European Experience
Day 1 | Arrive Amsterdam (1 Night)
Your experience of a lifetime begins in the free-thinking capital of the Netherlands. Immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s gezelligheid as you soak up the buzz of the city’s canals, gabled houses and festive squares. There’s no better way to see the capital than from its waterways, so choose an Optional Experience in a glass-topped boat winding through Amsterdam’s historic canal ring.
Hotel: Ibis Schiphol
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
Amsterdam Discovery Canal Cruise – Your travel dreams are about to become a reality as you enjoy a private cruise down the iconic canals of Amsterdam with a Local Specialist, marvelling at the wondrous sights. Travelling by glass-roofed boat along the historic canal ring, you’ll discover imposing warehouses, stately merchant homes, houseboats and picturesque bridges from an idyllic vantage point.
Adult: 38.00 EUR
* You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
Taste of Amsterdam & Holland – Experience the picturesque countryside of Holland and the charming atmosphere of vibrant Amsterdam on an immersive tour led by our Local Specialist. Visit a centuries-old farm to taste traditionally made Gouda cheese and see how local artisans create handcrafted wooden shoes. Next, visit a working Windmill with a tour by the Miller himself!
Adult: 44.00 EUR
* You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
Day 2 | Amsterdam – Cologne – Rhineland (1 Night)
Your first stop today is the main cultural centre of the Rhineland and home to the impressive Cologne Cathedral which looms high above the city’s skyline. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and one of the country’s most-visited landmarks. Suitably inspired by its spires, you’ll board a lazy river cruise down the Rhine past terraced vineyards and fairy-tale castles.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Taste Hockenheim
Day 3 | Rhineland – Munich – Innsbruck (1 Night)
Your first stop today is Munich where you can admire the Glockenspiel in the Marienplatz and the Hofbräuhaus. Continue along the Inn Valley to the Austrian Tyrol and its capital, Innsbruck, where you can ‘ooh and aah’ at the impressive ski jump and view the famed Golden Roof, constructed from 2,657 copper tiles. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store. This evening, an Optional Experience could see you enjoy a lively evening of entertainment during a traditional Tyrolean evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Bon Alpina
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Traditional Tyrolean Evening – Immerse yourself in local culture with a lively evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment in Innsbruck. Singers, dancers and musicians dressed in national costume will dazzle you with a colourful show of folklore and fun, as you enjoy two included drinks and take in the spectacular show.
Adult: 55.00 EUR
* This evening optional experience may not be available on every departure.
Day 4 | Innsbruck – Venice (Marghera) (1 Night)
Journey through alpine landscapes crossing the Brenner Pass into Italy. Venice bewitches in all her Byzantine glory, softening even the hardest of hearts with her opulence. Highlights include a cruise on a private launch to St. Mark’s Square and views of the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. The talents of master craftsmen are the star of the show later as you visit their glassblowing workshop. There’s even time for an optional Gondola and Grand Canal cruise – grand palazzi, churches and ornate bridges line your journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Palladio
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Gondolas & the Grand Canal – Join us for a breath-taking cruise by private water taxi along Venice’s Grand Canal, catching glimpses of impressive sights such as the Palazzi Barbaro, Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square. Later on, you’ll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice’s dreamy, narrow waterways, discovering the irresistible charm of the worldfamous canals.
