Glimpse of Europe

After checking in to your Costsaver hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure. See the sights, visit a museum or go shopping - the list is endless and the choice is yours.

This morning meet your Travel Director and fellow traveling companions to board your Costsaver coach and set off from London. See the White Cliffs of Dover as you cross the channel to continental Europe. Travel through Belgium and into The Netherlands where you will pass by windmills en route to the lively city of Amsterdam. Perhaps take the opportunity to explore the city further on a canal cruise in a glass-covered boat to enjoy views of the historic gabled houses.

This morning travel through the Dutch countryside before crossing into Germany. Stop to view the spectacular Gothic Cathedral in Cologne before arriving in the picturesque Rhine Valley. Here you embark on a cruise at Boppard which glides past medieval castles and steeply terraced vineyards which produce the well-known high-quality Rhine wines. Learn about the legends associated with this stretch of the river including that of the famous Lorelei Rock near St. Goar. Continue to your hotel where you dine tonight.

Continue south through the Black Forest region which is bordered by the Rhine Valley to the west and south. This beautiful area is renowned for wood carving, the creation of the original cuckoo clock, and speciality cuisine which includes delicacies such as smoked ham and Black Forest cake. Cross the border into Switzerland before stopping to admire the impressive Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen. Travel to central Switzerland and enter the scenic region of Lake Lucerne, your home for the next two nights. This evening, consider an Optional Experience to a Swiss folklore show which will highlight many Swiss traditions including yodelling and alpine horn playing.

This morning, your orientation tour around this medieval city highlights the poignant Lion Monument, built in memory of Louis XVI's courageous Swiss Guards who tried to defend the Palace of the Tuileries in Paris during the French Revolution. Cross the wooden Chapel Bridge over the River Reuss and view the onion-domed Jesuit Church. Later there is a chance to enjoy an exhilarating excursion to the top of one of the surrounding mountains or explore the squares and towers of the quaint old city. Alternatively, there is plenty of opportunity for shopping, whether it be Swiss watches, jewellery or the wide range of deliciously flavoured chocolate.

Today head north and cross the Rhine River for the final time in the city of Basel as you leave Switzerland and enter France. Then cross through part of the renowned wine producing Burgundy region with views of the extensive vineyards. Continue past the rolling farmland of the Auxerre region before arriving in Paris. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to get to know the city on a stunning tour of Paris by Night Optional Experience.

This morning your orientation introduces you to this exquisitely planned city with views of the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. This evening why not sample Parisian nightlife at a cabaret show?

After breakfast say farewell to your fellow travellers at the end of your holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.