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European Rhapsody

Operated by: Insight Vacations

10 Days from $3,500 per person

APR - DEC 2023

Countries Visited

Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Italy ...more

Locations Visited

Amsterdam, Wurzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Venice ...more

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

✓ Lock in this trip with $250 deposit
✓ Refund Guarantee within 30 days of booking
✓ Flexible changes up to 60 days before your tour departs

Day 1 Arrive Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam, enjoy a day of leisure. Join your Travel Director at 17:00 for a Welcome Reception. Mingle and get to know your fellow travellers 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.

meals Dinner with Wine

hotel Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Day 2 Rhine Valley to Würzburg

Relax with a scenic drive along the Rhine Valley to Würzburg. See the mighty Marienburg Fortress – the immense baroque palace of the Prince Bishops and one of the most important landmarks in Germany. On arrival, visit the imposing Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a Local Expert. Marvel at intricate decorations and lavish staterooms boasting with French, Austrian and Venetian influences.

meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

hotel Maritim Hotel Würzburg.
Day 3 Rothenburg and Golden Prague

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, before reaching the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, perhaps take a river cruise through the heart of the city?

meals Breakfast

hotel Hotel Royal Prague.
Day 4 Prague, City of a Hundred Spires

Join a Local Expert in the morning for guided sightseeing of one of the most beautiful and intact historic centres in Europe. Explore Prague with Insight Choice. Choose to explore the Castle District . Alternatively, walk through the Jewish Quarter and taste delicious Trdelník. 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?

meals Breakfast

hotel Hotel Royal Prague.
Day 5 Through Bohemia to Budapest

Start the day with a journey through the beautiful forested countryside of Bohemia. Travel to Hungary, following the River Danube to Budapest.In the evening, join a Local Expert to enjoy a scenic dinner cruise, gliding past UNESCO World Heritage Sites.The city’s spectacular nighttime beauty earns it the nickname 'Pearl of the Danube’.

meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

hotel Hilton Garden Inn, Budapest.
Day 6 The Flavours of Budapest

Drive along the beautiful Andrassy Avenue to Heroes' Square. Stand atop Gellért Hill where the colossal Liberty Statue stands in front of the Citadella watching over the city. Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda and admire sweeping views from the Fisherman’s Bastion with a Local Expert. Marvel at extensive panoramic views as you look out over the famous river dividing Buda and Pest - the two sides linked by the mighty Chain Bridge and the elegant, newer Elizabeth Bridge. Continue your travels, past the Turul Monument, a large eagle statue overlooking the town of Tatabanya, to the Austrian border and through pleasant farming country to the imperial capital of Vienna.

meals Breakfast

hotel Hilton Vienna Park.
Day 7 Vienna and the Habsburgs

In the morning, there is the option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Later, join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. Get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital's architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament building. Sit down for traditional coffee and delicious treats and mingle with locals at a cosy café.

meals Breakfast

hotel Hilton Vienna Park.
Day 8 Along the shores of Lake Wörthersee to Venice

This day's route takes you past quiet villages, through Styria's forested mountains and into the Carinthian Lake District. Continue past Europe's warmest lake, the Wörthersee, to cross into Italy near Tarvisio. Then follow mountain valleys and cascading streams down to the Veneto Plain en route to the unique city of Venice. Arrive by private boat to your hotel. Sip a cocktail at Caffe Florian, whilst you are serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians. Afterwards, stroll past the Doges Palace and the famous 'Bridge of Sighs' to Principessa restaurant for a magical dinner. Indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce. Admire the tranquility of St. Mark's Square long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels before returning to your hotel.

meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

hotel Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Day 9 The Magic of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start

In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. Your hotel is located on the renowned Grand Canal. Visit St. Mark's Square, dominated by its magnificent basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower. Also in the square stands the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace which is connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or 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.
Day 10 Arrivederci Venice

Alas, you must bid farewell to this enchanting city. Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport at 08:00 and 09:30.

meals Breakfast

Similar Trips

Price Includes

Dining Summary

4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
9 Breakfast (B)

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: Toast to the travels ahead during your Welcome Dinner of modern European cuisine at a local restaurant.
Budapest: Enjoy a scenic dinner cruise and take in the city's night time beauty as you float along the Danube.
Venice: Sip cocktails alongside the canals at Cafe Florian, while being serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians and soak up the calming atmosphere long after the day-trippers have returned to their mainland hotels.
Venice: Enjoy a special Venetian Celebration Dinner with wine at La Principessa.

Insight Experiences

Vienna: Be pampered by locals with traditional coffee and cake. An experience like no other, this cosy café provides companionship, and promotes well-being and support for the community, in addition to crafting delicious treats.

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

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: Stand on the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke and see the Marienburg fortress.
Wurzburg: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Würzburg Residence with a Local Expert.
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: Led by your Local Expert, explore the delightful Old Town Square and see the detailed Astronomical Clock that delights onlookers each hour.
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.
Budapest: Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda with a Local Expert.
Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Expert reveals why this is the historic core of the city. You will also tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
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.

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

December 2023

Dec 23 Sat

Jan 1 Mon

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON

$3,500

Request Quote Book Now

Dec 23 Sat

Jan 1 Mon

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON

$3,500

Request Quote Book Now

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

Available on Day 6

Gala Viennese Concert

Enjoy a wonderful concert of Viennese Classical music performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers. During this special evening, enjoy a glass of champagne along with some of the most famous works by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Adult Price: € 59
Note: On occasion, dinner will be included for EURO 103., On 24 & 25 December, the price of both options will increase due to holiday rates., This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.,

Available on Day 7

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 Expert to bring it to life and VIP entrance to make the most of your time.
Adult Price: € 50
Note: This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.,

Available on Day 7

Dinner In A Country Mansion

Cross the Danube, passing the famous Prater Park en route to one of Austria's most famous restaurants. Former patrons include Napoleon, the Emperor Franz Joseph, Liz Taylor and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Once through the door of this historic country mansion you're transported to a different world! Old memorabilia, autographed photos and other paraphernalia cover the ceilings, walls and even the restrooms. Choose from traditional Austrian fare, enjoy unlimited drinks and be serenaded by musicians at your table. A fun-filled experience never to be forgotten!
Adult Price: € 63

Available on Day 7

Vienna Woods & Heurigen Dinner

Escape central Vienna and drive out to the thickly forested hills which surround the city's western flank for a lively evening of food, wine and song. In a typical "Heuriger" village tavern, enjoy a wonderful dinner of authentic fare, complete with live Schrammelmusik and the famous full-bodied wines.
Adult Price: € 58

Venice

Available on Day 9

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 9

Experience Venice by Gondola Serenade

Glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice’s dreamy, narrow waterways; full of character and colour. While your gondolier navigates the canals, you can take in the city’s elegant architecture. And they may even serenade you with an Italian classic.
Adult Price: € 44

Available on Day 9

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