2012 ITINERARY INSIGHT VACATIONS EUROPEAN ROMANTIC

This is a leisurely paced tour with two night stays in the eight key cities, allowing ample time for sightseeing & individual exploration. The travelling days have been well planned with plenty of stops both for refreshment & photo opportunities.

Day 1 - LONDON – BRUGES – BRUSSELS

Transfer to Dover and set sail from the white cliffs over to France. Drive into Belgium for a stop in medieval Bruges. Stroll by canals and along cobbled streets to the Main Square. Continue to Brussels to visit the Grand Place, voted Europe’s most beautiful square, and the cheeky Mannekin Pis statue. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception with drink and a light meal.

Hotel: Marriott

Meals: Welcome Reception

Day 2 - BRUSSELS – AMSTERDAM

Drive to Amsterdam and pass Dam Square and the Mint Tower en route to a demonstration of diamond cutting. Visit the fishing village of Volendam and learn how clogs and cheese are made before returning to Amsterdam.

Hotel: Mövenpick City Centre

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 3 - AMSTERDAM – WÜRZBURG

Head into Germany and continue to Boppard in the romantic Rhine Gorge. Time free to explore this quaint village before joining your Rhine river cruise past vineyards and medieval castles to the Loreley Rock. Continue on to Würzburg with its baroque Residenz Palace, Marienberg fortress and statue-lined bridge in the old town.

Hotel: Maritim

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Day 4 - WÜRZBURG – NUREMBERG – PRAGUE

Stop in Nuremberg to see the charming blend of stone and timbered dwellings and the massive town ramparts before continuing east to the Czech border. Pass the town of Pilsen, renowned for its beer, to reach the ‘golden city’ of Prague.

Hotel: Savoy

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Day 5 - PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING

Join a local guide who’ll take you through the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle to St Vitus’ Cathedral. Admire the views over the city then descend to the Old Town Square, with its Astronomical Clock. Later, there is time to shop for fine Bohemian crystal.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 6 - PRAGUE – BRATISLAVA – BUDAPEST

Drive through the wine-producing area of South Moravia into Slovakia and stop in its fortified capital, Bratislava. After free time to explore, cross into Hungary and follow the River Danube to Budapest.

Hotel: Corinthia Grand Royal

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 7 - BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING

With a guide, walk through the old Castle District to visit Matthias Church and look out over the Danube and Parliament from the Fisherman’s Bastion. Then drive down elegant Andrassy boulevard to visit Heroes’ Square. The afternoon is at leisure.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Day 8 - BUDAPEST – VIENNA

Survey the bridges over the Danube from Gellert Hill before heading out of Budapest. Drive to the Austrian border and on to the imperial capital of Vienna.

Hotel: Hilton Vienna Plaza

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 9 - VIENNA SIGHTSEEING

Join a local guide for a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, full of frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, mirrors and ornaments. Your guided city tour continues around the Ring Road, seeing the Parliament, Winter Palace and Opera House. The afternoon is at leisure.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 10 - VIENNA – VENICE

Drive through forested mountains down to the Carinthian Lake District. Cross the border into Italy and continue to the unique city of Venice where your hotel is only moments away from the marble saloon of St Mark’s Square. Maybe stroll there tonight for a drink under the stars - its magic!

Hotel: Cavalletto E Doge Orseolo

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Day 11 - VENICE SIGHTSEEING

In St Mark’s Square, see the dazzling domed basilica. The Bridge of Sighs is around the back of the Doges’ Palace. After a demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing, enjoy a highlight gondola serenade along the romantic canals. The afternoon is at leisure.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 12 - VENICE – ROME

Head south into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the famous Chianti wines that make this region so famous. Follow the course of the Tiber to your hotel in the Eternal City of Rome.

