Highlights of Europe (Classic, Start London, End London, 14 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 14-day tour that takes you through the heart of Europe, from the bustling streets of London to the romantic canals of Venice, the majestic Alps of Switzerland, and the timeless beauty of Paris. This multi-day tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, offering you a chance to explore iconic landmarks, taste local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the local culture. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and a knowledgeable guide to lead the way, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through some of Europe's most enchanting destinations.
Included
6 Dinner with Wine (DW)
13 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.
Veneto: Visit a local winery and delight in a tasting of their magnificent prosecco. Meet the vignerons and learn how this local drink has come to rival its well-known counterpart in France.
Rome: Food and family go hand-in-hand in Italy and are pillars of the Italian way of life. Experience it for yourself with an invitation from your local host to join them for a truly Italian, home-cooked meal.
Florence: Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner in the city known for its delicious cuts of steak.
Baveno: Choose your dining experience from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, each offering their own unique cuisine and ambience on your Dine-Around Evening.
Paris: Rendezvous with your newfound friends at La Coupole for a rousing dinner with wine.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
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.
Heidelberg: Venture inside the magnificent castle built in red sandstone, overlooking the Student Prince’s town. See the massive Heideleberg Tun built into the cellar in 1591, visit the Apothecary Museum and enjoy panoramic views of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley.
Rome: Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure.
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.
Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
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.
Heidelberg: Explore one of Germany's most enchanting cities during your orientation with your Travel Director.
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.
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.
Rome: The 19th century Bettoja Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio contains many original paintings from the 1860s.
Florence: Hotel Londra is an elegant hotel situated right in the heart of Florence.
Lucerne: The Hotel Astoria is sat in the middle of all Lucerne has to offer, with magnificent mountains and astonishing culture.
Paris: The Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River near the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Recently renovated, this modern property offers luxurious bedding in all rooms.
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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: London to Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
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- London Stadium
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Start 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 and arrive in Brussels, from where you'll drive to Amsterdam. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome reception and a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Heidelberg
- Amsterdam
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Embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque Rhine Valley, dotted with quaint villages and hilltop castles. Follow the Neckar River to the charming city of Heidelberg, where you'll visit the historic Heidelberg Castle with a Local Expert.
Day 3 – Day 3: Heidelberg to Innsbruck
- Innsbruck
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- Hohenschwangau Castle
- Neuschwanstein Castle
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Travel through the northern Black Forest and the Bavarian Alps, stopping to admire the royal castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. Cross the Austrian border to reach Innsbruck, the Tyrolean capital, where you'll tour the city's architectural gems, including the Imperial Palace and the Golden Roof.
Day 4 – Day 4: Innsbruck to Venice
- Innsbruck
- Venice
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Continue your journey across the Italian border, passing through the stunning Dolomites. Stop at a family-owned winery in Veneto for a taste of the region's famous prosecco. Arrive in Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, and enjoy a delicious dinner with wine in the evening.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Venice
- Venice
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- Doge's Palace
- Piazza San Marco
- St Mark's Basilica
- Bridge of Sighs
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Spend the day exploring the romantic city of Venice. Witness the skill of local glassblowers at a traditional arts centre and take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square. Admire the riches of St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. In the afternoon, consider a trip to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine.
Day 6 – Day 6: Venice to Rome
- Venice
- Rome
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- Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
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Travel through the serene landscapes of the Apennine Mountains and the regions of Tuscany and Umbria to reach Rome, the Eternal City. Visit the Basilica of Saint Praxedes and marvel at the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. In the evening, enjoy Italian hospitality at its best with a dinner at a local Roman home.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Rome
- Rome
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- St. Clement Basilica
- Capitoline Museums
- Palatine Hill
- Colosseum
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Spend the day exploring Rome with a Local Expert. Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, and explore St. Peter's Basilica, one of the world's largest churches. Cross the River Tiber to see the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 8 – Day 8: Rome to Florence
- Rome
- Florence
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- Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
- Galleria dell'Accademia
- piazza della Signoria
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Drive to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. A Local Expert will accompany you to the Duomo and the Piazza della Signoria. Spend the afternoon shopping for gold and leather goods, or visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's 'David'. In the evening, enjoy an authentic meal at a local trattoria.
Day 9 – Day 9: Florence to Milan
- Florence
- Milan
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- Life Electric
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Travel past Milan to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favourite retreat of the rich and famous. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake. Consider a cruise to the lovely Isola Bella for a guided tour of the palace and botanical gardens. In the evening, choose from a selection of local restaurants for your dining experience.
Day 10 – Day 10: Milan to Lucerne
- Milan
- Lucerne
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Leave the Italian Lake District and cross the Swiss border. Explore Mount Stanserhorn and enjoy the pristine mountain air and stunning views. Continue to lakeside Lucerne where the afternoon is at your leisure. Consider a cruise on Lake Lucerne for its dramatic vistas.
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Lucerne
- Lucerne
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- Chapel Bridge
- Jesuitenkirche Hl. Franz Xaver
- Lion Monument Lucerne
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Visit the emotive Lion Monument, stroll across the Chapel Bridge to see the ornate Jesuit Church. Spend the rest of the day shopping for chocolate and Swiss watches in the traffic-free Old Town, or venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride.
Day 12 – Day 12: Lucerne to Paris
- Lucerne
- Paris
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Travel through the rural landscapes of Alsace and Burgundy to reach the vibrant City of Light, Paris. Visit the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Place de la Concorde. Drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, perhaps visiting a world-famous cabaret show.
Day 13 – Day 13: Exploring Paris
- Paris
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- Musée de Montmartre
- Le Cachot
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Spend the day exploring Paris. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district or join a foodie tour to sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole.
Day 14 – Day 14: Paris to London
- Paris - Departure day
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Bid farewell to your fellow travellers as your journey comes to an end. Travel by high-speed Eurostar train back to London. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable European tour.
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