Day 1 - Depart USA for London
Board your international flight for the journey across the Atlantic Ocean. (Air travel not included in tour cost)
Day 2 - Arrive in London
Welcome to London! Relax or spend time exploring this fascinating city. Overnight Park Plaza County Hall.
Day 3 - London Sightseeing
See the fanous sights of London with your local guide including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace on a half-day sightseeing tour of the city. The remainder of the day is yours for shopping or exploring. Overnight Park Plaza County Hall. (B)
Day 4 - Brussels
This morning see the famous White Cliffs of Dover as you take the cross-channel ferry to continental Europe. Upon arrival in Brussels, embark on an orientation tour of the city that includes views of the Atomium, the Royal Palace and a walk through the Grand Palace to view the Manneken Pis. This evening get acquainted with your tour manager and fellow travelers at a welcome reception. Overnight The Hotel Brussels. (B, R)
Day 5 - Rhine Cruise / Heidelberg / Karlsruhe
This morning enjoy a scenic cruise past castle ruins and steep vineyards to St. Goar, site of the Lorelai Rock. Later, view Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, on the way to your Rhineland hotel. Overnight Renaissance Karlsruhe. (B, D)
Day 6 - Lucerne
Embark on the scenic drive south into Switzerland to the lakeside resort of Lucerne. Visit the Lion Monument, the old town ramparts and the famous wooden Chapel Bridge during your orientation sightseeing tour of the city. Afterwards, you might enjoy an exhilarating mountain excursion for panoramic views. Dine at your hotel tonight. Overnight Grand Europe. (B, D)
Day 7 - Venice
This morning cross the magnificent Alps as you head south to Italy and the Byzantine city of Venice. Take in the sights of the city on a canal cruise by private launch to St. Markís Square. View the Bridge of Sighs and the ornate Dogeís Palace. Watch a demonstration of the ancient art of glass-blowing at one of the oldest workshops on the island. Overnight B4 Venezia Mestre. (B, D)
Day 8 - Rome
Cross the Po Valley and pass by Bologna, the dramatic Apennine Mountains and the hilltop towns of Orvieto and Orte on the way to the eternal city of Rome. Overnight Crowne PlazaSt. Peters. (B)
Day 9 - Rome Sightseeing
Todayís sightseeing takes you to St. Peterís Basilica in Vatican City with your local guide. Admire Michelangeloís Pieta, a Renaissance masterpiece, and St. Peterís Square. View the Forum, the center of daily life in ancient Rome, and the mighty Colosseum. See the Circus Maximus, set in a valley between the Aventine and Palatine Hills, where chariot races were held. The remainder of the day is yours to see the sights of your choice, or consider a visit inside the Sistine Chapel to see its magnificent ceiling. Overnight Crowne plaza St. Peters. (B)
Day 10 - Florence
Travel north through picturesque Umbria into the scenic Tuscany region and the city of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Your local guide takes you on a walking tour to view the Duomo, Baptistry and Signoria Square, full of statues and palaces. View the Ponte Vecchio bridge, a spectacular feat of engineering dating back to the Middle Ages. There is time to shop for Italian leather goods before dining this evening at your hotel. Overnight Nil Hotel. (B, D)
Day 11 - Pisa / Monaco / Nice
The Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Square of Miracles is the first magical stop today. Pass the Carrara quarries, renowned for high-quality marble, on the way to the French border. Visit the Principality of Monaco where you view the Monte Carlo casinos and travel on part of the Forumla I motor racing track. Your day ends with an evening arrival in Nice, capital of the spectacular French Riviera. Join your fellow travelers for a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight NH Nice. (B, D)
Day 12 - Nice at Leisure
Your day is free to enjoy the unique ambiance of the Cote díAzur. Go for a swim in the Mediterranean. Stroll along the elegant Promenade des Anglais. Shop in fashionable boutiques. Consider a visit to the medieval town of St. Paul de Vence, one of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera and home to the rich and famous. Overnight NH Nice. (B)
Day 13 - Avignon to Paris by TGV
Todayís scenic drive brings you to Avignon where you board the high-speed TGV train. See Burgundy's fertile vineyards as you head north to Paris. This evening you might like to round off your trip at a famous cabaret. Overnight Pullman Paris Bercy. (B)
Day 14 - Paris Sightseeing
See all the famous landmarks during your sightseeing tour of Paris. Your local guide brings the city to life, showing you views of the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. Admire the panorama from the second level of the Eiffel Tower and see Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pont Alexandre III. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the sights youíve always dreamed of seeing! Shop in chic boutiques, visit museums and galleries or relax at a sidewalk café. Celenrate the end of your European vacation this evening with ba farewell dinner with your tour manager and fellow travelers. Overnight Pullman Paris Bercy. (B, D)
Day 15 - Tour Conclusion
Bid au revoir to Paris, your fellow travelers, and tour manager at the end of a memorable European vacation. (B)