Hotel: Veneto Palace

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 13 - ROME SIGHTSEEING

Join a local guide to visit the Vatican Museums and see Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Continue inside the cavernous St Peter’s Basilica. Leave the Vatican City and cross the Tiber to visit the mighty Colosseum and see the Forum. The afternoon is at leisure.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 14 - ROME – FLORENCE

Drive north into Tuscany and Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views over Florence. This afternoon a local guide takes you to Santa Croce Basilica to see the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo. Continue to the Cathedral where the ‘Gates of Paradise’ adorn the Baptistry. Visit the open-air gallery of sculpture in Signoria Square and witness a leather-work demonstration.

Hotel: Londra

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Day 15 - FLORENCE AT LEISURE

Enjoy a whole day at leisure in the Renaissance capital. Explore the museums, have lunch al fresco or perhaps venture into the beautiful Tuscan countryside. The choice is all yours!

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 16 - FLORENCE – LUCERNE

Head north through the scenic Italian Lake District, glimpsing Lake Como as you cross into Switzerland. Enjoy magnificent mountain scenery as you travel on to lake-side Lucerne.

Hotel: Astoria

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 17 - LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING

View the emotive Lion Monument before enjoying some time shopping or strolling along the Chapel Bridge to the Jesuit Church. Embark on an excursion to the summit of Mount Pilatus for views over the snow-capped Jungfrau and Eiger peaks before returning to Lucerne. Tonight, on your Dine-Around evening you are offered a selection of restaurants for your dining pleasure.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around

Day 18 - LUCERNE – PARIS

Drive to Basel before crossing the Rhine to enter France. Travel through the wine-growing Burgundy region to Paris. This evening enjoy good food, wine and company at an end-of-tour Celebration Dinner in a Parisian bistro.

Hotel: Pullman Tour Eiffel

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner

Day 19 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING

Drive via Notre Dame Cathedral for a private tour of the Louvre Museum. See the Mona Lisa and many more priceless works amassed over the ages by the Kings of France. Sightseeing continues to Place de la Concorde for drive along the grand Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Now survey the city from the heights of the Eiffel Tower. The afternoon is at leisure.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 20 - PARIS – LONDON

Cross the World War One battlefields of the Somme to arrive at the port of Calais for your return Channel crossing to England. The tour ends after a short drive back to London.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast
 

Most Insight tours already include a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. There may also be an exciting array of optional excursions which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Tour Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your tour.

AALSMEER FLOWER AUCTIONS

Each day, 19 million flowers and 2 million plants are sold at 'Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer'. This is the world's largest flower auction and you will experience the excitement of a live 'Dutch auction' from a specially designed viewing gallery. You will be dazzled by the millions of flowers being prepared for export.
Adult Price: EURO 21
Code: AMS01

DUTCH BULBFIELDS

Holland's Bollenstreek (bulb district) is a short drive from Amsterdam and is a seasonal delight. In the spring and summer months, millions of Dutch tulip, hyacinth and daffodil bulbs erupt into a riot of colour from their orderly rows. The entrance fee is included. (This excursion is only available in season).
Adult Price: EURO 29
Code: AMS02

DINNER IN A HISTORIC DUTCH RESTAURANT AND CANAL CRUISE

Savour a meal of typical Dutch specialities with drinks in historic surroundings. Later we board our private canal boat and glide gently along illuminated canals, past traditional Dutch-gabled houses built right on the water's edge and under picturesque bridges.
Adult Price: EURO 66
Code: AMS08

EXCURSION TO SZENTENDRE INCLUDING LUNCH

An opportunity to visit Hungary's most picturesque village along the riverside of the famous Danube bend. Enjoy free time strolling and shopping along its cobbled streets admiring the many craft shops and art galleries. Then enjoy a traditional Hungarian lunch including goulash soup and local wine.
Adult Price: EURO 44
Code: BUD01A

DANUBE CRUISE DINNER AND DRINKS

The most leisurely way to discover this fairy-tale city is a guided cruise on the Danube. You will see Margaret Island, the Parliament Building, Castle Hill with the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, the Citadel and the University while enjoying a sumptuous buffet and fine Hungarian wine.
Adult Price: EURO 55
Code: BUD04

