European Discovery (Classic, Start London, End Paris, 16 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 16-day European adventure, traversing iconic cities and breathtaking landscapes. This multi-day tour begins in the bustling metropolis of London, where you'll board the Eurostar to Amsterdam. Experience the charm of Germany's Rhine Valley, the medieval allure of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and the cultural richness of Prague. Discover the musical heritage of Salzburg, the romance of Venice, and the timeless beauty of Rome. Journey through the picturesque regions of Tuscany and Umbria, marvel at the Renaissance splendor of Florence, and explore the stunning Cinque Terre. Traverse the Swiss Alps to Lucerne, and conclude your journey in the dazzling City of Light, Paris. With expert guides, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable experiences, this tour promises an enriching exploration of Europe's most captivating destinations.
Included
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.
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.
London: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train as you journey from London to Europe via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel.
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.
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.
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.
Würzburg: The Maritim Hotel Würzburg is situated directly in front of the banks of the river Maine and offers views of the imposing Marienberg fortress.
Salzburg: Combining historic substance and modern architecture, the ARCOTEL Castellani is located in green surroundings and only a 15-minute walk from the centre of Salzburg. It features a large garden including a Baroque chapel and a 400-year old linden tree.
Venice: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio Venice is a hotel with traditional and modern elements complete with a door opening onto a canal.
Florence: Hotel Londra is an elegant hotel situated right in the heart of Florence.
Rapallo: The Grand Hotel Bristol Resort and Spa is a classic property, overlooking the Mediterranean and offering spacious rooms decorated in the Art Nouveau style.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: London to Amsterdam
- London
- Brussels
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
- More
- London Stadium
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Begin your adventure by meeting your Travel Director in London and boarding the high-speed Eurostar to Brussels. From there, enjoy a scenic drive to Amsterdam. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and a delightful canal cruise through the heart of Amsterdam's Old City, followed by a sumptuous dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Würzburg
- Amsterdam
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Travel from Amsterdam into Germany, passing through the picturesque Rhine Valley. Arrive in Würzburg, where you'll have time to explore the charming Old Town and the historic Alte Mainbrücke. With a Local Expert, visit the magnificent Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its stunning architecture and lavish interiors.
Day 3 – Day 3: Würzburg to Prague
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Prague
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- Rothenburger Tor
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Journey to the enchanting town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Continue eastward, passing through Pilsen, famous for its beer, before reaching the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, consider a river cruise to experience the city's magical ambiance from the water.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discover Prague
- Prague
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- Jerusalem Synagogue
- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Prague Castle
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Explore the captivating city of Prague with a choice of guided tours. Opt to wander through the courtyards of Prague Castle and visit the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral, or delve into the rich history of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Marienburg Fortress in Germany. The evening is yours to explore Prague's vibrant nightlife or enjoy an optional countryside experience.
Day 5 – Day 5: Prague to Salzburg
- Prague
- Hallein
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Travel south through the Czech Republic and cross into Austria, arriving in the musical city of Salzburg. A Local Expert will guide you through the enchanting Mirabell Palace Gardens, Residence Square, and the lively Getreidegasse, where Mozart was born. In the evening, savor a Farm-to-Table dining experience with homemade dishes in Salzburg.
Day 6 – Day 6: Salzburg to Venice
- Hallein
- Venice
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- Kolm Saigurn Mautstrasse
- Kreuzstein Wasserfall
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Enjoy a leisurely morning in Salzburg, perhaps visiting the historic Eagle's Nest for breathtaking alpine views. Later, journey through the stunning Tauern Mountains and cross into Italy, arriving in the romantic city of Venice. Your hotel is nestled in one of the city's quiet and authentic districts, offering a peaceful retreat.
Day 7 – Day 7: Explore Venice
- Venice
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- Grassi Palace
- 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 St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs. Experience a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® moment by witnessing the artistry of glassblowers at a traditional arts centre. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps shopping or taking a lagoon cruise to Burano for a delightful meal.
Day 8 – Day 8: Venice to Rome
- Venice
- Rome
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- Antinori nel Chianti Classico
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Travel through the serene landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria, following the course of the Tiber River to the Eternal City of Rome. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local Roman restaurant, savoring the flavors of authentic Italian cuisine.
Day 9 – Day 9: Explore Rome
- Rome
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- Trevi Fountain
- Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
- Piazza Navona
- Pantheon
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Discover the artistic and historical treasures of Rome with a guided walking tour. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, visit the ancient Pantheon, and enjoy free time in the lively Piazza Navona. In the evening, experience an exclusive visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, where you'll be welcomed by the Rector and admire the stunning Byzantine mosaics.
Day 10 – Day 10: Rome to Florence
- Rome
- Florence
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- Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
- Capitoline Museums
- Palatine Hill
- piazza della Signoria
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Start your day with a visit to the Vatican Museums, where you'll enjoy fast-track entry to admire the Papal art collection and Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel. Continue your journey through the picturesque regions of Umbria and Tuscany, arriving in Florence. A Local Expert will guide you to the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, where Renaissance art and history come alive.
Day 11 – Day 11: Florence to Cinque Terre
- Florence
- Santa Margherita Ligure
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- Cinque Terre National Park
- Santa Maria di Castello
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Embark on a journey to the stunning Italian Riviera and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre. With a Local Expert, enjoy breathtaking views as you approach one of the charming fishing villages by boat. Spend time exploring the medieval quarter or relaxing on the sandy beach. Continue to your resort in Santa Margherita Ligure, where you'll savor a delicious Italian dinner.
Day 12 – Day 12: Santa Margherita Ligure to Lucerne
- Santa Margherita Ligure
- Lugano
- Lucerne
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- Lakefront Pallanza
- Cascata del Toce
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Travel north, passing the city of Milan, and enter the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue through the heart of the Swiss Alps, traversing the impressive Saint Gotthard Tunnel. Arrive in the picturesque city of Lucerne, where you have the afternoon at leisure to explore its charming streets and scenic lakeside views.
Day 13 – Day 13: Explore Lucerne
- Lucerne
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- Chapel Bridge
- Lion Monument Lucerne
- Stanserhorn
- Fraumünster Church
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Ascend Mount Stanserhorn on an eco-friendly open-top cable car, taking in the pristine mountain air and panoramic views. Back in Lucerne, visit the poignant Lion Monument and stroll across the historic Chapel Bridge. The rest of the day is yours to explore, shop for Swiss watches, or indulge in delectable chocolates. In the evening, enjoy a Dine-Around experience with a choice of local restaurants.
Day 14 – Day 14: Lucerne to Paris
- Lucerne
- Paris
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Travel through the picturesque Burgundy region, renowned for its vineyards, and arrive in the vibrant City of Light, Paris. During your stay, marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre. Discover the romantic banks of the Seine and the grandeur of the Champs Élysées. The evening is free to explore Paris's lively atmosphere, perhaps with a visit to a world-famous cabaret show.
Day 15 – Day 15: Discover Paris
- Paris
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- Musée de Montmartre
- Le Cachot
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Choose to explore the charming Montorgueil district or join a foodie tour to sample local delicacies. In the evening, celebrate your journey with a refined French dinner at the iconic La Coupole, a favorite haunt of the legendary Josephine Baker.
Day 16 – Day 16: Farewell Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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As your unforgettable journey comes to an end, bid farewell to your fellow travelers. Transfers to Charles de Gaulle Airport are provided, ensuring a smooth departure from the enchanting city of Paris.
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