Pearls of Europe

In the morning meet your Tour Manager at breakfast. Then meet your coach and guide and begin your tour this fashionable European city which include the celebrated sights including the opulent Boulevards of Paris, Champs Elysees ,Arc de Triomphe, the magical and charming Notre Dame de Paris, The Opera building by Charles Garnier (setting for Phantom of the Opera) and so much more! Lunch along the vibrant streets sampling the local cuisine Croque Madame, Escargot or even a delightful picnic in Luxembourg Gardens ( cheese, local delicacies fresh bread and wine). In the afternoon discover a part of Paris which is most enchanting , Montmartre Situated in the 18tH district Montmartre is a district full of authentic charm, famous for the Sacré-Coeur basilica and a magnificent view of Paris. From Abbesses why not take the funicular (a small cable car) to the top of Montmartre hill. Alternatively, you can climb the 222 steps leading up through the Louise Michel public garden. After visiting the basilica you can stroll around this historic village with its cobbled streets and quaint restaurants and shops .One of the most famous squares is Place du Tertre and its famous caricaturists which is a must to visit, the square is surrounded by many cafes perfect for a French café crème or hot chocolate and watch the artists at work. There are many quaint souvenir shops to browse in. End your day with a cruise on the romantic river Seine, and watch the Eiffel Tower in its full glory. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight at hotel. (B/D)

Breakfast at the hotel then you have a choice as to how you would like to spend your day. One can never get enough of Paris! Tres Jolie! Free time to explore the Musee du Louvre or Musee D’Orsay or even the Catacombs! Alternatively you may wish to go on an optional excursion to enter the magical and enchanting world of Disney World at Disney Land Paris meeting Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse and the rest of the Disney clan! Experience the Main Street Parade and cabaret as well as enjoying the captivating rides like Space mountain and other themed rides! Late afternoon a tranquil and serene cruise along the Seine admiring the magnificent and elegant edifice the city offers. Dinner is at leisure and then your coach will take you back to the hotel. (B)

After a pleasant breakfast we say Au revoir to Paris and drive the picturesque and stunning countryside France offers we head south from Dijon famous for its mustard then through the famous wine producing villages of Burgundy and stopping in Beaune to sample the signature dish of Boeuf Bourguignon. In the evening we will check into our hotel before some time at leisure then dinner at a restaurant and overnight. (B/D)

After breakfast your coach journey goes along a scenic route that takes you to Engelberg where you will take a cable car where the 40 minutes ride in the modern gondolas whisks you to the high Alpine glacier region of Mount Titlis (3,020metres /9,908ft) The magnificent 360o revolving Rotair cablecar offers you a breath taking experience! There is the opportunity to explore the Glacier caves, take the ice-flyer and a modern chairlift to admire the glaciers and ice falls. In the afternoon we will return to the historic medieval town of Lucerne to see its magnificent lake, The Lion Monument, The Golden Chapel Bridge and time for shopping too! Free time for dinner and then transfer back to your hotel. (B)

After breakfast, board the coach and head to the beautiful town of Interlaken nestling at the foot of the mighty Jungfrau Joch in the Bernersee Oberland. You have the option to discover this picturesque town at leisure enjoying the beautiful scenery and relaxing and perhaps experiencing the local Swiss specialities (a cheese fondue… for example) or you head for a full day excursion to Jungfraujoch 3,454 metres – Europe’s highest altitude Railway station. The Jungfraujoch is an engineering masterpiece! The last section has been built inside the mountain itself and the view through the panorama windows at the Eigerwand and the Eisner stations in the middle of the North Wall is a thrilling experience that awaits you! The Alpine sensation a subway inside the rock marks the centenary of the Jungfraujoch railway and this connects the paradise with The Sphinx Hall and here you will be enchanted by the captivating surroundings world of Rock, Ice and Snow! Time free for dinner in Interlaken and then transfer back to your hotel. Overnight. (B)

