European Impressions
17 Days from $2,525 per person
The birthplaces of arts, culture and history are on show in this discovery of Europe's Renaissance masterpieces, from the spires of Cologne and Vienna's Baroque Opera House, to St. Peter's Basilica and the magnificent Doge's Palace in Venice.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
The birthplaces of arts, culture and history are on show in this discovery of Europe's Renaissance masterpieces, from the spires of Cologne and Vienna's Baroque Opera House, to St. Peter's Basilica and the magnificent Doge's Palace in Venice.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Arrive London
Welcome to London. Relax and unwind after check-in.
*Local Host is with you during your stay in London. Your Travel Director will join you on Day 3.
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Day 2: London Free Time
Spend the day exploring the sights and delights of this wonderful city on your own.
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Day 3: London – Amsterdam
This morning meet your Travel Director and traveling companions to board your CostSaver coach and set off from London. A scenic drive through Kent brings you to Dover. See the White Cliffs as you board the ferry and cross to Calais, France. Admire the countryside as you traverse Belgium and The Netherlands. In Amsterdam, one of Europe's friendliest cities, enjoy an orientation of the historic city center. Later you might like to take a canal cruise in a glass covered boat – it's a great way to see the city.
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Day 4: Amsterdam – Cologne – Rhine Cruise – Rhineland
Pass Arnhem into Germany and view Cologne Cathedral, the city's most famous landmark. Continue past Bonn to Boppard where you embark on a relaxing cruise along the River Rhine past ancient castles and vineyards. Disembark at St. Goar where you view the Lorelei Rock and hear the legend of the fabled siren. Dine tonight at your Rhineland hotel.
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Day 5: Rhineland – Fern Pass – Innsbruck
Head south into the region of Bavaria. Glimpse Neuschwanstein Castle built by King Ludwig II, before taking the scenic Fern Pass into Austria. In the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, see the sights including the Golden Roof and St. Jakob's cathedral.
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Day 6: Innsbruck – Salzburg – Vienna
Explore the splendors of Salzburg renowned for the city's most famous son Mozart and film location for ‘The Sound of Music'. Your scenic journey continues towards the River Danube, arriving later in the elegant city of Vienna.
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Day 7: Vienna Sightseeing and Free Time
Your Local Specialist shows you the city's important landmarks including the Opera House, the Hofburg, Parliament and the Imperial Boulevards. Spend free time afterwards sightseeing or shop for souvenirs on the fashionable Kärtnerstrasse.
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Day 8: Vienna – Venice
Journey through mountains and small picturesque towns to the Austrian Lake District. Cross the Italian border and arrive later in Venice, your home for the next two nights.
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Day 9: Venice Orientation and Free Time
Watch Venetian craftsmen at work creating local craft at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca island. Discover this Byzantine city as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square. Admire the Bridge of Sighs and the ornate Doge's Palace.
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Day 10: Venice – Rome
Admire the scenery as you cross the fertile Po plain and journey over the dramatic Apennine Mountains to Rome, the Eternal City. This evening, you might like to explore the city's vibrant nightlife.
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Day 11: Rome Sightseeing and Free Time
Your Local Specialist takes you on a visit of St. Peter's Basilica to see Michelangelo's sculpture, the Pietà. Your sightseeing tour continues across the Tiber where you will view the Colosseum and see the ancient sites of Rome. In your free time visit the magnificent Sistine Chapel or relax at a sidewalk café on Via Del Corso and watch the world go by.
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Day 12: Rome – Florence
Drive through Tuscany's Chianti region to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Enjoy spectacular views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. In your free time visit Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Giotto's Bell Tower. Learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft.
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Day 13: Florence – Lucerne Region
North from Florence via Bologna and Milan and across the Swiss border, you travel through beautiful, ever-changing scenery. See picturesque Lake Lugano, then take the famous St. Gotthard route through the Alps to Lake Lucerne. Later, why not experience a Swiss folklore and fondue evening?
