Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

European Explorer Incl. Cruising - Option 2

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Detailed Trip Description

Enjoy 35 Days European Explorer incl. Cruising - Option 2 tour featuring sightseeing and many activities in France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Netherlands and Belgium. This tour starts in Paris with an evening Tour of Illuminations. See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral during your stay. Make your way to Provence, stopping to visit the old town in Lyon. See the Roman Aqueduct at Pont du Gard before heading to Barcelona where you will walk through the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla and see Gaudi's Art Nouveau Cathedral & the 1992 Olympic Games complex. You will then make your way tot he French Riviera where you will visit a French Perfumery, take a scenic Drive along the Riviera coast, visit Monaco, a Monte Carlo Casino & see the Royal Palace. A private motorboat will bring you to Venice. You will see Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs, the Doges' palace & St. Mark's Square, and watch Murano glass-blowing & Burano lace-making demonstrations before heading to Florence. On the way you will make a stop in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower. Once in Florence, you will take a walking tour with a local guide and see many of Florence's' famous sights and a Florentine leather craft demonstration. Rome will be the next stop. Here you will see Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum before stopping by Vatican City to see St. Peter's Basilica. Then you will visit the Isle of Capri, and then embark on a scenic coastal drive in Sorrento. You will have the opportunity to see the Corinth Canal before visiting the Acropolis and Parthenon with a local guide and seeing the first moder Olympic Stadium in Athens. You will head to Munich next where you will see the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz and visit a beerhall. From there, the tour takes you to visit Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Next stop is Lucerne to see the Wooden Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. A scenic River Cruise will introduce you to the Rhine Valley. You will also see the Lorelei Rock before heading to the final stop on the tour: Amsterdam. In Amsterdam you will visit a fishing and cheese village, a cheese farm & clog maker's house and take a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. You will see the canals, gable houses and city by night.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - On the Plane

 
Depart for Europe.
Commercial Flight

Your exciting European trip begins.

On the Plane Commercial Flight picture

Day 2 - London

 
Arrive London.
Hotel

Check-in to your hotel after 2pm.

Sightseeing

Then enjoy the day exploring London. Tonight, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a pre-departure meeting.


Day 3 - Paris

 
London to Paris.
Sightseeing

A warm welcome from your Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We drive past World War I battlefields to the splendour of Paris.

Sightseeing

What better way to begin than with an evening tour of the "City of Lights" and a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower? ( Dinner )


Day 4 - Paris

 
Sightseeing

Today's sightseeing includes some of the most celebrated icons of Europe.

Sightseeing

Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées.

Food and Dining

Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? ( Breakfast )


Day 5 - Lyon

 
Paris to Lyon.
Wine

South from Paris we pass through beautiful countryside and the famous vineyards of the Burgundy Region.

Sightseeing

We visit Château de Cruix to taste some of the local wine before travelling on to Lyon.

Food and Dining

Tonight take the opportunity to taste some authentic French cuisine in this gastronomic capital. ( Breakfast )


Day 6 - Barcelona

 
Lyon to Barcelona.
Sightseeing

Continuing south via the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, we cross the Spanish border to the Mediterranean city of Barcelona. ( Breakfast, Dinner )


Day 7 - Barcelona

 
Sightseeing

Our included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated city. See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex and the Gothic district.

Shopping

A chance to experience Barcelona's famed shopping street La Rambla and discover some of Spain's specialties.

Performing Arts

Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing? ( Breakfast )


Day 8 - Barcelona

 
Barcelona to French Riviera.
Sightseeing

We return to France and travel through the fabled region of Provence en route to the Mediterranean city of Nice - the jewel of the French Riviera. ( Breakfast, Dinner )


Day 9 - France

 
French Riviera.
Beach

Rub shoulders with the rich and famous on the Nice promenade, shop for French fashion or laze the day away on the sun-drenched beaches.

Sightseeing

Tonight we visit Monaco! Why not join us for an elegant meal, view the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo? ( Breakfast )


Day 10 - Venice

 
French Riviera to Venice.
Sightseeing

We visit a French perfumery en-route to Italy.

