26-Nights European Grandeur - Start London, End Amsterdam, Classic Group from $10,753

Insight Vacations

OFFER ID 1470436

European Grandeur - Start London, End Amsterdam, Classic Group
See Paris icons like the Champs-Élysées through the eyes of your local expert, enjoy the gastronomic delights of Pintxos tasting tours en route to San Sebastian in Spain and try your hand at Venice glassblowing in Italy, all on the grandest of European tours. From boutique fashionista shopping in the avenues of Paris to Picasso's trail blazing masterpieces in Madrid, this cultural tour de force is all encompassing. Barcelona dazzles with Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece-La Sagrada Família, while Avignon serves up a palate tantalizing taste of traditional farm to table cooking. The French Riviera offers an abundance of opulence, with harbors in Nice and Monaco packed to the brim with luxury yachts, and in Vienna the regal history of Austria's Habsburg dynasty fires up the imagination.


Dining Summary

  • 26 Breakfast (B)
  • 8 Dinner with Wine (DW)
Choice Highlights
  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Vienna: Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
  • Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialties of coffee and Sachertorte.
Additional Included Highlights
  • : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
  • Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a delightful dinner, served with wine.
  • Paris: Join an avid local foodie on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
  • San Sebastián: Enjoy an evening of pintxos, dining with locals in this Basque tradition. Your delicious dinner includes a wide variety of finger food delicacies, each with their own regional flavor, flair and presentation.
  • Avignon: At a local farm learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce before indulging in a farm-to-table dinner of traditional French home-style cuisine.
  • Venice: In St Marks Square at sunset, long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels, sip cocktails canal-side before dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Lucerne: Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening and hand-pick your preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
  • Amsterdam: Toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Insight Choice
  • Vienna: Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
  • Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialties of coffee and Sachertorte.
Insight Experiences
  • Madrid: Visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian and see Pablo Picasso's masterpiece Guernica, one of the world's greatest anti-war paintings. Alternatively, join a neighborhood walking tour to discuss social equity empowerment and learn about the history of women's movements in Spain.
  • Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
  • Rhineland: The beautiful scenery of the Rhine River is punctuated by the many castles dotted along its banks. Delight in a private estate viewing of one of these Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments located along the Middle Rhine.
Make Travel Matter
  • Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft.  This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
  • Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 & 15: Affordable and Clean Energy & Life on Land.
Top Rated Highlights<


26 nights from $10,753 per person

Itinerary

Insight Vacations: European Grandeur - Start London, End Amsterdam, Classic Group

Day 1 - Welcome to London
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Accommodations: The Cumberland, London


Day 2 - London to Paris by Eurostar
Meet your Travel Director and transfer to London’s St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you via the Channel Tunnel to Paris where you can spend the afternoon as you please.During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the River Seine with its many romantic bridges. See the obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a fabulous Welcome Dinner at a local brasserie.
Accommodations: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3 - Paris, the City of Light
Your exploration of Paris today begins with an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city.
Accommodations: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Onto Bordeaux
Head southwards towards Chteaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known as the Jardins de France for the beautifully maintained gardens that were created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenonceau Castle, an elegant French chteau spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling seaport of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character.
Accommodations: Novotel Gare St Jean, Bordeaux
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Bordeaux and San Sebastián
Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France's best 18th century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Thétre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contribured to Bordeaux earn inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián where you will have the chance to dine with the locals in the evening. In small groups, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine.
Accommodations: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 6 - On to Madrid Relaxed Start
Continue along the Guadarrama Mountains to the plateau of New Castile and Spain's elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains?
Accommodations: Riu Plaza España, Madrid
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Madrid Relaxed Start
Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighborhoods in the Spanish capital. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's Guernica.
Accommodations: Riu Plaza España, Madrid
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Madrid and Beautiful Barcelona
Cross the Castilian plain, past Zaragoza, and continue to the vibrant port of Barcelona. In the evening, why not try delicious local Catalan cuisine and as night descends, view the city from the heights of Montjuic, with lights sparkling below from the mountains to sea.
Accommodations: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Barcelona, City of Gaudi Relaxed Start
Join your Local Expert for a view of the Gothic Quarter and the cathedral. Travel by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Grcia, adorned with some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
Accommodations: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Avignon, the City of Popes
Journey to Avignon to see the famous Pont d'Avignon, once spanning the Rhône and immortalized in songs. Walk within the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to stand in the shadow of the old Palais des Papes, resembling a fortress. Learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce. After, indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner, a delicious insight into traditional French home-style cuisine.
Accommodations: Novotel Center, Avignon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 11 - On the shores of Nice
Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or relax on the beach.
Accommodations: Apollinaire, Nice
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Monaco and Pisa
Travel to Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family live, the yacht-filled harbor and visit the cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Cross into Italy and follow the arc of the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. In the Square of Miracles, stop to see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa with a Local Expert, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Also see the splendid 11th century cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble.
Accommodations: NH Firenze, Florence
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Renaissance Florence Relaxed Start
Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there's free time to shop or continue exploring.
Accommodations: NH Firenze, Florence
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - The Eternal City of Rome
Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, before passing the Apennine Mountains to arrive at the Eternal City, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu GHR Rome.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 15 - Exploring Papal Rome
A Local Expert introduces the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter’s Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. The afternoon is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe before our exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu GHR Rome.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 - Rome at Leisure Relaxed Start
Enjoy Rome at your own pace today. Perhaps take an optional experience to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu GHR Rome.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 17 - Autostrada del Sole to Venice
Journey through peaceful Tuscan landscapes, to descend past Bologna into the fertile Valley of the River Po. Arrive at the glorious city of Venice by boat and savor a cocktail at sunset whilst you are serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 18 - The Magic of La Serenissima
Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Admire the Doge’s Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts center, before taking a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where St. Mark’s Basilica exudes the city’s former wealth and power.
Accommodations: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals: Breakfast

