European Whirl End London Summer 2018

Day 1: Arrive London (2 Nights)

Welcome to the vibrant capital that is London, your home for the next two nights. Spend the day exploring the pomp and pageantry of a city that effortlessly combines old and new.

Day 2: London Sightseeing

Join a Local Specialist this morning for a tour of the iconic sites of London, including Big Ben, the imposing Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Your afternoon is at leisure to go shopping in Knightsbridge, visit one of the fascinating museums or wander along the Thames. Full Breakfast

Day 3: London – Eurostar™ – Brussels – Amsterdam

Meet your Travel Director before travelling to London's St. Pancras International where we will board the Eurostar™ for a high-speed train journey to Brussels and a luxury coach journey to Amsterdam. Enjoy an orientation of this historic Dutch capital centre before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception dinner cruise on its charming canals. Welcome Reception

Day 4: Amsterdam – Rhine Cruise – Heidelberg – Rhineland

Driving through the lush landscapes of The Netherlands and Germany, we arrive in Boppard where we board a cruise along the Rhine past the vineyard-clad hills, fairy-tale medieval castles perched above charming riverside towns to St. Goar. Arriving in the Baroque city of Heidelberg, explore its magnificent sights before travelling to our Rhineland hotel. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Rhineland – Munich – Innsbruck

Crossing the Swabian Alps on the edge of the Black Forest, we arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich. Our orientation drive takes us past the Olympic Stadium and neo-Gothic City Hall, which dominates the Marienplatz. Driving across the Austrian border, we arrive in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Old Town, including Emperor Maximilian's famous Golden Roof with its ornate façade and perhaps consider an evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment to soak up the sights and sounds of this region. Buffet Breakfast

Day 6: Innsbruck – Venice

Meandering through the emerald-green landscape along the Brenner Pass, we journey into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains en route to the enchanting city of Venice. We cruise on the beautiful Venetian lagoon by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square, viewing the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound made by condemned prisoners as they look one last longing look at their beautiful city before meeting their fate. We gain a fascinating Cultural Insight into the centuries-old craft of Venetian glassblowing before spending the afternoon at leisure to soak up the romantic atmosphere. Get lost in Venice, cross bridges and discover hidden campi where locals share their daily stories over a glass of Venetian Spritz. Buffet Breakfast

Day 7: Venice – Rome (2 Nights)

Travelling south across the Veneto Plain, we pass by Bologna and the dramatic Apennine Mountains, continuing through the green and golden fields of Lazio before reaching Rome, the Eternal City. Buffet Breakfast

Day 8: Rome Sightseeing

We venture to the Vatican City, visiting St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist to view Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. We journey to Ancient Rome to view the iconic Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races centuries ago. The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your terms. Sit on the Spanish Steps savouring a tasty gelato, shop up a storm on the trendy Via Corso or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Buffet Breakfast

Day 9: Rome – Florence Sightseeing

From Rome, we travel north through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and along the Arno valley to the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence. Delve into the rich de' Medici heritage of this beautiful medieval city with your Local Specialist. Visit what was once the political hub of the city, Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi. View the imposing Duomo with its Brunelleschi dome and Baptistery renowned for its bronze doors filled with relief sculptures. Learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. This evening, enjoy true Tuscan hospitality with a local family on their private estate on the outskirts of Florence. Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Day 10: Florence – Lucerne (2 Nights)

Drive via the picturesque Italian Lakes District, across the snow-capped Alps into beautiful Switzerland where we'll spend the next two nights in the beautiful medieval lakeside city of Lucerne. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Lucerne Orientation

This morning, view the mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI. Walk along the flower-lined 14th century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the Reuss. Or join an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks for breath-taking views of the Swiss countryside. We have some time later to discover the best Swiss chocolates in town. Buffet Breakfast

Day 12: Lucerne – Paris (2 Nights)

Crossing the border into France this morning, we meander through the picturesque vineyards and quaint country towns of Burgundy en route to the City of Light. Spend some time this evening strolling along the Seine and grand boulevards in search of a cosy bistro for fine French cuisine or perhaps consider an Optional Experience to a colourful Parisian cabaret. Buffet Breakfast

Day 13: Paris Sightseeing

See all the famous sights during your morning sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. View the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking view of the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring the sights that interest you. This evening celebrate with your Travel Director and travelling companions at a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro. Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 14: Paris – London

Departing mainland Europe, we venture past poignant World War I battlefields to the coast where we board a ferry to Dover and travel by coach on to London where our adventure comes to an end. Buffet Breakfast