Sightseeing

Time to stroll around Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet.

Hotel

Afterwards we reach our hotel near fairytale Venice. (Breakfast, Dinner)


Day 11 - Venice

 
Sightseeing

A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace.

Sightseeing

Ample time to wander the bustling streets, see the skill required to create local crafts such as Venetian glass and fine lace and visit one of the many amazing museums.

Food and Dining

Why not treat yourself to a gondola ride and evening meal with your fellow travellers as a perfect end to your Venetian experience? (Breakfast)


Day 12 - Florence

 
Venice to Florence.
Sightseeing

We wind through the Apennine Mountains towards the world-famous region of Tuscany.

Sightseeing

An afternoon in the spectacular Renaissance city of Florence where our included walking tour will show you the Duomo, Giotto's belltower, Basilica of Santa Croce & Piazza della Signoria.

Shopping

There's time to shop for local crafts such as gold, silver and leather.

Nightlife

Afterwards an evening of Tuscan cuisine and local nightlife. (Breakfast)


Day 13 - Rome

 
Florence to Rome.
Sightseeing

Today we drive through the Tuscan countryside to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Sightseeing

Then, we make our way to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. Do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Food and Dining

Take time to discover Roman cuisine in a trattoria for a delicious meal with some local wine. (Breakfast)


Day 14 - Rome

 
Sightseeing

Ancient and modern Rome await your discovery. Why not take a guided tour of the Imperial Forum and walk in the footsteps of Gladiators?

Sightseeing

In your free time explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (Breakfast, Dinner)


Day 15 - Sorrento

 
Rome to Sorrento.
Sailing

After leaving Rome we head south to Naples to board our motor boat to the island of Capri.

Sightseeing

After exploring the island we rejoin our boat and set sail to nearby Sorrento situated on Italy's stunning Amalfi coast. (Breakfast)


Day 16 - Athens

 
Sorrento to Greece.
Sightseeing

Today a chance to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a local guide.

Ferry

Later we take in the stunning scenery of southern Italy as we travel east to board our overnight ferry to Greece. ( Breakfast )


Day 17 - Athens

 
Sightseeing

From Patras we cross the famous Corinth Canal before arriving in historic Athens.

Sightseeing

This afternoon enjoy an included sightseeing tour with a local guide.

Sightseeing

The tour incorporates many sights of this ancient city and includes a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon.

Food and Dining

Tonight an opportunity to join us for dinner in the lively 'Plaka' district of Athens. ( Breakfast )


Day 18 - Mykonos

 
Athens to Mykonos.
Sailing

This morning we leave Athens and board our cruise ship to head to Mykonos - island of whitewashed houses and blue domed churches. (Breakfast, Lunch, Supper, Dinner)


Day 19 - Mykonos

 
Mykonos to Patmos via Kusadasi (Turkey).
Sightseeing

Our early morning call is the Turkish port of Kusadasi.

Sightseeing

Later we dock at Patmos where St John is reputed to have written the book of Revelation. ( Breakfast, Lunch, Supper, Dinner )

Sightseeing

Explore the bazaar or perhaps take an excursion to the ancient ruins of Ephesus.


Day 20 - Rhodes

 
Patmos to Rhodes.
Sightseeing

A full day to explore this island, home to the Colossus of Rhodes. Legend says it was over 30 m (100ft) high and straddled the harbour. ( Breakfast, Lunch, Supper, Dinner )


Day 21 - Santorini

 
Rhodes to Santorini via Heraklion (Crete).
Sightseeing

We dock in Crete, the biggest of the Greek Islands before sailing for Santorini. This spectacular volcanic island is in the Cycladic chain of islands.

Shopping

Enjoy Fira and its narrow paved streets with plenty of opportunity to shop in the many boutiques. ( Breakfast, Lunch, Supper, Dinner )


Day 22 - Preveza

 
Santorini to Preveza.
Sightseeing

After breakfast we disembark and make our way to to Corinth before continuing into the mountains to Preveza. ( Breakfast, Dinner )


Day 23 - Preveza

 
Preveza to Tirana.
Bus

Leaving Greece behind we head north into Albania.

