Glimpse of Europe - Preview 2017

1. ARRIVE LONDON After checking into your Trafalgar 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. Hotel Ibis Earls Court 2. LONDON – AMSTERDAM This morning meet your Travel Director and traveling companions to board your Trafalgar 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. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Hotel Ibis Airport 3. AMSTERDAM – RHINE CRUISE – HEIDELBERG – RHINELAND This morning travel through the Dutch countryside before crossing into Germany and arrive at 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. You disembark at St. Goar and then have views of the Lorelei Rock and learn about the legends associated with this stretch of the river. Travel to Heidelberg, the oldest university city in Germany. Learn about the riotous life of past students and enjoy views of the sandstone castle from the charming Old Town. Finally continue southwards to your hotel where you dine tonight. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Achat Premium Neustadt 4. 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 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. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Weinhof 5. 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, the wooden Chapel Bridge across the River Reuss and the onion domed Jesuit Church. This afternoon consider an Optional Experience of fun and yodelling at a Swiss Folklore Show. Later 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, jewellery or the wide range of deliciously flavoured chocolate. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner 6. 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. Pass by Belfort and the remains of the Maginot Line, a vast fortification built after the First World War, to protect the French-German border. Then cross through part of the renowned wine producing Burgundy region with views of the extensive vineyards. Continue past the rolling fertile farmland of the Auxerre region before the approach to the capital city of Paris. Tonight perhaps take the opportunity to get to know the city on a stunning tour of Paris by Night Optional Experience? Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Hotel Suite Home Port de Chatillon 7. PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME This morning your sightseeing tour 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 Paris nightlife at a cabaret show? Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast 8. DEPART PARIS After breakfast say farewell to your fellow travellers at the end of your holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast