: R23590
This memorable Europe escape is like a pretty little package, all wrapped up in a bow. Think: a collection of fascinating cultures, plus some of the finest landscapes & most fabulous cities on the continent. From the vibrancy of Amsterdam to the ancient splendour of Rome; the traditional beer halls of Munich to the majesty of the Swiss Alps (& much more in between!), Essential Europe truly is the best of the best.
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| Starting from | R23 590 |
| Package Validity | Set departure dates in AUG 2016 & SEP 2016. |
| Duration | 12 days |
| Destination | Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland & France |
| Starts in | London |
| Ends in | London |
| Age Group | This is a group tour (max 48 people) for ages 18 - 38 years. |
{tab Description}
- 11 nights hotel accommodation
- 11 breakfasts & 5 dinners
- English Channel Ferry crossings
- Touring by coach
- Assistance of a tour guide & driver
- Touring & sightseeing of all sites as per itinerary
* High season supplement starting from an additional R1360 per person applies for travel for set departures between 05 JUL 2016 - 09 AUG 2016 & 20 SEP 2016
{tab Day 1}
London, England to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Leave London for dust, join 881,000 bicycles & get local on a walking tour of the vibrant Netherlands capital. See the Dam Square, the Royal Palace & the National Monument & then top it off with a dinner cruise on the canal.
Included today: Canal dinner cruise & walking tour of Amsterdam
Meals: Dinner
{tab Day 2}
Amsterdam
Cheese lovers, rejoice. You can’t walk five steps in Amsterdam without coming across a conveniently placed cheese store spruiking the finest selection this city has to offer. See also: mayo-dipped fries & red lights. Use your free day to stroll the vibrant capital & check out the Dam Square, Royal Palace & National Monument. Don’t forget, a visit isn’t complete without a ‘cheesy’ (see what we did there?) photo in front of the I AMSTERDAM sign.
Included today: Bicycle tour of Amsterdam
{tab Day 3}Amsterdam to Rhine Valley, Germany
Medieval castles, vineyards & the mighty Rhine River are all up next today. Breathe in as we weave our way through narrow cobblestone streets & tunnels, & give Queen B a run for her money with your own 12th-century castle quarters. Besides its obvious appeal (fairytale views over the Rhine, anyone?) half of Germany's wine comes from here. Shame not to try some.
Included today: Wine tasting in the Rhine Valley
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
{tab Day 4}
Rhine Valley to Munich
It's time to get to know the city where beer is officially considered a food. Your Trip Leader will clue you up on the Bavarian capital on a walking tour. Slide on your Lederhosen & have a royal Happy Hour experience (none of that craft beer nonsense here) at the 426-year-old Hofbräuhaus – the recipes here were passed down from Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria.
Included today: Walking tour of Munich
Meals: Breakfast
{tab Day 5}
Munich to to Venice, Italy
100+ slowly sinking islands won't explore themselves. Get your bearings on a walking tour, then get hopelessly lost. Your GPS won't save you here. Soak up St Mark's Square before a quintessential gondola ride on the Grand Canal. Corny smooching not included.
Included today: Gondola ride
Meals: Breakfast
{tab Day 6}Venice to Rome
Travel down the boot & make like Caesar (the emperor, not the salad) as you pass by the Pantheon, throw your two cents in the Trevi Fountain, sit on the Spanish Steps & visit ancient history's version of the Hunger Games set at the Colosseum. Tonight, you're in Disneyland for foodies. Have fun.
Included today: Walking tour of Rome
Meals: Breakfast
{tab Day 7}
Rome including Vatican City visit
Create the ultimate Roman Holiday in one day with a whirlwind of Vespas, espresso, two-cheek kisses & pizza the way it's supposed to taste. Count your blessings on an optional tour of the Vatican City to see how Michelangelo messed around & created the High Renaissance, then play eye spy with two-&-a-half millennia worth of history. Shop till you drop on Via Condotti, head to Capitoline Hill for sick views of the Roman Forum & Colosseum or just kick back in Piazza Navona for some dolce far niente (delicious idleness).
Meals: Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Vatican City tour
{tab Day 8}
Rome to Florence
Make your food baby sing as we roll into the land of hearty Tuscan cuisine & birthplace of gelato: Florence. Whip around Santa Maria del Fiore before tucking into amore on a plate. Then, the evening is yours to stroll along the real-life watercolour of the Arno River.
Included today: Walking tour of Florence with local guide & Leather demonstration
Meals: Breakfast
{tab Day 9}Florence to Lucerne, Switzerland
Prepare for more #epicviews as we head to Lucerne to check out one of the sexiest lakes in Europe. Spy the famous Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge, Glacier Gardens & Hofkirche on a guided tour.
Included today: Walking tour of Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
{tab Day 10}Lucerne to Paris, France
Pinch yourself & Instagram your first selfie during the guided tour of the City of Lights. Home to Coco Chanel, the Eiffel Tower & the Mona Lisa, Paris has more than earned its reputation as the European capital for all things culture, fashion & food. Tonight, find out why.
Included today: Paris city driving tour
Meals: Breakfast
{tab Day 11}
Paris
This morning: free time en Francais. From the Louvre & Musée d'Orsay to the l'Arc de Triomphe & Champs Elysées, you'll be sure to make a solid dent in your bucket list. Hop on an optional bike tour of Paris or roam the streets on your own before our gourmet picnic at the Eiffel Tower. End your day with an optional Seine River cruise or a #throwback bohemian cabaret show.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Optional activities:
-Paris bicycle tour
-Seine River cruise
-Traditional cabaret show
Paris to London, England
Stuff your backpacks with macarons for the ride home. Then it's back on the carriage to ol' Blighty to start planning your next adventure. Facebook friends?
Meals: Breakfast
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