Highlights of Europe - Start London, Return Eurostar, Classic Group, Winter
Highlights of Europe - Start London, Return Eurostar, Classic Group, Winter
Highlights of Europe - Start London, Return Eurostar, Classic Group, Winter
15 Days Starting and ending in London, UK
Visiting: London, Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck, Veneto, Venice, Rome, Vatican, Florence, Lucerne, Paris
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W933ZN18
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 London
Location: London, Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch
Meals Included: None
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.
Day 2 : Depart From London By Eurostar And Onto Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam, Heidelberg
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hilton Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Meet your Travel Director and transfer to London's St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you through the Channel Tunnel en route to Amsterdam. Later, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests as you cruise along some of the quaint, tree-lined canals to explore the heart of the Old City, before enjoying a pleasant evening of dinner and wine at a local restaurant.
Day 3 : The Rhine Valley And Heidelberg
Location: Heidelberg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck
Accommodation: Hotel
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 Lorelei Rock. Follow the Neckar River to Heidelberg and visit Heidelberg Castle with a Local Expert.
Day 4 : Mountain-Ringed Innsbruck
Location: Innsbruck, Veneto, Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
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 5 : Across The Dolomites To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
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. Savor 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 6 : The Magic Of La Serenissima
Location: Venice, Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
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 center. 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 7 : The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: Rome, Vatican, Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
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 the Eternal City of Rome. Enjoy a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Gaze in awe at the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening's experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini. Italian culture is deeply rooted in hospitality with food, friends and family being central to everyday life. For dinner, you’re invited into the home of a Roman local to experience Italian hospitality at its best.
Day 8 : Papal And Imperial Rome
Location: Rome, Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
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. Then explore St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Cross the River Tiber to see the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Day 9 : The Chianti Hills To Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
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 gives 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, savor an authentic meal at a local trattoria in the heart of Florence.
Day 10 : Free Time In Renaissance Florence
Location: Florence, Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel
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 11 : The Alps And On To Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel
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 12 : Lakeside Lucerne
Location: Lucerne, Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
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 13 : Sights And Delights Of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
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 center 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 14 : The Food And Flavors Of Paris
Location: Paris, London
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Today you can enjoy 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 15 : Return London
Location: Paris, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, bid farewell to your traveling 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 London hotel where your trip ends.
What's Included
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
Experience fully guided tours with knowledgeable experts across various locations.
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Accommodation
Stay in various hotels including Thistle Marble Arch in London, Hilton Amsterdam, Marriott Hotel Heidelberg, AC Hotel Innsbruck, Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio in Venice, Room 007 Select in Rome, Hotel Adler Cavalieri in Florence, Hotel Astoria in Lucerne, Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique, and Le Méridien Etoile in Paris.
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Transport
Travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London. On arrival, you are transferred to London hotel where your trip ends.
What's Not Included
International flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London. On arrival, you are transferred to London hotel where your trip ends.
Accommodation
During your journey, you will be staying in various hotels including Thistle Marble Arch in London, Hilton Amsterdam, Marriott Hotel Heidelberg, AC Hotel Innsbruck, Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio in Venice, Room 007 Select in Rome, Hotel Adler Cavalieri in Florence, Hotel Astoria in Lucerne, Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique, and Le Méridien Etoile in Paris.
Check out our Q&As
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Some highlights of the tour include a cruise along Amsterdam's old waterways, visiting Heidelberg Castle, exploring Innsbruck, discovering the Colosseum in Rome, journeying to the summit of Mount Pilatus, exploring Paris with a Local Expert, and gaining priority access into the Vatican Museums.
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Are there any exclusions I should be aware of?
International flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
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What countries will we visit on the Highlights of Europe tour?
The Highlights of Europe tour visits England, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Austria.
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What is included in the tour package?
The tour package includes meals as detailed in the itinerary, fully guided tours with knowledgeable experts across various locations, accommodation in various hotels, and travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London with a transfer to a London hotel where the trip ends.
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What type of accommodations can we expect?
During the journey, you will stay in various hotels including Thistle Marble Arch in London, Hilton Amsterdam, Marriott Hotel Heidelberg, AC Hotel Innsbruck, Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio in Venice, Room 007 Select in Rome, Hotel Adler Cavalieri in Florence, Hotel Astoria in Lucerne, Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique, and Le Méridien Etoile in Paris.
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How do we travel back to London at the end of the tour?
You will travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London. On arrival, you are transferred to a London hotel where the trip ends.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.