Splendours of Europe without Disney

Day 1

London – Calais – Germany (Distance: 620 Kms)
Today morning join up with your coach and depart towards Dover for your crossing to Calais or Dunkerque; you will require your passports at hand as we will cross the UK and French immigration, as well as security. The crossing on the ferry will last approx. 90 Minutes; 40 minutes if the crossing is from the Euro Tunnel train.
Once we are in mainland Europe, we make our way directly towards Germany. We will be crossing through France, Belgium and possibly Luxembourg whilst we make our way towards Germany. On route, we will make a stop for lunch at the service station. The lunch stop will only sell continental food, and there will be no fast food restaurants located within the services so make sure you are prepared.
We will be covering quite a distance today to reach the hotel, so ensure you carry your key essentials and devices for your entertainment for the journey.
We expect to arrive at our Hotel in the evening. We enjoy a delicious Indian meal before we get our head down for the night, getting ready to check out tomorrow morning.

D

Day 2

Heidelberg – Black Forest – Lake Titisee – Rhine Falls (Distance: 480 Kms)
After breakfast, we load our luggage on the coach. Today morning you may have a change of coach, seats and tour manager, as our combination tours will merge today morning. Your tour continues with new friends.
We then continue to the town of Heidelberg sitting on the footbed of the River Necker in Southwestern Germany. We carry out our short orientation tour of the small town taking in the views and history of the Old Bridge, which has picturesque views of Heidelberg Castle perched on the hill as well as the Old Church in the main town. Our short trip to Heidelberg concludes with a quick photo stop at the Old Town Square, before boarding the coach and head towards the Black Forest.
We continue our drive into South East Germany. Whilst we drive through the Black Forest, enjoy the tree-lined alpine views, and be fascinated by the deep gorges along the way. We then arrive at the small town of Titisee-Neustadt in the middle of the Black Forest, among dark fir trees, high hills, spectacular cliffs and gentle valleys sits the largest natural lake in the Black Forest, Titisee, which stretches for some 2 km (over 1 mile). Here enjoy some free time to wonder the quaint streets and relax by the lake or shop for locally made cuckoo clocks as well as a varied selection of souvenirs. After your shopping trip, we have our Indian lunch, before we head towards Switzerland.
We continue our journey heading South of Germany and into Schaffhausen a city in north-eastern Switzerland on the river Rhine, next to the German border. On arrival why not take the time to admire the prime tourist attraction of the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest open-plain waterfalls. You have the time to enjoy a quick trip to the centre of falls on the erosion resistant rock or simply bide the short time we have here admiring the beauty from the banks of the River Rhine with the Wörth Castle in the backdrop.
Today you have an opportunity to conduct an optional tour of Zurich. Spend the one-hour free time that your tour representative gives you in the city centre to discover Zurich city by foot, with the main highlights including – The Fraumünster Church, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows created by Chagall. The Grossmunster evangelical protestant church in the medieval old town, or simply admire the beautiful lake of Zurich. The free-time given to you to check out a snap shot of Zurich city centre.
We continue our journey from the Rhine falls toward Central Switzerland. We have our Indian meal either at the restaurant or the hotel before we settle in for our three nights at the hotel.

