EUROPEAN TREASURES

Holland, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Italy & France

ITINERARY:

1 LONDON - AMSTERDAM AREA, HOLLAND.
Leave in the early morning from your London joining hotel (see your travel documents) and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you embark on your ferry for the Continent. Meet your tour director and board your luxury coach for the drive to the Amsterdam area.

2 AMSTERDAM AREA
Today, watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a diamond center in Amsterdam. Then, sightseeing with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights and a canal cruise to see this unique city from water level. (B,D)

3 AMSTERDAM AREA-HANNOVER,GERMANY-BERLIN
Leave the Amsterdam area and head east, passing Enschede and Osnabruck. Stop in Hannover, capital of Lower Saxony. Walk along the streets of the Old Town and admire its beautiful half-timbered houses before continuing to Germany's capital city, Berlin. (B)

4 BERLIN.
No longer divided but every bit as fascinating, Berlin was once the city of contrasts with the wall separating two different worlds. Today the city has developed into a harmonious blend of new and old, preserving its historical buildings and impressive boulevards as it creates brand new buildings in the most daring architectural style. See all of this on the included city sightseeing with a Local Guide. In the afternoon there is an optional excursion to historic Potsdam to visit Sanssouci Park, a marvel of landscape gardening and architectural wonders, and to Cecilienhof Palace. (B)

5 BERLIN-PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC.
Cross the River Elbe this morning and on to Dresden for an orientation of the magnificently restored city after its almost total destruction in World War II. Next, on to the mountains and fortresses of the Erzgebirge range before entering the Czech Republic and Bohemia on the way to its beautiful capital, Prague. (B,D)

6 PRAGUE.
The wealth of gothic and baroque architecture here must have truly inspired Prague composers Dvorak and Smetana. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide features landmarks such as the National Theate, Belvedere, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Hall with its magnificent Astronomical Clock. (B)

7 PRAGUE-VIENNA, AUSTRIA.
Today, drive from Bohemia into Moravia and continue southwest before crossing into Austria. Arrive in Vienna in the early afternoon in time for the optional excursion to the jewel of the former Habsburg Empire-breathtaking Schonbrunn Palace with its ornate imperial rooms and its fabulous gardens. Reserve some energy for this evening's optional excursion. (B)

8 VIENNA.
Included sightseeing with a Local Guide this morning starts with a tour featuring the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes' Square to view the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Habsburgs. Finally, an inside visit of St. Stephen's Cathedral. This afternoon, free time to absorb the splendors of this magnificent city. Indulge in a slice of Sachertorte, take a ride in a Fiaker, or just a stroll through the Karntnerstrasse with its boutiques and coffee shops. This evening, music lovers won't want to miss taking in a concert in the "mecca" of classical music. (B)

9 VIENNA-LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA.
South this morning to Semming Pass, then on through the beautiful Styrian countryside before continuing to Klagenfurt. Skirt Lake Worth and after Villach through the Karawanken Tunnel, enter Slovenia and head towards stunning Lake Bled for a stop. Next, an overnight in Ljubljana, a city rich in culture and history. (B,D)

10 LJUBLJANA-VENICE AREA, ITALY
Continue southwest today, skirting the Adriatic shores, passing the port of Trieste, and on to incomparable Venice. Venice is more like a marvellous film set than a real city, with crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and quiet little piazzas. Upon arrival, enjoy the included orientation, which starts with a boat ride and is followed by a visit to St. Mark's Basilica and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don't miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D)

11 VENICE AREA-ROME.
An interesting drive south, cutting across the Po Delta, passing Ravenna, and through the gentle Umbrian hills to Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the medieval town and world-famous basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for the "Eternal City" of Rome. (B)

12 ROME.
A city steeped in history, vibrantly alive, exciting, and absolutely unique. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter's Square and is followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum, scene of gladiatorial encounters. This afternoon, enjoy one of our popular optional excursions. (B)

13 ROME-FLORENCE AREA.
This morning, join the optional excursion to the Vatican, an independent state since 1929 and, of course, residence of the Pope. See the Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. In the late afternoon, head north to Florence. On the included walking tour of the charming Old Town with a Local Guide, cover most of the city highlights: the Piazza Santa Croce, beautiful Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard, and the Piazza del Duomo with its cathedral, the 'Gate of Para e,' and the Giotto Campanile. (B,D)

14 FLORENCE AREA-PISA-FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCE
Travel west today through Tuscany, stopping first in Pisa's Square of Miracles to admire the amazing Leaning Tower. Next, head north past Genoa along the Italian Riviera, then cross the border to reach your hotel for two nights on the French Riviera. (B,D)

15 FRENCH RIVIERA.
A whole day to enjoy all the amenities of the French Riviera, and a good opportunity to take advantage of the optional excursions. (B)

16 FRENCH RIVIERA-ARLES-AVIGNON-LYON AREA.
Take the inland road across sun-drenched Provence and landscapes made famous by Van Gogh. Stop for a short visit in elegant Arles, still brimming with Roman heritage. Later, head for Avignon on the River Rhone, famous for its Roman bridge, massive city walls, and the "Palais des Papes," former residence of the popes. Continue north to Lyon, France's second-largest city. (B,D)

17 LYON AREA-BEAUNE-PARIS.
Focus on the picturesque vineyards and fields of Burgundy, and take a break in ancient Beaune. Then, travel on the comfortable highway to Paris, arriving in time to enjoy the spectacular optional cabaret show. (B)

18 PARIS.
A full day to enjoy the city that's known throughout the world for its fashion, art and museums, delicious food, and joie de vivre. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide shows you the best-known sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid at the Louvre, Les Invalides, and the fabulous Champs-Elysees. Optional excursions are also available to enrich your experience in the "City of Light." To celebrate the success of your tour, don't miss the French farewell dinner party tonight. (B)

19 PARIS-LONDON, ENGLAND.
Relax and let the countryside whiz by on the road north to the coast, where you board your Channel ferry. Through Kent, return to London for an evening arrival. (B)