European Discovery (Small Groups, Start Amsterdam, End Paris, 16 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Amsterdam
Duration
16 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a 16-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes of the Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of leisure, adventure, and cultural immersion. From the charming canals of Amsterdam to the romantic city of Venice, the historic sites of Rome to the picturesque landscapes of the Italian Riviera, and the vibrant City of Light, Paris, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy authentic local dining experiences, engage with local experts, and visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This tour is designed to provide a comprehensive European experience, with comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and a meticulously planned itinerary.

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Included

1 night at Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre

1 night at Maritim Hotel Würzburg

2 nights at NH Collection Prague City

1 night at ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg

2 nights at Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice

2 nights at Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome

1 night at Hotel Londra, Florence

1 night at Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa, Rapallo

2 nights at Renaissance Lucerne Hotel

2 nights at Le Méridien Etoile, Paris

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7 Dinner with Wine (DW)

15 Breakfast (B)

Amsterdam: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam for a delightful Welcome Dinner, served with wine.

Salzburg: Relish in the authentic experience of farm-to-table dining.

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.

Paris: Join an avid local foodie on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.

Paris: Rendezvous with your friends at a typical French bistro for a rousing Celebration Dinner with wine. Bon Appetit!

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Choose between two carefully selected activities

Prague: Stroll through the Jewish Quarter with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Prague, and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry.

Prague: Visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral and explore the atmospheric courtyards of the historic Prague Castle with your Local Expert.

Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theatres, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighbourhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.

Paris: Join an avid local foodie on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.

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.

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.

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. 

The workshop advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Stanserhorn: 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.

Amsterdam: Cruise along the old waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.

Wurzburg: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Würzburg Residence.

Wurzburg: Stand on the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke and see the Marienburg fortress.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the best-preserved medieval town in Germany and a truly enchanting destination. Step back in time and explore the city walls, towers, and gates around the old town as well as the old town itself.

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.

Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you through vibrant backstreets, showing you how modern life takes place around ancient treasures.

Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.

Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with dedicated time to explore two of the five charming fishing villages.

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.

Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.

"One food I really love introducing my guests to is tramezzini sandwiches because they are a real art form in Venice. For the locals it is a quick inexpensive bite to get them through the day...best eaten standing up at the bar!"

"It's magical to see how a group of guests comes together over the course of our trip. I can always tell when that's happening because suddenly the enthusiasm is palpable."

"Paris is truly a delight to all the senses – seeing the iconic architecture, hearing about the history, smelling the wonderful bakeries and tasting the local specialties during our foodie walk."

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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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.

Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.

Lucerne: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.

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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.

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Map

Attractions

photo of trevi fountain at sunrise beautiful full view, Rome, Italy.Trevi Fountain
Sistine ChapelSistine Chapel
Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Luzern, SwitzerlandChapel Bridge
Photo of beautiful summer view of Louvre Museum, one of the world's most important museums, historic monument and parisian landmark, Paris, France.Louvre Museum
Cinque Terre National Park, Vernazza, La Spezia, Liguria, ItalyCinque Terre National Park
Saint-Louis Roman Catholic Cathedral of Versailles - France .Versailles Cathedral
Photo of Lucerne dying lion monument, Switzerland.Lion Monument
Würzburg Residence, Würzburg Altstadt, Würzburg, Bavaria, GermanyWürzburg Residence
photo of Night view of piazza San Marco and Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Venice, Italy. Architecture and landmark of Venice. Night cityscape of Venice .Doge's Palace
photo of sunrise in san marco square with campanile and san marco's basilica. Panorama of the main square of the old town. Venice, Italy.Piazza San Marco
Photo of Mirabell Palace and Gardens in Summer, Salzburg castle in background.Mirabell Palace
Vatican Museums, Vatican CityVatican Museums
Photo of Eiffel Tower in Paris, France best Destinations in Europe.Eiffel Tower
Photo of detail of the colorful Moorish facade of the Jubilee Synagogue, also known as the Jerusalem Synagogue because of its location on Jerusalem Street in Prague, Czech Republic.Jerusalem Synagogue
photo of piazza navona in Rome, Italy. Rome navona square. Ancient stadium of Rome for athletic contests. Italy architecture and landmark. Piazza navona is one of the main attractions of Rome and Italy.Piazza navona
photo of view of Pantheon in the morning. Rome. Italy.Pantheon
photo of view of Mozart statue on Mozart Square (Mozartplatz) located at Salzburg, Austria.Mozartplatz
photo of tourists (faces not visible) climbing the cable car in an open car up Mount Stanserhorn in Switzerland and admire the magnificent aerial panorama of central Switzerland, mountains, villages and forest.Stanserhorn
photo of Amsterdam Museum (Rijksmuseum) with I Amsterdam sign, Netherlands.Amsterdam Museum
Photo of famous St. Vitus Cathedral Prague, Czech Republic on a Sunny evening.St Vitus Cathedral
Photo of aerial view of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral under clear Blue sunny sky ,Czech.Prague Castle
Musée de MontmartreMusée de Montmartre
photo of The traditional bridge of the sighs of Barranco in Lima-PERU .Bridge of Sighs
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican CitySt Peter's Basilica