B, L, D

Day 3

Mt. Jungfrau – Interlaken (Distance: 230 Kms)
We have an early breakfast today and head out on the coach towards Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen. Depending on the train reservation we will either do Interlaken or Mt Jungfrau first.
When we head towards Lauterbrunnen Valley, the deepest U-shaped valley in the world with either side rising a sheer 1000 meters. We have a jaw-dropping train journey on a cogwheel that takes us up to the top of Mt. Jungfrau at 3454 meters above sea level. At the top, have free time to explore the Ice Palace to view life-sized ice sculptures carved from the Glacier, visit the Sphinx observation tower for spectacular views of the Aletsch glacier and surrounding peaks, often said you could see as far as Italy on a clear day. Then spend your remaining time buying souvenirs and chocolates before we meet up at our meeting point at the top and go for our Indian lunch with spectacular views.
Today also spend time in Interlaken, a small town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The Höheweg is Interlaken’s main street which runs between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost Railway Stations, spend the time shopping away for souvenirs along the high street or simply admire the rich views of the Bernese Alps. Why not wander through the Kursaal Garden, where you can see a 350 Kg statue of the renowned Indian filmmaker, the late Yash Chopra.
Today you also have an opportunity to conduct an optional tour of “Trummelbach Waterfalls”. This unique Spectacle in the Lauterbrunnen Valley comprises various Glacier fed Waterfalls inside a mountain. The impressive falls are floodlit and accessible by a special tunnel. The falls carry up to 20,000 litres of water every second. The Trümmelbach Falls are accessible underground by galleries, tunnels, paths and platforms. This is a payable optional, so please speak your tour rep if you have any concerns regarding the optional.
After a jam-packed day in Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen, we make our way back for our Indian meal and hotel. With a day full of memories get in a good night sleep for another adventurous day tomorrow.

B, L, D

Day 4

Mt. Titlis – Lucerne (Distance: 90 Kms)
After breakfast today we ascend 10,000ft to the summit of Mt. Titlis. We take a small cable car or funicular depending on the time of the year before we take the world’s first revolving cable car, the Titlis Rotair. The Rotair makes one full revolution whilst we ascend to the top of Mt Titlis giving you a 360-degree view of the Uri Alps. Once we reach the top you can not only enjoy the breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss landscapes, but you will have ample time to take pictures in traditional Swiss outfits, buy souvenirs and walk the highest Cliff Walk, a suspended pedestrian bridge along the cliff of Mount Titlis 3,000 m above sea level, it is believed to be the highest elevation suspension bridge in Europe (subject to operation). Spend the morning playing in the snow and visit the ice caves.
On Mt Titlis, you can also enjoy the optional Ice Flyer (subject to operation). The Ice Flyer chairlift sweeps you smoothly and safely over crisp, virgin snowfields and icy depths. Some of the crevasses are up to twenty metres deep. Only on Mt Titlis can you expect such a fantastic glacier experience, and don’t forget to smile as you can purchase a perfect souvenir of your picture from the photo studio shop.
We make our way down in the early afternoon for our well-deserved Indian lunch from all the activities of the morning. Once our energy levels are back up from our lunch, we board our coach and make our way down from Engelberg to the beautiful city of Luzern (Lucerne).
In Lucerne spend the time admiring Lake Luzern, the fourth largest lake in Switzerland, with Mt Pilatus, Mt Rigi and the Swiss Alps in the background, or take a wonderful walk around the Old Town and shop to your heart content in the pretty cobbled streets with top high street fashion names. Don’t forget to walk and view the Chapel Bridge also known as Kapellbrücke, the famous 204 meters long wooden covered bridge originally built in 1333, regarded as the oldest covered bridge in Europe. We later visit the Lion Monument, or the Lion of Lucerne, a rock relief, designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. The carving has often been heralded as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world”.
We board back onto the coach after another fun filled day heading for our evening Indian meal and hotel. It is time to pack our bags again for our checkout tomorrow morning where we make our way towards Liechtenstein and Austria in the morning.

B, L, D

Day 5

Switzerland – Vaduz – Swarovski – Innsbruck (Distance: 400 Kms)
After breakfast, we load our bags on the coach and make our way East of Switzerland heading into one of the smallest countries in Europe, Liechtenstein. We have a shortstop in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Here you can see the “Schloss Vaduz”, which is the Vaduz Castle. The castle hangs above Vaduz high above on the hills.
We continue to drive towards Austria, and we make our stop on route for our light lunch. The lunch is light today and will consist of a typical continental lunch as we make our way through the Austria highway.
Late afternoon we reach Innsbruck, which is a city in the Alps. We go on a short orientation tour covering the main pragmatic sights of the Goldenes Dachl, a landmark structure located in the Old Town, It is considered the city’s most famous symbol decorated by 2657 shiny tiles.
We will also visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds a museum, located in Wattens, Austria. The museum was built in 1995 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Austria based crystal company Swarovski. The museum features a cafe as well as a park surrounding the building. See the Chambers of Wonder at Swarovski Crystal Worlds, where international and national artists, designers, and architects have interpreted crystal in their own ways. Later why not even purchase some Swarovski yourself, or for your loved ones.
We board back onto the coach and head to our hotel and restaurant. Today evening enjoy a hot continental meal before we put our heads down for the night.

