European Grandeur (Small Groups, Start London, End Amsterdam, 27 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 27-day multi-day tour through Europe's most iconic cities and breathtaking landscapes. From the historic streets of London to the romantic canals of Amsterdam, this journey offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. Discover the architectural wonders of Paris, the vibrant energy of Barcelona, and the timeless elegance of Rome. Traverse the picturesque landscapes of the Loire Valley, the majestic Alps, and the enchanting Rhine Valley. With expert guides and carefully curated experiences, this tour promises an enriching adventure filled with unforgettable memories. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at renowned hotels like Hilton, Le Bristol Paris, and Sofitel (or similar), and savor local cuisines with included meals and exclusive dining experiences. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, admiring world-famous art, or simply soaking in the local culture, this tour offers a comprehensive and immersive European experience.
Included
8 Dinner with Wine (DW)
26 Breakfast (B)
Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of the city for a delightful dinner served with wine.
San Sebastián: Enjoy an evening of pintxos, dining with locals in this Basque tradition. Your delicious dinner includes a wide variety of finger food delicacies, each with their own regional flavour, flair and presentation.
Avignon: At a local farm learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce before indulging in a farm-to-table dinner of traditional French home-style cuisine.
Venice: In St Marks Square at sunset, long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels, sip cocktails canal-side before dinner at a local restaurant.
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.
Amsterdam: Toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
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.
26 nights accommodation included
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Monaco City: Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbour.
Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
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.
Maribor: Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture.
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.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
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.
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.
Vienna: Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialities of coffee and Sachertorte.
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.
Madrid: Visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian and see Pablo Picasso's masterpiece Guernica, one of the world's greatest anti-war paintings. Alternatively, join a neighbourhood walking tour to discuss social equity empowerment and learn about the history of women's movements in Spain.
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.
Rhineland: The beautiful scenery of the Rhine River is punctuated by the many castles dotted along its banks. Delight in a private estate viewing of one of these Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments located along the Middle Rhine.
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.
Chateau Chenonceau: Visit the majestic Château de Chenonceau, known as the 'Ladies' Château' it perfectly embodies the elegance of 16th century design in the Loire Valley.
Bordeaux: Your Local Expert will show you the quayside facades, Grand Theatre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces.
San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.
Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
Monaco City: Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
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.
Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
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.
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.
Vaduz: Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains.
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.
Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: London
- London
- Paris - Arrival day
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Arrive in the vibrant city of London and settle into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's iconic landmarks. Take a leisurely walk through Hyde Park or indulge in some shopping at Knightsbridge. For those interested in history, a stroll along the Thames will lead you to the majestic Tower Bridge and the historic Tower of London.
Day 2 – Day 2: Paris
- Paris
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Travel from London to Paris via the Eurostar, arriving in the City of Light. Spend your afternoon exploring Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre. Enjoy a scenic drive along the River Seine, passing by the Place de la Concorde and the Champs Elysées, culminating at the Arc de Triomphe. Conclude your day with a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local brasserie.
Day 3 – Day 3: Paris
- Amboise
- Bordeaux
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- Musée de Montmartre
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Begin your day in Paris with a choice of exploring the charming Montorgueil district or joining a local expert for a culinary tour. Discover the vibrant community life and savor the local delicacies. The afternoon is yours to explore the city's lively atmosphere at your own pace.
Day 4 – Day 4: Loire Valley to Bordeaux
- Bordeaux
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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- Castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire
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Travel south to the picturesque Loire Valley, renowned for its stunning gardens and châteaux. Visit the elegant Chenonceau Castle, which spans the River Cher. Continue your journey to Bordeaux, a bustling inland port city with a unique 18th-century character.
Day 5 – Day 5: Bordeaux to San Sebastián
- Burgos
- Madrid
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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- The big bell of Bordeaux
- miroir d'eau
- place de la Bourse
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Join a local expert for a guided tour of Bordeaux's exquisite 18th-century architecture, including the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or, and Esplanade des Quinconces. Later, travel to the charming city of San Sebastián, where you'll enjoy a progressive dinner in the Old Town, sampling the Basque tradition of pintxos and savoring local Txakoli wine.
Day 6 – Day 6: San Sebastián to Madrid
- Madrid
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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Travel through the scenic mountains and gorges of northern Spain, emerging onto the plateau of New Castile. Arrive in Madrid, Spain's elegant capital, where you can enjoy an evening drive along the city's grand avenues, admiring the illuminated fountains and architecture.
Day 7 – Day 7: Madrid
- Madrid
- Barcelona
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- Naval Museum
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Explore Madrid's historic neighborhoods with a local expert, delving into the city's origins. Visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian to view Picasso's masterpiece, Guernica. Spend the rest of the day discovering Madrid's vibrant culture and attractions.
Day 8 – Day 8: Madrid to Barcelona
- Barcelona
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Cross the Castilian plain, passing Zaragoza, and arrive in the vibrant port city of Barcelona. In the evening, savor local Catalan cuisine and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Montjuic as the lights twinkle below.
Day 9 – Day 9: Barcelona
- Avignon
- More
- Sagrada Família
- Montjuïc Castle
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Join your local expert for a tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and the cathedral. Travel along the Ramblas and Passeig de Gràcia, admiring the city's modernist architecture. Conclude your day with a visit to Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família.
