European Heritage

Included Premium Highlights

• Embark on a scenic Rhine Cruise past medieval castles, vineyards and breathtaking scenery
• In Vienna, walk in the steps of royalty with your local guide as you visit Schonbrunn Palace
• Float through the romantic canals of Venice in a traditional gondola
• Enjoy a guided visit of the underground labyrinth of Postojna, Europe's largest caves
• Tour the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a scenic wonderland of pristine lakes, waterfalls and forest
• Ascend the Acropolis in Athens to visit the Parthenon, built in honor of the Goddess Athena
• Cruise to Capri, the Island of Dreams, and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
• Glimpse a moment of every day Roman life, as you tour the excavations of Pompeii
• Visit the superb Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
• Visit the Principality of Monaco - playground of the rich and famous
• Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
• See Michelangelo's original 'David' in Florence's Academy Museum
• Excursion to the chic resort of Cannes, home of the International Film Festival
• 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 group tutorial on the wines that complement your evening meal in Rome

Included Additional Excursions & Sights

• See Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on your London sightseeing tour
• See Amsterdam's Mint Tower & Dam Square and visit the fishing village of Volendam
• See the soaring spires of Cologne Cathedral View the castle of Neuschwanstein
• See the Golden Roof & Imperial Palace in Innsbruck
• Visit Salzburg's Mirabell Gardens and see Mozart's Birthplace
• Drive Vienna's Ring Road past the Parliament, Winter Palace & Opera House
• See St Mark's Basilica, Doges' Palace & Bridge of Sighs in Venice

Included Additional Excursions & Sights

• See Ljubljana's medieval castle, Triple Bridge, City Hall, and Cathedral of St Nicholas
• See Zagreb's Ban Josip Jelacic Square & tour the Upper Town
• See the Cipiko Palace & Cathedral in Trogir
• Explore Split's historical buildings built during Roman times.
• See the Amphitheater, Roman Baths and Necropolis in Salona
• See Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the awesome city walls of Dubrovnik
• Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries in Dubrovnik Old Town
• Visit Kotor situated on its fjord
• See Hadrian's Arch & Temple of Zeus in Athens
• Visit the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Crete, Santorini plus Turkish port of Kusadasi
• Visit St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, housing art by Michelangelo
• See the Cathedral, 'Gates of Paradise' and visit Signoria Square in Florence
• Stop to view the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa View Lucerne's Lion Monument & Chapel Bridge
• See Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde and Arc de Triomphe in Paris

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
• 3 night cruise with outside cabin & porthole, including all port taxes & crew gratuities
• 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 37

Included Quality Dining

• Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in Rome (DA)
• Enjoy a Greek Evening and Dinner with entertainment whilst cruising (HD)
• 1 Continental (CB) & 34 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 3 lunches (L) and 14 three course table d'hote dinners, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D) and 3 Suppers (S)

Day 1 - DEPART USA

Overnight flight.

Day 2 - ARRIVE LONDON

Welcome to London! After checking in to your hotel, the afternoon is at leisure. Why not take a stroll to nearby Hyde Park.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch.

Day 3 - LONDON SIGHTSEEING

Your half day sightseeing tour of London's West End shows you Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. The afternoon is free to explore or shop. (B)

Day 4 - LONDON - AMSTERDAM

After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, drive to Dover. Admire the white cliffs on the channel crossing to France. Continue through Belgian countryside on your way to Amsterdam where you enjoy a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Moevenpick Amsterdam City Centre (D)

Day 5 - AMSTERDAM SIGHTSEEING

A drive through typical Dutch countryside with its windmills and canals brings you to the old, traditional village of Volendam, situated on the banks of the ljsselmeer. Learn how traditional clogs and cheese are made before returning to your hotel. (BB)

Day 6 - AMSTERDAM - COLOGNE - HEIDELBERG

Stop for a photo at the 'Bridge Too Far' in Arnhem before crossing the German border to reach Cologne. See the soaring spires of the cathedral, then continue alongside the river via Bonn, to the scenic Rhine Gorge. Join your cruise past half-timbered villages and turreted castles perched high above terraced vineyards. Stay tonight in the city of the 'Student Prince', Heidelberg.
Hotel: NH Heidelberg (BB,D)