After breakfast we leave behind the truly magical and spectacular country of Switzerland and we will drive through one of Europe’s longest tunnel the St Gotthards tunnel 17.9kms in length to reach Ticino the last region of Switzerland at the border in Chiasso we will enter into Bell’italia! Italy! This country has everything rolled into one beautiful landscape , amazing architecture and art , cuisine and wine, and not to forget the fashion and design! Our first breath taking scenery will be just after the border when will drive past Lake Como and admire the opulent Villas of many international celebrities including that of Sophia Loren, Roger Moore and many more! En- route we will pass Milan the home of fashion and haute couture as well as Football San Siro. Afterwards we will enjoy a lunch stop in Bologna which is where is one of the oldest University in the world! Bologna is known as the “fat country because of its richness in gastronomy and wine above else its signature dish “Gli spaghetti alla bolognese“ Delizioso! Proceed to Tuscany enjoy the iconic views of cypress trees sumptuous Villas even castles of former counts and Dukes. Arrival in Florence area in time for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

After breakfast we start with a stunning half day walking tour of Florence or Firenze as said by the Italians! On discovering this intact medieval city of the Renaissance we will explore the elegant squares such as Piazza Signoria, Piazza Santa Croce and Piazza della Republica walk across the Ponte Vecchio and our eyes will sparkle as we see all the gold shops ! In Florence we have an opportunity to visit The Uffizi the home of Renaissance art here are the masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Titan , Donatello and many more ! We say arrivederci (goodbye) to Firenze and hello or buongiorno to Pisa. We shall visit the Square of Miracles proclaimed a World heritage site UNESCO in 1987 the square is surrounded by beautiful green lawn and here we find the leaning tower of Pisa, The Cathedral and Baptistery. Why not to sample the delicious Italian Pizza from one of the many small bakers. We then continue our drive through Tuscany admiring the delightful hilltop towns of Orvieto, Rieti, Spoleto and following the Tiber River that leads to Rome, On arrival into Rome dinner at a restaurant and overnight. (B/D)

After breakfast this morning with our wonderful Rome guide we will explore the centre of The Holy Roman Empire as once said all roads leads to Rome. It is Italy’s capital sprawling cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art architecture and culture on display ! You will discover the ancient ruins of the former Roman Empire, Vatican City which is the headquarters of the Roman. catholic church. See the Colosseum which is still the largest amphi -theater in the world. It was used for gladiator shows and other public events. The Pantheon built as a temple dedicated to “all Gods of the past”. Rome also offers stunning Renaissance architecture such as The Palazzo del Quirinale ( now seat of the President of the Italian Republic) Palazzo Barberini. As well, as this you will see Neo classical architecture such The Monument of Vittorio Emanuele where the grave of the unknown soldier lies it represents 650,000 Italians that died in The First world War. A visit to Rome is incomplete without visiting the famous Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. This evening you have free time to explore the streets of Rome and have dinner in one of the many trattorias Transfer back to the hotel and Overnight. (B)

This morning we say arrivederci Roma and proceed northwards to the unique city of Venice a man- made island with canals, bridges, Monuments such as the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto bridge and The Grand Canal and The Doges Palace. Our exciting drive passes through five regions of Italy these are Lazio, Umbria, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna and finally Veneto. Early evening arrival in Mestre for Dinner. Then transfer to your hotel. (B/ D)

Today we have a unique trip to the magical city of no cars only people and gondolas! we take a Vaporetto (Waterbus) from Mestre to Venice Island where you will meet your local guide for 2 hours walking tour visiting St Mark’s Square, The Doges Palace and the famous Bridge of Sighs and the tour will end at the liveliest Marks Square. For this who wish to enhance your visit there is the opportunity to do a Gondola ride and feeling like an international celebrity as you are serenaded through the Grand Canal and the romantic bridges! The Arrivederci to Venezia as we return to Mestre for lunch and then our departure for Austria Free time in Venice for lunch and then head back to Mestre. Our afternoon drive takes us through some magical scenery the Dolomites and also we will cross over the Brenner Pass which is a mountain through the Alps which forms a border between Italy and Austria. It is one of the principal passes of the Eastern Alpine. The elevation is 1,370 kms truly magical and spectacular views! in the late afternoon we will arrive at Wattens The famous Swarovski Crystal world. On arrival we will see the realm of the giant the gardens and all the artworks. You will have the opportunity to shop to your hearts content in the 16 showrooms then arriving into Innsbruck for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

