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THE
GRAND EUROPEAN - 2010
24
days incl. air, or 23 days from London to Paris (CO-5210)Return to Italy
Vacations & Tours
 Return to
France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco Vacations & Tours Vacation
Overview
This
extensive vacation stretches through Central Europe from London to Rome,
then along the Mediterranean to Spain and France to reach Paris. It is a
harmonious combination of cities, history, culture, and landscapes that
make the Old Continent such an attractive area to discover. Start your
trip in London, making the most of the UK’s capital, then cross the
Channel by ferry to join your motorcoach bound for Amsterdam. In
Amsterdam, enjoy a guided tour and a canal cruise. Follow the banks of
the castle-dotted Rhine and visit romantic Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest
university town. Then on to Switzerland for two overnights by the shores
of Lake Lucerne with impressive alpine landscapes. One of Switzerland’s
finest cities, Lucerne is nestled amid its snow-capped Alps, surrounded
by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River
Reuss. Stop in sub-tropical Lugano and continue south into Italy,
visiting Verona to see Juliet’s house and balcony. Next up is the unique
floating city of Venice with its St. Mark’s Square and Basilica and other
historic buildings. Experience more Italian masterpieces in Assisi, where
St. Francis was born, on your way to Rome. Your sightseeing tour in Rome
includes the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Marvel at the Leaning Tower in
Pisa before arriving in Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance,” with its
incredible architecture and works of art. Your guided walking tour in
Florence features the city highlights.
Head
northwest to the mild climate of the French Riviera, rightly known as one
of Europe’s most scenic regions. Experience an optional excursion to
Monte Carlo, visit Avignon, and overnight in Carcassonne, a splendid
example of a medieval fortified city. In Spain, spend two nights each in
Barcelona and Madrid and get to know the cities on the included guided
sightseeing tours. North into Castille, stop in El Cid’s Burgos, then to
Basque Country for an overnight in Bilbao before returning to the jewels
of France: Bordeaux, Poitiers, Chateaux Country, Orleans, and Paris. The
dazzling French capital, Paris, is the ideal conclusion to this exciting
European vacation. In Paris, your sightseeing tour includes Arc de
Triomphe, Opéra, Champs-Elysées, and more. This trip to seven European
countries will leave you with plenty of vacation memories and photos. An
unforgettable vacation!
Itinerary
Day
1 Tue. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT
Day
2 Wed. 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 Thu. 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 Fri. LONDON-AMSTERDA 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 for the Continent.
Meet your Tour Director and board your luxury coach for the drive to the
Amsterdam area. (B)
Day
5 Sat. AMSTERDAM AREA-THE RHINELAND, GERMANY
A
morning to enjoy Holland’s busy metropolis. After your visit to a famous
diamond center, it’s time for morning sightseeing with a Local Guide
pointing out the city highlights. Finally, a canal cruise to see
Amsterdam from water level. In the afternoon, travel southward to the
Rhineland area for an overnight. (B,D)
Day
6 Sun. THE RHINELAND-HEIDELBERG- LUCERNE AREA, SWITZERLAND
Drive
through the scenic Rhineland this morning or alternatively take the
optional Rhine River cruise and enjoy splendid scenery including the Lorelei
rock. Next, drive into Germany’s oldest university town, Heidelberg,
nicely located at the confluence of the Rivers Neckar and Rhine, for a
short visit. In the afternoon, travel by way of the Autobahn into
Switzerland for an overnight in the Lucerne Area. (B,D)
Day
7 Mon. LUCERNE
One
of Switzerland’s finest cities, nestled amid its snow-capped Alps,
surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of
the River Reuss. Your visit takes in the impressive city walls, a covered
wooden bridge, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, and
the Lion Monument – a masterful stone sculpture in honor of the heroic
Swiss Guard of Louis XVI. A grand selection of optional activities
completes the day: a cruise on the fjord-like lake or a cable car ride to
the 10,000-foot summit of Mount Titlis. (B)
Day
8 Tue. LUCERNE AREA-LUGANO, VERONA, ITALY-VENICE AREA
More
wonderful Alpine scenery as you drive into the mountain ranges that
surround the massive St. Gotthard. Once through its great tunnel, you’ll
start your scenic descent into the warmer and sunnier ambiance of the
Canton Ticino. Stop in beautiful Lugano and take a stroll along the
lakeside promenade. Then, cross into Italy and drive across the Po valley
to Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. See
Juliet’s house and balcony and stroll around the picturesque market
square. Tonight you are in the Venice area. (B,D)
Day
9 Wed. VENICE
Venice
is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its
criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces,
and quiet little piazzas. The included orientation starts with a
boat ride and is followed by some time at leisure 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)
Day
10 Thu. VENICE AREA-ASSISI-ROMERome
An
interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then through
the gentle Umbrian hills to Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182.
Visit the world-famous Basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto,
then head for Rome. (B)
Day
11 Fri. ROME
The
"Eternal City"—a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive, and
exciting and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide
starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and
the mighty Colosseum. (B)
Day
12 Sat. ROME-PISA-FLORENCE AREA
Vistas
of undulating hills, rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive
groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through
beautiful Tuscany. Take a break in Pisa to see the Square of Miracles and
the amazing Leaning Tower, then on to the Florence area. (B)
Day
13 Sun. FLORENCE
This
Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a
whole day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center so visitors
can wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty in relative
peace and quiet. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local
Guide that features most of the city highlights. You will see the Piazza
Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its
courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo
and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East
Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate of Paradise.” (B,D)
Day
14 Mon. FLORENCE AREA-ITALIAN & FRENCH RIVIERAS, FRANCE
An
early start this morning for the journey northwest with views of the
Italian Riviera. Continue to France, for a visit to a perfume workshop in
Eze, before traveling along the celebrated Côte d'Azur. An optional Monte
Carlo by Night excursion with dinner is available. (B)
Day
15 Tue. FRENCH RIVIERA-AVIGNON- CARCASSONNE
Today’s
journey will take you through some of France’s loveliest scenery,
sun-drenched landscapes right out of Van Gogh’s paintings, on the way
through Provence. Stop for a visit in historic Avignon. Continue
westwards to the impressive walled city of Carcassonne for an overnight.
