ROMANTIC EUROPE

Day 01: UK – Dover – Calais – Mini Europe (optional) – Brussels (200kms from Calais)

This morning, arrive at your dedicated pick-up point where you receive a warm welcome from your tour director and after settling in on the coach you proceed to Dover. Admire the famous white cliffs of Dover after boarding the ferry for the short channel crossing over to Calais. Upon arrival into Calais, you continue your journey towards Brussels.

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Day 01: Mini Europe (optional) – Brussels

Meet up with rest of the passengers joining into Europe directly at Brussels. Pick up and transfer from Brussels airport for approximately 15:00hrs. On joining both groups, start your orientation tour, including the Atomium structure (photo stop), an optional visit to the spectacular Mini Europe and later the impressive Grand Place, where you can see the Guild House, Bread House, City Town Hall as well as the world-famous statue of Mannekin Pis. After dinner, you check into the hotel for your overnight stay.

[x] Breakfast [x] Indian Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 02: Keukenhof Gardens or Madurodam with Volendam – Amsterdam (200kms)

After breakfast, we drive towards The Hague, the political capital of The Netherlands and start by visiting the Keukenhof flower gardens (open only from 24th March to 15th May 2022). (Tours not in the Keukenhof dates will instead visit the Madurodam and the village of Volendam, famous fishing village to view the high raised dykes above the sea. Continue to visit a demonstration on the art of making wooden shoes at the Clog Factory & visit a Cheese Farm.) Later we continue to Amsterdam and discover the city in the most novel manner, as you take a canal cruise on the city’s intricate water systems, a captivating way to see this city. After dinner, optional walking tour of Amsterdam by night – visiting the Red-Light District and check into the hotel for our overnight stay.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Indian Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 03: Cologne – Koblenz – Rhine Cruise – Frankfurt area (480kms)

Today you drive to Cologne in Germany and visit the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. This 515ft tall Gothic Cathedral is Germany’s most visited monument which took almost six centuries to build. After lunch, you proceed towards the beautiful town of Koblenz located at the confluence of the majestic River Rhine and River Mosel. Continue your wonderful drive along the River Rhine and enjoy a cruise viewing the picturesque, perched castles along the Rhine Valley. After disembarking your boat, continue to the Frankfurt area for dinner and your overnight hotel.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Indian Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 04: Black Forest (Drubba) – Munich (670kms)

Continue your journey southwards as you drive towards the famous Black Forest region of Southern Germany. Here, stop at the Drubba Centre, in the heart of the forest, where you have an opportunity to learn about the origins and manufacturing of the world-famous Cuckoo clocks. You also have an opportunity to purchase these clocks and other souvenirs at specially reduced factory prices. As you drive through the dense forest you continue towards Munich.

[Y] Breakfast [Y] Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 05: Munich – Salzburg – Mirabel Gardens – Swarovski Crystal World – Innsbruck (340kms)

This morning we have a short orientation tour of Munich visiting the Marienplatz, Olympic Stadium and BMW museum (entrance not included). We then drive towards Salzburg, the birth city of Mozart and famous for the ‘Sound of Music’ film set and enjoy a walk through the Mirabel gardens and the old town. Later we drive to Wattens to visit the Swarovski Museum for your purchases of these incredible man-made crystals. Afterwards we head to Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol province, for an orientation walking tour, taking in the Goldenes Dachl (the Golden Roof), an ornate Gothic balcony. Also, see the 17th Century fountain with the equestrian statue of King Leopold V, St. Anne’s Column, and the Triumph Forte – Innsbruck’s arch of celebration. After dinner check into our hotel.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Indian Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 06: Innsbruck – Lake Garda – Verona – Padova (420kms)

After breakfast drive south towards the Italian border. On crossing the first stop will be visiting the largest lake in Italy: Lake Garda known for its crystal-clear waters. Visit the town of Sirmione at the lake shore with the views dominated by the fortress Rocca Scaligera. Free time to enjoy this Lakeside town. Continue our drive to the town of Verona. Here we have a short walk to view the balcony of Romeo and Juliet (Photo stop) and the well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre (from outside) used regularly for the annual opera fair. Overnight in Padova area.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Indian Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 07: Venice – Murano Glass factory – St Mark’s Square – Pisa (370km)