Day 19 - Venice to elegant Ljubljana Relaxed Start
Depart Venice by water taxi and continue your journey to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. A Local Expert shows you Prešeren square with the Triple bridge, baroque Franciscan Church and and the lively banks of Ljubljanica river. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the tranquil shores of Lake Bled? Ride in a traditional wooden 'pletna' across the turquoise glacial waters towards the tiny island that rises in the middle.
Accommodations: Lev Ljubljana
Meals: Breakfast

Day 20 - Ljubljana to Vienna
Follow the Drava River and cross over the Slovenian border to reach the 700-year-old university town of Maribor. Continue past Graz through Styria's forested mountains and on to Vienna.
Accommodations: Hilton, Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront
Meals: Breakfast

Day 21 - Vienna and the Habsburgs Relaxed Start
In the morning, there is the option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Later, get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built alongside the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament. Later, join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. Visit a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialties of coffee and Sachertorte or visit Capuchins' Crypt, the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
Accommodations: Hilton, Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront
Meals: Breakfast

Day 22 - Salzburg and onto Innsbruck
Pass the impressive Benedictine monastery of Melk before reaching the enchanting city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and the iconic musical 'The Sound of Music'. A Local Expert will show you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, including the fountains and statues where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed. Cross Residence Square with its fountain, where Maria sings 'I Have Confidence' and see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart’s birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. Perhaps join an excursion to the famous Eagle's Nest? Continue to the mountain ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.
Accommodations: AC, Innsbruck
Meals: Breakfast

Day 23 - Liechtenstein to Lucerne Relaxed Start
Journey past flower-filled meadows and picturesque chalet-style villages to the Principality of Liechtenstein. Spend some time in its tiny capital, Vaduz, then cross into Switzerland and through glorious mountains to lakeside Lucerne. On arrival, visit Lucerne's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution.
Accommodations: Astoria, Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast

Day 24 - Lucerne and Mt Stanserhorn
Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Breathe in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora.With the day free, there is plenty of time for shopping for delectable chocolate and glamorous Swiss watches in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers? At night, you are offered a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
Accommodations: Astoria, Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 25 - Legends along the Rhine
Enjoy traveling through Germany and follow the Rhine Valley north to Königswinter.
Accommodations: Maritim, Königswinter
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 26 - The Canals of Amsterdam
Delight in a private estate viewing of one of the famous Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments situated along the Middle Rhine over a glass of wine. Continue your travels to Amsterdam. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. In the evening, toast your adventure and new-found friends during a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Grand Amrth, Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 27 - Depart Amsterdam
After breakfast, transfers arrive at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations
Vienna
Nice
Ljubljana
Venice
Madrid
Barcelona
Rome
Lucerne
Innsbruck
Avignon
Florence
Amsterdam
Konigswinter
San Sebastian (Spain)
Bordeaux
Paris
London

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
09/06/2024 - 10/02/2024
from $10,983 per person *
09/27/2024 - 10/23/2024
from $10,753 per person *


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $10,753 per person
Length
26 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1470436

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USA

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