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
Minimum age
5 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 16-day journey through some of Europe's most captivating cities and landscapes. This multi-day tour takes you from the charming canals of Amsterdam to the vibrant streets of Paris, with stops in historic German towns, the romantic city of Venice, and the artistic heart of Florence. Discover the rich history and culture of Prague, the musical heritage of Salzburg, and the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps. Along the way, enjoy guided tours, authentic dining experiences, and leisure time to explore at your own pace. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Join us for an extraordinary exploration of Europe's most iconic destinations and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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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: Experience authentic Farm-to-Table dining and enjoy the flavours of homemade Austrian dishes.

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: Rendezvous with your newfound friends at La Coupole for a rousing dinner with wine.

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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: Explore Prague with your local expert, walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. The city is then yours to explore. Maybe take a river cruise through the heart of the city or walk in the footsteps of kings along the Royal Route? Czechs are passionate about their beer, so be sure to try the local pilsners together with hearty Czech cuisine.

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 a local food lover 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.  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.

Amsterdam: Cruise along the 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 one of the 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.

Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.

"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.

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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.

Paris: Experience the magic of Paris with Insight Vacations as you explore its iconic sights, landmarks, and charming streets. Meander along the picturesque banks of the River Seine, delving into the rich history of its beautiful bridges and renowned landmarks, including the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Whether from the comfort of your coach or a scenic vantage point, immerse yourself in the timeless stories that bring this enchanting city to life.

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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Destinations

Hallein - city in AustriaHallein
Aerial panoramic cityscape of Rome, Italy, Europe. Roma is the capital of Italy. Cityscape of Rome in summer. Rome roofs view with ancient architecture in Italy. Rome
Lugano - city in SwitzerlandLugano
Amsterdam Netherlands dancing houses over river Amstel landmark in old european city spring landscape.Amsterdam
Florence Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge during Beautiful Sunny Day, ItalyFlorence
Paris, France. Panoramic view from Arc de Triomphe. Eiffel Tower and Avenue des Champs Elysees. Europe.Paris
Framura
Photo of panoramic aerial view of town Rapallo in Liguria, Italy.Rapallo
Austria, Rainbow over Salzburg castleSalzburg
Lucerne - town in SwitzerlandLucerne
Santa Margherita Ligure
Famous buildings, gondolas and monuments by the Rialto Bridge of Venice on the Grand Canal, Italy.Venice
Praha -  in CzechiaPrague

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 Lucerne
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: Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam - Arrival day
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  • Soestdijk Palace
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Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, where you can unwind and explore at your own pace. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a delightful Welcome Dinner. As you cruise along the charming, tree-lined canals, you'll have the opportunity to discover the heart of the Old City. Enjoy a relaxing evening filled with delicious food and fine wine at a local restaurant, setting the perfect tone for the days ahead.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Würzburg

  • Amsterdam
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  • Würzburg Residence
  • Old Main Bridge
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Cross into Germany and journey through the picturesque Rhine Valley to reach Würzburg. Here, you have time to wander through the charming Old Town and make your way to the historic Alte Mainbrücke, a 16th-century bridge adorned with sandstone statues. With a Local Expert, explore the magnificent Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its opulent staterooms influenced by French, Austrian, and Venetian styles.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Rothenburg to Prague

  • Prague
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Travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a beautifully preserved town on the Romantic Road. Continue your journey eastward, passing through the town of Pilsen, famous for its beer, before reaching the enchanting city of Prague. In the evening, consider taking a river cruise to experience the city's magical atmosphere from the water.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Prague

  • Prague
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  • Jerusalem Synagogue
  • St. Vitus Cathedral
  • Prague Castle
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Discover the wonders of Prague with Insight Choice. Opt to explore the courtyards of the Castle and visit the impressive St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to delve into the Jewish Quarter, learning about its rich history and sampling the traditional Czech pastry, Trdelník. In the afternoon, explore the city at your leisure, and in the evening, consider an optional excursion into the Czech countryside.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Salzburg

  • Salzburg
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  • Seisenbergklamm
  • Mirabell Palace
  • Gr Breitstein
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Travel south to Salzburg, the city of Mozart and the 'Sound of Music.' A Local Expert will guide you through the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, where iconic scenes from the film were shot. Visit Residence Square and its fountain, and stroll along the lively Getreidegasse, home to Mozart's birthplace. In the evening, savor authentic farm-to-table dining at a local restaurant, enjoying the rich flavors of homemade dishes.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Salzburg to Venice