PARLIAMENT

The impressive symbol of Hungary. It is the largest and most beautiful building in the country. It was the country's most expensive construction. They could have built a town for 40,000 inhabitants for the same cost! With all of its gilded decorations and marble it is called the 'Jewel box' of the nation.
Adult Price: EURO 35
Code: BUD11

DINNER IN THE TUSCAN HILLS

One not to miss - a fabulous Tuscan gastronomic experience awaits you. We drive to a specially chosen restaurant for an evening to remember with beautiful food and wine. Viva Italia!
Adult Price: EURO 60
Code: FLO03

DINNER AT LA CERTOSA

We enjoy a Tuscan dinner with wine in a private room overlooking the imposing Certosa monastery. The menu features local specialities and music is provided by local artists. At the end of the meal we can taste the famous liqueurs produced by the monks. (This tour is sometimes offered with an interior visit to the monastery).
Adult Price: EURO 67
Code: FLO14

SAN GIMIGNANO AND PISA EXCURSION

A delightful excursion to Tuscany’s most famous hilltop town. San Gimignano is considered the medieval Manhattan of Italy due to its towers which dominate the skyline. There is time to enjoy the atmosphere of this unchanged ancient jewel which has remained intact since the 14th century, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage town. Continue on to Pisa, where we view the Square of Miracles and see the world famous Leaning Tower, with our local guide.
Adult Price: EURO 64
Code: FLO17

LAKE LUCERNE HAPPY HOUR CRUISE

Widely considered to be the loveliest of the mountain lakes, much of the shoreline of Lake Lucerne can only be fully appreciated from the water. Admire the spectacular homes of the fortunate few, privileged to live on its scenic shores, as we cruise gently by. Two drinks will be served during the trip.
Adult Price: CHF 47
Code: LCR01AC

SWISS EVENING

Enjoy a tasty Swiss meal (one of the courses will be the famous Swiss cheese fondue) in a typical restaurant. Whilst you enjoy dinner, join in the fun of a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag throwing, Alpenhorn blowing and other great Swiss entertainment. Drinks are included.
Adult Price: CHF 98
Code: LCR05C

CARRIAGES AND COUNTRYSIDE

A chance to meet the Swiss, as local farmers take us on a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Enjoy stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a local farm where local drinks and snacks will be served.
Adult Price: CHF 66
Code: LCR14C

SEINE CRUISE ILLUMINATIONS

After our leisurely Seine Cruise we take a magical tour of the 'city of light'.
Adult Price: EURO 32
Code: PAR02

MONTMARTRE VILLAGE AND ARTISTS SQUARE

Dominated by the soaring Sacré Coeur Basilica with spectacular city views, all will be discovered with our local guide as we journey via mini-train to this hilltop village of narrow winding streets, unusual galleries, boutiques and the world famous Place du Tertre. Once home to Toulouse Lautrec, Picasso, and Utrillo; today you can browse for original art. Enjoy free time to explore and experience the real flavour of Montmartre life.
Adult Price: EURO 35
Code: PAR17

MOULIN ROUGE

Dinner and cabaret at the world famous Moulin Rouge – the original Parisian cabaret – immortalized by the recent award winning film!
Adult Price: EURO 145
Code: PAR24

TRADITIONAL DINNER AND FOLKLORE ENTERTAINMENT

We sample unique Czech cuisine including the local beer in a local restaurant! During dinner a local group of musicians dressed in traditional costumes will entertain you with song and dance.
Adult Price: EURO 51
Code: PRG02

ROMANTIC PRAGUE BY NIGHT

Enjoy your introduction to Prague. Start with an evening river cruise through the old city with drinks included. We then explore the narrow medieval streets either by miniature motorized train or minibus. (Occasionally this excursion may be operated without the river cruise at EURO 33).
Adult Price: EURO 45
Code: PRG03

ROMAN DINNER PARTY

Enjoy an evening of delicious Roman cuisine with drinks, music and a great Italian ambience.
Adult Price: EURO 57
Code: ROM04A

