European Discovery (Small Groups, Start London, End Paris, 17 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
London
Duration
17 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a captivating 17-day journey across Europe, immersing yourself in the rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes of some of the continent's most enchanting destinations. This multi-day tour takes you from the bustling streets of London to the romantic canals of Amsterdam, the historic heart of Prague, the musical city of Salzburg, the timeless beauty of Venice, the eternal city of Rome, the artistic splendor of Florence, the picturesque Cinque Terre, the serene Swiss Alps, and the vibrant city of Paris. Experience the thrill of high-speed train rides, the charm of river cruises, the delight of authentic local cuisines, and the awe of world-renowned landmarks. This tour is designed to offer a perfect blend of guided sightseeing and free time for personal exploration, ensuring an unforgettable European adventure.

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Included

16 Breakfast (B)

7 Dinner with Wine (DW)

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 flavors 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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16 nights accommodation included

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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 theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. 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-colored 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.

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.

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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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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
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
London, England - Panoramic skyline view of Bank and Canary Wharf, central London's leading financial districts with famous skyscrapers at golden hour sunset with blue sky and clouds.London
Austria, Rainbow over Salzburg castleSalzburg
Lucerne - town in SwitzerlandLucerne
Famous buildings, gondolas and monuments by the Rialto Bridge of Venice on the Grand Canal, Italy.Venice
Photo of beautiful postcard view of the famous historic town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber on a sunny day with blue sky and clouds in summer, Franconia, Bavaria, Germany.Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Praha -  in CzechiaPrague

Map

Attractions

photo of trevi fountain at sunrise beautiful full view, Rome, Italy.Trevi Fountain
Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Luzern, SwitzerlandChapel Bridge
photo of Side View with the Bell Tower of the Basilica of San Clemente in the Center of Rome on a Background of Partly Cloudy Sky,Rome Italy.St. Clement Basilica
photo of Michelangelo Capitoline Steps to Piazza Campidoglio on Capitoline Hill, Rome, Italy.Capitoline Museums
Roman ruins in Rome, ItalyPalatine Hill
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 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
Photo of Eiffel Tower in Paris, France best Destinations in Europe.Eiffel Tower
Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Quartiere 1, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Tuscany, ItalyBasilica of Santa Croce in Florence
photo of square of signoria in florence at sunrise, Italy.piazza della Signoria
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
Marienberg FortressMarienberg Fortress
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 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
London StadiumLondon Stadium
Musée de MontmartreMusée de Montmartre
photo of The traditional bridge of the sighs of Barranco in Lima-PERU .Bridge of Sighs
Le Cachot, Senlis, Oise, Hauts-de-France, Metropolitan France, FranceLe Cachot

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: London to Amsterdam

  • London - Arrival day
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  • London Stadium
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Begin your journey in London, where you'll meet your Travel Director and board the high-speed Eurostar at St. Pancras Station. Travel through the historic Channel Tunnel to Brussels and then drive to Amsterdam. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and enjoy a delightful dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Würzburg

  • London
  • Amsterdam
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  • London Stadium
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Cross into Germany and journey through the Rhine Valley to Würzburg. Take time to explore the heart of the Old Town and the 16th-century Alte Mainbrücke. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Würzburg Residenz, with a Local Expert and marvel at its intricate decorations and lavish staterooms.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Würzburg to Prague via Rothenburg ob der Tauber

  • Amsterdam
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Venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most well-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

  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber
  • Prague
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  • St. Vitus Cathedral
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Spend the day exploring Prague. Choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral or join a Local Expert through the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, see the mighty Marienburg Fortress, one of Germany's most important landmarks. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Prague to Salzburg

  • Prague
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  • Mirabell Palace
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Journey through the Czech Republic and continue south over the Austrian border to Salzburg, the city of Mozart and the 'Sound of Music.' A Local Expert shows you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace. Later, witness the imposing fortress, immense cathedral, and Mozart's birthplace. In the evening, experience authentic Farm-to-Table dining at a restaurant in Salzburg.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Salzburg to Venice

  • Salzburg
  • Hallein
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  • Mozart's Birthplace
  • Mirabell Palace
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Enjoy a leisurely morning in Salzburg before heading down the Tauern Mountains to cross the Italian border. Continue to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. Consider visiting Kehlsteinhaus - the Eagle's Nest, a unique example of historic architecture in a stunning alpine setting.

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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. See the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace on St. Mark's Square, connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre. The rest of the day is at leisure. Consider cruising the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Venice to Rome

  • Venice
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  • Doge's Palace
  • Piazza San Marco
  • Bridge of Sighs
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Head into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria. Continue following the course of the Tiber to your hotel in the Eternal City of Rome. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Rome

  • Rome
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  • Trevi Fountain
  • Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
  • Pantheon
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Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas, and pizzazz. Your morning walking tour with a Local Expert includes a visit to the spectacular Trevi Fountain and the best-preserved monument from the Roman period - the Pantheon. Enjoy free time in Piazza Navona. In the evening, enjoy a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, home to stunning 9th-century Byzantine mosaics.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Rome to Florence

  • Rome
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  • St. Clement Basilica
  • Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
  • Capitoline Museums
  • Palatine Hill
  • piazza della Signoria
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Start the day with a visit to the Vatican State, home to priceless treasures. Visit the Vatican Museums, 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: Florence to Cinque Terre and Rapallo

  • Florence
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  • St. Clement Basilica
  • Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
  • Capitoline Museums
  • Palatine Hill
  • piazza della Signoria
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The famous Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre are a highlight of your journey. Explore this 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. Continue to your resort in Rapallo and savour authentic Italian cuisine with a delicious dinner.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Rapallo to Lake Lucerne

  • Lucerne
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  • Cinque Terre National Park
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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 Lake Lucerne

  • Lucerne
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  • Chapel Bridge
  • Lion Monument Lucerne
  • Stanserhorn
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Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take 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.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Lake Lucerne to Paris

  • Lucerne
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  • Louvre Museum
  • Versailles cathedral
  • Eiffel Tower
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Journey through the rural French countryside of Burgundy 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. The evening is free for you to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Exploring Paris

  • Paris
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  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower
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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 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: Paris to London

  • Paris
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  • Le Cachot
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In the morning, bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London. On arrival, you are transferred to your London hotel where your trip ends.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Departure from London

  • 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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