  • Venice
  • Hallein
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Enjoy a leisurely morning in Salzburg, perhaps shopping for local marzipan specialties or visiting the historic Kehlsteinhaus, known as the Eagle's Nest, for breathtaking alpine views. Later, travel through the stunning Tauern Mountains, crossing into Italy to reach the romantic city of Venice. Your hotel is ideally situated in one of Venice's quiet and authentic districts, offering a peaceful retreat.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Venice

  • Venice
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  • Doge's Palace
  • Piazza San Marco
  • Bridge of Sighs
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Immerse yourself in the romance of Venice, starting with a visit to the iconic St. Mark's Square, where you'll see the towering Campanile and the majestic Doge's Palace. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace to the ancient prisons. Experience a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience by observing the artistry of glassblowers at a traditional arts center. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps shopping in quaint arcades or taking a cruise to Burano for a meal of local specialties.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Venice to Rome

  • Rome
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Travel through the serene landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria, following the Tiber River to reach the Eternal City of Rome. Settle into your hotel and prepare for an evening of culinary delight with dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll savor the flavors of authentic Italian cuisine.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Discovering Rome

  • Rome
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  • Trevi Fountain
  • Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
  • Piazza Navona
  • Pantheon
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Embark on a walking tour of Rome with a Local Expert, exploring its rich art and history. Toss a coin into the iconic Trevi Fountain and visit the Pantheon, the best-preserved monument from ancient Rome. Enjoy free time in Piazza Navona, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, experience a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, where you'll be welcomed by the Rector and admire the stunning Byzantine mosaics.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Rome to Florence

  • Florence
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  • Sistine Chapel
  • Vatican Museums
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Begin your day with a visit to the Vatican State, where you'll enjoy fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, marveling at Michelangelo's masterpieces. Continue your journey through the serene landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany to Florence. A Local Expert will guide you to the Duomo and the historic Piazza della Signoria, where you can admire Renaissance art and architecture.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Cinque Terre

  • Rapallo
  • Framura
  • Santa Margherita Ligure
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  • Cinque Terre National Park
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Explore the stunning Italian Riviera and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre. With a Local Expert, take in the breathtaking views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat, weather permitting. Spend time exploring the medieval quarter or relaxing on the sandy beach. Continue to your resort in Santa Margherita Ligure, where you'll enjoy a delicious dinner featuring authentic Italian cuisine.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Italian Lake District to Swiss Alps

  • Lugano
  • Lucerne
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Pass through Milan as you head north to the Italian Lake District, stopping at the scenic Lake Lugano. Continue your journey into the heart of the Swiss Alps, traveling through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the world's longest road tunnels. Arrive at the picturesque Lake Lucerne, where you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the charming surroundings.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Mount Stanserhorn and Lucerne

  • Lucerne
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  • Chapel Bridge
  • Lion Monument Lucerne
  • Fraumünster Church
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Embark on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you ascend Mount Stanserhorn via an open-top cable car powered by solar panels. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and panoramic views stretching to Alsace and the Black Forest. Back in Lucerne, visit the poignant Lion Monument, stroll across the historic Chapel Bridge, and admire the baroque Jesuit Church. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, shopping for Swiss watches and chocolates, and enjoy a Dine-Around Evening with a selection of fine restaurants.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Arrival in Paris

  • Paris
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  • place de la Concorde
  • Champ de Mars
  • Louvre Museum
  • Versailles cathedral
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Eiffel Tower
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Travel through the scenic Burgundy region, renowned for its vineyards, to reach the dazzling City of Light. In Paris, marvel at the iconic Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the grand facades of the Louvre. Stroll along the Seine, admire the obelisk at Place de la Concorde, and drive down the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. With the evening free, explore the vibrant atmosphere of this enchanting city, perhaps by attending a world-famous cabaret show.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Exploring Paris

  • Paris
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  • Mosquée d'Évry
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Begin your Parisian adventure with an Insight Choice. Opt to explore the charming Montorgueil district, immersing yourself in local community life. Alternatively, join a foodie tour to discover hidden gems and sample delectable treats. In the evening, indulge in exquisite French cuisine at the iconic La Coupole restaurant, a favorite haunt of the legendary Josephine Baker, as you celebrate the end of your journey.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Departure from Paris

  • Paris - Departure day
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As your unforgettable journey comes to a close, bid farewell to your fellow travelers. Transfers to Charles de Gaulle Airport are available, ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories made during this extraordinary tour.

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