22 Day Heart of Europe® Grand Tour
DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe.
The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax during your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 - HOLLAND . . Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - Dutch Lowlands - Rotterdam.
Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Board your deluxe motor coach for a pleasant drive through the neatly groomed Dutch Lowlands, much of which are below sea level. Along the way, you will see canals, dikes and windmills. Your two-night stay in Holland will introduce you to Dutch “gezelligheid,” a friendly, cozy feeling which you will experience in the days ahead. This evening, enjoy the “Welcome to Europe” dinner at your South Holland hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - HOLLAND . . Delft - Amsterdam - South Holland.
Start the day with a visit to the charming town of Delft, famous for its Delft Blue earthenware. Stroll through the picturesque streets, lined with medieval buildings and friendly cafés offering Dutch pancakes. Continue to the vibrant city of Amsterdam to admire the lively main square, fine architecture, canals, bridges, boats and bicycles. Return to your South Holland hotel for an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - BELGIUM . . Antwerp & HOLLAND . . Margraten – Maastricht.
Cross the border into Belgium and head for the port city of Antwerp, characterized by its convivial atmosphere. Explore Antwerp's central market square with its irresistible chocolate shops and cozy outdoor cafés where you can order a Belgian waffle. The next stop at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, with graves of 8,301 U.S. servicemen, is an emotional experience reflecting on the sacrifices of WWII. To locate a specific grave, visit www.abmc.gov/Netherlands. Your hotel in Maastricht is located near the converging borders of Holland, Belgium and Germany. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - GERMANY . . Rhine Cruise - Heidelberg - Schriesheim.
Take the Autobahn (Expressway) through Germany to the Rhine River Valley. From Boppard, embark on a scenic up-stream boat ride past medieval fortresses, quaint villages and hillside vineyards. Continue by motor coach to Heidelberg. Situated on the Neckar River and dominated by the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, this renowned university town is considered by many to embody the spirit of Germany. Join a walking tour of the Old Town. Proceed to your hotel, in the nearby village of Schriesheim, for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6 - GERMANY . . Rothenburg - Romantic Road - Adelsried.
This morning, travel to Rothenburg, a beautifully-preserved medieval village surrounded by the original town walls. The cobblestone streets are lined with historic inns and charming store fronts, including the famous “Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf”, a sprawling, year-round Christmas shop. Take a walk on the city walls for a bird’s-eye view of the town and the surrounding landscapes. Your afternoon journey to your hotel in Adelsried leads south along the “Romantic Road,” past unspoiled countryside, ancient castles and storybook villages. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7 - GERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck – Tyrolean Village.
The drive into Munich reveals many of the Bavarian capital's interesting landmarks. Walk through the Marienplatz (main square) with its unique Glockenspiel (clock tower). For a taste of Oktoberfest, have lunch at the famous Hofbäuhaus. In the afternoon, cross the border into Austria and follow the Inn River to the Imperial City of Innsbruck, two-time host of the Winter Olympics. The city owes much of its architectural beauty to Maximilian I, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire from 1493 to 1519. A short distance from Innsbruck lies the Tyrolean Village where you will spend the next two nights in a chalet-style hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8 - AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village near Innsbruck.
Enjoy a relaxing day in the Austrian Alps, return to Innsbruck using public transportation, or join the optional Bavarian Palace excursion. For dinner, try a local restaurant, or consider the optional Tyrolean Show & Dinner excursion for an evening of authentic Austrian food folklore, music and dancing. (Breakfast)
DAY 9 - ITALY . . Dolomite Mountains – Lake Garda – Verona.
Enter Italy via the Europa Brücke (Bridge), a remarkable feat of mountain highway engineering. Descend from the reddish hue of the Dolomite Mountains to the turquoise waters of Lake Garda. In some places, the rocky cliffs rise straight up from the water. Lake Garda's sheltered location gives its coastline a subtropical climate rich in vegetation, including oleander bushes, olive groves and grape vines. Sample a gelato (Italian ice cream) while strolling along the lake front. From here, it's a short drive to Verona, made famous by Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet.” Experience an authentic Italian meal during an independent dinner before transferring to your hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 10 - ITALY . . Venice – Verona.
The day is devoted to romantic Venice, famous for its canals, bridges, gondolas and magnificent St. Mark’s Cathedral. Enjoy a boat ride on the Grand Canal to St. Mark’s Square. A guided walking tour ends with a visit to a glass-blowing workshop, where skilled artisans craft everything from delicate figurines to multi-colored chandeliers. If you have your heart set on a gondola ride, the cost is about €45 ($55) per person based on up to six people sharing a gondola. Have dinner at a pizzeria or join the tour manager for an optional Venice Dinner excursion. After a memorable day, return to your Verona area hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 11 - ITALY . . Rome.