DINNER IN ROME AND ILLUMINATIONS

We begin with a visit to a local 'ristorante' to try a selection of Roman dishes prepared in the Roman way. Drinks such as wine, beer and soft drinks are included. After a delicious meal accompanied by music, we take you to see Rome beautifully illuminated. Our journey takes us past sights including the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia and Michelangelo's 'Cordonata' to name but a few. A night not to be missed.
Adult Price: EURO 57
Code: ROM05

TIVOLI GARDENS

A guided tour of the Villa d’Este with its famous gardens and fountains built by Cardinal d’Este to entice his wealthy friends out from Rome. You will visit its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ.
Adult Price: EURO 40
Code: ROM06

PIAZZA FOUNTAINS

This walking tour takes you to the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona with its pavement cafes, 17th century fountains and architecture. Perhaps have your portrait painted by one of the street artists! This tour is conducted by a local guide and you will utilise personal headsets.
Adult Price: EURO 32
Code: ROM16

CATACOMBS OF ANCIENT ROME

First we visit the Catacombs which are early Christian underground cemeteries carved out of soft tufa stone. Next; a visit to the Basilica of St Paul without the Walls, built on the site of St Paul’s tomb. Visit the interior which is celebrated for its great works of art.
Adult Price: EURO 36
Code: ROM20

BURANO EXCURSION LUNCH

Explore the Venetian lagoon on our cruise around the islands including the colourful island of Burano - a photographer's paradise and famous for its lace. Then enjoy a superb lunch sampling the local specialities. An excursion not to be missed! Lunch may be replaced with a dinner.
Adult Price: EURO 65
Code: VCE02

MAGICAL VENICE

This evening we board our private boats for a cruise down the famous “Grand Canal”, past illuminated palazzi and twinkling chandeliers, to the romantic St Mark’s Square. We have reservations in a famous café where we sit under the stars listening to the orchestra play some of Italy’s best loved music (One drink is included).
Adult Price: EURO 45
Code: VCE06

HIDDEN VENICE

An historical walk, with a local guide, through some of the lesser known quarters of Venice. Discover some of the secrets of other quarters of the Venetian labyrinth. Your experience will be enhanced by the use of individual headsets.
Adult Price: EURO 26
Code: VCE09

DINNER IN A COUNTRY MANSION

We see the famous Prater Amusement Park, then cross the Danube to arrive at one of the most famous restaurants in Austria. Former patrons include Napoleon, the Emperor Franz Joseph, Luciano Pavarotti, Liz Taylor and Arnold Schwarzenegger. In this historic country mansion we will enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the elegant dining rooms. Choose your main dish from various Austrian specialties and enjoy the live music and unlimited drinks.
Adult Price: EURO 60
Code: VIE06

GALA VIENNESE CONCERT

A wonderful concert of Viennese Classical music including some of the most famous works of Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers. A glass of champagne is also included during this special evening. (On occasion dinner will be included EURO 95)
Adult Price: EURO 48
Code: VIE14B

VIENNA WOODS AND GRINZING

We drive to the west of this Imperial City to the romantic Vienna Woods where we have dinner with drinks and musical entertainment in a typical “heuriger“ tavern.
Adult Price: EURO 57
Code: VIE16

ELEGANT VIENNA

Explore the interior of the world’s most famous opera house and step back in time as we enjoy Vienna’s magnificent historic district by taking an open-air carriage ride.
Adult Price: EURO 47
Code: VIE17

WURZBERG RESIDENZ PALACE AND GARDENS

For eleven centuries the Duchy of Wurzburg was ruled by powerful Prince-Bishops. In the early 18th Century the great architects, engineers, artists and woodcarvers of Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands were summonsed by the Prince-Bishop to build this most extraordinary of Baroque palaces. Your guided tour will show you the magnificent interiors and the beautiful gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage listed masterpiece.
Adult Price: EURO 30
Code: WUR01