After breakfast, you proceed to Venice, the romantic Italian city, known for its unique architecture. Upon arrival drive over Mussolini’s Bridge of Liberty, and then take a waterbus through the Guidecca canal to St. Mark’s Square, the very heart of Venice. Photograph the historic Ducal Palace, the infamous prison, the bridge of sighs, as you embark on your walking tour. Admire the exquisite Clock Tower as you wait to enter the splendid St. Marks Basilica. Later visit the Murano Glass factory, where a master craftsman will demonstrate the art of glass blowing and creating the unique Venetian glass. Later, return to St. Mark’s Square and soak in the unique atmosphere of this charming city. You may even be able to enjoy an optional ride in a Gondola (not included). Return to your coach parking and drive to Pisa area for overnight stay.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Indian Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 08: Leaning Tower of Pisa – Florence City tour – Rome (370kms)

This morning, after breakfast, we drive to Pisa, situated on the River Arno, hometown of Galileo and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa built 1174 and sinking approximately 1mm a year. Visit the ‘Field of Miracles’ and take photos in front of the Leaning Tower, the Duomo and the Baptistery (entrances not included). Continuing your journey, drive to Florence, enchanting art capital of Italy. Upon arrival in Florence, you’ll embark on walking tour to visit the birthplace of the Renaissance; see the impressive Duomo, the imposing 14th century Palazzo Vecchio Tower, Uffizi Gallery from outside and Ponte Vecchio – Florence’s most distinctive bridge on the Arno River. This afternoon, you drive to the ‘Eternal city’ of Rome. Depending on the time of arrival, you may have free time to relax the evening. This evening you may take an optional tour of Rome by night.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 09: Vatican City – Rome City tour – Pisa (320kms)

Start your tour by a visit to the Vatican City, the world’s smallest nation & the seat of Christianity and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest cathedral, which will amaze you with its size, beauty, and splendour. Continue for a walking tour of the city and visit Piazza Venezia and the monument dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy. Relieve the thrills of historic Rome as you view the ancient Roman & Imperial Forums. Then walk to the famous, Spanish steps and the Trevi Fountain – a Roman legend assures your return to Rome if you throw a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain. Later visit the fantastic Pantheon, originally a temple for all pagan gods, and now containing the tombs of the famous artist Raphael and several Italian Kings. In the afternoon head towards the Tuscany area for overnight.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 10: Milan – Como – Lugano – Central Switzerland (560kms)

Today we continue our journey still northwards to Milan, the largest city in Italy. A short visit to see the stunning Piazza del Duomo, the city’s main central square, surrounded by several palaces and important buildings, such as Milan Cathedral, the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery and the Royal Palace of Milan. Leaving Milan, we travel to the Swiss border, glance into the valleys of the lower Alps and capture the stunning town of Como in your cameras. After entering Switzerland, we stop at the beautiful town of Lugano for photographs before continuing to dinner and then to our hotel in Central Switzerland.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 11: Lucerne – Zurich – Rhine Falls – Lucerne (300kms)

This morning your tour starts with a visit Lucerne, one of the six most frequently visited cities in the World. See the famous Lion Monument, a memorial for the mercenary soldiers. Enjoy some free time, shopping for the famous Swiss watches and chocolates, or take a stroll across the Kappelbrucke – the world’s oldest covered wooden bridge. Continue your journey to City of Zurich. During your orientation of Zurich, view some of the famous attractions including the Gross Munster, the Fraumunster, the Banhofstrasse shopping street and National Museum (from outside). Afternoon, we drive to Schaffhausen in Switzerland, to see the picturesque Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest plain waterfalls. In the evening we return to the hotel for our overnight stay.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 12: Central Switzerland – Interlaken – Mt Jungfraujoch (200kms)

This morning, we take an exciting excursion to Mt. Jungfraujoch, the highest altitude railway station in Europe at 11,133 ft. Take the new Eiger Express tricable gondola up to Eigergletscher and marvel at the changes in alpine scenery. Here connect onto our charming cogwheel train that takes us on this unique journey. Experience the magic of the mountains at the Sphinx Terrace, a metal-grate terrace surrounding the Sphinx Observatory building on all sides that provides a stunning 360-degree view of the Great Aletsah Glacier. Also, visit the Ice Palace, where we can see a beautiful display of sculptures made of ice, while being encased in ice if you like. Do not forget to send a postcard to friends and family from Europe’s highest post office with its own special postmark. Later descend the mountain and drive to Interlaken, a town between two lakes, popular place with Indian movie directors. After some free time, we will have dinner and then return to our hotel for our overnight stay.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Indian Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 13: Mt Titlis – Geneva (300km)