Sightseeing

Our drive along the Adriatic coast takes us to Tirana which is the capital of the country and our base for the night. ( Breakfast, Dinner )


Day 24 - Dubrovnik

 
Tirana to Dubrovnik.
Bus

Heading north we pass Shkoder before crossing into Montenegro.

Sightseeing

This afternoon we join the coast, once a favourite retreat of Europe's royalty, and cross into Croatia and on to our accommodation at Dubrovnik. ( Breakfast, Dinner )


Day 25 - Dubrovnik

 
Sightseeing

Today's sightseeing shows us one of Europe's most breathtaking locations and the jewel of the Croatian coastline, the picturesque walled city of Dubrovnik.

Sightseeing

In your free time enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site by taking a walk along the old town walls or climb up Mt Srj for a panoramic view of the city and stunning coastline. ( Breakfast, Dinner )


Day 26 - Zadar

 
Dubrovnik to Zadar.
Sightseeing

We follow the Dalmatian Coast, enjoying the scenic Dalmatian Archipelago that mixes stunning blue waters with the many islands. We pass agricultural fields of lemons and oranges on our way to Split, home to the Roman remains of Diocletian's Palace, with time for lunch. From here we follow the coast north past Sibenik and on to our overnight stop. ( Breakfast, Dinner )


Day 27 - Vienna

 
Zadar region to Vienna.
National Parks

Heading north we drive through the scenic Paklenica National Park, passing the unusual Sveti Rock.

Bus

We cross into Slovenia briefly before arriving in the Austrian capital, Vienna. ( Breakfast )


Day 28 - Vienna

 
Sightseeing

Our sightseeing tour takes in the grandeur of the Palace of the Hapsburgs, the fame of the State Opera House and fashionable Kartnerstrasse.

Relaxation

Take time to wander at leisure.

Food and Dining

Why not try some local schnaps, strudel or a schnitzel? ( Breakfast )


Day 29 - Munich

 
Vienna to Munich.
Bus

On to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest.

Sightseeing

View sights such as the animated Glockenspiel, stroll through the shopping streets and take the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a local beerhall. (Breakfast, Dinner )


Day 30 - Lucerne

 
Munich to Lucerne.
Food and Dining

We stop for lunch in the tiny principality of Liechtenstein before crossing into Switzerland.

Shopping

Arriving in Lucerne, it's time to explore and shop for watches, swiss army knives and of course, chocolate!

River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

Tonight perhaps join us on a cruise around picturesque Lake Lucerne. ( Breakfast, Dinner )


Day 31 - Lucerne

 
Sightseeing

Spend the day exploring this beautiful lakeside town.

Sightseeing

See the Lion Monument, walk across the Chapel Bridge and wander the cobbled streets. See the city at its best by joining us for a trip up a mountain.

River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

A cruise on beautiful Lake Lucerne. (Breakfast, Dinner)


Day 32 - Lucerne

 
Lucerne to Rhine Valley.
River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

We follow the mighty Rhine River north into Germany. Take in the picturesque Rhine Valley on our included river cruise before learning how beersteins are crafted in the village of St Goar. ( Breakfast, Dinner )


Day 33 - Amsterdam

 
Rhine Valley to Amsterdam.
River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

We continue north along the Rhine River and cross the border into the Netherlands.

Sightseeing

Enjoy a visit to a cheese farm and see clogs being made before we check in to our hotel.

Nightlife

Tonight your first taste of Amsterdam's famous nightlife. ( Breakfast, Dinner )


Day 34 - Amsterdam

 
Bicycling

Visit the cheese village of Edam on a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside.

Shopping

Spend your free time wandering along the canals, shopping or visiting famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank's House. ( Breakfast )


Day 35 - London

 
Amsterdam to London.
Airport Transfer

After breakfast, there will be a transfer for you to Schipol Airport (estimated arrival at 10:00 am) OR choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London with your Tour Manager and Driver and extend your stay. ( Breakfast )


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