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EUROPEAN
TREASURES - 2010
22
days incl. air, or 21 days from London to Paris (CO-5190)
Return to Italy
Vacations & Tours  Return to
France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco Vacations & Tours Vacation
Overview
See
much more than the basic European treasures on this magnificent vacation.
Start your trip in London with a full day to savor the city and take an
optional tour. Then cross the Channel by ferry and board your motorcoach
towards Amsterdam for a guided sightseeing tour, a canal cruise, and two
overnights. Next, travel eastwards via Enschede and Osnabrück to
Hannover, Capital of Lower Saxony in Germany, for a walk in the Old Town
before reaching Berlin, Germany’s capital. On your guided sightseeing
tour, see Berlin’s striking structures and see how the city has developed
into a harmonious blend of new and old. Head towards the mountains and
fortresses of the Erzgebirge range and enter the Czech Republic and
Bohemia for two nights and a guided sightseeing tour of Prague, the
capital of the Czech Republic. Next stop is Vienna, Austria’s capital.
Enjoy the sights of the city on the included city sightseeing tour—State
Opera, Parliament, Town Hall, and the Hofburg Palace—and enjoy an inside
visit of St. Stephens Cathedral. Travel south towards the Semmering Pass
through beautiful Styrian countryside to Klagenfurt. Skirt Lake Wörth and
Villach through the Karawanken Tunnel, enter Slovenia, and stop in
picturesque Lake Bled with an overnight in Ljubljana.
Ljubljana,
the capital of Slovenia, is a city rich in culture and history. Follow
the Adriatic shores and cross into Italy to reach Venice. In Venice,
enjoy a canal boat ride to St. Mark’s and the included sightseeing tour
featuring the Piazza and the Basilica. Stop in Assisi to visit St.
Francis’ Basilica, then on to the “Eternal City” of Rome. Your
sightseeing tour in Rome highlights the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. In
Florence, a Local Guide takes you on a walking tour and shows you Piazza
Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Duomo. Stop in Pisa to admire the
Leaning Tower and drive along the Italian and French Riviera to reach
your overnight hotel. You have time to enjoy all the amenities of the
French Riviera, rightly known as one of Europe’s most scenic regions,
before heading to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France and France’s
second-largest city. On the way to Lyon, stop in Arles and Avignon, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Head north through Burgundy to ancient Beaune
and focus on picturesque vineyards before reaching Paris, where a guided
city sightseeing tour acquaints you with the main sights. To celebrate
the success of your European tour, join the optional French farewell
dinner party. What a great way to end your European vacation!
Itinerary
Day
1 Sun. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT
Day
2 Mon. ARRIVAL IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Check
into your hotel. In the afternoon you may want to start exploring the
lively British capital. Uniformed Hosts are available to help you make
the most of your stay.
Day
3 Tue. LONDON
A
full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a
panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or
choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise
on the River Thames? (B)
Day
4 Wed. LONDON-AMSTERDAM AREA, HOLLAND
Leave
London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside
to the Channel port, where you embark on your ferry to the Continent.
Meet your Tour Director and board your luxury motorcoach for the drive to
the Amsterdam area. (B,D)
Day
5 Thu. AMSTERDAM
Today,
watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a diamond center in
Amsterdam. Then, sightseeing with a Local Guide pointing out the city
highlights and a canal cruise to see this unique city from water level.
(B)
Day
6 Fri. AMSTERDAM AREA-HANNOVER, GERMANY-BERLINEBerlin
Leave
the Amsterdam area and head east, passing Enschede and Osnabrück. Stop in
Hannover, capital of Lower Saxony. Walk along the streets of the Old Town
and admire its beautiful half-timbered houses before continuing to
Germany’s capital city, Berlin. (B)
Day
7 Sat. BERLIN
No
longer divided but every bit as fascinating, Berlin was once the city of
contrasts with the wall separating two different worlds. Today the city
has developed into a harmonious blend of new and old, preserving its
historical buildings and impressive boulevards as it creates brand new buildings
in the most daring architectural style. See all of this on the included
city sightseeing with a Local Guide. In the afternoon there is an
optional excursion to historic Potsdam to visit Sanssouci Park, a marvel
of landscape gardening and architectural wonders, and to Cecilienhof
Palace. (B)
Day
8 Sun. BERLIN-PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Cross
the River Elbe this morning and on to Dresden for an orientation of the
magnificently restored city after its almost total destruction in World
War II. Next, on to the mountains and fortresses of the Erzgebirge range
before entering the Czech Republic and Bohemia on the way to its
beautiful capital, Prague. (B,D)
Day
9 Mon. PRAGUE
The
wealth of gothic and baroque architecture here must have truly inspired
Prague composers Dvorak and Smetana. Included sightseeing with a Local
Guide features landmarks such as the National Theater, Belvedere, Charles
Bridge, and the Old Town Hall with its magnificent Astronomical Clock.
(B)
Day
10 Tue. PRAGUE-VIENNA, AUSTRIAA
church on an Austrian mountaintop
Today,
drive from Bohemia into Moravia and continue southwest before crossing
into Austria. Arrive in Vienna in the early afternoon in time for the
optional excursion to the jewel of the former Habsburg
Empire—breathtaking Schönbrunn Palace with its ornate imperial rooms and
its fabulous gardens. Reserve some energy for this evening’s optional
excursion. (B)
Day
11 Wed. VIENNA
Included
sightseeing with a Local Guide this morning starts with a tour featuring
the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in
Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the
Habsburgs. Finally, an inside visit of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This
afternoon, free time to absorb the splendors of this magnificent city.
Indulge in a slice of Sachertorte, take a ride in a Fiaker,
or just a stroll through the Kärntnerstrasse with its boutiques and
coffee shops. This evening, music lovers won’t want to miss taking in a
concert in the “mecca” of classical music. (B)
Day
12 Thu. VIENNA-LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
South
this morning to Semming Pass, then on through the beautiful Styrian
countryside before continuing to Klagenfurt. Skirt Lake Wörth and after
Villach through the Karawanken Tunnel, enter Slovenia and head towards
stunning Lake Bled for a stop. Next, an overnight in Ljubljana, a city
rich in culture and history. (B,D)
Day
13 Fri. LJUBLJANA-VENICE AREA, ITALY
Continue
southwest today, skirting the Adriatic shores, passing the port of
Trieste, and on to incomparable Venice. Venice is more like a marvelous
film set than a real city, with criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water
buses, arched bridges, palaces, and quiet little piazzas. Upon
arrival, enjoy the included orientation which starts with a boat ride and
is followed by a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and a chance to watch
Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did
centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along
the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D)
Day
14 Sat. VENICE AREA-ROME > Rome
An interesting drive south, cutting across the
Po Delta, passing Ravenna, and through the gentle Umbrian hills to
Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the medieval town and
world-famous basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head
for the “Eternal City” of Rome. (B)
Day
15 Sun. ROME
A city steeped in history, vibrantly alive,
exciting, and absolutely unique. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide
starts in St. Peter’s Square and is followed by a visit to the Roman
Forum and the mighty Colosseum, scene of gladiatorial encounters. This
afternoon, enjoy one of our popular optional excursions. (B)
Day
16 Mon. ROME-FLORENCE Visit stunning Florence and the Ponte Vecchio
This morning, join the optional excursion to
the Vatican, an independent state since 1929 and, of course, residence of
the Pope. See the Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo’s Sistine
Chapel. In the late afternoon, head north to Florence. On the included
walking tour of the charming Old Town with a Local Guide, discover most
of the city highlights: the Piazza Santa Croce, beautiful Piazza
Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard, and the Piazza del Duomo
with its cathedral, the Gate of Paradise, and the Giotto Campanile. (B,D)
Day
17 Tue. FLORENCE-FRENCH RIVIERA Take in the beautiful sites of the French
Riviera
Travel west today through Tuscany, stopping
first in Pisa’s Square of Miracles to admire the amazing Leaning Tower.