Today board the world’s first revolving aerial cable car on Mt Titlis to reach a height of 10,000 feet. As the cable cars ascend these beautiful mountains you may see people in the valley below on the several theme walks or on Trotti (seat less) bikes. Once on top, visit the icy glacier cave, the open terrace, play in the snow or go on the ICE Flyer chair lift (not included) over the crevasses. Walk on the highest suspension bridge in Europe. Later descend and drive to Geneva for an orientation tour which includes photo stops at the Place of Nations, the flower clock, the Reformation Monument, the Jet de Eau and the famous Lake Geneva. Overnight in the Geneva area.

[Y] Breakfast [Y] Indian Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 14: Geneva – Paris – Seine cruise (Optional Lido Show) (550kms)

This morning you leave the Swiss Alps behind and head towards Paris, driving past the famous wine growing of Burgundy and its main city of Beaune. Drive along acres and acres of vineyards and pass beautiful chateaus, responsible for producing some of the most famous wines of France. Upon arrival into Paris, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the River Seine You will be enchanted as you pass by many of the Parisian monuments including the Alexander II Bridge, the Orsay Museum, the National Assembly and Paris’ own Statue of Liberty. Tonight, enjoy an exciting optional Paris illumination tour or an optional Lido Show which has been a venue for the finest shows since 1946.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 15: Paris City tour – Eiffel Tower – Perfume Museum (100kms)

This morning, check out of the hotel and proceed to visit the top floor of the Eiffel Tower (Subject to availability). In the early afternoon visit the French Perfumery Museum. Thereafter continue to the Louvre Museum (entrance not included and time-permitting). If you enter the Louvre Museum, you can have the opportunity to see the famous painting of Mona Lisa and many more masterpieces. Later you embark on an orientation tour of Paris, you will drive through and see some of the most famous sights such as the Champs-Elysees Street, Place du Concorde, Arc De Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Concorde Square and many more historical monuments.

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Day 15: Optional Disneyland Paris (100kms) This cannot be combined with Paris city tour.

Today you have a 1-day ticket to either Disneyland Park or Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Paris is Europe’s leading tourist destination with world class attractions, shows & parades like Crush’s Coaster, Cars Race Rally, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Space Mountain: Mission 2, Big Thunder Mountain and many more. Around 6 pm you leave the park to go into Paris for your dinner at an Indian restaurant.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Indian Lunch [Y] Indian Dinner

Day 16: Versailles Gardens – Calais – Dover – UK (300kms to Calais)

This morning, check out of the hotel and proceed to Versailles, to visit the magnificent Versailles Gardens, at the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of the famous “Sun King”. In the early afternoon depart for Calais for the ferry crossing to Dover. Upon arrival, you proceed towards your destination. Your tour ends here and bid farewell to all friends you have made on the tour.

[Y] Breakfast [x] Indian Lunch [x] Indian Dinner

What you see:

Countries you visit: 7 Countries

Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France

• Belgium: Brussels, Atomium (from outside), Mini Europe (optional), Mannekin Pis
• Netherland: Amsterdam – Canal cruise, entry to Keukenhof Tulip gardens or Madurodam, Volendam – Cheese and Clog making factory
• Germany: Cologne, Rhine Cruise, Black Forest, Koblenz, Munich
• Switzerland: Lucerne, Interlaken, Zurich, Rhine Falls, Mt Titlis, Jungfraujoch and Geneva
• Austria: Innsbruck, Swarovski Crystal World, Salzburg, Mirabel Gardens
• Italy: Venice – Murano glass factory, St Marks Square, Rome, Vatican City, Colosseum (from outside), Trevi fountain, Pisa, The leaning Tower & Duomo, Milan, Lake Garda, Verona.
• France: City tour of Paris, Eiffel tower (3^rd level) and River Seine boat cruise, Versailles Gardens, Disneyland® Park(Optional)

What you get:

• 15 nights in 3/ 4 star hotels with breakfast
• Meal plans as indicated on the itinerary
• Entrances to all the excursions as per the itinerary
• Return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais
• Executive coach transportation
• Premium service of Bi-lingual Sona Tour Director
• Only Driver Tips included