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European Spree
Modern Frankfurt, Innsbruck and Munich contrast beautifully with medieval Rothenburg and Lucerne. Visit Renaissance Florence and Venice, and the always-romantic destination of Paris.
Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Frankfurt.
Day 2 - Arrive Frankfurt
Welcome to Frankfurt! After check-in, time to relax and unwind. Late this afternoon we enjoy an orientation tour of Germany's financial centre, including the Römer building in the old town. Later we will enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner with our Tour Director and fellow travellers. (Dinner)
Hotel: Sheraton Offenbach
Day 3 - Frankfurt – Rothenburg – Munich – Innsbruck
After breakfast this morning, our first stop is at the medieval town of Rothenburg. Here an orientation walking tour reveals this Hansel and Gretel style town before time to explore and maybe shop for wooden Christmas ornaments. Next on to fun-loving Munich where an orientation tour shows us the Olympic Stadium, Hofbräuhaus and Marienplatz. Then our journey takes us into Austria arriving at our hotel in Innsbruck. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Grauer Bär
Day 4 - Innsbruck – Venice
Today's orientation tour of this mountain-ringed city shows us the Golden Roof and the Wilten Basilica beneath the Olympic ski jump. Next we enjoy a spiralling drive up and across the Europa Bridge to the Brenner Pass into Italy. Later, we continue our journey along the Adige valley to magical Venice where we spend the night. This evening, dinner is included at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Antony Palace
Day 5 - Venice – Florence
This morning we will savour the sights and sounds of this Byzantine city on our included canal cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square. Here we view the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace and St. Mark's Basilica before witnessing the ancient craft of Venetian glass-blowing. Later, we make our way to Renaissance Florence where a guided walking tour using our sophisticated audio system, features the cathedral, Signoria Square and visits the Santa Croce Basilica. Tonight we will enjoy a Highlight Dinner of local specialities in a typical trattoria. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Hotel: Holiday Inn Florence
Day 6 - Florence – Lucerne (2 nights)
This morning we have time to shop for high quality leather and 18-carat gold jewellery and also the chance to discover one of the many Hidden Treasure of this fascinating city with our Tour Director. Then we head north across the forested Apennines and past the commercial centre of Milan which lies on the great northern plain of Italy, to the Italian and Swiss Lake Districts via Como and Lugano. Later we take the scenic St. Gotthard route which takes us into central Switzerland to picturesque lakeside Lucerne for two nights. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Schiller (2 nights)
Day 7 - Lucerne orientation and leisure
An orientation in this medieval town includes a visit to the poignant Lion Monument and a stroll across the Chapel Bridge to the Jesuit Church. At leisure, why not take a trip by cable car and cog railway up nearby Mount Pilatus for stunning Alpine views? Then there is time to wander through the streets of the old town and shop for Swiss watches and delicious chocolates. This evening, after dinner at the hotel, perhaps enjoy an optional folklore night out of yodelling and flag-throwing! (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8 - Lucerne – Paris (2 nights)
This morning after breakfast, we head to the French border past Belfort and the remains of the Maginot Line. From here our journey continues into the wine-producing region of Burgundy, to view the Savigny-Lès-Beaune vineyards before arriving in lively Paris. Your evening is free to do as you please so why not take an evening tour of the glittering illuminations of the city or enjoy one of Paris’ spectacular and colourful cabaret shows? (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Couryard Marriott Neuilly (2 nights)
Day 9 - Paris sightseeing and at leisure
Enjoy views of the flying buttresses of Notre Dame Cathedral and other great monuments on our guided sightseeing tour this morning. We will see all the great sights of this exciting city including the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde and the Champs Élysées. We will also ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower by elevator, for spectacular views over this superbly designed city. Then time at leisure to relax or explore further and tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our new-found friends. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Day 10 - Paris - USA
Time to say ‘au revoir’ to Paris, our Tour Director and new-found friends as our memorable tour of Europe comes to an end. There is an airport transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)
WHAT's INCLUDED
Sightseeing Highlights
- Frankfurt: Orientation tour.
- Rothenburg: Orientation tour of this charming medieval city.
- Munich: Orientation tour including the Olympic Stadium, Marienplatz and Hofbräuhaus.