Next, head north past Genoa along the Italian Riviera, then cross the
border to reach your hotel for two nights on the French Riviera. (B,D)
Day
18 Wed. FRENCH RIVIERA
A whole day to enjoy all the amenities of the
French Riviera, and a good opportunity to take advantage of the optional
excursions. (B)
Day
19 Thu. FRENCH RIVIERA-LYON AREA
Take the inland road across sun-drenched
Provence and landscapes made famous by Van Gogh. Stop for a short visit
in elegant Arles, still brimming with Roman heritage. Later, head for
Avignon on the River Rhône, famous for its Roman bridge, massive city
walls, and the “Palais des Papes,” former residence of the popes.
Continue north to Lyon, Frances’ second-largest city. (B,D)
Day
20 Fri. LYON AREA-BEAUNE-PARIS
Focus on the picturesque vineyards and fields
of Burgundy, and take a break in ancient Beaune. Then, travel on the
comfortable highway to Paris, arriving in time to enjoy the spectacular
optional cabaret show. (B)
Day
21 Sat. PARIS
A full day to enjoy the city that’s known
throughout the world for its fashion, art and museums, delicious food,
and joie de vivre. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide shows
you the best-known sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra,
Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid at the Louvre, Les Invalides,
and the fabulous Champs-Elysées. Optional excursions are also available
to enrich your experience in the “City of Light.” To celebrate the
success of your tour, don’t miss the French farewell dinner party tonight.
(B)
Day
22 Sun. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT FROM PARIS ARRIVES THE SAME DAY
(B)
AIRPORT
TRANSFERS
Airport transfers may be included when you make your international
flights arrangements.
Dates
and Prices
|
Departure
Details
|
Departure
Date
|
Tour
Start Date
|
Return
Date
|
Land/Cruise
Price Only
|
Status
|
|
3/21/2010
|
3/22/2010
|
4/11/2010
|
$2,549.00
|
Sold Out
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
4/4/2010
|
4/5/2010
|
4/25/2010
|
$2,589.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
4/18/2010
|
4/19/2010
|
5/9/2010
|
$2,589.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
5/2/2010
|
5/3/2010
|
5/23/2010
|
$2,679.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
5/16/2010
|
5/17/2010
|
6/6/2010
|
$2,679.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
5/30/2010
|
5/31/2010
|
6/20/2010
|
$2,679.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
6/13/2010
|
6/14/2010
|
7/4/2010
|
$2,679.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
6/27/2010
|
6/28/2010
|
7/18/2010
|
$2,679.00
|
Available
|
|
7/11/2010
|
7/12/2010
|
8/1/2010
|
$2,679.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
7/25/2010
|
7/26/2010
|
8/15/2010
|
$2,619.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
8/8/2010
|
8/9/2010
|
8/29/2010
|
$2,619.00
|
Available
|
|
8/15/2010
|
8/16/2010
|
9/5/2010
|
$2,619.00
|
Available
|
|
8/22/2010
|
8/23/2010
|
9/12/2010
|
$2,679.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
8/29/2010
|
8/30/2010
|
9/19/2010
|
$2,679.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
9/5/2010
|
9/6/2010
|
9/26/2010
|
$2,679.00
|
Available
|
|
9/12/2010
|
9/13/2010
|
10/3/2010
|
$2,679.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
9/19/2010
|
9/20/2010
|
10/10/2010
|
$2,679.00
|
Available
|
|
9/26/2010
|
9/27/2010
|
10/17/2010
|
$2,619.00
|
Available
|
|
10/3/2010
|
10/4/2010
|
10/24/2010
|
$2,619.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
10/10/2010
|
10/11/2010
|
10/31/2010
|
$2,619.00
|
Available
|
|
10/17/2010
|
10/18/2010
|
11/7/2010
|
$2,579.00
|
Available
|
|
10/31/2010
|
11/1/2010
|
11/21/2010
|
$2,469.00
|
Available
|
|
11/14/2010
|
11/15/2010
|
12/5/2010
|
$2,469.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
12/15/2010
|
12/16/2010
|
1/5/2011
|
$2,459.00
|
Available
|
Popular Departure - due to itinerary and
time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early
booking is encouraged.
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