The picturesque countryside is painted with rolling hills, olive groves and sleepy villages as you travel south on the Italian Autostrada del Sol (Highway of the Sun). Make a stop at a charming provincial village before continuing to Rome. La Citta Eterna (The Eternal City) is a contrast of overflowing ancient history ina vibrantly modern metropolis. Dinner will be served upon arrival at your Rome hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 - ITALY . . Rome.
A guided morning tour by motor coach features famous sights, such as the Arch of Constantine, the Colosseum (Roman Arena, 80 A.D.) and the Roman Forums. A group walking tour takes you to Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Piazza Navona. The rest of the day is for personal interests or to join the optional Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel excursion. Return to the hotel for an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 13 - ITALY . . Rome - Montecatini-Terme.
Return to Rome for further exploration of this great city. Sip a cappuccino while admiring the ancient architecture, visit the market vendors, or join the optional Colosseum excursion. In the afternoon, head north into Tuscany for a two-night stay in the spa resort town of Montecatini-Terme, with its pastel-tinted buildings on palm-lined streets. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 14 - ITALY . . Pisa - Florence - Montecatini-Terme.
Today starts with a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Next, focus on the rich architecture and art of Florence, including the bronze baptistery doors by Ghiberti, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and countless sculptures. After a guided walking tour, shop for leather goods and jewelry on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Experience local flavor during dinner at a Tuscan farm before returning to your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 15 - SWITZERLAND . . Lake Lugano – Swiss Alps.
Cross the border from the Italian to the Swiss lake districts, on the way to subtropical Lake Lugano. Often referred to as the ”Rio de Janeiro of the Old Continent,” this is the perfect spot for a lunch break before piercing through the mountains via the 11-mile-long St. Gotthard Tunnel. Spend the night in one of the cozy villages in the Swiss Alps. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 16 - SWITZERLAND . . Stans - Lucerne - Swiss Alps.
A morning drive through William Tell country uncovers the impressive sight of Lake Lucerne, framed by the soaring mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus. Stop in the village of Stans for the optional Swiss Mountain excursion by funicular and cable car. This afternoon, explore Lucerne with its Old Town Wall and famous Lion Monument. This shopper’s paradise is known for music boxes, watches and chocolates. Before returning to your hotel for dinner, consider the optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 17 - FRANCE . . Burgundy Wine Region - Beaune.
Follow the Swiss Autobahn past Basel, where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, and where the Rhine River becomes navigable. Crossing the border into France, the mountains give way to hill-top villages and rustic vineyards. By mid-afternoon, arrive in the well-preserved medieval town of Beaune, center of Burgundy wine country. Dinner is independent this evening, providing the opportunity to visit a wine cellar and to sample the regional cuisine. (Breakfast)
DAY 18 - FRANCE . . Paris.
Today, around lunch time you will arrive in Paris, La Ville Lumière (The City of Light). Begin your introduction in the Montmartre district, where Paris looks as it does in old paintings, and artists still display their works. You may wish to make the walk up to the impressive Sacré-Cœur Basilica from where you can take in expansive views over Paris. Dine independently at one of Paris’ many restaurants or join your tour manager on the optional Paris Evening excursion, with dinner at a characteristic French bistro located in the heart of Paris. (Breakfast)
Day 19 - FRANCE . . Paris.
Spend the entire day getting acquainted with Paris. Your tour manager will direct you to the popular sights such as Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum (open daily except Tuesdays), Eiffel Tower, Opera (Palais Garnier), as well as the famous Galeries Lafayette department store. A great way to begin your sightseeing is by joining the optional Seine River Cruise excursion, for views of Notre Dame and other landmarks along the river. For dinner, pick a restaurant on your own or consider the optional Paris Dinner & Cabaret Show. (Breakfast)
DAY 20 - ENGLAND . . London.
After breakfast, take the high-speed Eurostar train under the English Channel and arrive in London in less than three hours. A motor coach and local guide welcome you and point out London’s famous sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Royal Parks and Buckingham Palace. After your introduction to London, transfer to the hotel for check-in, followed by a “Farewell Dinner.” (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 21 - ENGLAND . . London.
A full day in London allows you to focus on one specific inerest or purchase a hop-on/hop-off day pass (£38.00) with access to over 90 stops! Shop at the famous Harrods department store or view the spectacular collection of paintings at the National Gallery. There's also an optional Tower of London excursion. If you wish to see the Changing of the Guard, check with the hotel concierge because performances are limited to late mornings on select dates and subject to special events or weather. Tonight, choose from the endless array of independent dining and entertainment opportunities, or join your tour manager for an optional London Dinner & Theatre excursion. (Breakfast)
DAY 22 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to the London airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast)