This itinerary offers seven countries, enchanting cities, and wonderful local flavor. It’s the ideal choice for first-time travelers to Europe and for anyone desiring a great vacation value.
DAY 1 - DEPARTURE
Overnight flight to Europe (Inflight Meals).
DAY 2 – MANNHEIM, GERMANY
Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport, meet your tour manager for the transfer to the hotel. An afternoon excursion to nearby Heidelberg, for a visit to the Castle and Old Town, provide a light introduction to Europe before the 'Welcome' dinner at Hotel Warburg– Mannheim, Germany.(Inflight Meal,D)
DAY 3 – ROTHENBURG-ROMANTIC ROAD, GERMANY
Pass sleepy villages, majestic fortresses, and timeless castles, as you travel to the medieval town of Rothenburg. During your free time, walk along the intact city walls, explore the magical Christmas Shop or visit the Medieval Criminal Museum. End the day with musical entertainment during dinner at the Parkhotel Schmid –Adelsreid, Germany. (B,D)
DAY 4 – MUNICH, GERMANY-INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA
Following a panoramic tour of Munich, see the magical 'Glockenspiel', stroll the 'pedestrians-only' zone, and partake in an independent lunch at the Hofbräuhaus. Cross into Austria for an orientation of Innsbruck. An optional ‘Tyrolean Dinner’ excursion is offered. Spend two nights in an Alpine Resort Village at the chalet-style Hotel Nuestifterhof–Neustift, Austria. (B,D)
DAY 5 – TYROLEAN ALPINE VILLAGE, AUSTRIA
Whether you spend your day relaxing amidst the marvelous scenery, exploring nearby Innsbruck, or taking the optional 'Bavarian Castle' excursion, you will be captivated by the majestic mountains, green valleys, rushing rivers, and lovely chalets with their flower laden balconies. For dinner, return to Hotel Nuestifterhof–Neustift, Austria. (B)
DAY 6 – LAKE GARDA-VERONA, ITALY
Take the scenic Brenner Pass and the magnificent Dolomite Mountains through northern Italy. Make a lunch stop along the stunningly beautiful Lake Garda. Continue to Verona, best known for the bittersweet love story of Romeo and Juliet. Dinner at your hotel in nearby Bussolengo appropriately includes a pasta dish. Montresor Hotel Tower or similar–Bussolengo, Italy. (B,D)
DAY 7 – VERONA, ITALY
Spend the day in Bussolengo, Verona, or the Lake Garda Region. On the optional 'Venice' excursion, visit this romantic city of canals and bridges. In the evening, return to Montresor Hotel Tower or similar–Bussolengo, Italy. (B)
DAY 8 – LUGANO-LAKE LUCERNE REGION, SWITZERLAND
Head north toward the unsurpassed splendor of the Italian and Swiss lake districts. Often referred to as the 'Rio de Janeiro of the Old Continent', Lugano is an ideal spot for a lunch break. Traveling through William Tell country, the serene beauty of the Swiss Alps comes alive. Spend two nights in the cozy village of Giswil at Hotel Krone–Giswil, Switzerland. (B,D)
DAY 9 – STANS-LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND
Stop in the old village of Stans, at the foot of the mountains. Bring your camera if you decide to take the optional 'Swiss Mountain' excursion. Tour the city of Lucerne with its Old City Wall and famous Lion Monument. Dine in Giswil or join the optional 'Swiss Lake Boat Ride & Dinner' excursion before returning to Hotel Krone – Giswil, Switzerland. (B)
DAY 10 – BURGANDY REGION-BEAUNE, FRANCE
Pass Basel and cross the border into France. Continue to Beaune, the capital of Burgundy wine country and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the area. Take time to enjoy an independent lunch or browse the local wine shops. Enjoy a regional meal at the Mercure Hotel Auxerre–Beaune, France. (B,D)
DAY 11 – PARIS, FRANCE
Arrive in Paris at approximately 11:00 a.m. You will have the option of sightseeing on your own, or joining your tour manager on an optional 'Seine River Cruise' excursion. For your independent dinner, venture out on your own or join the optional 'Paris Evening' dinner excursion. Your hotel will be the Forest Hill La Villette–Paris, France. (B)
DAY 12 – ANTERP, BELGIUM-LELYSTAD, HOLLAND
Enter the Belgian province of Flanders to visit Antwerp, known for its convivial atmosphere. Be sure to try the Belgian waffles. There are also quaint lace and irresistible chocolate shops. Travel through the Dutch countryside, characterized by canals, bridges, dikes, and windmills, on the way to the Apollo Hotel Lelystad or similar–Lelystad, Holland.(B,D)
DAY 13 - HOLLAND
Enjoy a day of leisure in the Dutch countryside or use the convenient railway network to transport you to a myriad of interesting places. Another choice is the full-day optional 'Grand Holland' excursion including a picturesque Dutch village and a boat ride through the canals of Amsterdam. Return to your Apollo Hotel Lelystad or similar–Lelystad, Holland. (B,D)
DAY 14 – RHINE CRUISE-RUEDESHEIM, GERMANY
Returning to Germany, a Rhine steamer awaits in Boppard for an upstream cruise on this romantic river. You will glide past enduring villages, medieval fortresses, and hillside vineyards. Reminisce over the highlights of the tour during the ‘Farewell’ dinner at your hotel in the Frankfurt Airport Area, the Ruedesheim Parkhotel Deutscher Hof or similar–Ruedesheim, Germany. (B,D)
DAY 15 -RETURN
Daytime flight from Frankfurt Airport back to the USA. (B,IF)
Arrival: Please arrive in Frankfurt before 10:30 am
Depart: Please depart Frankfurt after 8:00 am