Day 10 – Day 10: Avignon
- Nice
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- Remparts d'Avignon
- Palais des Papes
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Travel to Avignon to see the famous Pont d'Avignon and explore the medieval streets of the Old Town. Stand in the shadow of the imposing Palais des Papes and learn about the region's olive oil production. Enjoy a Farm-to-Table dinner, offering a taste of traditional French cuisine.
Day 11 – Day 11: Nice
- London
- More
- Promenade du Paillon
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Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice. Spend the day at your leisure, strolling along the famous Promenade des Anglais or relaxing on the beach.
Day 12 – Day 12: Monaco to Pisa
- Pisa
- Monaco
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- Museum of Sanremo
- Hanbury Botanical Garden
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
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Travel to Monaco and explore the old town, visiting the Royal Palace and the cathedral. Cross into Italy and arrive in Pisa, where you'll see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and the splendid 11th-century cathedral and baptistery.
Day 13 – Day 13: Florence
- Florence
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- Palazzo Vecchio
- piazza della Signoria
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Explore Florence with a local expert, visiting the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery. Stroll through Piazza della Signoria, an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces, and admire the statues of Neptune and David at the Palazzo Vecchio. Enjoy free time to shop for luxury goods or continue exploring the city's rich history.
Day 14 – Day 14: Florence to Rome
- Rome
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Relax and enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria as you travel to Rome. Arrive in the Eternal City, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, and Renaissance palaces. In the evening, savor a traditional meal at a local restaurant.
Day 15 – Day 15: Vatican City
- Rome
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- St. Clement Basilica
- Capitoline Museums
- Palatine Hill
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Discover the grandeur of Vatican City with a local expert. Visit the Vatican Museums, home to priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Marvel at Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and admire the emotive 'Pieta' in St. Peter's Basilica. Spend the afternoon shopping or relaxing at a sidewalk café before an exclusive after-hours visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes.
Day 16 – Day 16: Rome
- Rome
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Enjoy a day at your own pace in Rome. Consider an optional excursion to the ancient city of Pompeii or spend time exploring the boutiques of Via del Corso and Via Nazionale. Alternatively, relax in the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps.
Day 17 – Day 17: Rome to Venice
- Venice
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Travel through the picturesque Tuscan landscapes and descend past Bologna into the fertile Valley of the River Po. Arrive in the enchanting city of Venice by boat, where you'll enjoy a sunset cocktail serenaded by talented musicians, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 18 – Day 18: Venice
- Venice
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- Doge's Palace
- St Mark's Basilica
- Bridge of Sighs
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Embrace the romance of Venice as you admire the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Witness the skill of glassblowers at a traditional arts center, then take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square, where you'll be captivated by the grandeur of St. Mark's Basilica.
Day 19 – Day 19: Venice to Ljubljana
- Venice
- Ljubljana
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Depart Venice by water taxi and journey to Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital. A local expert will guide you through Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge, and the baroque Franciscan Church. Consider an optional excursion to the serene Lake Bled, where you can ride a traditional 'pletna' boat across the turquoise waters.
Day 20 – Day 20: Ljubljana to Vienna
- Ljubljana
- Vienna
- Maribor
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Follow the Drava River to the historic university town of Maribor. Continue your journey through Styria's forested mountains, passing Graz, and arrive in the majestic city of Vienna.
Day 21 – Day 21: Vienna
- Vienna
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- Burg Perchtoldsdorf
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Burgruine Mödling
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Begin your day with an optional private tour of Schönbrunn Palace and its formal gardens. Capture the beauty of Vienna's architectural masterpieces as you drive along the famous Ring Road. Join a local expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the historic core of Vienna, and enjoy local specialties at a traditional Viennese café.
Day 22 – Day 22: Vienna to Innsbruck via Salzburg
- Salzburg
- Innsbruck
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- Mirabell Palace
- Mozartplatz
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Travel to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for 'The Sound of Music.' A local expert will guide you through the Mirabell Palace Gardens and Mozart's Birthplace. Continue to Innsbruck, where you'll see the Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace.
Day 23 – Day 23: Innsbruck to Lucerne via Vaduz
- Lucerne
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- Lion Monument Lucerne
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Journey through the picturesque landscapes of Liechtenstein, stopping in its tiny capital, Vaduz. Cross into Switzerland and travel through the majestic mountains to lakeside Lucerne. Visit the Lion Monument, a tribute to the Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution.
Day 24 – Day 24: Lucerne
- Lucerne
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- Stanserhorn
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Embark on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to Mount Stanserhorn, ascending via an open-top cable car powered by solar panels. Enjoy breathtaking views and learn about local wildlife from a Swiss ranger. Spend the rest of the day exploring Lucerne's Old Town, shopping for Swiss watches and chocolates, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the countryside.
Day 25 – Day 25: Lucerne to Königswinter
Day 25: Lucerne to Königswinter
Travel through Germany, following the scenic Rhine Valley north to the charming town of Königswinter. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Day 26 – Day 26: Königswinter to Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen
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Delight in a private viewing of a Rhineland castle, learning about its history over a glass of wine. Continue to Amsterdam, where you'll explore the city from the water on a canal cruise. Admire the elegant merchant houses and iconic bridges, and conclude your day with a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 27 – Day 27: Departure from Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
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After a delightful breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you transfer to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport for your onward journey.
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