Overview
Itinerary
Arriving in the Bavarian capital of Munich today, we see the Hofbräuhaus, City Hall and iconic Marienplatz with its Glockenspiel. Crossing the Austrian border, we arrive in Innsbruck for an orientation that will include views of St. Jakob's Cathedral and Emperor Maximilian I's glittering Golden Roof. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.
This evening, consider a rousing evening of Tyrolean entertainment. (B/D) Stay: Rumer Hof, Tivoli Innsbruck
Gain insights into the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing during today's MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at one of the city's last remaining studios. You'll watch spellbound how master craftsmen shape the molten glass to create delicate works of art for which Venice is justifiably famous. You'll know that through this experience you're helping to preserve the traditions that have been passed down through the generations, and perhaps be inspired to buy a souvenir of your visit for your own home.
Next, take to the water and cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Join your Travel Director to see the iconic and unexpected highlights of the city - the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile with its five bells. Spend the rest of your afternoon on your own exploring in the labyrinthine calle of this city of islands. (B)
Leave the ‘City of Music' behind, crossing the Slovenian border to Ljubljana. Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour and delve into the 'Beloved' city's iconic and unexpected highlights. Wander along the Baroque façades of its Old City and admire the medieval castle that stands till today, the City Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas, with its exquisite 18th century frescoes.
Good food and good company are guaranteed during a heart-warming Be My Guest experience at a Slovenian farm where you'll Connect With Locals over dinner with a local family. Sip sweet blueberry schnapps and sample local snacks as you learn about what life is like in this traditional rural setting for the Cic family that has been farming in the area for 10 generations. (B/BMG) Stay: Four Points by Sheraton
We cross the fertile Thessaly region and see the battle site at Thermopylae, where the heroic Leonidas and brave Spartans battled against the invading Persians. We arrive at the centre of the world and Mount Parnassus, joining a Local Specialist to explore the ancient sanctuary of Delphi and seat of the most important oracle in the ancient classical world.
Wander through the centuries-old ruins of the Sacred Way to the 5th-century BC Temple of Apollo and marvel at the site where athletes once competed in the Pythian Games held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. We arrive in Athens this evening. (B) Stay: Divani Palace Acropolis
Today we board our overnight ferry in Patras en route to Italy.
We venture to the centre of Christianity and the great square that bears the name of the first 'bishop of Rome', St. Peter. Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that includes a visit to St. Peter's Basilica, where we will have an opportunity to see Michelangelo's sorrowful Pietà hewn from the most perfect block of Carrara marble. We cross the Tiber River to see the ancient sites of Rome, including Circus Maximus and a visit to the mighty Colosseum. Imagine the thunderous roar of thousands of exhilarated spectators cheering their chosen chariots to victory.
This afternoon there is time to explore the city on your terms. Perhaps toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your return to Rome or embark on an Optional Experience to visit the Sistine Chapel. This evening, we enjoy a delicious Regional Dinner in Rome. (B/RD)
Trip Inclusions
- Ljubljana: In the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana we enjoy a Be My Guest dinner with a local family in their home.
- Amsterdam: The charming countryside of North Holland reveals its secrets behind perfecting Dutch cheese and crafting the traditional clog.
- Amsterdam: Cruise along the old waterways with your Travel Director and fellow travellers. Discover the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
- Amsterdam: Led by your Travel Director, wander the city to see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace.
- Rhineland: Cruise beneath the semi-ruined castles and terraced vineyards. Sleepy villages slip by as you saunter upstream to the Lorelei Rock where the enchantress lured sailors to their doom.
- Heidelberg: See the magnificent castle built in red sandstone, overlooking the Student Prince's town.
- Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
- 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 and learn about its history with your Travel Director.
- Brenner Pass: Marvel at the stunning beauty of the Brenner Pass on your scenic drive through the Alpine landscape.
- Venice: An introductory orientation of Venice reveals the famed canals and labrinthine streets of this eminent city.
- Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Specialist reveals the historic core of the city. Tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
- Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Specialist. See the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St. Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
- Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Specialist during a sightseeing walk in a small group. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls.
- Kotor: Visit the Stari Grad, also referred to as the Old Town, of Kotor, perfectly positioned on a beautiful bay.
- Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they share insights into life in the Albanian capital.
- Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
- Delphi: With your Local Specialist, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where people once sought divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
- Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
- Monte Cassino: View the abbey on Monte Cassino, founded by Saint Benedict in 529.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
- Vatican: Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
- Rome: Visit the Colosseum, still echoing with the thronging crowds and ghostly cries of gladiatorial combat.
- Tuscany: View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today.
- Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Switzerland: Marvel at the Alpine landscape as you drive past breathtakingly beautiful mountains and valleys.
- Lucerne: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
- Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
- Venice: Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Admire the irresistible beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO-listed protected area and home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species.
- Explore Vienna, Ljubljana, Plitvice National Park, Dubrovnik, Tirana, Delphi, Athens, Assisi, Pompeii, Rome, Florence and Paris with a Local Specialist
- Discover Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Munich, Kalambaka, Innsbruck, Venice and Lucerne
- Visit a glassblowing factory in Venice, the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, the Acropolis in Athens, excavations in Pompeii and the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
- View the battle site of Thermopylae, the Abbey at Monte Cassino and the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
- See the Lorelei Rock, the vineyards of Burgundy and the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi
- Scenic cruise through Amsterdam's canals, along the Rhine River and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- Three-night Aegean Cruise
- Eurostar high-speed train from Paris to London
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 27 Breakfast (B)
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 2 Regional Dinner (RD)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
- 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 (1) Most Recent 'European Supreme' Reviews
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Trafalgar Europe (2023-24)
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