B, CL, CD

Day 6

Innsbruck – Verona – Venice (Distance: 400 Kms)
After breakfast today, we check out of the hotel and head South towards Italy and make our way towards Verona, which sits in the Veneto region in Northern Italy. The city gained popularity for being the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
Today in the afternoon we will be provided with a light pre-set packed lunch. We then board back onto the coach and make our way towards
When we reach Verona follow the mythical Romeo and Juliet trail, which marks a series of fictional events and sites. Verona’s houses, churches and piazzas combine to tell the fascinating story of this small, but hugely significant, northern Italian city. A 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard is said to be “Juliet’s House.”
Enjoy spending time in the quaint streets of Verona; the city has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture.
We make our way in the afternoon towards the Venice region, and we expect to reach there in the evening. We will be covering quite a distance today to reach the Venice region, so ensure you carry your key essentials.
Once we reach the Venice area in the evening, we finish the day by heading towards the restaurant and hotel. We have our buffet Indian dinner before we pack in for the night.

B, L, D

Day 7

Venice – Rome (Distance: 580 Kms)
We check out after breakfast today and make our way towards the Venetian Islands. The drive will take us over “Ponte della Libertà” or in English the Bridge of Liberty, which connects the historic centre to the City of Venice.
On arrival at the Ports in Venice, we board our Vaporetto (Italian small boat) to make our way towards the main island and dock at San Marco. The main city of Venice is unique in its own right and holds many names; “The City of Water”, “City of Bridges”, “The Floating City”, and “City of Canals”, the names become very apparent as we glide through the Grand Canal.
We then make our way across the San Marco island for our demonstration at Murano, where you learn the facts about the glass and have an opportunity to purchase original Murano glass items. We also make our way to Piazza San Marco known as St Mark’s Square, the main square opens up to the impressive Saint Mark’s Basilica, the most famous of the city’s churches and one of the best-known examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture, as well as the famous St Mark’s Campanile (bell tower), one of the most recognizable symbols of the city at 98.5 metres high. You will have time to also picture the famous Bridge of sighs and the intricate Clock Tower known as the Torre dell’Orologio.
Later enjoy a Gondola ride through a few of the canals that make up the intricate 118 islands of Venice. Glide along the quaint canals and admire the architecture involved in building this lagoon city. The short gondola ride is a unique experience on a flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat, well suited to the conditions of the Venetian lagoon.
We then return back to the coach at the Ports, and make our way back into to the mainland were we go for our Indian lunch at the restaurant before making our way to Rome. We depart in the afternoon from Venice and expect to reach Rome in the evening.
Once we reach Rome in the evening, we finish the day by heading towards the restaurant and hotel. We have our buffet Indian dinner before we pack in for the night for three nights at the hotel.
Today the tour rep may conduct an optional tour of Rome by Night. The tour is conducted on the coach and includes Rome’s most beautiful sites to be admired at night in comfort of the coach and by foot. The subdued lighting of the Colosseum – the largest amphitheatre built during the Roman Empire, St. Angelo’s, St. Peters church and Piazza Venezia will provide you with wonderful photos. The tour will last 90 minutes, late into the evening (The Tour rep may choose to do this optional tour on day 10).

