Romantic European (Small Groups, Start London, End Paris, 19 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 19-day journey across Europe, exploring its rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. This multi-day tour takes you from the bustling streets of London to the romantic canals of Amsterdam, the historic landmarks of Prague, the vibrant city of Budapest, the imperial grandeur of Vienna, the unique charm of Venice, the Renaissance beauty of Florence, the eternal city of Rome, the serene Swiss Alps, and finally, the City of Light, Paris. Along the way, you'll enjoy a mix of guided tours and free time, allowing you to immerse yourself in each destination's unique charm. From scenic drives and high-speed train rides to canal cruises and mountain excursions, this tour offers a variety of experiences that cater to every taste and interest.
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.
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: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Expert reveals why this is the historic core of the city. You will also tour 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.
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.
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.
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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Kick off your European adventure in London, where you'll meet your Travel Director before boarding a high-speed Eurostar train to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, embark on a scenic canal cruise, admiring the city's iconic 16th and 17th-century merchant houses and the famous Skinny Bridge. After the cruise, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam to Würzburg
- Amsterdam
- More
- Würzburg Residence
- Marienberg Fortress
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Leave Amsterdam behind as you journey through the picturesque Rhine Valley to Würzburg. Here, you'll visit the imposing Marienburg Fortress and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residenz, marveling at its intricate decorations and lavish staterooms.
Day 3 – Day 3: Würzburg to Prague
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Prague
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Start your day with a visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a well-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Continue east to the Czech border, passing through Pilsen, famous for its beer, before arriving in the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, consider taking a river cruise through the heart of the city.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Prague
- Prague
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- Jerusalem Synagogue
- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Prague Castle
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Spend the day exploring Prague. Choose between a guided tour of the Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral or a walk through the Jewish Quarter, where you'll learn about the history, traditions, and legends of the Jewish people. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Consider shopping for Bohemian crystal or visiting the city's renowned antique stores.
Day 5 – Day 5: Prague to Budapest
- Budapest
- Prague
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- Rudas Baths
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Leave Prague behind as you journey through the beautiful forested countryside of Bohemia to Budapest. In the evening, join a Local Expert for a scenic dinner cruise on the River Danube, taking in the city's spectacular nighttime views.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Budapest
- London
- Budapest
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Spend the day exploring Budapest. Drive along the beautiful Andrássy Avenue to Heroes' Square, stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda, and admire the sweeping views from the Fisherman's Bastion. Stand atop Gellért Hill, home to the colossal Liberty Statue, and marvel at the panoramic views of the city, including the famous Chain Bridge and the elegant Elizabeth Bridge.
Day 7 – Day 7: Budapest to Vienna
- Budapest
- Vienna
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- Turul Monument
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Start the day with a tour of the Liszt Music Academy, followed by an enchanting recital. Continue your journey past the Turul Monument, a large eagle statue overlooking the town of Tatabanya, to the Austrian border. Arrive in Vienna, the imperial capital, in the afternoon.
Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Vienna
- Vienna
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- Burg Perchtoldsdorf
- Hundertwasserhaus
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Burgruine Mödling
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Spend the morning exploring Vienna. You have the option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and its formal gardens. Later, take a drive around the famous Ring Road, showcasing the city's architectural masterpieces, and join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. End the day with traditional coffee and cake at a cosy café.
Day 9 – Day 9: Vienna to Venice
- Venice
- Vienna
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- Venetian Arsenal
- Doge's Palace
- Bridge of Sighs
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Leave Vienna behind as you journey through the Carinthian Lake District and past Europe's warmest lake, the Wörthersee, to Venice. Arrive in the unique city by private boat and spend the late afternoon and early evening sipping a cocktail on Piazza San Marco, serenaded by talented musicians. Later, stroll past the Doge's Palace and the famous 'Bridge of Sighs' to a local restaurant for dinner.
Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Venice
- Venice
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- Venetian Arsenal
- Doge's Palace
- Piazza San Marco
- Burano
- Bridge of Sighs
- Carta Gate
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Embrace the romantic city of Venice. Visit the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace on St. Mark's Square, and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. Witness the skill of glassblowers at a traditional arts centre. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Consider shopping in the small arcades or cruising the Venetian Lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine.
Day 11 – Day 11: Venice to Rome
- Rome
- Venice
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- Giotto's Bell Tower
- Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
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Head into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. Visit the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Nicolo Machiavelli, and enjoy a tasting of wines made from the surrounding vineyards. Continue your journey to Rome, where you'll enjoy a private after-hours visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, home to the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics.
Day 12 – Day 12: 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 your Local Expert. Visit the Vatican Museums and admire the Papal art collection. Inside the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Continue to St. Peter's Basilica, the mother church of the Catholic faith, to see another Michelangelo masterpiece, the Pietà. Later, stand outside the Colosseum and imagine the days of the gladiators. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure.
Day 13 – Day 13: Rome to Florence
- Florence
- Rome
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- Rafting Umbria
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Leave Rome and head to Umbria, where you'll meet chef Lorenzo at his family farm. Learn about Italian cooking during a pasta demonstration and enjoy a delicious lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine. Continue on to your hotel in Florence.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Florence
- Florence
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- Palazzo Pitti
- Giotto's Bell Tower
- Florence Baptistery
- Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
- piazza della Signoria
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Start the day with a guided tour of Florence. Visit the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower, and baptistery adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. You'll also visit the open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces in Piazza della Signoria and the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for its luxury goods. The afternoon is yours to explore. Consider visiting Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower.
Day 15 – Day 15: Florence to Lucerne
- Lucerne
- Florence
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- Lake Brienz
- Chapel Bridge
- Jesuitenkirche Hl. Franz Xaver
- Lion Monument Lucerne
- Gotthard Pass
- Lake View
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Leave Florence and head north towards 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, before arriving at scenic Lake Lucerne. Visit the town's Lion Monument, stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge, and see the baroque Jesuit Church.
Day 16 – Day 16: Exploring Lucerne
- Lucerne
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- Stanserhorn
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Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a solar-powered cable car and enjoy the pristine mountain air and breathtaking views. Walk along scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals. With the rest of the day free, consider shopping for delectable Swiss chocolate in the traffic-free Old Town or venturing into the countryside for a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Day 17 – Day 17: Lucerne to Paris
- Paris
- Lucerne
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- place de la Concorde
- Champ de Mars
- Louvre Museum
- Versailles cathedral
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Alsatian Museum
- Sainte Chapelle
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Journey through the rural French countryside of Alsace and Burgundy, famous for its vineyards and wines, 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. Discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde, and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
Day 18 – Day 18: Exploring Paris
- Paris
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- Musée de Montmartre
- Le Cachot
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Your exploration of Paris today starts with a choice. You can choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district or join a foodie to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, indulge in refined French cuisine during your dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole, frequently visited by the French entertainer Josephine Baker.
Day 19 – Day 19: Departure from Paris
- Paris
- Champs-sur-Marne - Departure day
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Bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Transfers will take you to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your onward journey.
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