We begin today after breakfast by exploring Innsbruck, the stunning capital of Tyrol with mountainous scenery at almost every viewpoint.! You will see famous Golden Roof built in the Maria Therese Strasse. We will also explore the superb former imperial Residence the Hoftburg the Bergisel Ski Jump to enjoy lunch while admiring outstanding views of the Northern Chain mountains . In the afternoon drive through the Bavarian Alps! You will see several mountain ranges of Northern limestone Alps which is in the German state of Bavaria . On arrival into Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university city we will do a short orientation tour to discover the 14th century Gothic church towers then the cafe lined Marktplatz a town square in the Altstadt (Old Town) The red stone ruins of Heidelberg a castle which is a classic example of Renaissance architecture and this stands on the Koniingstuhl hill. Free time for dinner in Heidelberg and then transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight. (B)

This morning we will drive through picturesque villages along the Rhine Valley such as Bacharach you will see the lovely timber framed houses and beautiful churches one to look out for is the Altes Haus a half – timber house dating from 1368 and the 12th Century Stahlek Castle and St. Peter’s Church . We will also pass through Koblenz, the third largest city in Rhineland and the Prettiest stretch of the journey. The city’s name comes from the Latin for ‘the merging of rivers’ which makes sense because this is where the Mosel and the Rhine meet. We will then arrive into Cologne , this is 2000 year old city and visit the wonderful Dom known for its high Gothic architecture and its twin spires .The museum adjacent to the Dom is the Ludwig museum which is the showcase to 20th century art with many masterpieces by Pablo Picasso. After lunch continue your journey to Amsterdam area Dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Today we will discover Amsterdam with a guided city tour of this amazing city as well as a cruise on the canal. You will have the opportunity to see Dam Square, The Royal Palace also the 17th Century houses which demonstrates the legacies of the city’s 17th Century Golden age. In the museum district houses the The Van Gogh Museum works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum. One of the key attractions is the city’s character and there are numerous bike paths Why not experience a local Dutch delicacy. “ To live like the Dutch, is to eat like the Dutch.” The famous Dutch Croquette is surely not to be missed. We will then continue to visit the world famous Tulip Gardens Keukenhof or Madurodam the model village of Holland. We say goodbye to Holland and drive to Brussels to catch the Eurostar to London. Arrival in London and transfer to the hotel and overnight. (B)

After our quintessentially British breakfast we will meet our local blue badge guide for a half day panoramic tour of London. Our tour begins by visiting the area discovered by the Romans’ in AD43 this is now known as the city where all our financial institutions are based. We will then move along the River Thames to see The Tower of London the first established Royal residence that of William the conqueror in 1066. We will then cross over to the west side of London to see Buckingham Palace home of our majesty the Queen Elizabeth II our longest reigning British Monarch and also the world’s longest serving current head of State. We will see the famous Changing of the Guards, The Houses of Parliament seat of British Politics, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden and so much more! The afternoon has been prepared for you to make a special visit Madame Tussaud’s the home of wax works of the famous and infamous. Or an opportunity to do shopping along Oxford street a thoroughfare of shops for the all important iconic gifts of London be it a London post box! or a red telephone cabin or perhaps a Policeman’s hat! Or you have the option maybe ride The London Eye which is a giant Ferris wheel on the Southbank. The structure is 135 metres tall and the wheel diameter of 120 metres and has 33 capsules or pods a complete flight once said when sponsored by British Airways takes 30 minutes! Time at leisure for dinner and after dinner transfer back to your hotel for overnight. (B)

After breakfast transfer to the airport with magical memories of your trip. (B)