Highlights of Europe - Start Amsterdam, Return Eurostar, Classic Group, Winter
Highlights of Europe - Start Amsterdam, Return Eurostar, Classic Group, Winter
14 Days Starting in Amsterdam and ending in London
Visiting: London, Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck, Conegliano, Venice, Rome, Vatican, Florence, Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Paris
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W933ZN318
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the best Europe has to offer. Travel from London to Europe on the high-speed Eurostar train. Cruise along the quaint canals in Amsterdam, and travel from Austria, across the Dolomites into Italy. Join a local home dinner in Rome where your host serves up delicious regional dishes. Enjoy VIP Vatican access which allows you to cut the lines to the museums and view the famous Bramante Staircase. Then voyage through the Chianti Hills of Florence and the cobbled streets of lakeside Lucerne with a final stop in the city of lights, Paris.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Amsterdam
Location: London, Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Hilton Amsterdam
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Welcome Meet your Travel Director at 17:00
Day 2: The Rhine Valley And Heidelberg
Location: Amsterdam, Heidelberg
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel Heidelberg.
Accommodation Name: Marriott Hotel Heidelberg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a scenic drive through the Rhine Valley to see quaint villages, hilltop castles and hear the legend of the Loreley Rock.Follow the Neckar River to Heidelberg and visit Heidelberg Castle with a Local Expert.
Day 3: Mountain-Ringed Innsbruck
Location: Heidelberg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck
Accommodation: AC Hotel Innsbruck.
Accommodation Name: AC Hotel Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast
Skirt the northern Black Forest and head towards the rolling Bavarian Alps. Stop beneath the royal castles of Hohenschwangau and King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein, rumoured to have inspired Walt Disney's iconic castle. Once over the Austrian border, continue to the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. Tour the architectural jewels of the city, seeing the Imperial Palace, Golden Roof and the 14th century houses of the Old Town.
Day 4: Across The Dolomites To Venice Relaxed Start
Location: Innsbruck, Conegliano, Venice
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Continue your journey, crossing the Italian border and on through the Dolomites. Amongst the hills of Conegliano Veneto, stop at a local family winery in Veneto to discover the art of prosecco production. Savour a tasting of these luxurious sparkling wines and discover how to make the perfect Bellini. Continue to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. In the evening, enjoy a dinner with wine.
Day 5: The Magic Of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre. Take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where the city's former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St. Mark's Basilica. Admire the Doge's Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. With the rest of the day free, why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Day 6: The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: Venice, Rome
Accommodation: Golden Tulip Rome Piram.
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Head into the Apennine Mountains and venture through the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria. Follow the course of the Tiber to your hotel in the Eternal City of Rome. Italian culture is deeply rooted in hospitality with food, friends and family being central to everyday life. You’re invited into the home of a Roman local to experience Italian hospitality at its best, as you enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal with your host.
Day 7: Papal And Imperial Rome
Location: Rome, Vatican, Rome
Accommodation: Kolbe Hotel Rome.
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select
Meals Included: Breakfast
During your two-night stay, join a Local Expert for a private tour of the priceless art housed in the Vatican Museums and the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. Your priority visit includes fast-track entry and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, a part of the Vatican usually closed to the public. Then explore St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Cross the River Tiber to see the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Day 8: The Chianti Hills To Florence
Location: Rome, Florence
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Adler Cavalieri
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Drive to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. A Local Expert will accompany you to the Duomo where the Gates of Paradise adorn the baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city, lined with fountains and statues it acts as a virtual open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. A leisurely afternoon give you time to shop for quality goods, like gold and leather, which Florence is famous for. Alternatively, there is the option to visit the Accademia Gallery with an art historian to see Michelangelo's famed masterpiece, 'David.' In the evening, savour an authentic meal at a local trattoria in the heart of Florence.
Day 9: Free Time In Renaissance Florence Relaxed Start
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Adler Cavalieri
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is free for you to fully immerse yourself in the Tuscan capital. Be sure not to miss the magnificent museums and galleries housing some of the most famous works of art in the world. Or perhaps just relax and soak up the atmosphere in one of the many street cafe's?
