European Whirl
The tring-tring of Dutch bicycles launches your Europe adventure, from picture-perfect Amsterdam and vine-clad hills along the Rhine with its medieval castles, to the open-air museum that is Rome.
11 nights from £2486pp
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European Whirl Itinerary
Day 1 London – Eurostar™ – Brussels – Amsterdam
A brief interlude with the British capital this morning sees us meet our Travel Director before travelling to London's St. Pancras International where we will board the Eurostar™ for a high-speed train journey to Brussels and a luxury coach journey to Amsterdam. Enjoy an orientation of this historic Dutch city before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception dinner cruise on its canals. Meals: Welcome Reception Locations: Amsterdam, London, Brussels
Day 2 Amsterdam – Rhine Cruise – Heidelberg – Rhineland
Driving through the lush landscapes of The Netherlands and Germany, we arrive in Boppard where we board a cruise along the Rhine to St. Goar, passing vineyard-clad hills and medieval castles perched above riverside towns. Arriving in the Baroque city of Heidelberg, we explore its iconic and unexpected highlights before travelling to our Rhineland hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Locations: Boppard, Heidelberg
Day 3 Rhineland – Innsbruck
We cross the Austrian border next, arriving in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Old Town, including Emperor Maximilian's famous Golden Roof with its ornate façade. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store and consider an evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment. Meals: Breakfast Locations: Innsbruck
Day 4 Innsbruck – Venice
Journey through the emerald-green landscape along the Brenner Pass into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains to Venice. We cruise the beautiful Venetian lagoon by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. View the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound made by condemned prisoners as they took one last longing look at their beautiful city before meeting their fate. Then, 'Dive Into Culture' and witness the centuries-old craft of Venetian glassblowing before spending the afternoon at leisure to soak up the romantic atmosphere. Get lost in Venice, cross bridges and discover hidden campi where locals share their daily stories over a glass of Venetian Spritz. Meals: Breakfast Locations: Venice, Mestre, Innsbruck
Day 5 Venice – Rome (2 Nights)
Travel south across the Veneto Plain, passing Bologna and the dramatic Apennine Mountains as well as the green and golden fields of Lazio before reaching Rome, the Eternal City. En route, we 'Connect with Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' lunch and enjoy true Tuscan hospitality with a local family on their private estate in the Chanti countryside. Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest Locations: Florence, Rome
Day 6 Rome Sightseeing and Free Time
Our first stop today sees us discover the divine beauty of the Vatican City. We'll visit St. Peter's Basilica with a 'Local Specialist' to view Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. We continue to ancient Rome to view the iconic Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races centuries ago. The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your terms. Sit on the Spanish Steps savouring a tasty gelato, shop up a storm on the trendy Via Corso or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Meals: Breakfast Locations: Rome
Day 7 Rome – Florence Sightseeing
From Rome, we travel north through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and along the Arno valley to the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', Florence. Delve into the rich Medici heritage of this beautiful medieval city with your 'Local Specialist'. Visit what was once the political hub of the city, Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi. View the imposing Duomo with its Brunelleschi dome and Baptistery renowned for its bronze doors filled with relief sculptures. Meals: Breakfast Locations: Florence
Day 8 Florence – Lucerne (2 Nights)
Drive via the scenic Italian Lakes District, across the Alps into beautiful Switzerland, where we'll spend the next two nights in the medieval lakeside city of Lucerne in one of Trafalgar's 'Stays With Stories' - the Grand Hotel Europe, with its century-old history. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Locations: Lucerne
Day 9 Lucerne Orientation and Free Time
This morning, view the mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI. Walk along the flower-lined 14th-century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the Reuss. Or join an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks for breathtaking views of the Swiss countryside. We have some time later to discover the best Swiss chocolates in town. Meals: Breakfast Locations:
Day 10 Lucerne – Paris (2 Nights)
Crossing the border into France this morning, we travel past the picturesque vineyards and country towns of Burgundy en route to the City of Light. Spend some time this evening strolling along the Seine and grand boulevards in search of a cosy bistro for fine French cuisine or consider an Optional Experience to a colourful Parisian cabaret. Meals: Breakfast Locations: Paris
Day 11 Paris Sightseeing and Free Time
Join a 'Local Specialist' today for a sightseeing tour of this romantic city. View the sophisticated Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde and the 19th-century Arc de Triomphe, honouring those who fought for France, Notre Dame Cathedral, then enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Our European Whirl almost at its end, we spend the evening with fellow travellers and our Travel Director, enjoying a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner Locations: Paris, Versailles
Day 12 Paris – London
Departing mainland Europe, we venture past poignant World War I battlefields to the coast where we board a ferry to Dover and travel by coach on to London where our adventure comes to an end. Meals: Breakfast Locations: Calais, Dover
Tour Highlights
Sightseeing Highlights
- ORIENTATION of Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Innsbruck, Venice and Lucerne
- VISIT St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
- VIEW the canals in Amsterdam, the Golden Roof in Innsbruck, St. Mark's Square in Venice, the ancient sites in Rome, the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne and the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
- SEE the Lorelei Rock, the vineyards of Burgundy and the Somme Battlefields
- SCENIC CRUISE along the canals of Amsterdam and the Rhine River
Price Includes
Dining Highlights
- 11 breakfasts
- 1 lunch (Be My Guest)
- 4 dinners
First class travel Highlights
- Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- The services of a Trafalgar Local Host if you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Optional Experiences and free time
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Eurostar high-speed train from London to Brussels
- London airport transfer service is available to purchase. Conditions apply. See airport transfer page for details
- Pick-up if you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar, or from the London Reception Centre
- Handcrafted Highlights
- VIP entry to many sights
Dates and Prices
2021 Departures £ prices per person based on 2 people sharing
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