B, L, D

Day 8

Rome – Capri – Rome (Distance: 460 Kms)
Today morning after breakfast, we board the coach and make our way towards Naples. We will drive to the southern part of Italy to reach the Bay of Naples; the drive should take us approximately. 3 hours from Rome.
Once we arrive in Naples, we make our way towards the Port of Naples to board our jetfoil (Large Passenger Speedboat) to make our way towards the island of Capri. The speedboat takes just under 1 hour to reach Capri from Naples. Whilst on the speedboat take the opportunity to take some amazing photos of the Gulf of Naples.
Once we reach Capri, we make our way from the Grand Marina on buses to Anacapri. The buses are not the large city buses but in fact, small narrow minibuses which carry about 20 passengers seated, as large buses wouldn’t be able to navigate the narrow island lanes!
When we reach the top of Anacapri, you will have a spectacular view of the Gulf of Naples and the whole island of Capri, as you make your way on the single seated cable cars that take you to the top of Mt Solaro at 589 metres. After you return back from the cable car spend the free time exploring around the charming narrow streets or grab a bite to eat before we make our way back down toward the Grand Marina. Depending on the time you may have an opportunity to take a boat ride to the Grottos around Capri. You can speak to your tour rep to find out which is the best tour for you, as this will be time depending and subject to operation.
We then proceed in the afternoon to make our way back on jetfoil from the Grand Marina back to the mainland in Naples, where we once again board back onto our coach and make our way back towards Rome.
Once we reach Rome depending on the hotel, we either have our Indian dinner there in one of the conference rooms or make our way to the restaurant before coming to the hotel.

B, D

Day 9

Rome – Vatican City (Distance: 90 Kms)
Today morning after breakfast we depart the hotel and make our short drive towards the city centre of Rome. We will be spending the full day in the Roman capital, and “Global City”.
Our tour of Rome starts with a local professional guide whilst in Rome. The guide will immerse you in the rich history of Rome and explain the key sights of Rome. The Rome tour will include a short photo-stop of the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre and arguably one of the most recognised sights; the stop is surrounded by other sights such as Constantine arch. You will also see the Roman Forums, where ancient civilisation developed.
We then make our way by coach to the restaurant for our Indian meal, before we transfer back to our coach and head towards the Vatican City.
Later you will visit the Vatican City, home to the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church to see the St. Peter’s Basilica, it should be noted that you should wear appropriate attire for a place of worship, as this is a stipulation of entry. We will then walk across to view the Trevi Fountains, arguably the most beautiful fountains in all of Rome, here enjoy a gelato ice cream. It should be noted many parts of Rome will be done on foot as places such as Trevi Fountain, Roman Forums are only accessible on foot.
In the evening depending on the hotel location we either go to the restaurant for our Indian dinner, or we head towards the hotel, where dinner will be served late in the evening in one of the conference rooms by our very own caterers. We can then put our head down after our long day.

B, L, D

Day 10

Rome – Florence – Pisa (Distance: 400 Kms)
Today after breakfast we check out of the hotel and board the coach for our drive towards Florence. We head North towards Florence. We will be covering quite a distance today to reach Florence, so ensure you carry your key essentials and devices for your entertainment for the journey.
Once we reach Florence, we go for our Indian lunch at the restaurant before making our way to the Historic City Centre. The coach will drop the group off in the city centre and drive away as they cannot remain in the city centre of Florence.
On arrival in the afternoon at our drop off point in Florence, we meet our local professional guide. The tour of this renaissance city and former capital starts by viewing the impressive architecture of some of the finest historic buildings in Italy. The guide will provide you an in-depth knowledge of some of Florence’s most iconic sights including the Duomo of Florence the largest brick dome ever created, along with photo stops at Basilica of Santa Croce, the final burial place of Michelangelo, statue of David replica, and the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge on the Arno River. The tour of Florence will be a walking tour as many parts of the city are pedestrianised and only accessible on foot.
We then meet up with our coach towards the Arno River and proceed to make our way out of Florence. Just before we hit the highway we stop at the Piazelle Michelangelo, for the most outstanding views of Florence, the stop allows a panoramic view of the city and beyond. We stop for a quick photo stop here before boarding the coach and making our way to Pisa.
In the evening, we depart towards the Hotel night stay. We head towards our hotel and restaurant in the region. Today evening enjoy a buffet Indian meal, before settling for the night.

