European Whirl with Eurostar Extension

Day 1 London to Amsterdam, Netherlands    
Meet your travel director at St Pancras station this morning and board the high-speed Eurostar service to Brussels. Journey by coach to Amsterdam and embark on an orientation tour of the city upon arrival. Join your fellow travellers and travel director for a welcome dinner cruise of the canals this evening.            

Day 2  Amsterdam to Rhineland, Germany      
Drive through the lush landscapes of the Netherlands and cross into Germany to Boppard. From here, cruise the Rhine to St Goar, passing vineyard-clad hills and medieval castles perched above riverside towns. Explore the Baroque city of Heidelberg once docked before continuing to Rhineland.            

Day 3  Rhineland to Innsbruck, Austria      
Crossing the Swabian Alps on the edge of the Black Forest, we arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich. Our orientation takes us past the Hofbrauhaus, reputedly the most famous Beerhall in the world, and the neo-Gothic Town Hall which dominates the Marienplatz. We cross the Austrian border next, arriving in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Old Town, including Emperor Maximilian's famous Golden Roof with its ornate façade and consider an evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment.            

Day 4  Innsbruck to Venice, Italy      
Journey through the emerald green landscape and cross the Dolomites to Venice. Cruise the beautiful Venetian lagoon by private launch to St Mark's Square to see the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Later, witness he traditional craft of glassblowing before spending the afternoon at leisure.        

Day 5  Venice to Rome            
Continue south across the Veneto Plain, passing Bologna and the Apennine Mountains to Tuscany to enjoy lunch on a private estate in the Chianti countryside. Continue to the Eternal City of Rome.  

Day 6  Rome        
Head to the Vatican City this morning to visit St Peter's Basilica with a local specialist. Back in Rome, admire the iconic Colosseum and Circus Maximus before spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a tasty gelato on the Spanish Steps, make a wish at the Trevi Fountain or head back to The Vatican to admire the work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.      

Day 7  Rome to Florence            
Travel north through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and along the Arno Valley to Florence, the 'Cradle of Renaissance'. Delve into the rich history of the city with a local specialist. Visit the Piazza della Signoria and admire the imposing Duomo.            

Day 8  Florence to Lucerne, Switzerland      
Drive via the Italian Lakes District and across the Alps into Switzerland to spend two nights in the medieval lakeside city of Lucerne in the Grand Hotel Europe.  

Day 9  Lucerne          
This morning, visit the mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock to commemorate the Swiss Guards that lost their lives protecting Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Take a walk along the flower-lined Chapel Bridge or perhaps join an optional excursion to a surrounding peak for spectacular views.    

Day 10  Lucerne to Paris, France      
Journey through picturesque vineyards and the country towns of Burgundy en route to Paris. Spend the evening at leisure.    

Day 11  Paris        
Join a local specialist for a sightseeing tour of this romantic city. View the Champs Elysee, Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triumphe, the Notre Dame and stroll the Latin Quarter. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.        

Days 12-13  Paris to London, UK            
Transfer to Gare du Nord Station for your journey back to London by Eurostar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. You tour comes to an end after breakfast on day 13.

Please note: This Itinerary is valid for  2024 departures. The itinerary for departures prior to this date will vary.