(B,D)
Day
16 Wed. CARCASSONNE-BARCELONA, SPAIN
Enjoy
a visit of this almost untouched piece of medieval fortified
architecture, still standing in all its walled glory with drawbridges,
towers, battlements, watch turrets, ramparts, and even arrow-slits to
repel the enemy. Later, drive by way of Perpignan across the border into
Spain, skirting the Costa Brava to arrive in Barcelona for two
overnights. (B)
Day
17 Thu. BARCELONA
This
morning’s sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Montjuic
to see the Olympic Stadium and a panoramic view of the port and city. The
drive continues to the city center to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia
to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces
in the Houses Batllo and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fee not
included). (B)
Day
18 Fri. BARCELONA-MADRID The Plaza de Toros in Madrid
See
more of Catalonia as you drive northwest via Saragossa through the very
heart of new Castille for two overnights in Spain’s capital, Madrid. (B)
Day
19 at. MADRID
Not
only because it’s the capital of Spain, but also because it is situated
2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say Madrid is the nearest thing
to heaven. Enjoy the main highlights on the included sightseeing excursion.
The optional trip to Toledo is most rewarding, too. The splendid setting
is like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art. (B)
Day
20 Sun. MADRID-BURGOS-BILBAO
Climb
Somosierra Pass, the boundary between Old and New Castille, to the walled
city of Aranda de Duero, before stopping in Burgos. On through Basque
Country to Bilbao, now famous for four living architects: Norman Foster,
Santiago Calatrava, Cesar Pelli, and Frank Gehry. (B,D)
Day
21 Mon. BILBAO-BORDEAUX, FRANCE-POITIERS
A
change of scenery as you travel into France across Gascoigne for an
orientation drive of Bordeaux, the wine capital of France. Travel farther
north by way of the Cognac area to Poitiers of Black Prince fame for an
overnight. (B,D)
Day
22 Tue. POITIERS-CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY-ORLEANS-PARIS
The
autoroute L’Aquitaine will take you directly to Tours and along the Loire
passing the castles of Amboise and Chaumont. Stop in Orleans before
reaching Paris in time to enjoy an optional French dinner. (B)
Day
23 Wed. PARIS
One
full day to explore the city that’s known throughout the world for its
fashions, art and museums, delicious food, and joie de vivre.
Included sightseeing with a local expert of many of the best-known
Parisian sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, the
Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid near the Louvre, the Invalides, and Champs
Elysées. Optional excursions are also available to the Palace and Gardens
of Versailles and, to celebrate the success of your tour, enjoy a cabaret
show. (B)
Day
24 Thu. 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
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Departure
Details
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Departure
Date
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Tour
Start Date
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Return
Date
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Land/Cruise
Price Only
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Status
|
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Popular
Departure
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3/23/2010
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3/24/2010
|
4/15/2010
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$2,769.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
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4/6/2010
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4/7/2010
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4/29/2010
|
$2,769.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
4/13/2010
|
4/14/2010
|
5/6/2010
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$2,769.00
|
Available
|
|
4/20/2010
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4/21/2010
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5/13/2010
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$2,849.00
|
Available
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Popular
Departure
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4/27/2010
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4/28/2010
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5/20/2010
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$2,849.00
|
Available
|
|
5/4/2010
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5/5/2010
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5/27/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Sold Out
|
|
Popular
Departure
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5/11/2010
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5/12/2010
|
6/3/2010
|
$2,899.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
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5/18/2010
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5/19/2010
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6/10/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
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5/25/2010
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5/26/2010
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6/17/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
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6/1/2010
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6/2/2010
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6/24/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
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6/8/2010
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6/9/2010
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7/1/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
|
|
6/15/2010
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6/16/2010
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7/8/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
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Popular
Departure
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6/22/2010
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6/23/2010
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7/15/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
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6/29/2010
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6/30/2010
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7/22/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
7/6/2010
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7/7/2010
|
7/29/2010
|
$2,899.00
|
Available
|
|
7/13/2010
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7/14/2010
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8/5/2010
|
$2,899.00
|
Sold Out
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
7/20/2010
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7/21/2010
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8/12/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
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|
7/27/2010
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7/28/2010
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8/19/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
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8/3/2010
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8/4/2010
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8/26/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
|
|
8/10/2010
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8/11/2010
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9/2/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
8/17/2010
|
8/18/2010
|
9/9/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
|
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8/24/2010
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8/25/2010
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9/16/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
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8/31/2010
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9/1/2010
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9/23/2010
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$2,899.00
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Available
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9/7/2010
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9/8/2010
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9/30/2010
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$2,899.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
9/14/2010
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9/15/2010
|
10/7/2010
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$2,859.00
|
Available
|
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9/21/2010
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9/22/2010
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10/14/2010
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$2,859.00
|
Available
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9/28/2010
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9/29/2010
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10/21/2010
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$2,859.00
|
Available
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10/5/2010
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10/6/2010
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10/28/2010
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$2,799.00
|
Available
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10/12/2010
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10/13/2010
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11/4/2010
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$2,799.00
|
Available
|
|
10/19/2010
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10/20/2010
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11/11/2010
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$2,799.00
|
Available
|
Popular Departure - due to itinerary and
time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early
booking is encouraged.
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