Day 7 - HEIDELBERG - INNSBRUCK

Drive south into the Bavarian Alps to see King Ludwig's Neuschwanstein Castle. Take a scenic alpine drive through the mountains into Austria. Arrive at the beautiful city of Innsbruck where you walk through the Old Town to see the Golden Roof.
Hotel: Hilton. (BB,D)

Day 8 - INNSBRUCK - SALZBURG - VIENNA

Make your way to Salzburg 'alive with the Sound of Music'. Walk with your guide through the Mirabell Gardens and see Mozart's birthplace. This afternoon, drive along the Danube Valley, passing Melk Abbey, to stately Vienna.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna (BB)

Day 9 - VIENNA SIGHTSEEING

With a local guide, visit Schönbrunn Palace, built as a summer residence for Maria Theresa during the golden age of the Hapsburg empire. Head into the city centre to tour the Ring Street, pass the Opera, the soaring spires of the City Hall and the Parliament. Finish with an explanation of the history and culture of the Viennese café. (BB)

Day 10 - VIENNA - VENICE

Cross the Semmering Pass and continue south past enchanting lakes and forests. Travel through the Carinthian Lake District into Italy. Finally it's on to magical Venice, where the city seems to float on the lagoon. A private launch ferries you past canals lined with ornate palaces to your hotel, close to St. Mark's Square and overlooking a romantic waterfront where gondolas moor for the night.
Hotel: Cavalletto E Doge Orseolo. (BB,D)

Day 11 - VENICE SIGHTSEEING

Only steps away from your hotel are the marble arcades of St. Mark's Square. Your first dazzling sight is of St Mark's Basilica and Campanile. Next door is the Doges' Palace, connected around the back to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Watch Venetian glass being blown before embarking on a highlight gondola ride through the atmospheric canals. (BB)

Day 12 - VENICE - POSTOJNA - LJUBLJANA

Over the border into Slovenia for a visit to Postojna, the largest caves in Europe. A guided tour, first by train and then on foot, showcases the dazzling splendour of this underground labyrinth. Continue to Ljubljana, where a local guide unveils the Baroque elegance of the "White City". Its medieval castle stands guard over the city; the City Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas testify to its historical importance; and the Triple Bridge spans the river Ljubjanica.
Hotel: Lev (BB,D)

Day 13 - LJUBLJANA - ZAGREB - PLITVICE REGION

Cross into Croatia and head to Zagreb, the capital city, where guided sightseeing shows you Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelacic Square and the Cathedral. Move on to the medieval Upper Town, and its Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Marks Church and Pope's Tower. This afternoon drive through the unique region of Lika to one of Europe's finest natural wonders, Plitvice National Park.
Hotel: Jezero (BB,D)

Day 14 - PLITVICE REGION - SPLIT

Today tour Plitvice Lakes National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Visit Korana Canyon to see the falls and Tomicevo Pogledalo for views over the park. Drive on to the Dalmatian coast, and admire the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko palace in Trogir before continuing to Split. Some 1700 years ago, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here; today you can explore the streets and buildings within that same palace.
Hotel: Atrium. (BB)

Day 15 - SPLIT - SALONA - DUBROVNIK

Visit the old Roman port of Salona to admire the Roman baths Amphitheatre and Necropolis. Continue along the coast through sun-drenched resorts to the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' Dubrovnik, still surrounded by magnificent battlements.
Hotel: Libertas Rixos (BB,D)

Day 16 - DUBROVNIK SIGHTSEEING

Join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of the Old Town, seeing Onofrio's fountain, the Rector's Palace, the well preserved city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The afternoon is at leisure - relax at an outdoor café, shop in the bazaar and maybe take the 'Sunset Cruise' this evening. (BB)

Day 17 - DUBROVNIK - KOTOR - TIRANA

Over the border, visit the Old Town of Kotor before continuing through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro to the border with Albania. Cross into this mysterious emerging country and stay in the capital of Tirana.
Hotel: Sheraton Tirana Hotel & Towers (BB,D)

