Romantic European (Small Groups, Start London, End Paris, 19 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 19-day journey through Europe's most captivating cities and landscapes. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical insights, and breathtaking scenery. From the vibrant streets of London to the romantic canals of Amsterdam, the majestic castles of Prague, and the imperial grandeur of Vienna, each day promises new adventures and discoveries. Savor the culinary delights of Italy, marvel at the natural beauty of Switzerland, and immerse yourself in the artistic treasures of Paris. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a carefully curated itinerary, this tour ensures an enriching and memorable experience. Join us for an extraordinary exploration of Europe's iconic destinations and hidden gems.
Included
18 nights accommodation included
6 Dinner with Wine (DW)
18 Breakfast (B)
2 Lunch with Wine (LW)
Amsterdam: Toast to the travels ahead during your Welcome Dinner of modern European cuisine at a local restaurant.
Budapest: Enjoy a scenic dinner cruise and take in the city's night time beauty as you float along the Danube.
Venice: Savour a Venetian Celebration Dinner with wine in a restaurant in the heart of this historic city.
Tuscany: Enjoy a tasting of locally made wines and sample delicious Tuscan snacks in the underground cellar of Machiavelli's home. While here you will visit the Italian gardens and be privy to a private opening of the office where he wrote 'The Prince.'
Umbria: Explore the art of Italian cooking with Chef Lorenzo followed by a tasty lunch.
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.
San Casciano in Val di Pesa: Experience an enchanting lunch time concert presented by the Prima Materia Association, the visionary creators of the Community Music project, Musicatoio. This initiative has rapidly evolved into one of the region's most impactful socio-cultural programmes, committed to enriching the community by harnessing the transformative power of music. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality Education & 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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.
Budapest: Enjoy a tour of the Liszt Music Academy with a student, followed by an enchanting recital. Producing incredible musical talent, the university was founded by piano virtuoso and composer Franz Liszt in 1875.
Vienna: Be pampered with traditional coffee and cake. An experience like no other, this cosy café provides companionship, and promotes well-being and support for the community, in addition to crafting delicious treats.
Tuscany: Meet your Local Expert for a guided visit through the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Niccolo Machiavelli, with a special opening of his private office where he wrote 'The Prince.'
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: Stand on the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke and see the Marienburg fortress.
Wurzburg: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Würzburg Residence.
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.
Vienna: Join your Local Expert for a city tour that reveals both the renowned sights and hidden gems of Vienna's historic core. Travel along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
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.
Florence: See the historic neighbourhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
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.
Budapest: Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda with a Local Expert.
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.
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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: London to Amsterdam
- London
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
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- Luton Hoo Estate
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Begin your adventure by meeting your Travel Director in London and boarding the high-speed Eurostar train. Journey through the Channel Tunnel to Amsterdam, where you'll enjoy a delightful evening canal cruise. Marvel at the historic merchant houses and iconic bridges before dining at a local restaurant.
Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Würzburg
- Amsterdam
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- Würzburg Residence
- Marienberg Fortress
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Relax as you embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque Rhine Valley, arriving in Würzburg. Explore the majestic Marienburg Fortress and the UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residenz, where a Local Expert will guide you through its opulent rooms and intricate decorations.
Day 3 – Day 3: Würzburg to Prague
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Prague
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- Rothenburger Tor
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Start your day with a visit to the charming town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a gem on the Romantic Road. Continue your journey eastward, passing through Pilsen, famous for its beer, before reaching the enchanting city of Prague. In the evening, consider a river cruise to experience the city's beauty 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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Today, choose your own adventure in Prague. Opt to explore the courtyards of Prague Castle and visit the grand St. Vitus Cathedral, or delve into the history of the Jewish Quarter with a Local Expert. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city's antique shops or hunt for exquisite Bohemian crystal.
Day 5 – Day 5: Prague to Budapest
- Budapest
- Prague
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- Dunapart
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Travel through the lush forests of Bohemia and follow the Danube River to the vibrant city of Budapest. In the evening, enjoy a scenic dinner cruise on the Danube, taking in the breathtaking views of the city illuminated at night.
Day 6 – Day 6: Explore Budapest
- London
- Budapest
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Discover Budapest's rich history and stunning architecture. Drive along Andrassy Avenue to Heroes' Square, then explore the Old Town of Buda. Enjoy panoramic views from Fisherman's Bastion and Gellért Hill, where the Liberty Statue stands watch over the city.
Day 7 – Day 7: Budapest to Vienna
- Budapest
- Vienna
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- Turul Monument
- Mining Museum Csolnok
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Begin your day with a visit to the Liszt Music Academy for a captivating recital. Travel past the Turul Monument, a symbol of Hungarian heritage, as you journey to Vienna. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Austrian countryside before arriving in the imperial capital.
