European Grandeur
This is your epic adventure covering all points of the European compass; from Amsterdam in the north
to Rome in the south, Vienna in the east and Madrid in the west.
Tour Pace - Comfortable: Insight has introduced high speed trains on a couple of travelling days to
give you more time in the famous cities. This results in a moderately paced tour; allowing for a mix of
sightseeing, personal exploration and optional excursions.
Day 1 - Depart Canada - Board your overnight flight (not included).
Day 2 to Day 3 - Discovering London - Welcome to London! Check in to your hotel, then relax or
explore. In the morning, a half day sightseeing tour of London’s West End shows you Big Ben, the
Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. Your Tour
Director is on hand today for help and advice. Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch, London Meals: Full
breakfast
Day 4 - Eurostar to Paris - After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, transfer to London’s St
Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable two hour rail journey takes you
via the historic Channel Tunnel to Paris where you enjoy free time on arrival. Hotel: Le Méridien
Etoile, Paris Meals: Welcome Reception / Welcome Dinner
Day 5 - Paris, the City of Light - In the morning, sightseeing with a local expert takes you by the Île de
la Cité to see Notre Dame Cathedral with its famous tale of Quasimodo. Then around the imposing
façades of the Louvre and Garnier’s Opera House. See the obelisk in the Place de la Concorde and
drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel
Tower for spectacular views of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps visit one of
the world-famous cabaret shows? Hotel: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 6 - Châteaux of the Loire & Bordeaux - Head southwards towards Châteaux Country. Take a scenic
drive along the Loire Valley to visit the enchanting “Ladies Castle” of Chenonceau, the home of Diane
de Poitiers (tragic mistress of Henri II) and later of his vengeful wife Catherine of Medici. After some
time to stroll in the lovely gardens, a continue past Poitiers and through the Cognac area to arrive on
the coastal plain. Cross the Gironde River into the bustling seaport of Bordeaux with it’s unique 18th
Century character. Hotel: Pullman Aquitania, Bordeaux Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Three-course table
d’hôte Dinner or Buffet
Day 7 - The Light of Lourdes - Before departure, join a local expert for a guided tour of France's finest
18th Century architecture. The façades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d’Or and
magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all helped Bordeaux earn inclusion on UNESCO ’s World
Heritage list. Then drive through the vineyards of Sauternes and Graves to Lourdes - a place of
pilgrimage. Visit the miraculous grotto, drink the spring waters credited with curative powers and join
the torchlit procession - a moving experience never to be forgotten. Hotel: De La Grotte, Lourdes
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Three-course table d’hôte Dinner or Buffet
Day 8 - Through Old Castile to Madrid - Welcome to a land of fiestas, food and Flamenco! Cross the
Pyrenees and follow in the footsteps of El Cid via Burgos and over the Sierra de Guadarrama to the
Spanish capital of Madrid. Hotel: Tryp Ambassador, Madrid Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 9 - Madrid of the Bourbons - This morning, join a local expert for a sightseeing tour along the
elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles. Drive down the Gran Via to
the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol. A highlight is a visit to
the magnificent Prad o Museum, a rose coloured palace housing works by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens
and others. This afternoon relax at a café or shop in the trendy boutiques. Hotel: Tryp Ambassador,
Madrid Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 10 - Barcelona, the City of Gaudi - Board your luxurious high-speed AVE train, the most efficient
way to get around Spain. In less than three hours you're in the vibrant port of Barcelona. Join a local
expert in the heart of the Gothic quarter. See the cathedral and walk through the Roman gate to tour
the narrow lanes and old squares. Now drive by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned
some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to stand
before the facade of Gaudi’s extraordinary Sagrada Familia church. Hotel: Melia, Barcelona Meals:
Buffet Breakfast
Day 11 - Barcelona at leisure - The next day is at leisure for you to relax, shop or stroll along the leafy
Ramblas? Why not take an optional excursion to the ancient Monastery of Montserrat, dedicated to
the ‘Black Madonna’? Hotel: Melia, Barcelona Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 12 - Around the Mediterranean Coast to Monaco - Cross the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains
this morning and follow the coastline of the Golfe du Lion through the vast vineyards of the
Languedoc region, once independent of France and boasting one of the great cultures of Europe.
