Glimpse of Europe
9 Days from $1,495 per person
Enjoy the mesmerising landscapes, rich heritage and flavors of Europe, traveling from London to Amsterdam, through the lush green Belgian and Dutch countryside to the beautiful Rhine Valley, shores of Lake Lucerne and Paris, the City of Light.
Overview
Enjoy the mesmerising landscapes, rich heritage and flavors of Europe, traveling from London to Amsterdam, through the lush green Belgian and Dutch countryside to the beautiful Rhine Valley, shores of Lake Lucerne and Paris, the City of Light.
-
Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive London
After checking into 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. -
Day 3: London – Amsterdam
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. -
Day 4: Amsterdam – Cologne – Rhine Cruise – Rhineland
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. Finally continue to your hotel where you dine tonight.
-
Day 5: Rhineland – Black Forest – Rhine Falls – Lucerne Region (2 Nights)
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 specialty 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 yodeling and alpine horn playing.
-
Day 6: Lucerne Orientation and Free Time
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. This afternoon consider an Optional Experience to a Swiss folklore show which will highlight many Swiss traditions including yodelling and alpine horn playing. Later there is a chance to perhaps 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, jewelry or the wide range of deliciously flavoured chocolate.
-
Day 7: Lucerne Region – Paris (2 Nights)
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? -
Day 8: Paris Orientation and Free Time
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? -
Day 9: Depart Paris
After breakfast say farewell to your fellow travelers at the end of your vacation. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport at 8 am. Conditions apply.
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.
-
Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Aug 18 | 19 Aug 18 |
|
$1,660pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 18 Aug 18 | 26 Aug 18 |
|
$1,660pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 25 Aug 18 | 2 Sep 18 |
|
$1,660pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 1 Sep 18 | 9 Sep 18 |
|
$1,495pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 8 Sep 18 | 16 Sep 18 |
|
$1,680pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 15 Sep 18 | 23 Sep 18 |
|
$1,680pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 22 Sep 18 | 30 Sep 18 |
|
$1,680pp | 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.
Airport Transfers: A return transfer on the last day will arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 8:00 am.
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 Agent about this at time of booking.
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.
-
Breakfast Daily
-
Expertly Selected Hotels
-
Hotel Tips
-
Personal Flight Options
-
Professional Travel Director
-
Sightseeing with Local Experts
-
WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
1 Full breakfast, 6 Buffet breakfasts, 2 Three course dinners, .Sightseeing Highlights
- See the White Cliffs
- Orientation includes the historic city center
- Cruise the romantic Rhine
- View the Gothic Cathedral
- See this picturesque region
- View the mighty Rhine Falls
- Orientation including views of the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge
- View the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower on your sightseeing tour
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.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
Paris
Nouvelle Eve Cabaret And Dinner
Adult Price: €139.00
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.
Lucerne
Swiss Folklore Evening And Dinner
Adult Price: CHf99.00 | Child Price: €44.00
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 yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included.
Lucerne
Mount Pilatus And Lake Cruise
Adult Price: CHf112.00 | Child Price: €44.00
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.
Paris
Notre Dame And Latin Quarter
Adult Price: €33.00
A guided drive through Paris' bohemian Left Bank with our Local Specialist brings us to amazing Notre Dame to discover one of the world's most famous Cathedrals and the epitome of Gothic architecture. Afterwards, take a stroll through the delightful Latin Quarter, a medieval maze of winding cobblestone alleyways where you'll have free time to enjoy the sidewalk bistros, boutiques and hidden squares.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam Discovery And Canal Cruise
Adult Price: €35.00
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!
Paris
Seine Cruise And Paris Illuminations
Adult Price: €38.00
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.
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.
