf bourgignon (beef stew with wine, herbs and vegetables), coq au vin (chicken cooked with bacon in a white wine and herb sauce) and bouillabaisse (fish stew) are featured on many menus. Cheese lovers will not be disappointed with hundreds of varieties to choose from. And no visit would be complete without a visit to a pâtisserie, with its delicate pastries you will definitely be tempted.
Swiss cuisine is a flavorful blend of German, Italian, and French influences and a wide variety of regional offerings. Specialty dishes include fondue and raclette (cheese dipping dishes), sausages and rösti (fried potato), bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and fondue bourguigon (cubes of steak with various sauces). Swiss pastries and desserts are excellent. There are also spirits made from fruit; the most popular are Kirsch, Pflümli and Williamine. And don’t miss out on the world-class selection of Swiss chocolate.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. A few important items to bring include sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket with a hood. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Tipping through-out Europe is less common or generous than it is in the United States. Some countries will add a service charge of up to 15%, so be sure to check your bill before leaving extra. In most places it is appropriate to leave a few euros or between 5% and 10% for exceptional service. Keep in mind you will likely want to leave cash on the table to ensure your server receives it.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