Continue across the edge of the marshy Camargue, to the sunbaked landscapes which inspired the
greatest works of Van Gogh and Cezanne. Your hotel is in the elegant Principality of Monaco. Hotel:
Fairmont Monte Carlo Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 13 - Exploring Monaco & the Côte d’Azur - After a restful night, explore the medieval village of
Eze, miraculously perched high on a rock and surrounded by ancient walls. After taking in the views,
unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts
waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Back in Monaco, drive along part of the Grand Prix
circuit and walk through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family lives, the
yacht-filled harbour and Cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
The rest of the day is free to enjoy Monaco at your leisure. Hotel: Fairmont Monte Carlo Meals: Buffet
Breakfast
Day 14 - Follow the Riviera to Pisa & Florence - Cross into Italy and follow the “Flower Riviera” along
the Adriatic Highway through tunnels and bridges. Glimpse the world famous marble quarries of
Carrara before arriving in Pisa. Once one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean, its
wealthy merchants dedicated some of their wealth to building a fine cathedral and baptistry - but
today it is the belltower which attracts most notice by leaning 4 metres from the perpendicular! A
short drive brings you to the renaissance city of Florence. Enjoy skyline views from Piazzale
Michelangelo. Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Three-course table
d’hôte Dinner or Buffet
Day 15 - Exploring Renaissance Florence - Next morning, join a local expert for a walking tour of the
historic city centre. At the multi-coloured marble Cathedral, admire Giotto’s bell tower and ‘Gates of
Paradise’. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and the area around Santa
Croce Basilica - famous for the quality of its luxury goods. After a demonstration of leather work
there’s free time to shop or continue sightseeing. This evening don’t miss the chance to sample the
fine Florentine cuisine. Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 16 - Hill-top Orvieto & the Eternal City of Rome - Travel through the Chianti hills on your way to
hilltop Orvieto, a former papal stronghold, located on a rock pedestal overlooking a vine yard covered
plain. Savour the distinctly medieval ambiance during your orientation tour and admire the richly
decorated façade of the Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. There’s time to shop for hand painted
ceramics before continuing to the “eternal city”. Rome comes alive at night, the Via Veneto - scene of
the Dolce Vita, the cosmopolitan squares and beautiful fountains. Hotel: Romanico Palace, Rome
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 17 - Exploring Papal Rome - The following morning, join a local expert in the Vatican City for a visit
to St. Peter’s Basilica. Admire Michelangelo's emotive ‘Pieta’ and see Bernini's intricately carved
Popes' Altar. Then cross the Tiber to see the Colosseum, scene of many gladiatorial contests and see
the Roman Forum. The rest of the day is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk
café. Hotel: Romanico Palace, Rome Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 18 - Ill-fated Pompeii & Sorrento - Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures
collected by the Popes. Insight has arranged special VIP entrance to avoid the crowds, together with
behind the scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally
off-limits to the general public. Now into the Sistine Chapel. Enjoy clear commentary via your audio
headset as you admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Head south now, past the brooding Abbey of
Monte Cassino to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the
disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. A wal king tour with a local expert through the
cobbled streets reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum and peer into
ancient shops and patrician villas, decorated with colourful wall paintings. Continue to the
picturesque holiday town of Sorrento, bustling with life until late at night. Hotel: Grand Cesare
Augusto, Sorrento Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner
Day 19 - Excursion to Capri, the Isle of Dreams - In the morning, board your cruise to Capri - the isle of
dreams. Under the Mediterranean sun, take an open top taxi up to Capri Town, where you can
explore the narrow alleyways, browse in exclusive boutiques and enjoy the views over the Tyrrhenian
Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and cruise to Sorrento. Investigate the art of ‘intarsio’ or
marquetry wood inlaying before an afternoon at leisure Perhaps take a drive along the famous Amalfi
Coast with its clear blue waters and picturesque resorts? Hotel: Grand Cesare Augusto, Sorrento
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 20 - In Search of St Francis in Assisi - Follow the Highway of the Sun north before turning into the
foothills of the Apennine Mountains. Stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built around the
tiny chapel of the monastery founded by the saint himself. A chance here to see the place where
Francis died and the miraculous Thornless Rose. Now ascend to the hill-town of Assisi, a perfectly
preserved medieval community of cobbled streets and houses of warm pink stone. Visit the huge
Basilica of St. Francis, housing the saint’s tomb. Built in the 13C, the frescoes by Giotto heralded a new
era in Italian art. Hotel: Giotto, Assisi Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Three-course table d’hôte Dinner or
Buffet
Day 21 - On to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic - A delightful mountain drive takes you through the heart
of the Apennines to the Po Valley. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian lagoon and across
the causeway to the unique city of Venice. Tonight take a stroll by the canals and listen to the
romantic songs of the gondoliers as they drift beneath the bridges. Hotel: Hilton Molino Stucky,
Venice Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Three-course table d’hôte Dinner or Buffet
Day 22 - Venice & the Magic of La Serenissima - Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Witness
the skill of glass blowers, mask makers and gondola builders on a visit to a traditional arts centre. Only
minutes away by private launch is St Mark's Square where the city’s former wealth and power is
evidenced by the riches of St Mark’s Basilica. Admire also the Doge’s Palace and its adjoining Bridge of
Sighs. A highlight is a traditional gondola serenade through the ‘watery streets’. Relax and enjoy the
atmosphere, music and songs as you drift along the romantic canals. The afternoon is at leisure to sit a
while at a canal side cafe and sip the local wine? Hotel: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice Meals: Buffet
Breakfast
Day 23 - Via the Lakes of Carinthia to Vienna - Leave the Adriatic coastline today, driving through the
spectacular Italian Alps beneath towering cliffs alongside sparkling mountain streams. Cross into
Austria and drive through the heart of the Carinthian Lake District alongside Lake Worth, warmest
lake in Europe! Now through “unknown Austria”, traversing the quiet villages and forested mountains
of Styria. Finally you reach Vienna, once the elegant heart of an empire which reached to every corner
of Europe. Tonight maybe take the option of a delicious dinner in a historic country mansion with live
music and unlimited drinks? Hotel: Hilton Vienna Plaza Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 24 - Vienna & the Habsburgs - This morning join a local expert for a private tour of Maria
Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Then get your cameras ready for a drive around the
famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, show-cases many
of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial
Residence and Parliament building. Maybe discover hidden squares of the old city this afternoon?