Adult: 84.00 EUR
Day 5 | Venice – Rome (2 Nights)
Cross the Veneto plain into Tuscany, travelling through Umbria to Lazio and eventually the ‘Eternal City’. If Rome was a person, she would be confident, alluring and complex. You’ll get to know her, and her quirks, over the next two days as you continue to explore Italy. You’ll find reminders of an ancient world, a holy empire and the Renaissance around every turn. You could choose to join a Local Specialist for an optional guided stroll through Rome’s piazzas. Linger in your favourite square, or perhaps enjoy a scoop or three of the local gelato and soak up the effervescent energy of a city that knows how to enjoy life.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Raganelli
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Piazzas and Fountains – Discover the most charming areas of the city as you explore quintessential Italian piazzas and fountains with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares in Rome’s historic centre, stopping to marvel at highlights such as the Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon and hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult: 41.00 EUR
Day 6 | Rome Sightseeing and Free Time
You could spend a lifetime exploring Rome and just scratch the surface, but with your Local Specialist on hand you’ll dive right into the city’s heart and soul. Head to Vatican City to watch the pigeons and people tread on holy ground, then visit St. Peter’s Basilica and see Michelangelo’s priceless ‘Pietà’. Skip the long queues and choose an Optional Experience to the Vatican Museums. Continue your tour across the Tiber to the Colosseum and other ancient sites, following in the footsteps of Julius Caesar. The rest of the day is yours to explore Rome your way. Consider an optional local dinner followed by a scenic tour of the city by night.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Raganelli
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Inside The Vatican & Roman Forum – We skip the lines at the Vatican Museums for a tour with our Local Specialist that shows not just remarkable works of art collected and commissioned over the history of the Papacy, but also Michelangelo’s extraordinary ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Later, we will walk in the footsteps of Julius Caesar and hear fascinating tales of the might of the Roman Empire on a guided visit through the ancient streets of the Roman Forum.
Adult: 95.00 EUR
Roman Evening with Dinner – Take your tour to the next level as you embrace the Italian way of living la dolce vita, with a light-hearted evening out in the mesmerising city of Rome. Relax and savour delectable Italian dishes such as the iconic Spaghetti Carbonara and Roman-Style Pizza as you enjoy the delights of Roman music in one of our favourite restaurants in the city.
Adult: 71.00 EUR
Day 7 | Rome – Florence (1 Night)
Life mimics art in the idyllic Umbrian and Tuscan landscapes you’ve seen in countless films, photographs and works of art. Experience it yourself as your journey heads north to the Renaissance city of Florence. Soak up every detail as you admire the city skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo. There’s time to explore Piazza della Signoria,
the Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower or shop for the bespoke Italian leather goods and fine gold jewellery for which Florence is justifiably famous. You could choose instead to join an Optional Experience revealing the Renaissance heritage of a city which attracted artists, physicists, astronomers and philosophers like Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Miro
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Florence’s Renaissance Treasures – This tour is all about exploring the jewel in Florence’s crown: its Renaissance heritage. Alongside your Local Specialist, you’ll wander the enchanting streets of the city and soak in must-visit sights including Ponte Vecchio, Mercato del Porcellino and Piazza della Signoria. Take in the Duomo, Florence’s spectacularly designed cathedral, before topping off the day with an Italian treat – gelato!
Adult: 46.00 EUR
Day 8 | Florence – Lucerne Region (2 Nights)
There’s no better backdrop than the Apennines as you wind your way north past Milan and the Swiss border. Press your nose to the window, drinking in the beauty of the St. Gotthard Pass in the Swiss Alps, then continue to Lake Lucerne. You’ll want to put the ‘heart’ of Switzerland in your pocket and take its history, culture and epic landscapes with you, but for now be contented with an Optional Experience that will see you dive into Swiss folklore and food – fondue anyone?
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Ibis Kriens/SwissEver Zug
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Swiss Folklore Evening and Dinner – Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant. While enjoying dinner, you can also join in a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included.
Adult: 109.00 CHF
* Occasionally, the optional experience Swiss Evening may be offered as a lunch for CHF 68.00.