Day 18 - TIRANA - IOANNINA

Head south through the spectacular scenery to the northern mountainous region of Greece and the resort of Ioannina.
Hotel: Hotel du lac (BB,D)

Day 19 - IOANNINA - ATHENS

Take a scenic drive to the ancient capital of Greece, Athens. From the top of your hotel you can see the Acropolis and the sea.
Hotel: Metropolitan (BB)

Day 20 - ATHENS SIGHTSEEING

Join a local guide this morning for your Athens sightseeing tour. Enjoy glory in abundance, from the Parthenon and Acropolis to the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of the Wingless Victory and Hadrian's Arch. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. (BB)

Day 21 - CRUISING - MYKONOS

Board your cruise ship and set sail for the Cyclades. Arrive early evening at the lovely island of Mykonos with its sugarcube houses, duo-tone chapels and whitewashed windmills. The narrow lanes of the town were originally built to discourage the wind and pirates! Tonight they're yours to explore. (BB,L,D,S)

Day 22 - CRUISING - KUSADASI & PATMOS

Dock at the Turkish port of Kusadasi to visit the bazaar or perhaps take the option to visit ancient Ephesus. Sail to the island of Patmos where St John wrote the book of Revelation. Tonight enjoy a Greek Evening and Dinner with entertainment. (BB,L,HD,S)

Day 23 - CRUISING - HERAKLION & SANTORINI

Sail to Heraklion on the island of Crete, site of the ruins of King Minos' Palace of Knossos. Later continue to the sheer cliffs of Santorini. Experience the island's capital of Thira, with its cliff top restaurants and cafes, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. (B,L,D,S)

Day 24 - AT SEA

The cruise ends in Athens where you join your transfer coach. Explore the fascinating markets of the Plaka before crossing the breathtaking Corinth Canal to the Peloponnese region of Greece. At the port
of Patras board your overnight ferry to Italy. (BB)

Day 25 - SORRENTO

Disembark in Bari and cross the Apennines to the Italian west coast. Cruise to the magical island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway. Browse in the exclusive boutiques before returning to the picturesque resort of Sorrento.
Hotel: Hotel Caravel (BB,D)

Day 26 - SORRENTO AT LEISURE

Stroll through this lovely resort with fine views over the Gulf of Naples. Visit the lively Piazza Tasso to watch the art of 'intarsio' wood inlaying. Maybe explore the famous Amalfi Coast? (BB)

Day 27 - SORRENTO - POMPEII - ROME

Drive to the Roman town of Pompeii, buried by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. Your local guide leads you through the cobbled streets, shops, villas and temples bringing to life the plight of the ill-fated citizens. Then it's on to the 'Eternal City' of Rome.
Hotel: Cicerone (BB)

Day 28 - ROME SIGHTSEEING

With a local guide, visit the superb Vatican Museums and see Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Then see Michelangelo's 'Pieta' inside St Peter's Basilica. Cross the River Tiber to visit the massive Colosseum and look out over the Roman Forum. Later, consider visiting the Catacombs. Tonight, enjoy a Dine-Around evening which offers you a choice of selected restaurants for your dining pleasure. Enjoy a short group tutorial on the wines that complement your evening meal. (BB,DA)

Day 29 - ROME - FLORENCE

Drive north into the beautiful region of Tuscany and follow the Arno valley to the Renaissance city of Florence.
Hotel: NH Firenze (BB,D)

Day 30 - FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING

Explore the riches of the Renaissance on your Florentine walking tour. Firstly, visit the Academy Museum with a local guide to see Michelangelo's original 'David', then walk on to the massive domed Cathedral and Baptistry, where Ghiberti's 'Gates of Paradise' have been recreated in all their glory. Last stop is Signoria Square, political heart of the city. After a demonstration of traditional leather work, the rest of the day is at leisure. (BB)

Day 31 - FLORENCE - PISA - MONACO - NICE

Lend your support to the Leaning Tower of Pisa before following the Italian Riviera coast to France. Stop in Monaco to see its harbour, Monte Carlo Casino and drive the Grand Prix circuit before continuing to elegant Nice.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Nice (BB)