Day 8 – Day 8: Vienna's Grandeur
- Vienna
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- Burg Perchtoldsdorf
- Hundertwasserhaus
- Wienerwaldsee
- Parade Court Fountains
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Burgruine Mödling
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Immerse yourself in Vienna's imperial splendor with an optional tour of Schönbrunn Palace. Capture the city's architectural marvels on a drive along the Ring Road, passing the Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, and Parliament Building. Later, enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic Innere Stadt, savoring traditional coffee and cake at a local café.
Day 9 – Day 9: Vienna to Venice
- Venice
- Vienna
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- Venetian Arsenal
- Miniera di Raibl
- Doge's Palace
- Bridge of Sighs
- Piazza Manzoni
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Travel through the serene landscapes of Styria and the Carinthian Lake District, passing the warm waters of Wörthersee. Cross into Italy and descend through mountain valleys to the enchanting city of Venice. Arrive by private boat and enjoy a cocktail at Piazza San Marco, followed by a stroll to a local restaurant for a magical dinner.
Day 10 – Day 10: Venice's Charms
- Venice
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- Doge's Palace
- Bridge of Sighs
- Carta Gate
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Embrace the romance of Venice as you explore St. Mark's Square, the Campanile, and Doge's Palace. Witness the artistry of glassblowers at a traditional arts center. The afternoon is free for you to wander the charming arcades or take a cruise to Burano for a delightful meal.
Day 11 – Day 11: Venice to Rome
- Rome
- Venice
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- Parco della Rocca
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Journey through the Apennine Mountains to Tuscany, where you'll visit the home of Nicolo Machiavelli. Enjoy a guided tour and a special lunch concert, followed by a wine tasting. Continue to Rome for an exclusive after-hours visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, admiring its stunning mosaics.
Day 12 – Day 12: Rome's Treasures
- Rome
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- St. Clement Basilica
- Capitoline Museums
- Palatine Hill
- Colosseum
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Explore the Vatican Museums with priority access, marveling at the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Cross the Tiber to stand before the Colosseum, imagining the gladiatorial battles of ancient Rome. The afternoon is yours to explore the Eternal City at your leisure.
Day 13 – Day 13: Rome to Florence
- Florence
- Rome
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- The Mole Di Narni
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Visit Chef Lorenzo's family farm in Umbria for a hands-on pasta-making demonstration and a delicious lunch with Orvieto Classico wine. Continue to Florence, where you'll settle into your hotel and prepare for the next day's exploration of this Renaissance city.
Day 14 – Day 14: Florence's Renaissance
- Florence
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- Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
- piazza della Signoria
- Pieve di Santa Maria
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Join a Local Expert to explore Florence's architectural wonders, including the multi-colored marble cathedral and the open-air gallery at Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Santa Croce Basilica area, known for its luxury goods. The afternoon is free for you to explore or take an optional trip to Pisa.
Day 15 – Day 15: Florence to Lucerne
- Lucerne
- Florence
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- Chapel Bridge
- Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne
- Lion Monument Lucerne
- Gotthard Pass
- Fraumünster Church
- Lake View
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Travel north through the Italian Lake District, passing Lake Lugano, and enter the Swiss Alps via the Saint Gotthard Tunnel. Arrive in Lucerne to see the Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge, and Jesuit Church. Enjoy a leisurely evening in this charming Swiss town.
Day 16 – Day 16: Lucerne's Natural Beauty
- Lucerne
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- Stanserhorn
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Ascend Mount Stanserhorn on an open-top cable car for breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and learn about local wildlife from a Swiss ranger. Spend the rest of the day exploring Lucerne's Old Town or take a horse-drawn carriage ride in the countryside.
Day 17 – Day 17: Lucerne to Paris
- Paris
- Lucerne
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- place de la Concorde
- Champ de Mars
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Alsatian Museum
- Les Invalides
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Journey through the picturesque regions of Alsace and Burgundy, renowned for their vineyards, to the vibrant city of Paris. Discover the iconic Eiffel Tower, the romantic Seine River, and the historic Place de la Concorde. Stroll along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and enjoy a free evening in the City of Light.
Day 18 – Day 18: Parisian Delights
- Paris
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- Musée de Montmartre
- Le Cachot
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Choose to explore the charming Montorgueil district or join a local food lover to discover hidden culinary gems. In the evening, savor exquisite French cuisine at the iconic La Coupole restaurant, a favorite of Josephine Baker.
Day 19 – Day 19: Farewell Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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Bid adieu to your fellow travelers as your unforgettable journey concludes. Transfers to Charles de Gaulle Airport are available, ensuring a smooth departure from the enchanting city of Paris.
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