Day 9 | Lucerne orientation and free time
Turn the page to a land of fairy-tale landscapes and medieval history. You have a full day to see the sights and explore Lucerne, starting with a morning orientation including the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church. No visit to Lucerne is complete without a visit to the Lion Monument, built to commemorate the brave Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution. You may be tempted to do some souvenir shopping, but an Optional Experience into the mountains will be hard to resist. Ascend Mount Pilatus by a cog-wheel railway then embark on a scenic lake cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Ibis Kriens|SwissEver Zug
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Swiss Bliss in Mount Pilatus and Lake Cruise – Embrace the great outdoors as we travel to Mount Pilatus, ascending to the towering summit by a thrilling cog-wheel train. Soak in the spectacular views and breathe in pure air, marvelling at the magic of the Swiss scenery. Then, we’ll descend by cable-car before taking a scenic lake cruise. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Adult: 118.00 CHF
* On certain departures this optional experience may be operated in reverse.
Swiss Countryside & Carriages – Travel through the rolling green hills of Switzerland in style, as you meet local farmers and enjoy a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Soak up the stunning scenery as we trot around a rural community, en route to a working farm where you’ll savour local refreshments and uncover the charms of country life.
Adult: 77.00 CHF
* Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Day 10 | Lucerne Region – Paris (2 Nights)
doesn’t get more idyllic than the French countryside and you’ll soak it all up as you continue through the vineyards of celebrated wine regions before arriving in Paris. The ‘City of Lights’ shines brightly this evening and it will sparkle even more should you choose to join an Optional
Experience to cruise down the Seine, seeing the glittering
skyline from the water.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hampton by Hilton Clichy
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Seine Cruise and Paris Illuminations – Experience the world-famous ‘City of Lights’ as Paris transforms in the evening. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the River Seine, taking in views of iconic Parisian sights such as Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower. Later, kick back for a relaxing drive through this picturesque city that will show off the best Paris has to offer.
Adult: 47.00 EUR
*In summer, this optional experience may take place before sunset.
Day 11 | Paris Sightseeing and Free Time
Audrey Hepburn described it best when she said: ‘Paris is always a good idea.’ We’re sure you’ll agree. Hit its grand boulevards on a city sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. See the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées then spend the rest of the day discovering the city on your terms. Don’t resist the urge to tread in the footsteps of
Picasso and Dalí and visit Montmartre this afternoon, exploring its maze of streets and Artist’s Square. There’s time to shop for artwork and savour some local specialties before considering a real highlight this evening – an optional dinner and cabaret performance.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hampton by Hilton Clichy
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Parisian Elegance: La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner – Set in the heart of Montmartre District and famous for the filming of ‘Emily in Paris’ plus host to numerous fashion events including Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin & Vivienne Westwood, Nouvelle Eve is a must! Celebrating 125 years as one of the most elegant revue theatres in Paris, you will enjoy a night of sumptuous surroundings, a la carte menu and a sparkling cabaret highlighting the spectacular French Cancan.
(Open Thursday April 27th until Sat Oct 21st)
Adult: 160.00 EUR
* This event requires a pre-paid reservation. Cancellation within 24 hours will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
A Local’s Guide to Paris – Dominated by the soaring Sacre Coeur Basilica, Montmartre is a must-visit destination in Paris. Join a Local Specialist to explore the winding streets, unusual galleries and world-famous Artist’s Square – once home to the works of Toulouse Lautrec and Picasso. With time to browse, barter for original art and taste local cuisine, this
tour uncovers the true joy of the Montmartre lifestyle.
Adult: 43.00 EUR
* You will have the opportunity to choose between the following two optional experiences:
The City of Lights from New Heights – Led by a Local Specialist, you’ll see the ‘City of Lights’ from a new perspective on the Panoramic Observation Deck. Later, you’ll visit the Latin Quarter to stroll through the medieval maze of cobblestone alleyways, with sidewalks bistros, boutiques and hidden squares to explore.
Adult: 44.00 EUR
* You will have the opportunity to choose between the following two optional experiences:
Day 12 | Depart Paris
Say farewell to your Travel Director and travelling companions at the end of an amazing holiday. Find out more about available transfers at
costsavertour.com/transfers.
Meals: Breakfast