Vacation
overview
If you want to see Western Europe’s main highlights but don’t have much time, this European tour is the vacation for you! Visit England, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France and see London, Brussels, Innsbruck, Venice, Lucerne, Dijon, and Paris. After spending some time in London, you’ll travel to Brussels on the Eurostar train, the easiest way to connect the two European cities. You will then carry on by tour coach through Germany to medieval Rothenburg, a walled town that has retained its fascinating character. Relax and take in the wonderful views of castle-crested hills, terraced vineyards, and pretty wine towns on the included scenic cruise along the Rhine River. Take a boat ride in Venice along the Giudecca Canal to St. Mark’s Square, and admire some of the palazzos and maze of streets. While in Venice, take the opportunity to watch glassblowers create their works as they have done for centuries. Some other must-sees on this iconic Europe tour are romantic Verona, the Italian city made famous by Romeo and Juliet; Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s finest cities, situated on the shores of breathtaking Lake Lucerne and nestled within the snow-capped Swiss Alps. Last, but not least, visit Paris, capital of France and one of the most celebrated cities on the old Continent. Here, your tour guide will show you some of the most famous sights in Paris on the city sightseeing tour. In a short time, this affordable European tour offers it all—historic sights, big cities, quaint towns, and scenic beauty.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND Check into your hotel. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.LONDON-BIG-BEN-NIGHT.jpg
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Day 2
LONDON London’s calling with a free day to explore on your own or join in the brilliant fun of an optional excursion. Rise and shine this morning for an optional guided excursion to see the sights of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and more, crowned by a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral.This afternoon, consider an optional visit to Windsor Castle or the Tower of London – home of the Crown Jewels. This evening, a traditional dining experience followed by a guided nighttime cruise along the Thames River, delivers some of the capital's most beautiful, illuminated sights. (B)LONDON-TOWER-BRIDGE.jpg
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Day 3
LONDON–BRUSSELS, BELGIUM Transfer to the railway station and board the Eurostar train to Brussels. Here, switch to your comfortable motorcoach for an orientation drive of the Belgian capital. Today’s Distance by train: 200 mi/ 320 km (B)BRUSSELS-GRAND-PLACE.jpg
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Day 4
BRUSSELS–RHINE CRUISE, GERMANY–FRANKFURT AREA Journey into Germany to the shores of the mighty Rhine to enjoy an included scenic cruise. Then, on to the Frankfurt area.Today’s Distance: 277 mi/ 445 km (B,D)RHINE-CRUISE.jpg
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Day 5
FRANKFURT AREA–ROTHENBURG–INNSBRUCK AREA, AUSTRIA Today’s highlight is a stop in the Medieval town of Rothenburg on the Romantic Road, with its towered gates and battlements, squares, half-timbered houses, and richly decorated fountains. Continue to the Innsbruck area.Today’s Distance: 326 mi/ 525 km (B,D)ROTHENBURG-DAY.jpg
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Day 6
INNSBRUCK AREA–BRENNER PASS–VENICE AREA, ITALY Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Alps while crossing the Europa Bridge and Brenner Pass. Arrive in Venice, where, on a boat ride along the Giudecca Canal to Piazza San Marco you’ll admire the palazzi (palaces) and maze of streets. Time at leisure to soak up the magical atmosphere of this unique city. “O sole mio!” sing the gondoliers on an optional gondola ride along the legendary canals. Isn’t it romantic! At a glassblowing workshop, experience this traditional Venetian art. Today’s Distance: 245 mi/ 395 km (B,D)VENICE-SQUARE.jpg
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Day 7
VENICE AREA–VERONA–LUCERNE AREA, SWITZERLAND Stop in fascinating Verona for a stroll in the old city and a glimpse of the ancient Roman Arena. Cross the Swiss border and enjoy the idyllic views of Canton Ticino, then on to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Lucerne. Hear that? It’s the yodel-ay-hee-hoo of an optional dinner and folklore show served with local Swiss specialties, dancers, and alphorns for a peak alpine experience! Today’s Distance: 311 mi/ 500 km (B)VERONA-ARENA.jpg
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Day 8
LUCERNE AREA–DIJON, FRANCE The focus of today’s visit is the Old Town of Lucerne. After that, get carried away on an optional excursion featuring a funicular ride, and then aboard the world’s first double-decker, open-top aerial cable car to the summit of Stanserhorn. Journey into France for an overnight in the charming town of Dijon. Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km (B)LUCERNE-BRIDGE.jpg
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Day 9
DIJON–PARIS Leave Dijon and travel on the autoroute to Paris to discover many of the best-known Parisian sites on the included guided sightseeing tour. Bid bon soir and adieu to Paris with an optional farewell dinner and drive through the City of Light.*Note: for operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excludedToday’s Distance: 221 mi/ 355 km (B)PARIS-EIFFEL-TOWER.jpg
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Day 10
PARIS Au revoir. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)PARIS-SKYLINE.jpg
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