Day 10: The Alps And On To Lucerne
Location: Florence, Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, travel across the Swiss border. The emotive Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff, is a memorial dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution, which is a source of great pride to the people of Lucerne. See this beautiful work before strolling across the Chapel Bridge to see the ornate Jesuit Church. The afternoon is at your leisure. You may choose to enjoy a cruise on Lake Lucerne with its dramatic vistas.
Day 11: Lakeside Lucerne Relaxed Start
Location: Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel, Astoria Lucerne.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine
Today, appreciate the Alpine terrain as you embark on a scenic journey by cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Pilatus. Take in the pristine mountain air and spectacular views. With the rest of 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? Later, the choice is yours for your Dine-Around Evening. Enjoy your preferred dining experience from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, each offering their own unique cuisine and ambience.
Day 12: Sights And Delights Of Paris
Location: Lucerne, Paris
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique.
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the rural French country side of Alsace and Burgundy regions, famous for its vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light. 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 Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. With the evening free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Why not visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows?
Day 13: The Food And Flavours Of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique.
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Start your day with an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join 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. In the evening, enjoy a Celebration Dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole. Delight in French cuisine and delicious wine.
Day 14: Return To London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London. On arrival, you are transferred to the Amba Hotel Marble Arch or Amba Hotel Grosvenor where your trip ends.
Day 15: Homeward Bound
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
What's Included
-
Travel Director
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
-
Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
-
Luggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
-
Hotel and Restaurant Tips
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.
-
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
-
Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
-
Transfer Options
You may purchase arrival transfers from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports on arrival days, or when additional nights accommodation has been booked through Insight Vacations. If your departure flights are as per the itinerary end dates, departure 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 to the airport. Alternatively, please make your own way from/to the airport.
What's Not Included
-
Airfare to and from the start of your vacation
Flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price.
You will need to arrange your flights separately. -
Meals, unless specified
Meals other than those specified in the itinerary are not included and will be an additional cost.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to ensure that they are adequately covered.
-
Optional Experiences
Costs for optional experiences that you might choose to participate in during the tour are not included in the tour price.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, additional drinks and souvenirs are not included.
Mode of Transport
In the morning, there is an included coach transfer to Paris Gare du Nord station for your high speed Eurostar train journey to London. On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation
During your journey, you will be staying in a range of comfortable hotels, such as Hilton Amsterdam, Marriott Hotel Heidelberg, AC Hotel Innsbruck, Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Room 007 Select, Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Hotel Astoria, Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique, Le Méridien Etoile, and Thistle Marble Arch.
Check out our Q&As
-
How does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Amsterdam, where you meet your Travel Director at 17:00 at the Hilton Amsterdam. It ends in London, with a transfer from Paris via high-speed Eurostar train, concluding at the Amba Hotel Marble Arch or Amba Hotel Grosvenor.
-
What is the mode of transport described in the tour?
The mode of transport includes an included coach transfer to Paris Gare du Nord station for a high-speed Eurostar train journey to London, and transfers to your hotel upon arrival.
-
What are some highlights of the tour?
Some highlights of the tour include shopping in Paris, a foodie walk in Paris, a cruise along Amsterdam's waterways, visiting Heidelberg Castle, a cruise to St. Mark’s Square in Venice, exploring the Colosseum in Rome, viewing Florence's famous landmarks, and a journey to the summit of Mount Pilatus.
-
Are there any inclusions in the tour package?
The tour package includes services of a highly-skilled Travel Director, personal radio headsets for tours, baggage handling, hotel and restaurant tips, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi, Insight Flourishes, and optional arrival and departure transfers.
-
What type of accommodations can I expect?
During your journey, you will be staying in a range of comfortable hotels, such as Hilton Amsterdam, Marriott Hotel Heidelberg, AC Hotel Innsbruck, Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Room 007 Select, Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Hotel Astoria, Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique, Le Méridien Etoile, and Thistle Marble Arch.
-
What countries will I visit on the Highlights of Europe tour?
On the Highlights of Europe tour, you will visit Austria, England, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
-
What meals are included in the tour?
Meals included in the tour vary by day, including dinners with wine on certain evenings, as detailed in the itinerary. Breakfast is also included, with specific meals mentioned for each day of the tour.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.