Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

Cosmopolitan Europe 2

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Detailed Trip Description

This comprehensive European vacation begins in London, then crosses the Channel by ferry and arrives in Brussels by motorcoach. Continue to Germany for a leisurely Rhine River cruise and overnight in Würzburg. Visit Nuremberg on the way to Prague, then pass through enchanting Bohemia and Moravia before reaching Vienna with its State Opera, Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Cross Austria and the Alps to Italy, then head to Venice, where a canal boat ride takes you to St. Mark's Square. Here you'll encounter the Bridge of Sighs, Doges' Palace, and the Basilica before turning south to the “Eternal City" of Rome. Renaissance Florence is up next and highlights include Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria, and the beautiful Duomo. Stop in subtropical Lugano, then continue to scenic Lake Lucerne to enjoy the mountain landscapes and Lucerne's historic center. Spend your final two nights on the Old Continent in Paris, the “City of Light," with guided city sightseeing and leisure time to discover more of this charming metropolis.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - On the Plane

 
Commercial Flight

Board your overnight transatlantic flight.


Day 2 - London

 
Arrival In London.
Hotel

Check into your hotel, Thistle Euston (ST).

Sightseeing

In the afternoon you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.


Day 3 - London

 
Sightseeing

A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: Take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle.

River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

Tonight maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (B)


Day 4 - Brussels

 
London-Brussels, Belgium.
Bus

Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port where you board your ferry for the Continent. Here your tour director and luxury coach meet you and you’re off to Brussels. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Martin's Central Park (F).


Day 5 - Wurzburg

 
Brussels-Rhine Cruise, Germany-Würzburg.
Sightseeing

Drive south this morning to the shores of the mighty Rhine. Your included Rhine steamer cruise is today’s highlight with some legendary sights such as the Lorelei Rock. Take an easy and relatively short drive southeast to Würzburg, a baroque city famed for its cathedral, bridges, palace, and gardens. (B,D)


Day 6 - Prague

 
Würzburg-Nuremberg-Prague, Czech Republic.
Sightseeing

Travel eastwards today, making a first stop in Nuremberg, an ancient city still showing its medieval walls with rampart walks and an 11th-century castle. It is also famous for its 1945 trials of the Nazi leaders and war criminals. Continue by way of the world’s beer capital, Pilsen, to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic for overnight. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Post (ST).


Day 7 - Prague

 
Prague-Vienna, Austria.
Sightseeing

The wealth of Gothic and baroque architecture perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the National Theater, Belvedere, Charles Bridge, and the old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock. This afternoon, motor from Bohemia into Moravia and continue southwest for a few more miles before crossing into Austria for two nights in its splendid capital, Vienna.

Sightseeing

This evening, enjoy an optional Viennese concert. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Elizza (ST).


Day 8 - Vienna

 
Sightseeing

There’s so much to see on your included sightseeing tour: The State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg and take an inside visit of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Optional Trip
Sightseeing

In the afternoon, an optional trip to the Palace of Schönbrunn. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Kavalier (ST).


Day 9 - Venice

 
Vienna-Venice Area, Italy.
Sightseeing

Breathtaking scenery as you travel across Austria to Velden and beautiful Lake Worth for a short visit. Next, journey into Italy by way of Tarvisio, then drive through the flat and fertile plains of Venetia to the Venice area for two overnights. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Poppi (ST) at Mira.


Day 10 - Venice

 
Sightseeing

The included tour starts with a boat ride and is followed by a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers.

Optional Gondola Trip
Sightseeing

Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip. (B,D)


Day 11 - Rome

 
Venice Area-Rome.
Sightseeing

Today travel south across the Po Delta into the very heart of the Apennines, dotted with towns and villages perched on the mountain sides.

Optional Night Excursion
Nightlife

Reach the Eternal City in time to join the optional Rome by Night excursion. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Buenos Aires (ST).


Day 12 - Rome

 
Sightseeing

The "Eternal City"—a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a local guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B)


Day 13 - Rome

 
Rome-Florence Area.
Sightseeing

This morning join the optional excursion to the Vatican Museum before driving northward through the Tuscan countryside to reach Florence in the late afternoon. On the included walking tour with a local guide, discover most of the city highlights: the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio, and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate to Paradise.” (B,D)


Day 14 - Lucerne

 
Florence Area-Lake Lucerne, Switzerland.
Sightseeing

Journey across the Lombardy plains this morning to Italian Switzerland’s subtropical resort of Lugano. Here you take a break to stroll along the lakeside promenade, before climbing towards the St. Gotthard Tunnel. Emerge on the German-speaking side of Switzerland and then descend into the gentle landscape around Lake Lucerne. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Europa (ST) at Signa.


Day 15 - Lucerne

 
Sightseeing

Visit one of Switzerland’s finest cities, nestled amid its snow-capped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. Your visit takes in the impressive city walls, a covered wooden bridge, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, and the Lion Monument—a masterful stone sculpture in honor of the heroic Swiss Guard of Louis XVI. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: A cable car ride to the 10,000-foot summit of Mount Titlis; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course chocolate.

Shopping

Time to shop for that very Swiss watch. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Seehof (T) at Flüelen.


Day 16 - Paris

 
Lake Lucerne-Paris, France.
Sightseeing

Enjoy vistas of green pastures and attractive chalets with rustic timbering and luxuriant flowers. Then travel into France on the highway past some of its most famous vineyards to Paris.

Nightlife

Arrive in time to enjoy the optional cabaret show. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Campanile Berthier (ST).


Day 17 - Paris

 
Sightseeing

Paris holds a special place in the imagination. It’s a city of many facets famed for its culture, beauty, sophistication, and sparkle. By sitting with a glass of wine in a bistro or sidewalk café, you can absorb the essence of the city and the individualism of its people. The center has wide boulevards and impressive buildings. Included sightseeing with a local expert of many of the best-known Parisian sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid near the Louvre, the Invalides, and Champs Elysées.

Food and Dining

Optional excursions are also available to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles and, to celebrate the success of your tour, a French farewell dinner might be just the ticket. (B)


Day 18 - Paris

 
Homebound flight.
Airport Transfer

Your homebound flight from London arives the same day. (b)


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