Day 32 - ST PAUL DE VENCE & CANNES EXCURSION

Get to know the village of St Paul de Vence, revel in its pleasures and experience its art and lifestyle. Then visit fashionable Cannes, home to the famous film festival. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the French Riviera. (BB)

Day 33 - NICE - LUCERNE

Visit a local French perfumery before passing through the Italian Lake District en route to the Swiss Alps and lovely lakeside Lucerne.
Hotel: Astoria (BB)

Day 34 - LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING

Ascend Mount Pilatus by cog-wheel railway for stunning 360 degree views of the Swiss Alps. Later, back in Lucerne, see the Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge before enjoying some free time to shop. (BB,D)

Day 35 - LUCERNE - PARIS

After breakfast, cross the border at Basel and continue through the wine region of Burgundy to the glittering French capital of Paris.
Hotel: Pullman Bercy (BB)

Day 36 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing with a local guide shows you the highlights of the city. See the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, then drive past the facades of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, its centre occupied by a giant Egyptian obelisk. Continue along the elegant Champs Champs Élysees to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. Now ascend the Eiffel Tower for fine views over Paris. The afternoon is at leisure; perhaps visit the superb Louvre museum? (BB)

Day 37 - RETURN TO USA

After breakfast, your departure transfer will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 07:30. (BB)

Included Premium Highlights

• Embark on a scenic Rhine Cruise past medieval castles, vineyards and breathtaking scenery
• In Vienna, walk in the steps of royalty with your local guide as you visit Schonbrunn Palace
• Float through the romantic canals of Venice in a traditional gondola
• Enjoy a guided visit of the underground labyrinth of Postojna, Europe's largest caves
• Tour the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a scenic wonderland of pristine lakes, waterfalls and forest
• Ascend the Acropolis in Athens to visit the Parthenon, built in honor of the Goddess Athena
• Cruise to Capri, the Island of Dreams, and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
• Glimpse a moment of every day Roman life, as you tour the excavations of Pompeii
• Visit the superb Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
• Visit the Principality of Monaco - playground of the rich and famous
• Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
• See Michelangelo's original 'David' in Florence's Academy Museum
• Excursion to the chic resort of Cannes, home of the International Film Festival
• 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 group tutorial on the wines that complement your evening meal in Rome

Included Additional Excursions & Sights

• See Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on your London sightseeing tour
• See Amsterdam's Mint Tower & Dam Square and visit the fishing village of Volendam
• See the soaring spires of Cologne Cathedral View the castle of Neuschwanstein
• See the Golden Roof & Imperial Palace in Innsbruck
• Visit Salzburg's Mirabell Gardens and see Mozart's Birthplace
• Drive Vienna's Ring Road past the Parliament, Winter Palace & Opera House
• See St Mark's Basilica, Doges' Palace & Bridge of Sighs in Venice

Included Additional Excursions & Sights

• See Ljubljana's medieval castle, Triple Bridge, City Hall, and Cathedral of St Nicholas
• See Zagreb's Ban Josip Jelacic Square & tour the Upper Town
• See the Cipiko Palace & Cathedral in Trogir
• Explore Split's historical buildings built during Roman times.
• See the Amphitheater, Roman Baths and Necropolis in Salona
• See Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the awesome city walls of Dubrovnik
• Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries in Dubrovnik Old Town
• Visit Kotor situated on its fjord
• See Hadrian's Arch & Temple of Zeus in Athens
• Visit the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Crete, Santorini plus Turkish port of Kusadasi
• Visit St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, housing art by Michelangelo
• See the Cathedral, 'Gates of Paradise' and visit Signoria Square in Florence
• Stop to view the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa View Lucerne's Lion Monument & Chapel Bridge
• See Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde and Arc de Triomphe in Paris

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
• 3 night cruise with outside cabin & porthole, including all port taxes & crew gratuities
• 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 37

Included Quality Dining

• Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in Rome (DA)
• Enjoy a Greek Evening and Dinner with entertainment whilst cruising (HD)
• 1 Continental (CB) & 34 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 3 lunches (L) and 14 three course table d'hote dinners, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D) and 3 Suppers (S)

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