- Innsbruck: Orientation including the Wilten Basilica, Hofburg Palace and Golden Roof.
- Venice: Canal cruise by private motor launch. See St. Mark's Square, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Witness the ancient craft of glass-blowing.
- Florence: Sightseeing tour includes Signoria Square, the Baptistry and a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica.
- Lugano: See the magnificent lake.
- Lucerne: Orientation including the Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge and the walled Old Town.
- Savigny-Les-Beaune: View the ancient vineyards.
- Paris: Sightseeing includes views of the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral plus ascent of the Eiffel Tower.
Dining Highlights
- 1 Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Frankfurt
- 8 Buffet breakfasts
- 3 three-course dinners
- 1 local speciality restaurant dinner in Florence
- Farewell Dinner with wine in a restaurant in Paris
13 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)
First Class Travel Highlights
- Escorted by one of Trafalgar's top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors whilst touring.
- A qualified local city guide in Florence and Paris.
- Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar's luxury air-conditioned coaches with onboard washroom.
- Stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
- All hotel service charges, tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
- A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.
Airport Transfers
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
CH25 - LUCERNE. 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 working farm where local drinks and snacks will be served at a 17th century barn.
65 (sf)
CH12 - LUCERNE. Folklore Evening and Dinner
Tonight we shall 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, flagthrowing, Alpine horn blowing and many other customary Swiss entertainment. Drinks are included.
93 (sf)
CH1 - LUCERNE. Lake Cruise
Widely considered to be the most lovely 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.
37 (sf)
CH11 - LUCERNE. Mount Pilatus
A scenic lakeshore drive brings us to our cog-wheel railway, where we board our train to the summit of Lucerne’s most well-known mountain. Here you have time to explore, admire the many sweeping views and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Later a series of cable cars will bring us gradually down through fields and forests to the foot of this majestic mountain. (On certain departures the ascent as well as the descent of the mountain will be by cable car only)
80 (sf)
F10a - PARIS. Illuminations and the Seine Cruise
We embark on the ever-popular riverboats along the Seine for a leisurely cruise under the bridges of Paris, followed by an orientation drive through the main sights. We enjoy the lights of the city as we return to our hotel.
32 (€)
F55 - PARIS. Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner
An unforgettable evening of French entertainment at Paris’ most famous Cabaret, ‘Le Moulin Rouge’. Dinner, wine and Champagne will be included.
145 (€)
F13 - PARIS. Versailles - The Palace and Gardens
We leave the bustle of the city for the splendour and magnificence of Versailles. Created by the “Sun King” Louis XIV, the palace became the envy of every other European ruler. Our guide takes us through the State apartments, including the famous Hall of Mirrors. All of this enhanced with the use of our excellent audio system. Afterwards, take a stroll through the meticulous tree-lined gardens.
58 (€)
I25 - TUSCANY. Florence. Jewels of the Renaissance
A guided tour of the Accademia allows us to appreciate the most controversial sculpture in Italy, Michelangelo’s David. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
34 (€)
I19 - VENICE. Gondola Serenade
An ideal introduction to this unique and magical city. Enjoy a romantic gondola journey along canals full of character and colour, while musicians and singers entertain. See the Grand Canal with its magnificent and elegant palaces, witnesses of the past splendours of the ‘Serenissima’.
32 (€)
I85 - VENICE. Magical Venice
A scintillating introduction to this magical city! First we cruise along the Grand Canal by private water taxis admiring the elegant Palazzos. We see the Rialto Bridge and then reach the ‘most beautiful outdoor drawing room in the world’ - St. Mark’s Square. Then enjoy a romantic gondola journey along canals full of character and colour, while musicians and singers entertain. See the magnificent and elegant palaces, witnesses of the past splendours of the ‘Serenissima’.
60 (€)
I49 - VENICE. Venice by Night
A scintillating introduction to this magical city! First we cruise along the Grand Canal by private water taxis admiring the elegant Palazzos. We see the Rialto Bridge and then reach the 'most beautiful outdoor drawing room in the world' - St. Mark’s Square. Here we will have time to wonder at the impressive architecture before enjoying an included drink at one of the chic 'al fresco' cafés whilst listening to the music of its own orchestra. We return to our coach on the mainland by private motor launch. (1 drink inc.)
43 (€)
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