B, L, D

Day 11

Pisa – San Remo (Distance: 310 Kms)
After breakfast today, we check out of the hotel and make our way to explore the Pisa City.
On arrival in Pisa, we disembark the coach, and we make our transfer towards the Piazza dei Miracoli, we walk through the small market and enter the Piazza dei Miracoli through the iron gates, where the magnificent Leaning Tower of Pisa can be seen tilting since its completion in 1372, the 56m white-marble cylinder is the bell tower of the Romanesque, striped-marble cathedral that rises next to the tower. Also, in the piazza is the Baptistry, an ecclesiastical building constructed from 1152 to 1363. Enjoy soem free time here to buy souvenirs for friends and family.
We will stop for Indian Lunch at the restaurant before making our way to San Remo.
We then board back onto the coach and make our way to San Remo region, which is in the province of imperia, for our two-night stay.
We head towards our hotel. Today evening enjoy a continental meal before we put our heads down for the night

B, L, CD

Day 12

San Remo – Nice – Cannes – Monte Carlo – San Remo (Distance: 220 Kms)
After our continental breakfast, we board our coach and commence our drive towards Nice, France. Along the way we cross from Italy into the French Riviera; also known as the “Côte d’Azur”, which is a very scenic Mediterranean coastline on the southeast corner of France.
A thoroughly enjoyable and picturesque coastal drive leads us to Nice. Nice sits on the Mediterranean Sea, at the foot of the Alps, and is the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. Here we have some free time at the “Promenade des Anglais”, its famous waterfront is lined with attractions, beaches, bars and restaurants.
We then make our way by coach to the restaurant for our Indian meal, before we transfer back to our coach and head towards “the playground for the rich and famous” – Cannes and Monte Carlo.
We make our way to Cannes, which is famed for its international film festival. Its curving coastline is lined with sandy beaches, upmarket boutiques and palatial hotels. We then head towards the principality of Monaco and visit Monte Carlo, where the famous Monte Carlo Casino is located. Admire the yacht-lined harbour and identify the areas of the prestigious Grand Prix motor race, which runs through Monaco’s streets once a year.
In the evening we head back towards the hotel. Today evening enjoy a continental meal before we put our heads down for the night and get ready for our check out tomorrow morning.

B, L, D

Day 13

San Remo – Geneva (Distance: 540 Kms)
After breakfast, we load our luggage on the coach and leave the Italian Riviera region and make our way towards Switzerland, Geneva. We depart the hotel in the morning and expect to arrive in Geneva in the evening. Today we will be covering a vast distance to reach Geneva, so ensure you carry your key essentials and devices for your entertainment for the journey.
Once we reach Geneva in the evening, we make a couple of short photo stops. We make our way to the “Jardin Anglais”, known as the English Gardens. Here we stop for photos of the National Monument, which features lady Geneva and Lady Helvetica; also see the Flower Clock an iconic outdoor flower clock designed in 1955, made with colourful blooms that change seasonally, and finally of the Jet d’Eau (subject to operation), a fountain, lit up at night, pumping half a cubic meter of water per second 140m into the air.
We then head towards the United Nations of Geneva (UNOG) for our second photo stop, the UNOG is the second-largest of the four major office sites of the United Nations and situated in the Palais des Nations building constructed for the League of Nations between 1929 and 1938. Capture an amazing picture containing all the flags of the countries of the United Nations.
We then finish our quick trip to Geneva by heading towards the restaurant and hotel. We have our buffet Indian dinner before we pack in for the night.

