Splendid Europe (Small Groups, End Amsterdam, 13 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through Europe's most captivating cities, from the ancient wonders of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, the cultural richness of Vienna, and the scenic beauty of Lucerne. This journey promises a blend of history, art, and breathtaking landscapes, offering a unique opportunity to explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and immersive experiences, this tour is designed to create lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures and traditions of Europe.
Included
2 Dinner (D)
12 Breakfast (B)
3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
Rome: Savour dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio's typical flavours.
Venice: In St Marks Square at sunset, long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels, sip cocktails canal-side before dinner at a local restaurant.
Lucerne: Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening and hand-pick your preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
Amsterdam: Toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
Maribor: Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture.
Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialities of coffee and Sachertorte.
Vienna: Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Vatican: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.
Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
Rhineland: The beautiful scenery of the Rhine River is punctuated by the many castles dotted along its banks. Delight in a private estate viewing of one of these Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments located along the Middle Rhine.
Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 15: Affordable and Clean Energy & Life on Land.
Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
Vienna: Join your Local Expert for a city tour that reveals both the renowned sights and hidden gems of Vienna's historic core. Travel along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
Salzburg: Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.
Vaduz: Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains.
Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Rome
- Rome - Arrival day
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- Orange Garden
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Begin your journey in the heart of Italy as you arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Settle into your accommodation at a centrally located hotel (or similar) and unwind after your travels. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow adventurers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, setting the tone for the exciting days ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discover Vatican City's Treasures
- Rome
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- St. Clement Basilica
- Capitoline Museums
- Palatine Hill
- Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
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Embark on a guided exploration of Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state. Marvel at the vast collections within the Vatican Museums, including the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Continue to St. Peter's Basilica, where Michelangelo's 'Pieta' and Bernini's Papal Altar await. Spend your afternoon exploring Rome's vibrant streets before an exclusive evening visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes.
Day 3 – Day 3: Leisurely Rome
- Rome
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- piazza del Popolo
- Piazza Navona
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Today is yours to explore Rome at your own pace. Consider a day trip to the ancient ruins of Pompeii or indulge in shopping along Via del Corso. As evening descends, relax with a glass of prosecco at a charming cafe in Piazza Navona, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Rome's 'Living Room.'
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Venice
- Venice
- Rome
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- Hercules and Cacus
- Royal Castle of Pollenzo
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Travel through the serene Tuscan countryside and descend into the fertile Po Valley. Arrive in Venice by water taxi, where a sunset cocktail and musical serenade await. Enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the unique charm of this floating city.
Day 5 – Day 5: Enchanting Venice
- Venice
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- Doge's Palace
- St Mark's Basilica
- Bridge of Sighs
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Awake in Venice, ready to explore its romantic allure. Visit the Doge's Palace and cross the Bridge of Sighs. Experience a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® moment at a traditional glassblowing center before cruising to St. Mark's Square, where the grandeur of St. Mark's Basilica awaits.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discover Ljubljana
- Venice
- Ljubljana
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Depart Venice by water taxi and journey to Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital. A local expert will guide you through Prešeren Square, the iconic Triple Bridge, and the baroque Franciscan Church. Consider an optional excursion to the serene Lake Bled, where a traditional 'pletna' boat ride awaits.
Day 7 – Day 7: From Slovenia to Austria
- Ljubljana
- Vienna
- Maribor
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- Rače Castle
- Maribor Castle
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Follow the Drava River to the historic town of Maribor before continuing through Styria's lush mountains. Arrive in Vienna, Austria's elegant capital, where the city's rich history and vibrant culture await your exploration.
Day 8 – Day 8: Vienna's Splendor
- Vienna
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- Burg Perchtoldsdorf
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Burgruine Mödling
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Start your day with an optional tour of the opulent Schönbrunn Palace. Capture the beauty of Vienna's architectural masterpieces along the Ring Road, including the Hofburg Imperial Residence. Choose between a traditional Viennese café experience or a meaningful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® workshop.
Day 9 – Day 9: From Vienna to Salzburg and Innsbruck
- Salzburg
- Innsbruck
- Vienna
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- Mirabell Palace
- Mozartplatz
- Melk Abbey
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Travel through Austria, passing the impressive Melk Abbey en route to Salzburg. Explore the Mirabell Palace Gardens and Mozart's Birthplace. Continue to Innsbruck, where the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace await your discovery.
Day 10 – Day 10: From Innsbruck to Lucerne
- Lucerne
- Innsbruck
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- Madrisa
- Lion Monument Lucerne
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Journey through picturesque landscapes to the tiny capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz. Cross into Switzerland and arrive in Lucerne, where you'll visit the poignant Lion Monument, honoring the Swiss Guards who perished during the French Revolution.
Day 11 – Day 11: Lucerne's Natural Wonders
- Lucerne
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- Chapel Bridge
- Stanserhorn
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Ascend Mount Stanserhorn via an eco-friendly cable car, taking in breathtaking views of the Alps. Back in Lucerne, stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge and enjoy leisure time to explore the city's charming streets and shops. Conclude your day with a Dine-Around Evening at a selection of local restaurants.
Day 12 – Day 12: Through the Rhine Valley to Königswinter
- Lucerne
- Königswinter
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Travel through Germany's picturesque Rhine Valley, arriving in the charming town of Königswinter. Enjoy the scenic beauty of this region, known for its rolling hills and historic castles.
Day 13 – Day 13: From Königswinter to Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
- Königswinter - Departure day
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- Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen
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Delight in a private viewing of a Rhineland castle before continuing to Amsterdam. Explore the city's iconic canals on a scenic cruise, admiring the elegant merchant houses and historic bridges. Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, toasting to new friendships and unforgettable memories.
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