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Day 14: Lucerne Orientation and Free Time
See the highlights of Lucerne this morning on your orientation tour including the medieval Old Town and a visit to the renowned Lion Monument. Spend free time afterwards relaxing or perhaps take an Optional Experience up a nearby mountain for breathtaking views.
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Day 15: Lucerne Region – Paris
Travel west across the French border, and through the Burgundy wine region, with views of the vineyards. Arrive later in the capital Paris.
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Day 16: Paris Orientation and Free Time
This morning see the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and more on your orientation. Explore on your own afterwards. Stroll along the banks of the Seine or visit one of the city's world-class museums. Tonight why not celebrate the end of your journey with a traditional Parisian cabaret?
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Day 17: Depart Paris
After breakfast say farewell to your fellow travelers. A return transfer will arrive at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport at 8 am. 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
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Jun 19 | 7 Jul 19 |
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$2,850pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 12 Jul 19 | 28 Jul 19 |
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$2,850pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 23 Aug 19 | 8 Sep 19 | $2,575pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 6 Sep 19 | 22 Sep 19 | $2,875pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 13 Sep 19 | 29 Sep 19 | $2,875pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 20 Sep 19 | 6 Oct 19 | $2,875pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 4 Oct 19 | 20 Oct 19 | $3,225pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 17 Dec 19 | 2 Jan 20 | $2,525pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $720 per person
Triple Room Discount: $10 per person
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $146 per person
Airport Transfers: A return transfer on the last day will arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 8 am.
Luggage & Porterage: Guests should not take any more than 50 pounds in their luggage as the Netherlands' government has approved a new law for health and safety regulations that restricts employees from carrying any luggage heavier than 50 pounds. Guests would need to carry their own luggage if it exceeds this limit.
Complimentary London Return: Guests are welcome to return to London by motor coach at no extra cost. Additional accommodations will be required as arrival in London will be late afternoon/early evening. Please speak to your Travel Specialist about this at time of booking.
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.
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Breakfast Daily
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Personal Flight Options
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
20 meals: 1 Full breakfast, 15 Buffet breakfasts, 4 Three-course dinners.
Sightseeing Experiences
- Dover See the White Cliffs
- Amsterdam See the historic city center
- Cologne View the Gothic cathedral
- Rhine Valley Cruise the romantic Rhine
- Innsbruck View the Golden Roof and the Hofburg Palace
- Salzburg Visit the Baroque town of Mozart's birth
- Vienna Sightseeing with your Local Specialist features the Opera House, Hofburg, Parliament and the Imperial Boulevards
- Venice Cruise by private boat to St. Mark's Square. Visit a traditional glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island
- Rome Morning sightseeing with your Local Specialist. Visit St. Peter's Basilica. View the Colosseum and see the ancient sites
- Florence Panoramic city views from Piazzale Michelangelo. See Piazza Santa Croce
- Lugano See this magnificent Swiss lake
- Lucerne Orientation includes the Lion Monument and the Old Town
- Paris Sightseeing includes views of the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower
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.
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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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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 or 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 Northern Ireland 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.
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.
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.
In Austria you’ll find hearty cuisine, but nothing beats the desserts. Try delicious treats like Viennese Sachertorte (dense chocolate cake) and apple strudel.
While Italy is most famous for pizza and pasta, few travelers are aware of just how varied the country’s culinary offering actually are. Traditionally, lunch (pranzo) is the most substantial meal of the day. A full meal consists of antipasto (starter), a primo piatto (pasta, rice or soup), a secondo piatto (meat or fish) with a side, or contorno (vegetable or salad), then frutta (fresh fruit). Finish with espresso and maybe a limoncello or grappa. Wine is usually served with the meal, accompanied by mineral water.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam Discovery And Canal Cruise
Absolutely the best way to see Amsterdam’s wonderful sights! A private cruise by glass-roofed boat travels the historic canal ring, showing imposing warehouses, stately merchant homes, houseboats & bridges. Then, on foot with our Local Specialist, explore the heart of the city, including the not-to-be-missed coffeehouses and shop-windows of the Red Light District!
