European Explorer
A 23-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $5,550
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| Starting Price: | $5,550 |  |
| Tour Length: | 23 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Austria, England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Switzerland | |
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Cities Visited: This tour has a leisurely pace with two-night stays in the eight key cities and overnight stays in the Rhineland, Nordlingen and Innsbruck. Travelling days are well balanced, with frequent stops and plenty of time to properly explore Europe. |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Embark on a scenic Rhine Cruise past medieval castles, vineyards and breathtaking scenery
- Experience the grandeur of Vienna's magnificent Schuonbrunn Palace with a local guide
- The traditional way to see Venice is from the water - cruise the romantic canals by gondola
- Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
- Visit Michelangelo's original Statue of David in Florence's acclaimed Academy Gallery
- Visit to the Principality of Monaco - playground of the rich and famous
- Enjoy an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus
- Enjoy panoramic views over Paris from the lofty heights of the Eiffel Tower
Included Personal Insights
- An entree to the history and significance of Viennese cafe culture
- Discover the heritage of contemporary art at medieval hilltop Saint-Paul de Vence
- Enjoy a short tutorial about the world famous Chianti wines of Tuscany
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on your London sightseeing tour
- Visit the fishing village of Volendam See Amsterdam's Mint Tower and Dam Square
- See the 'Bridge Too Far' at Arnhem See Cologne Cathedral
- Visit Heidelberg Castle's terrace for views over the town Visit medieval Rothenburg
- See the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace and visit the Wilten Basilica in Innsbruck
- See Mozart's Birthplace and walk through Salzburg's Old Town to the Cathedral Square
- Drive along Vienna's Ring Road to see the Parliament, Winter Palace and Opera House
- Cruise to St Mark's Square to see the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and Basilica in Venice
- Visit the vast St Peter's Basilica, housing art by Bernini and Michelangelo
- Visit Siena to see the black and white Cathedral and the vast Campo Square
- See the Cathedral, 'Gates of Paradise' and open-air gallery of Signoria Square in Florence
- See the Leaning Tower of Pisa View Lucerne's sorrowful Lion Monument
- See Notre Dame and drive along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
- Demonstrations of diamond cutting and polishing, cheese and clog making in Holland, Venetian glass-blowing, Florentine leather-work, French perfumery
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Free London Airport Shuttle Service may be available when you book your air and land with Insight Vacations (conditions apply)
- Airport Shuttle departure transfer at a scheduled time on Day 23
Included Quality Dining
- Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in (DA)
- 1 Continental (CB) & 20 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d'hote dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Day 1 - DEPART USA
Overnight flight.
Day 2 - ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! After checking in to
your hotel, why not stroll to nearby Westminster Cathedral, one of London’s best
kept secrets.
Hotel: Park Plaza Victoria.
Day 3 - LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your half day sightseeing tour of London's West End shows you Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and Buckingham Palace. The afternoon is free to explore or shop. (B)
Day 4 - LONDON - AMSTERDAM
Travel to Dover and cross the channel to Calais. Continue through Belgium into the Netherlands and on to Amsterdam. On arrival, enjoy a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Moevenpick Amsterdam City Centre. (D)
Day 5 - AMSTERDAM SIGHTSEEING
Cross Dam Square and pass the Royal Palace to see diamonds being cut and polished. Now into the countryside to visit the fishing village of Volendam and watch cheese and clogs being made. (BB)
Day 6 - AMSTERDAM - RHINELAND
Head to Arnhem to view the 'Bridge Too Far'. Then cross the German border to see the soaring spires of Cologne Cathedral. Join a Highlight cruise on the finest stretch of the Rhine River before reaching your hotel.
Hotel: Hilton Mainz (BB,D)
Day 7 - RHINELAND - HEIDELBERG - ROTHENBURG - INNSBRUCK
Visit Heidelberg's ruined castle and see the world's largest wine vat before travelling on to the medieval walled city of Rothenburg, situated on the legendary Romantic Road. Walk with your Tour Director to admire the old houses, towers and interesting gateways dating from the 14th century. Continue southwards into Austria and continue to mountain ringed Innsbruck.