Hotel: Hilton Vienna Plaza Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 25 - Salzburg, City of Mozart & Innsbruck - Pass the impressive Benedictine monastery of Melk, as
the highway speeds you through the rich farmlands of eastern Austria, towards the lakes and
mountains of the Salzkammergut. Enjoy a fine view of the Mondsee lake before reaching the
enchanting city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Join a local expert for a visit to the Mirabell Gardens
and a stroll through the old town, seeing the house where Mozart was born and the immense
cathedral. Continue to the mountain ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and
Imperial Palace. Hotel: Hilton, Innsbruck Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 26 - Liechtenstein & Lakeside Lucerne - Follow the Inn Valley, passing flower-filled meadows and
picturesque chalet-style villages, via the Arlberg Tunnel to the Principality of Liechtenstein. Spend
some time in its tiny capital, Vaduz, and then cross into Switzerland and through glorious mountains
to lake-side Lucerne. Hotel: Astoria, Lucerne Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 27 - Lucerne’s Lions & Dragons - In the morning, visit Lucerne’s proud Lion Monument, carved into
a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during
the French Revolution. Take time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque
Jesuit church. Later, embark on a highlight excursion by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit
of one of Switzerland’s most famous mountains, Mount Pilatus. In medieval times, it was believed
that dragons lived in these rugged clefts, but now the only amazing sights to see are over the
snowcapped Jungfrau and Eiger peaks. For dinner tonight, choose your own style of cuisine from our
selection of restaurants. Hotel: Astoria, Lucerne Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dine-Around
Day 28 - The Black Forest, Rhineland & Mainz - After breakfast, pass through Zurich to Schaffhausen
where the Rhine River thunders over the Rhine Falls with an awe-inspiring roar. Drive into Germany
and deep into the Black Forest, where cuckoo clocks are made by hand. Then follow the Rhine Valley
north past the spa resort of Baden Baden to your hotel in Mainz. Hotel: Hilton City Mainz Meals:
Buffet Breakfast / Three-course table d’hôte Dinner or Buffet
Day 29 - The Rhine Valley & Amsterdam - Take to the water this morning for a delightful scenic cruise
past fortified towns and leafy vineyards. Pass the twin strongholds of the ‘Enemy Brothers’, the Cat
and Mouse castles and hear the legend of the Loreley Rock. Disembark in the quaint wine village of
Boppard. Continue on via Bonn towards Cologne, whose Gothic Cathedral has spires reaching 500 ft.
high. Crossing into The Netherlands you immediately recognise the distinctive Dutch countryside.
Arrive at friendly Amsterdam the ‘Venice of the North’, a city with hundreds of tree-lined canals.
Tonight, perhaps take the option of a delicious Dutch dinner with drinks served in a beautiful old
restaurant, followed by a walk through the ‘Sailors Quarter’? Hotel: Mövenpick City Centre,
Amsterdam Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 30 - Amsterdam & the Dutch Countryside - After a restful night’s sleep, your Amsterdam
orientation tour shows you the Mint Tower, Dam Square and Royal Palace. See a demonstration of
diamonds being cut and polished before enjoying the afternoon at leisure. For your last night, drive
through typical Dutch countryside to the fishing village of Monnickendam for a rousing Celebration
Dinner with wine. The perfect finale to your tour! Hotel: Mövenpick City Centre, Amsterdam Meals:
Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner
Day 31 - Depart Amsterdam - Hotel transfers arrive Schiphol Airport at 08:00 & 10:00 hours. Meals:
Buffet Breakfast
For More Details
Call 604-659-4176 or 1-877-659-4176
Travel Masters White Rock
www.ladiesonthego.ca