European Adventures - 2016

Day 1 ARRIVE LONDON (2 NIGHTS)

Relax after check -in or take a leisurely stroll through this fascinating city. Hotel Ibis Earls Court

Day 2 LONDON FREE TIME

The day is yours to explore the delights of London. See the sights, visit a museum or go shopping – the list is endless and the choice is yours. Full Breakfast

Day 3 LONDON – AMSTERDAM (2 NIGHTS)

This morning meet your Travel Director and traveling companions to board your Trafalgar coach and set off from London. Drive through Kent's scenic countryside to Dover. Admire the famous White Cliffs as you sail across the Channel to Calais, France. Continue by road through Belgium to The Netherlands, home of clogs and windmills. Perhaps take a canal cruise in a glass-topped boat and see the city from a unique perspective. Full Breakfast Hotel Steigenberger Airport

Day 4 AMSTERDAM ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME

This morning in Amsterdam enjoy an orientation of the historic city centre. Afterwards you will have free time to take in one of the fantastic museums that the city has to offer.

Day 5 AMSTERDAM – COLOGNE – RHINELAND

Drive into Germany and marvel at Cologne Cathedral. At Boppard embark on a relaxing cruise along the River Rhine past medieval hilltop castles and steep vineyards. Continue to your hotel where you dine this evening. Hotel Achat Plaza Offenbach

Day 6 RHINELAND – NUREMBERG – PRAGUE (2 NIGHTS)

Stop in Nuremberg this morning, a historic city where little has changed since the Middle Ages. Drive east across the border into the Czech Republic and arrive later in the capital, Prague. Hotel Duo

Day 7 PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Your Local Specialist brings the history of this fascinating city to life during your sightseeing tour. Sights include Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle complex in Europe, the Cathedral of St. Vitus, views of Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square.

Day 8 PRAGUE – REGENSBURG – MUNICH

Cross back into Germany stopping in Regensburg on the River Danube. In Munich, capital of Bavaria, your orientation includes Ludwigstrasse and the Marienplatz, renowned for its musical Glockenspiel. You might like to visit a bierkeller and sample the local beer, for which the city is famous. Hotel Park Inn By Radisson Munich East

Day 9 MUNICH – INNSBRUCK – VENICE (2 NIGHTS)

Head south towards the mountains and enjoy an amazing drive through Austria. Stop at Innsbruck, a popular ski area, to view the Golden Roof and the Hofburg. Continue across the Brenner Pass, one of the principal Alpine highways, into Italy and south to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. Tonight dine in your hotel. Hotel Il Burchiello

Day 10 VENICE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME

Evidence of Venice's glorious Byzantine history is all around as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square. Admire the magnificent Doge's Palace, former home of Venice's ruling elite. Watch the Venetian craftsmen at work creating local specialities at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island. Afterwards you have time to explore amazing narrow alleyways and historic bridges and canals. Later perhaps take the opportunity to cruise to Burano Island, the most picturesque island in the lagoon, for a delicious meal.

Day 11 VENICE – LAKE LUCERNE (2 NIGHTS)

Traverse the plains of northern Italy and cross the border into Switzerland. Continue along the St. Gotthard route, with spectacular views of waterfalls and mountain peaks. See the chalets dotting the steep hillsides as you approach Lake Lucerne in the heart of central Switzerland. Dine tonight at your hotel. Hotel Paxmontana

Day 12 LAKE LUCERNE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME

Your orientation tour of Lucerne includes the medieval wooden Chapel Bridge and the poignant Lion Monument, built to commemorate the Swiss Guards who bravely defended Louis XVl during the French Revolution. There is time afterwards to shop for delicious chocolates and watches, relax or stroll beside the lake. Consider an optional trip up a mountain peak by cable car to admire the magnificent views. Later you might like to join in the fun at a Swiss Folklore Show.

Day 13 LAKE LUCERNE – PARIS (2 NIGHTS)

Travel north-west through Basel into France, skirting the edge of the Vosges Mountains. Admire charming villages and castles as you pass through the vineyards of Burgundy, France's most famous wine region. Arrive later in the glittering capital, Paris. This evening perhaps take a tour through this dazzling city to see the magnificent illuminations or consider a Seine cruise. Hotel Mercure La Defense 5

Day 14 PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Paris probably has more recognisable landmarks than any other city in the world. See all the major sights during your sightseeing tour including the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The rest of the day is yours to explore. This evening you might like to celebrate the end of your holiday with a famous Parisian cabaret show.

Day 15 DEPART PARIS

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