Hotel: Hilton Innsbruck (BB,D)
Day 8 - INNSBRUCK SIGHTSEEING
On this morning's orientation tour, admire the Rococo interior of the Wilten Basilica before seeing the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace in the Old Town. Later, consider taking a horse-drawn carriage ride in a nearby mountain village. (BB,D)
Day 9 - INNSBRUCK - VIENNA
Follow the Inn Valley to Salzburg, for a guided tour. Walk through the Mirabell Gardens for fine views of the city skyline dominated by the Hohensalzburg Fortress. On the other side of the Salzach see Mozart's birthplace on the Getreidegasse and the Cathedral in the old town. After some time to explore, continue past Mondsee Lake and along the Danube Valley to the elegant city of Vienna.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna Plaza (BB)
Day 10 - VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
Visit the State Apartments of Schonbrunn Palace, once Maria Theresa's summer palace. On a guided city tour, see the Parliament, Winter Palace and Opera House along the Ring Road.
Finish with an explanation of the history and culture of the Viennese cafe. (BB)
Day 11 - VIENNA - VENICE
Cross the Semmering Pass and continue south past enchanting lakes and wooded countryside. Travel through the Carinthian Lake District into Italy. Follow mountain valleys down to the Veneto Plain on your way to your hotel located on Venice's fashionable Lido.
Hotel: Biasutti (BB)
Day 12 - VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Take a private launch to St Mark's Square where you see the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs, St Mark's Campanile and ornate Basilica. See a demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing before taking a highlight ride in a traditional gondola through the silent canals. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore; perhaps try a seafood lunch. (BB)
Day 13 - VENICE - ROME
Cross the Apennine Mountains into the Tuscan Hills. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the famous Chianti wines that make this region so famous. Continue along the course of the Tiber to the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Tonight, enjoy a selection of ambience and local cuisine offered on your Dine-Around evening.
Hotel: Romanico Palace (BB,DA)
Day 14 - ROME SIGHTSEEING
A local guide reveals Michelangelo's 'Pieta' inside St Peter's Basilica, as well as other great works of art. Cross the River Tiber to visit the massive Colosseum and look out over the Roman Forum. The afternoon is at leisure, perhaps consider visiting the Catacombs? (BB)
Day 15 - ROME - FLORENCE
Visit the cobbled streets of Siena to see the striped marble cathedral and vast Campo square, scene of the festive Palio horse race. Classic Tuscan scenery and Chianti vineyards surround you now on your way to the Renaissance city of Florence.
Hotel: Hotel Londra (BB,D)
Day 16 - FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide, visit the Statue of David in the Academy Gallery, and see the Cathedral, Gates of Paradise, Giotto's Campanile, Piazza Signoria, and Santa Croce Basilica. After a leatherwork demonstration, there's time at leisure to explore or shop. (BB)
Day 17 - FLORENCE - NICE
Lend your support to the Leaning Tower of Pisa before following the Italian Riviera coast to France. Stop in glamorous Monaco to see its harbour, Monte Carlo Casino and drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit before continuing to elegant Nice.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Nice (BB)
Day 18 - NICE
Get to know the village of St Paul de Vence today; revel in its pleasures and experience its art and lifestyle. After some time to take in the magnificent views, return to Nice for time at leisure. (BB)
Day 19 - NICE - LUCERNE
Visit a French perfumery before passing through the Italian Lake District en route to Switzerland. See stunning Swiss Alpine scenery on the way to your hotel in lovely lakeside Lucerne.
Hotel: Astoria (BB)
Day 20 - LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
Ascend Mount Pilatus by cog-wheel railway for stunning 360 degree views of the Swiss Alps. Later, back in Lucerne, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge before spending your free time shopping or relaxing. (BB,D)
Day 21 - LUCERNE - PARIS
Cross the French border at Basel and continue through Alsace farmlands to the Burgundy wine region. Your destination is the glittering French capital of Paris.