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam - Arrival day
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  • Oude Kerk
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Begin your European adventure in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Enjoy a leisurely day, getting to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner. Experience a delightful cruise along the city's quaint, tree-lined canals, exploring the heart of the Old City. End your day with a delightful dinner and wine at a local restaurant.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Journey to Würzburg

  • Amsterdam
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  • Würzburg Residence
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Cross into Germany and journey through the scenic Rhine Valley to the city of Würzburg. Take a leisurely stroll through the heart of the Old Town and visit the Alte Mainbrücke, a 16th-century bridge over the River Main. Accompanied by a Local Expert, visit the imposing Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adorned with intricate decorations and lavish staterooms.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: From Würzburg to Prague

  • Prague
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Start your day with a visit to the mighty Marienburg Fortress, one of Germany's most important landmarks. Venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Continue east to the Czech border, passing the town of Pilsen, renowned for its beer, to reach the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, consider taking a river cruise through the heart of the city.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Prague

  • Prague
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  • Prague Jewish Quarter
  • St Vitus Cathedral
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Spend the day exploring Prague. Choose between a walk through the courtyards of the Castle and a visit to the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral, or a guided tour through the Jewish Quarter. Taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure. Consider shopping for Bohemian crystal or exploring the renowned antique stores. In the evening, you might want to enjoy an Optional Experience in the Czech countryside.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Journey to Salzburg

  • Salzburg
  • Průhonice
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  • Mozart's Birthplace
  • Mirabell Palace
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Travel south through the Czech Republic, cross the Austrian border and arrive in Salzburg, the city of Mozart and the 'Sound of Music'. A Local Expert will guide you through the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, Residence Square and its fountain, and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. In the evening, experience authentic Farm-to-Table dining at a restaurant in Salzburg, enjoying the flavours of homemade dishes.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: From Salzburg to Venice

  • Venice
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Enjoy a leisurely morning in Salzburg, perhaps shopping for local marzipan specialties. Consider a visit to Kehlsteinhaus - the Eagle’s Nest, for impressive views. Travel down the Tauern Mountains, cross the Italian border, and arrive in the romantic city of Venice. Your hotel is perfectly located in one of the quietest and most authentic Venetian districts.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Venice

  • Venice
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  • Doge's Palace
  • Bridge of Sighs
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Embrace the romance of Venice. Visit the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace on St. Mark's Square, and witness the skill of glassblowers at a traditional arts centre. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Consider shopping in the small arcades, or take a cruise to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Journey to Rome

  • Rome
  • Venice
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Travel into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria. Continue to follow the course of the Tiber to your hotel in the Eternal City of Rome. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Rome

  • Rome
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  • Trevi Fountain
  • Piazza navona
  • Pantheon
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Discover the art, antiquity, and pizzazz of Rome. Toss a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain, see the best-preserved monument from the Roman period - the Pantheon, and enjoy free time in Piazza Navona. Consider joining a tour inside the Catacombs and visiting the Roman Forum.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: From Rome to Florence

  • Florence
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  • Sistine Chapel
  • Vatican Museums
  • St Peter's Basilica
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Start the day with a visit to the Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and visit St. Peter's Basilica. Continue through peaceful Umbria and Tuscany, to arrive at the city of Florence. A Local Expert will accompany you to the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Journey to Rapallo

  • Rapallo
  • Florence
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  • Cinque Terre National Park
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Travel to the famous Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat (weather permitting). Spend time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. Continue to your resort in Rapallo.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Journey to Lucerne

  • Lucerne
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Pass Milan as you head north for the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world. Arrive at scenic Lake Lucerne, where you are at leisure for the rest of the afternoon.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Exploring Lucerne

  • Lucerne
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  • Chapel Bridge
  • Lion Monument
  • Stanserhorn
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Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels takes you up the summit. Upon return to Lucerne, see the town's proud Lion Monument, stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit church. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for fine watches and delectable chocolates. In the evening, choose from a fine selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Journey to Paris

  • Paris
  • Lucerne
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  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Evry Cathedral
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Journey through the rural French countryside of Burgundy, famous for its vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light, Paris. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges. With the evening free, consider visiting one of the world-famous cabaret shows.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Exploring Paris

  • Paris
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  • Mosquée d'Évry
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Your exploration of Paris today starts with an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district or join an avid foodie as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, indulge in refined French cuisine during your Celebration Dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole, frequently visited by the French entertainer Josephine Baker.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Farewell

  • Paris - Departure day
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Bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

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