European Spotlight – 11 days land only

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- Return airport/hotel transfers
- 10 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily, a Welcome dinner, a Dine Around dinner, 3 three-course dinners, a Signature evening, a Celebration dinner & a Free Style evening
- Touring by luxury coach
- Services of a Tour Director
- Sightseeing & Priority Admissions in all towns and cities
- Highlights: Eurostar, Rhine Valley, Neuschwanstein, Venice, Stanserhorn, Paris, Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Fussen, Innsbruck, Verona & Lucerne

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Depart from London by Eurostar for Amsterdam

After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, transfer to London's St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your two-hour rail journey takes you via the historic Channel Tunnel to Brussels. From here, it's a comfortable drive into the Netherlands. See the first of the windmills on the way to lively Amsterdam. Alternatively, join at the Amsterdam hotel. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception & an opportunity to mingle & get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner & wine.

Amsterdam, City of Canals

(Relaxed Start) In the morning, see all the sights on an orientation sightseeing past the Mint Tower, floating Flower Market & Royal Palace in Dam Square. Then board a canal cruiser to glide under low bridges, past the magnificent gabled mansions of the 17th century merchants. For a touch of glamour, visit one of Amsterdam's famous diamond houses to watch craftsmen cut & polish the stones. Learn all about the '4 C's' (carat, colour, clarity & cut), some of the absorbing history & admire the sparkling finished product. The afternoon is at leisure before dinner in the evening.

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Glide past the Castles of the Rhine Valley to Heidelberg

Pass Arnhem, renowned for its ‘Bridge Too Far', before crossing the German border bound for the Romantic Rhine. In the lovely little village of Boppard, nestled on the largest loop of the Rhine, embark on your scenic cruise. Drift past steep leafy vineyards, medieval hilltop castles & hear the legend of the Loreley Rock. Follow the Neckar River to Heidelberg, dominated by its red sandstone castle. Tonight, whether you prefer a gourmet restaurant or a typical traditional German tavern, your Freestyle evening offers you the ultimate in dining choices!

Drive through the Bavarian Alps to Oberammergau

Skirt the northern Black Forest & head for the rolling Bavarian Alps. Stop for a photo beneath the royal castle of Hohenschwangau, then continue to King Ludwig's fairy tale Neuschwanstein, perched on an Alpine mountainside, to see the exuberantly decorated apartments, including the Throne Room & Lohengrin Grotto. Then on to Oberammergau, home of the Passion Play since 1634; see the immense theatre & colourful chalets before checking into your hotel for the night.

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Verona & Venice

(Relaxed Start) Travel through Austria & across the impressive Europa Bridge to cross the Brenner Pass into Italy. Follow the Adige River through spectacular scenery down to the great plain. Visit fascinating Verona, with its Roman Arena, maze of elegant squares & of course Juliet's balcony. Next up is glorious Venice, known for over a thousand years as ‘La Serenissima'. Your stylish hotel is located on the Giudecca Island facing St. Mark's Square.

Venice & the magic of ‘La Serenissima’

(Relaxed Start) Visit a Venetian arts centre where local craftsmen blow glass into incredible works of art. Then relax on a private launch as it cruises to St. Mark's Square. Stroll along the water's edge to the Bridge of Sighs which connects the Doge's Palace with the prisons. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape! See St. Mark's Basilica & bell tower before embarking on a gondola serenade. Glide along the atmospheric canals, exploring the intimate & hidden parts of this unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs. Then enjoy free time for your own pursuits. In the evening, come with us on a private boat trip to the lagoon in Venice & you'll see the island of Murano, where the renowned glassblowers live. You'll enjoy dinner with drinks at the nearby island of the Fishermen, Burano, which is famous for its multi-coloured houses & is a photographer's paradise.

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Through the Alps to Lucerne

Travel through some of the richest farmland in Europe as you cross northern Italy. Glimpse the beautiful Italian Lake District as you continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Towering mountains & rushing torrents give way to pretty Lucerne, a romantic collection of spires, steeples, medieval bridges & half-timbered houses, set beside its lake. On arrival, view the emotive Lion Monument. In the evening, enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant.

Lucerne’s Lake & Lion

Embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway & open-top cable car to the summit of the stunning Stanserhorn. On a clear day, as well as the beautiful mountains & surrounding hills, there are views as far as Alsace & the Black Forest in Germany. Back in Lucerne, stroll across the Chapel Bridge to the ornate Jesuit Church & spend time shopping in the traffic-free Old Town. In the evening, get together with your friends & choose from a selection of authentic local restaurants for your dining pleasure.

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On to Paris for a ‘Diner de Célébration’

Drive to Basel before crossing the Rhine to enter France. Travel through the wine-growing Burgundy region to Paris, the vibrant ‘Ville-Lumière' (City of Light). Before dinner have an orientation, passing the imposing façades of the Louvre. During your time in Paris, see the obelisk in the Place de la Concorde & drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. You will truly appreciate Paris at night with dinner, followed by a sparkling illuminations cruise down the Seine.

Paris, the ‘City of Light’

Meet your Local Expert who will take you on a walking tour of the bohemian Latin Quarter. Explore the myriad of streets situated on the left bank of the Seine, before continuing by the Île de la Cité to Notre Dame Cathedral. Venture inside this masterpiece of French Gothic architecture to witness the beautiful stained glass windows & magnificent organ. Insight ensures you leave the long queues at the Eiffel Tower behind - ascend by express elevator to the famous viewing platforms for breathtaking panoramas over the city. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy at your own pace. In the evening, savour a ‘Diner de Célébration' served with wine in a Parisian bistro, bursting with French ambience.

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Au revoir Paris

Transfers arrive Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 & 11:00 hours.

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