European Highlights (Winter 2011/2012)

7 day tour from A$1599.00*

Tour Style: Europe Discoveries

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Overview

Gothic cathedrals, medieval castles, fairytale forests, roaring waterfalls, sprawling vineyards… Uncover the highlights of Europe from Amsterdam to Cologne, through the Rhine Valley, the Black Forest, Lucerne and Burgundy, finishing in Paris – the glittering prize on your journey of discovery! See the Louvre, Champs Elysees and Notre Dame and climb the Eiffel Tower for stunning views across this elegant city.

Highlights

Dover, Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Valley, Heidelberg, Schaffhausen, Lucerne, Savigny Les Beaune, Paris

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Itinerary

Day 1

LONDON – AMSTERDAM

See the White Cliffs on your approach to Dover, where you board the ferry to Calais. Travel north through Belgium to Amsterdam – one of Europe’s friendliest cities – see the famous Mint Tower and Dam Square. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Drink. Why not explore the sights of Amsterdam this evening on a canal cruise.

Hotel: Mercure Aan de Amstel (F)

Day 2

AMSTERDAM – COLOGNE – RHINE CRUISE – HEIDELBERG – MANNHEIM

Travelling southwest via Arnhem you see Cologne’s magnificent Cathedral, and continue through Bonn to the Rhine Valley. Relax as you cruise along the River Rhine past terraced vineyards and medieval castles to St Goar. Pass the famous Lorelei Rock, named after a mermaid who lured fishermen to their deaths with mesmerising song. In Heidelberg, see the red sandstone castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, which towers above Germany’s oldest university town.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Holiday Inn City Centre (F)

Day 3

MANNHEIM – SCHAFFHAUSEN – LUCERNE (2 nights)

See the enchanting Black Forest, where cuckoo clocks were invented in the mid-18th century. Witness the dramatic Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen, which is the largest waterfall in Europe, before marvelling at dramatic alpine scenery and magnificent views across Lake Lucerne.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Flora (F)

Day 4

LUCERNE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME

Discover the 14th century Chapel Bridge on your morning orientation tour. See the solemn Lion Monument, commemorating the massacre of Swiss Guards in 1792. Spend the afternoon shopping in the old town for Swiss chocolates. Consider an excursion up a local mountain for panoramic views, or enjoy the fresh Alpine air by taking a leisurely walk beside the beautiful lake.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 5

LUCERNE – SAVIGNY LES BEAUNE – PARIS (2 nights)

See the changing landscape as you travel northwest into France, through Alsace and across the Maginot Line. See the onion-domed churches of Montbéliard and the Burgundy countryside – one of the country’s main wine producing regions. Stop at Savigny-Lès-Beaune to view the vineyards, famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varieties. This evening you may wish to admire the splendid illuminations of Paris.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

Hotel: Renaissance La Defense (SF)

Day 6

PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Your expert Local Guide takes you on a tour of the sights including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the magnificent Opera House, designed by Charles Garnier and opened in 1875. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower by elevator and see the city in all its glory. Spend the afternoon as you wish. Perhaps visit the Palace of Versailles or explore the Louvre’s collection of famous exhibits. Shop in the Galleries Lafayette or relax in a café and watch the stylish Parisians at play. Celebrate in the evening with your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 7

PARIS – LONDON

Say ‘au revoir’ as you leave Paris, crossing the battlefields of the Somme en route to Calais. Board the ferry bound for Dover and then travel onwards to London where your memorable holiday ends.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

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2011/2012 Rates

Departs On Returns On Twin Land Only Single Land Only
Sun, Nov 06, 2011 Sat, Nov 12, 2011 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 Sat, Nov 19, 2011 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 Sat, Nov 26, 2011 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 Sat, Dec 03, 2011 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Dec 04, 2011 Sat, Dec 10, 2011 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Dec 11, 2011 Sat, Dec 17, 2011 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 Tue, Dec 27, 2011 A$1695.00 A$2065.00
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 Tue, Jan 03, 2012 A$1850.00 A$2220.00
Wed, Jan 04, 2012 Tue, Jan 10, 2012 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Jan 08, 2012 Sat, Jan 14, 2012 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Jan 15, 2012 Sat, Jan 21, 2012 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Jan 22, 2012 Sat, Jan 28, 2012 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 Sat, Feb 04, 2012 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Feb 05, 2012 Sat, Feb 11, 2012 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Feb 12, 2012 Sat, Feb 18, 2012 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Feb 19, 2012 Sat, Feb 25, 2012 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Feb 26, 2012 Sat, Mar 03, 2012 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Mar 04, 2012 Sat, Mar 10, 2012 A$1599.00 A$1969.00
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 Sat, Mar 17, 2012 A$1625.00 A$1995.00
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 Sat, Mar 24, 2012 A$1625.00 A$1995.00
Sun, Mar 25, 2012 Sat, Mar 31, 2012 A$1625.00 A$1995.00
Sun, Apr 01, 2012 Sat, Apr 07, 2012 A$1695.00 A$2085.00
Sun, Apr 08, 2012 Sat, Apr 14, 2012 A$1695.00 A$2085.00

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Child Prices: a 25% discount will apply to children under the age of 16 at time of travel. (Optionals for American tours are already discounted.)

Details for our Optional Excursions are not available at this time.