B, D

Day 14

Geneva – Paris (Distance: 580 Kms)
Today after breakfast check out of the hotel, and we make our way towards Paris. You will not be reaching Paris until late in the afternoon, and we will be stopping on route for Lunch. The lunch stop will only sell continental food, and there will be no fast food restaurants located within the services.
On arrival in the “City of Lights” – Paris, we make our way to the renowned, and world recognised the Eiffel Tower. Your journey will take you to the top of the Eiffel Tower. It should be noted that as the Eiffel Tower is the worlds most visited paid monument you should expect long security and ticket queues as reservations are not always available. Additionally, you will be provided tickets for the highest floor possible, should the top floor ticket not be available or closed then the ticket difference will be reimbursed to you on the completion of your tour. On instances we may conduct Montparnasse Tower, where the Eiffel Tower is closed due to national holidays, Bastille day parades etc., or non-operational due to any other reason, an advanced warning will not be given in relation to the change of monument.
In the evening we will then make our way to the restaurant for our group buffet meal, on the allocation of our entry time enjoy your Indian dinner and then settle back in your seats on the coach for a night tour of Paris.
We then commence the Paris Night tour, which lasts 90 Minutes and takes you around the key sights of Paris at Night, see the Louvre, Arc de Triumphe, Concorde and Invalides from the comfort of your coach, with the magnificent street lights and monumental lights gravitating you towards the wonderful sights and monuments. See the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour, for five minutes immersing you in the city of Paris, and truly recognise why it has been nicknamed the “City of Lights”.
We then late in the night make our way to the hotel for our two-night stay. Get a good night’s sleep as more wonders await you tomorrow.

B, D

Day 15

City Tour with Versailles Gardens (Distance: 90 Kms)
After your continental breakfast, we board the coach for our full day city tour. We start the day by making our way 27 Kms out of Paris and head towards the town of Versailles.
On arrival at Versailles make your way to the Garden of Versailles, a fine example of 17th-century French landscaping covering an area of more than 800 hectares. Use this free time to take mesmerising photos, souvenir shopping or simply relax admiring the Royal Lawns with the Grand Canal in the background. The gardens are landscaped in the classic French Garden style perfected here by André Le Nôtre.
We then make our way back towards Paris, where we go to the restaurant for our Indian lunch, after our meal we continue to the city centre of Paris, heading towards the Arts-et-Métiers quarters of Paris.
We then visit the Fragonard Perfume Museum and get a brief insight into the origins of the different type of fragrances and the history of the Fragonard brand, you then have a chance to purchase some unique French fragrances, soaps, candles and more.
We thenvisit famous ”Carrousel du Louvre” Museum here you can buy your own ticket and view some of the famous artefacts and sculptures housed here. Why not take the short time we have here to see the ‘Mona Lisa’ or Marley horses, or simply bide the time shopping for loved ones.
In the evening we will then make our way to the restaurant for Indian dinner, on the allocation of our entry time enjoy your meal and then we continue back to the hotel, getting ready to check out of the hotel tomorrow.

B, L, D

Day 16

Paris – Calais – London (Distance: 460 Kms)
Today morning we check out of the hotel after breakfast and load the luggage depending on your final drop off point.
We then make our way back to the centre of Paris, where we embark on the famous “Bateaux” cruises of Paris for our one hour cruise along the River Seine, we cover the stunning architecture that Paris has to offer on sights such as the Grand Palais, Petite Palais, Pont Alexandre 3rd bridge, National Assembly, Invalides and of course the spectacular Eiffel Tower. The glass-covered boat is at your disposal, choose to sit inside or outside whilst listening to the commentary of the sights.
Whilst travelling around Paris over the last two days you would have covered various other sights including the Vendome, home to the Ritz Hotel; Concorde square made famous during the French revolution and Avenue des Champs Élysées, the largest tree-lined boulevard in Paris.
We then depart Paris and make our way towards Calais, not before stopping at an Indian restaurant for our last meal together. After Lunch, we continue to make our way back to London.
The journey back we say goodbye to friends we have made along the way as we drop off those getting off on the route.
Once we reach Calais, we cross over back into Dover or Folkestone depending on our crossing schedule for the tour on the day. We continue our journey towards Wembley and dropping passengers off at their respective drop-offs.