Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge. Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London. Stay: Thistle Marble Arch, London
Meet your Travel Director and transfer to London's St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you through the Channel Tunnel to Brussels, en route to Amsterdam.
Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a cruise along the canals, exploring the heart of the Old City before a pleasant evening of dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: The Manor Amsterdam
Take a scenic drive through the Rhine Valley to see quaint villages, hilltop castles and hear the legend of the Lorelei Rock. Follow the Neckar River to Heidelberg and visit Heidelberg Castle with a Local Expert. (B) Stay: ATLANTIC Heidelberg
Skirt the northern Black Forest and head towards the rolling Bavarian Alps. Stop beneath the royal castles of Hohenschwangau and King Ludwig's Neuschwanstein, rumored to have inspired Walt Disney's iconic castle. Once over the Austrian border, continue to the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. See the architectural jewels of the city, including the Imperial Palace, Golden Roof and the 14th-century houses of the Old Town. (B) Stay: AC, Innsbruck
Continue your journey across the Italian border and through the peaks and valleys of the Dolomites, passing alpine villages, forested slopes and hillside vineyards. Descend into the Veneto region, known for its crisp white wines, where you'll stop at a local family-run winery to explore the art of spumante production. Learn how these refined sparkling wines are crafted, then enjoy a tasting.
Later, arrive in the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. This evening, come together with your Travel Director and traveling companions for dinner. (B/D) Stay: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop. Take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where the city's former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St. Mark's Basilica. Admire the Doge's Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. With the rest of the day free, why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine? (B)
Head into the Apennine Mountains and venture through the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria. Follow the course of the Tiber to the Eternal City of Rome. Italian culture is deeply rooted in hospitality with food, friends and family being central to everyday life. For dinner, enjoy local Roman hospitality at its best. (B/D) Stay: Room 007 Select, Rome
Join a Local Expert for a tour of the priceless art housed in the Vatican Museums and the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. Then visit St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Cross the River Tiber to see the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum. (B)
Drive to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. A Local Expert will accompany you to the Duomo where the Gates of Paradise adorn the baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city, lined with fountains and statues it acts as a virtual open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces.
A leisurely afternoon gives you time to shop for quality goods, like gold and leather, which Florence is famous for. Alternatively, there is the option to visit the Accademia Gallery with an art historian to see Michelangelo's famed masterpiece, 'David.' In the evening, savor an authentic meal at a local trattoria in the heart of Florence. (B/D) Stay: NH Firenze, Florence
Travel past Milan, the capital of Lombardy, as you journey north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favorite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery combines with luxuriant subtropical vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake. Perhaps choose to take a cruise to the lovely Isola Bella for a guided tour of the incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens?
Later, the choice is yours for your Dine-Around Evening. Enjoy your preferred dining experience from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, each offering their own unique cuisine and ambience. (B/D) Stay: Simplon, Baveno
In the morning, enjoy your last moments among the charming Italian Lake District before your travels continue across the Swiss border. Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Take in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora.
Continue to lakeside Lucerne where the afternoon is at your leisure. You may choose to enjoy a cruise on Lake Lucerne with its dramatic vistas. (B) Stay: Astoria Lucerne
The emotive Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff, is a memorial dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution, which is a source of great pride to the people of Lucerne. See this beautiful work before strolling across the Chapel Bridge to see the ornate Jesuit Church.
With the day free, there is plenty of time for shopping for delectable chocolate and glamorous Swiss watches in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers? (B)
Journey through the rural French countryside of Alsace and Burgundy regions, famous for their vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
With the evening free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Why not visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows? (B) Stay: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Today you can enjoy an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join an avid food lover as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole. Delight in French cuisine and delicious wine. (B/D)
Bid farewell to your traveling companions as your journey comes to an end. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- London: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train as you journey from London to Europe via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel.
- Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th century.
- Heidelberg: Venture inside the magnificent castle built in red sandstone, overlooking the Student Prince's town. See the massive Heideleberg Tun built into the cellar in 1591, visit the Apothecary Museum and enjoy panoramic views of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley.
- Heidelberg: Explore one of Germany's most enchanting cities during your orientation with your Travel Director.
- Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
- Venice: Join your Travel Director for an introduction to Venice, exploring its canals, lively squares, and historic landmarks. Discover the city's unique charm as you navigate its maze of streets and take in iconic sights like St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge.
- Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
- Rome: Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure.
- Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
- Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.
- Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica's simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior's treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.
- Paris: Join a local food lover on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
- Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's artisans teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 15: Affordable and Clean Energy & Life on Land.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Amsterdam: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam for a delightful dinner, served with wine.
- Conegliano: Discover the flavors of Veneto with a guided tasting at a local winery. Meet the winemakers and savor the region's celebrated wines while learning about the traditions and craft behind each bottle.
- Rome: Food and family go hand-in-hand in Italy and are pillars of the Italian way of life. Experience it for yourself with an invitation from your local host to join them for a truly Italian, home-cooked meal.
- Florence: Experience local Florentine flavors while relaxing over dinner with wine.
- Baveno: Choose your dining experience from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, each offering their own unique cuisine and ambience on your Dine-Around Evening.
- Paris: Rendezvous with your new-found friends at La Coupole for a rousing dinner with wine.
- Dining Summary: 14 Breakfasts (B), 6 Dinners (D)
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Reviews (5) Most Recent 'Highlights of Europe' Reviews
This was our first coach trip and to be honest we were a little sceptical as to how good it would be. We are now converts and would not consider touring any other way. There are so many things that are taken care of that when you book you don't appreciate, everything from road tolls to parking fees and for that matter finding a place to park, to important information that allows you to maximise the value of your trip.
We would have no hesitation in recommending the whole experience we went through to everyone.
Our tour director was very experienced & informative. He ensured that all on this tour were included & catered for as best as was feasible. He made the most of our itinerary, timing each day for maximum use of time, trying to time our daily tours/activities to avoid peak crowd times, when possible. As we travelled each day he spoke of the history & gave interesting information about areas we were travelling through, as he did on any included tour. Our coach driver was very competent, kept the coach fresh & clean each day, adding to my enjoyment & relaxation whilst travelling.
There were many aspects to this tour that made it an "all around experience", the general sightseeing, cultural experiences, included & optional meals, entertainment, and enjoyable surprise inclusions. It is a busy tour, made more busy by the number of optional tours/activities l chose to take - but no regrets! Relaxed starts are not really feasible but our tour director did his best to include these where possible & to give us some "down time" when possible. I would recommend an ability to walk a few kilometres & climb steps with reasonable ease for anyone wishing to take/enjoy and make the most of this tour.
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Insight Vacations Europe, Britain & the World (2025-26)
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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