European Introduction

2012 Season
Departs From: Paris

From 1,005EUR

Length:  11 days from London to London, or 12 days incl. travel

Overview

A combination of scenic highlights and cultural experiences, this multi-country vacation starts and ends in London, connecting with the Continent via the famed Eurostar train (except where specified). Arrive in the French capital city of Paris, where you will enjoy its most famous sites and have a chance to explore on your own. Continuing south, the focus is on the Swiss natural beauty through the Alps and the most famous mountain resorts, as well as cities such as Lausanne and Lucerne. On the included Lake Lucerne cruise, you will be able to photographically capture some of Europe’s most enchanting landscapes. Drive through Germany with stops at the thundering Rhine Falls, lovely Lake Titisee, the Black Forest, and magnificent Heidelberg. In Belgium, visit Brussels, then board the Eurostar train and head back to London (except where specified, when the ferry will be used), where you will spend a final overnight on this exciting journey.

Duration:  11 Days

Schedule:

Start Date	End Date
24 May, 2012	03 June, 2012
05 July, 2012	15 July, 2012
02 August, 2012	12 August, 2012
27 September, 2012	07 October, 2012
11 October, 2012	21 October, 2012

City Highlights

Headsets throughout the tour

Visits to Beaune, Interlaken, Lucerne visit & lake cruise, Vaduz, Rhine Falls; Lake Titisee, Heidelberg, Brussels

Note:

July 18 & August 1 Departures - cross channel by ferry instead of Eurostar train.

Scenic Highlights

Lake Brienz, Brünig Pass, Swiss Alps, Black Forest

Day 1   Arrive in London, England. Check into your hotel. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 2   London. A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (B)

Day 3   London–Paris, France. Transfer to the railway station to board the Eurostar train to Paris. On arrival your representative will meet you and you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring the vibrant French capital on your own or on one of our optional excursions. (B)

Day 4   Paris. A full day to experience the essence of the “City of Light,” known for its fashions, museums, monuments, delectable cuisine, and joie de vivre. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide includes an inside visit to gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. Also see many of the best-known landmarks: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Pyramid, the Invalides, and the Champs Elysées—“the most beautiful avenue in the world.” Optional excursions are also available. (B)

Day 5   Paris–Beaune–Lausanne, Switzerland. A day to drink in the fascinating, ever-changing scenery, including Fontainebleau Forest and the Burgundy wine-growing area. Visit the pretty walled town of Beaune before traveling through the fragrant vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhône Valley to Lausanne. (B)

Day 6   Lausanne–Interlaken–Lake Lucerne. This morning, enjoy a highlight guided visit to Chillon Castle, the 12th-century water fortress immortalized by poet Lord Byron in The Prisoner of Chillon. Then, spend time in breathtaking Interlaken, situated between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun and at the base of three famous mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Drive past Lake Brienz and over Brünig Pass to reach Lake Lucerne for two overnights. (B)

Day 7   Lucerne. Your memorable visit takes in the impressive city walls, a covered wooden bridge, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, the world-famous Lion Monument, and an included boat trip on the fjord-like lake. Consider an optional cable-car ride to the 10,000-foot summit of Mount Titlis. (B,D)

Day 8   Lake Lucerne–Liechtenstein–Rhine Falls, Switzerland–Lake Titisee, Germany–Black Forest Area. Today’s itinerary is packed with highlights. Head east into the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein for a stop in its lovely capital, Vaduz. Then, marvel at Switzerlands mighty Rhine Falls, formed during the last ice age about 15,000 years ago. Later, travel into the heart of Germany’s Black Forest for an overnight and to admire the small but lovely Lake Titisee. (B,D)

Day 9   Black Forest Area–Heidelberg–Brussels, Belgium. More delightful Black Forest scenery this morning, then a stop in majestic Heidelberg with its red-walled castle and impressive 49,000-gallon wine vat. Reach Brussels in the late afternoon, Belgium’s thriving capital city and center of the European Union. Your orientation features the city’s most famous sights, including Grand’Place and the Mannekin Pis. (B)

Day 10   Brussels–London, England. This morning, board the high-speed Eurostar train and return to London. The remainder of the day is free to rest or to further explore the city. (B)

Day 11   London. The vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Meals:  Buffet breakfasts (B); 2 dinners (D)

Hotel Information:  LONDON Novotel London West (F), PARIS Campanile Porte Italie (ST), LAUSANNE Novotel Bussigny (F), LAKE LUCERNE Hirschen (ST) at Flüelen or Pilatusblick (ST) at Kriens, BLACK FOREST Ramada Treff (ST) at Bad Herrenalb, BRUSSELS Catalonia Forum (F)

Guides

Host service in London. Local Guide for city sightseeing in Paris, Chillon Castle

Transportation

If transport to or from airport is required, please let us know. Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Eurostar train London-Paris and Brussels-London. July 18 & August 1 departures cross channel by ferry instead of Eurostar train.


Terms and Conditions

Note: Flights are NOT included with the Tour and unless otherwise stated above transfers are also NOT included.

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