European Discovery - Start London, End Paris, Classic Group

European Discovery - Start London, End Paris, Classic Group

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17 Days From

$7250

$7240

European Discovery - Start London, End Paris, Classic Group

17 Days Starting in London, England and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: London, Amsterdam, Würzburg, Prague, Salzburg, Venice, Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Lucerne, Paris

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

E812MZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English
From: $7250 $7240 Operator discount: -$10

NB: Prices correct on 03-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "European Discovery - Start London, End Paris, Classic Group" tour, exploring nine captivating countries. Begin in London, traveling in style via the high-speed Eurostar to Amsterdam, where you'll cruise the charming canals. Discover the rich history of Germany's Wurzburg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, then immerse yourself in Prague's vibrant culture. Experience the musical heritage of Salzburg and the romantic allure of Venice. In Rome, explore ancient wonders and savor authentic Italian cuisine in Florence and the Cinque Terre. Ascend Mount Stanserhorn in Switzerland for breathtaking views before arriving in Paris, where you'll indulge in the city's iconic sights and culinary delights. With luxurious accommodations and insightful local experts, this tour promises a seamless and enriching European adventure.

Highlights

  • Prague: Explore the Jewish Quarter and taste traditional Czech pastry, Trdelník.

  • Amsterdam: Cruise along the canals and discover 17th-century mansions.

  • Wurzburg: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wurzburg Residence.

  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Explore the best-preserved medieval town in Germany.

  • Salzburg: Visit the gardens of Mirabell Palace, featured in 'The Sound of Music'.

  • Venice: Cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs.

  • Cinque Terre: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its charming fishing villages.

  • Paris: Walk through the Montorgueil district and sample local delicacies.

Places You'll See

The Eiffel Tower

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To London

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Location: London

Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, 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.

Day 2: Depart From London By Eurostar And Onto Amsterdam

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Location: Amsterdam

Accommodation Name: Hilton, Amsterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 Dinner. 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: Legends Along The Rhine

Location: Würzburg

Accommodation Name: Maritim, Würzburg

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cross into Germany, through the Rhine Valley and into Würzburg, where there is time to stroll through the heart of the Old Town and down to the Alte Mainbrücke, the 16th century bridge over the River Main, adorned with sandstone statues. With a Local Expert, visit the imposing Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at intricate decorations and lavish staterooms boasting with French, Austrian and Venetian influences.

Day 4: Rothenburg And Golden Prague Relaxed Start

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Location: Prague

Accommodation Name: NH Collection Prague City.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most well-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Continue east to the Czech border, passing the town of Pilsen renowned for its beer, to reach the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, perhaps take a river cruise through the heart of the city?

Day 5: Prague, City Of A Hundred Spires

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Location: Prague

Accommodation Name: NH Collection Prague City.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore Prague with Insight Choice. Choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join your Local Expert through the Jewish Quarter and hear about the history, traditions and legends of the Jewish people and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry. In the afternoon, see the mighty Marienburg Fortress - the immense baroque palace of the Prince Bishops and one of the most important landmarks in Germany. Then, the city is all yours to explore. In the evening, why not enjoy an Optional Experience in the Czech countryside?

Day 6: Salzburg, City Of Mozart Relaxed Start

Location: Salzburg

Accommodation Name: Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Center

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey through the Czech Republic and continue south over the Austrian border and onto Salzburg, the city of Mozart and the ‘Sound of Music.’ A Local Expert shows you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace which includes the fountains and statues where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed. Later see Residence Square and its fountain, where Maria sings 'I Have Confidence'. Witness the imposing fortress, immense cathedral and Mozart’s birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. In the evening, experience authentic Farm-to-Table dining at a restaurant in Salzburg and enjoy the flavors of homemade dishes.

Day 7: The Tauern Mountains To Venice Relaxed Start

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Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Salzburg to shop for local marzipan specialties. Perhaps take the opportunity to marvel at impressive views atop Kehlsteinhaus - the Eagle’s Nest - a unique example of historic architecture in a stunning alpine setting? Later, stunning scenery surrounds you as you travel down the Tauern Mountains to cross the Italian border. Continue to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic, where your hotel is perfectly located in one of the quietest peaceful and authentic Venetian districts.

Day 8: The Magic Of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start

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Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. See the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace on St. Mark's Square, connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts center. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?