Adult Price: €39
Vienna
Dinner And Viennese Concert
A wonderful evening of all things Viennese! Enjoy a superb dinner with drinks, followed by a concert of Viennese classical music. Works by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will be performed and your 'A Class' tickets and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice during the interval will only enhance the experience.
Adult Price: €103
Viennese Concert
You’ll enjoy a wonderful concert of Viennese classical music including some of the most famous works of Strauss and Mozart, performed by some of the most highly acclaimed soloists and dancers in Austria. You’ll receive 'A Class' tickets and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine during the interval.
Adult Price: €58
Viennese Dinner with Musical Entertainment
Enjoy dinner in an atmospheric Viennese restaurant, with drinks and traditional musical entertainment included. A unique experience in one of Europe’s most elegant cities.
Adult Price: €62
Schönbrunn Palace And Gardens
The Imperial Summer Palace of Schönbrunn offers an amazing journey through the centuries of Hapsburg rule. It is perfectly preserved and richly decorated with treasures from around the globe. Each room has a story to tell, so of course, you’ll have a Local Specialist to bring it to life and to make the most of your time. This optional involves reservations and entrance prepayments. Should you decide to cancel the optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Adult Price: €45
Venice
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
Join us for a scenic cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You’ll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as 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: €70
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-colored houses—a real photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: €71
Rome
Piazzas and Fountains of Rome
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic center, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: €33
Roman Evening with Dinner
This easy-going evening in Rome begins with a beautiful drive to see amazing city sights. We arrive at one of our favorite restaurants, where you'll enjoy a warm welcome and delicious dinner of local cuisine with drinks and music.
Adult Price: €62
Inside The Vatican & Colosseum
We skip the lines at the Vatican Museums for this tour that shows not just remarkable works of art collected and commissioned over the history of the Papacy, but also Michelangelo’s amazing ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Later we hear fascinating tales of gladiatorial combat and more on our visit to the Colosseum, again with time-saving VIP entrance.
Adult Price: €81
Florence
Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills
Join us for a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We will enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant where a selection of regional favorites is served, accompanied by a selection of local wines and live music. A truly unforgettable experience, with an atmosphere that is the essence of all things Tuscan.
Adult Price: €65
Florence's Renaissance Treasures
This trip is all about exploring the jewel in Florence's crown: its Renaissance heritage. You'll visit the Santa Croce church, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. You’ll also see the Duomo and experience first-hand its spectacular design. Signoria Square, the political center of Florence and the original setting of Michelangelo's David, will also be visited.
Adult Price: €37
Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli
A scenic drive into the Chianti hills, past vineyards, brings us to a delightful hamlet overlooked by an imposing castle. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince.’ After a welcome drink and visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa’s own vines. This is the essence of all great things Tuscan, past and present, condensed into one memorable evening!
Adult Price: €65
Lucerne
Swiss Folklore Evening And Dinner
Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant. While enjoying dinner, you can also join in a lively folklore show which includes yodeling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included. Occasionally, this optional may be offered as a Lunch for CHF68.
Adult Price: CHF.99
Mount Pilatus And Lake Cruise
We’ll ascend by cog-wheel train to Mount Pilatus’ summit, where you’ll have time to explore, admire the views, and breathe the pure air. Then, we’ll descent by cable-car to enjoy a scenic lake cruise. On certain departures, this Optional may be operated in reverse.
Adult Price: CHF.112
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 savor local drinks and snacks.
Adult Price: CHF.67
Paris
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. Afterward, 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
Nouvelle Eve Cabaret And Dinner
One of the oldest and most elegant revue theatres in Paris, Nouvelle Eve is a hidden gem, where you’ll meet the Director and two of the cast members before enjoying a four-course dinner with wine. You will then experience unparalleled Parisian entertainment—including the world-famous Can-Can.
Adult Price: €139
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.