Hotel: Marriott Rive Gauche (BB)
Day 22 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide, see Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde and drive along the elegant Champs Élysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend the Eiffel Tower for views over the city. The afternoon is at leisure to relax, shop or continue sightseeing. (BB)
Day 23 - RETURN TO USA
After breakfast, your departure transfer will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00.(BB)
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
8/1/2010 - 8/20/2010 |
$CALL |
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8/12/2010 - 9/3/2010 |
$5,699 |
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8/19/2010 - 9/10/2010 |
$5,550 |
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8/26/2010 - 9/17/2010 |
$5,575 |
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9/2/2010 - 9/24/2010 |
$5,750 |
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9/9/2010 - 10/1/2010 |
$5,999 |
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9/23/2010 - 10/15/2010 |
$5,750 |
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9/30/2010 - 10/22/2010 |
$5,750 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Embark on a scenic Rhine Cruise past medieval castles, vineyards and breathtaking scenery
- Experience the grandeur of Vienna's magnificent Schuonbrunn Palace with a local guide
- The traditional way to see Venice is from the water - cruise the romantic canals by gondola
- Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
- Visit Michelangelo's original Statue of David in Florence's acclaimed Academy Gallery
- Visit to the Principality of Monaco - playground of the rich and famous
- Enjoy an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus
- Enjoy panoramic views over Paris from the lofty heights of the Eiffel Tower
Included Personal Insights
- An entree to the history and significance of Viennese cafe culture
- Discover the heritage of contemporary art at medieval hilltop Saint-Paul de Vence
- Enjoy a short tutorial about the world famous Chianti wines of Tuscany
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on your London sightseeing tour
- Visit the fishing village of Volendam See Amsterdam's Mint Tower and Dam Square
- See the 'Bridge Too Far' at Arnhem See Cologne Cathedral
- Visit Heidelberg Castle's terrace for views over the town Visit medieval Rothenburg
- See the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace and visit the Wilten Basilica in Innsbruck
- See Mozart's Birthplace and walk through Salzburg's Old Town to the Cathedral Square
- Drive along Vienna's Ring Road to see the Parliament, Winter Palace and Opera House
- Cruise to St Mark's Square to see the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and Basilica in Venice
- Visit the vast St Peter's Basilica, housing art by Bernini and Michelangelo
- Visit Siena to see the black and white Cathedral and the vast Campo Square
- See the Cathedral, 'Gates of Paradise' and open-air gallery of Signoria Square in Florence
- See the Leaning Tower of Pisa View Lucerne's sorrowful Lion Monument
- See Notre Dame and drive along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
- Demonstrations of diamond cutting and polishing, cheese and clog making in Holland, Venetian glass-blowing, Florentine leather-work, French perfumery
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Free London Airport Shuttle Service may be available when you book your air and land with Insight Vacations (conditions apply)
- Airport Shuttle departure transfer at a scheduled time on Day 23
Included Quality Dining
- Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in (DA)
- 1 Continental (CB) & 20 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d'hote dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Save 7.5% on Europe Winter Travel
November to April is the perfect time to visit Europe. The climate is often surprisingly mild, and the cities belong to their inhabitants and just a few discerning visitors. There is no better, more complete way to enjoy this experience than on an Insight Vacations escorted tour. Best of all prices are substantially lower than in peak summer season!
Save 7.5% on any 2010/11 Winter Europe packaged tour if you book and pay in full by August 13th.
Click to view all Insight Winter Vacations
TERMS: Booking and full payment for land portion must be made by August 13th, 2010. Offer is valid for new bookings made betweenJune 21st, 2010 and August 13th, 2010. Valid for land portion only. Travel must depart between November 1st, 2010 and April 3rd, 2011. Offer NOT valid on Select Choices departures or on Israel, Jordan, Greece, Turkey and Egypt. Offer applies to new bookings only. Normal name change policy applies. Offer is applicable to groups – with availability and collection of travelers’ names at time of booking. Promotion is NOT combinable with Early Payment brochure discount or any current air promotions. Promotion is combinable with all other brochure discounts. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Other restrictions apply. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20.
Great Savings and Discounts
FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS
SAVE 5% FOR 5 - 8 PASSENGERS
Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family – and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for groups of 9 or more passengers! This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveler, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or fl ight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
YOUNG TRAVELER SAVINGS
5 - 17 YEAR OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%
Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies only to tours featuring the “Young Traveler Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE! Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveler Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour.
This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”.
SINGLE TRAVELER SAVING
INSIGHT’S ROOM MATE MATCHING
For people traveling alone on an Insight coach tour, we’ll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don’t have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we’ll provide a single room at no extra cost†. There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, Riad upgrade option, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises. †Single rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.
TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT
When three people travel together room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Triple
Room Discount” in the price panel. Note the third bed on occasions, will be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. Triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion
Play Option
FREQUENT TRAVELER SAVING
In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all traveled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer. Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available
from your Tour Director. Insight’s Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further
tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount” and “Extra Tour Discount.” Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodations, Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
ON EARLY BOOKINGS
Insight’s most popular tours fi ll very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how...
Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 10%
Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%
Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 5%
Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Early Payment Discount” in the price panel.
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.