Day 9: Onto The Eternal City Of Rome

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Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Bettoja Massimo D'Azeglio, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Head into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria. Your journey continues as you follow the course of the Tiber to your hotel in the Eternal City of Rome. This evening, enjoy a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Admire the stunning 9th-century Byzantine mosaics illuminated for this exclusive visit as you view the legendary well and renowned chapels followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10: Rome With The Locals Relaxed Start

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Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Bettoja Massimo D'Azeglio, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces, and your morning walking tour with a Local Expert includes this in abundance. Toss a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain and see the best-preserved monument from the Roman period - the Pantheon, before enjoying free time to do as the Romans do, in Piazza Navona. Perhaps join a tour inside the Catacombs with our local expert. This evening, enjoy a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Admire the stunning 9th-century Byzantine mosaics illuminated for this exclusive visit as you view the legendary well and renowned chapels.

Day 11: The Vatican And Florence

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Location: Florence

Accommodation Name: Villa Neroli, Florence

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with your Local Expert they introduce you to 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. Enjoy fast-track entry to avoid the crowds and admire the Papal art collection. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Your travels continue through peaceful Umbria and Tuscany, to arrive at 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 an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Take time to gaze at Neptune and David as you explore the historic city center.

Day 12: The Cinque Terre

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Location: Cinque Terre

Accommodation Name: B and B Park Hotel Suiss, Santa Margherita Ligure

Meals Included: Breakfast

The famous Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre are a highlight of your journey. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat (weather permitting). Spend time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. Continue on to your resort in Santa Margherita Ligure. Savor authentic Italian cuisine with a delicious dinner.

Day 13: Across The Alps To Lucerne

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Location: Lucerne

Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Pass Milan as you head north for the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world. Travel alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, down to scenic Lake Lucerne, where you are leisure for the rest of the afternoon.

Day 14: Lucerne’S Lakes And Mountains

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Location: Lucerne

Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Take 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. Upon return to Lucerne, see the town'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. Then, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit church. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for fine watches and delectable chocolates. Tonight, enjoy a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.

Day 15: Sights And Delights Of Paris

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Location: Paris

Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey through the rural French country side of Burgundy, 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 16: The Food And Flavors Of Paris

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Location: Paris

Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your exploration of Paris today starts 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, indulge in refined French cuisine during your Celebration Dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole, frequently visited by the French entertainer Josephine Baker.

Day 17: Au Revoir Paris

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Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bid farewell to your traveling companions as your journey comes to an end. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Enjoy comfortable stays in well-located hotels throughout the tour, including charming accommodations in Venice, Lucerne, and Paris, ensuring a restful experience after each day's adventures.

  • Travel and Transport

    Travel in style with high-speed Eurostar trains, luxurious air-conditioned coaches with double legroom, and scenic boat rides, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey across Europe.

  • Dining

    16 Breakfasts and 7 Dinners with Wine are included in the tour.

  • Additional Included Highlights

    Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes and porterage charges, luggage handling, Insight Flourish local specialties, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi, and scheduled airport transfers are included.

  • Insight Experiences

    Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit in Rome.

  • Well-being

    Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences and personal expenses are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with high-speed Eurostar trains, luxurious air-conditioned coaches with double legroom, and scenic boat rides, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey across Europe.

Dining Summary

  • 16 Breakfast (B)
  • 7 Dinner with Wine (DW)

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.

Insight Experiences

  • 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.

Travel Director

  • "One food I really love introducing my guests to is tramezzini sandwiches because they are a real art form in Venice. For the locals it is a quick inexpensive bite to get them through the day...best eaten standing up at the bar!"
  • "It's magical to see how a group of guests comes together over the course of our trip. I can always tell when that's happening because suddenly the enthusiasm is palpable."
  • "Paris is truly a delight to all the senses – seeing the iconic architecture, hearing about the history, smelling the wonderful bakeries and tasting the local specialties during our foodie walk."

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes several unique experiences such as witnessing the ancient skill of glassblowing in Venice, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wurzburg Residence, and enjoying exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome during an after-hours visit.

  • What are some of the dining experiences offered on this tour?

    The tour offers a variety of dining experiences including a Welcome Dinner in Amsterdam, authentic Farm-to-Table dining in Salzburg, a Dine-Around Evening in Lucerne, and a Celebration Dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole in Paris.

  • How does the tour support sustainable travel practices?

    The tour supports sustainable travel practices by including experiences such as a visit to a glassblowing workshop in Venice, which supports the survival of traditional crafts, and a journey to Mount Stanserhorn on a solar-powered cable car, which supports clean energy and conservation efforts.

  • What are some of the highlights of the Prague visit?

    In Prague, you can choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit St. Vitus Cathedral or explore the Jewish Quarter with a Local Expert. You can also taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry, and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Paris?

    In Paris, you will explore iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe. You can also choose to explore the Montorgueil district or join a local food lover to sample local treats. The tour concludes with a Celebration Dinner at La Coupole.

  • 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

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Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

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Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD 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.