A warm welcome to your Classical Europe tour. Comfortably check in on your own.(check in after 1400hrs). This afternoon assemble in the lobby at 1600 hrs. Meet your Tour Manager and fellow guests and information on the next day’s program. Start your sightseeing the next day so that you can relax after your long flight and get over your jetlag.
Today board your coach to sample our London Delights Tour! Travel back in time with a visit to the Tower of London, a historic landmark where much royal blood was spilled! The aptly named Bloody Tower and Traitor’s Gate still fascinate. The main attraction is the Jewel house, housing the incredible Crown Jewels including the Koh-i-noor diamond! Next you have a date with over 400 celebrities at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the world’s largest exhibition of life like wax models. Take a photograph with Amitabh Bachchan. Later, ride the London Eye, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel and during the gradual 30-minute flight, admire views of London. Return to your hotel.
Live history through a guided panoramic highlight tour of London city. Get acquainted with some of London’s iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge, River Thames, London Eye, Tower of London, Hyde Park, Big Ben, Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the famous Piccadilly Circus, Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square followed by the majesty of Buckingham Palace which is the Queen’s official residence. Enjoy the Changing of the Guards (on days when this takes place).Enjoy some free time at Oxford Street and then reunite in the evening at a pre-appointed time and place as informed by your Tour Manager. Next a visit to the Shri Swaminarayan Mandirthe first temple of stone to be constructed in Europe, with its luminescent white pinnacles and glittering marble pillars. Drive to Harwich to board your overnight cruise ferry to the Hook of Holland. Travelling in a ferry across the North Sea is sheer indulgence! Treat yourself to a world class maritime experience, sailing in total comfort.
Today, disembark and drive through Dutch countryside where Windmills still wield their magic. There’s a photo stop at one. If you come to Holland when tulips are in bloom (only from March 20th to May 17th) visit the famous Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. The rest of the year, visit Madurodam- an enchanting miniature city that features the best of the Netherlands. Onto Amsterdam – Clogs, Cheese and Holland are inseparable and a factory visit demonstrates this business. The canals beckon as you board a glass topped boat and glide past regal mansions, houseboats and bridges. A canal cruise in Amsterdam is a rewarding experience. Spend some free time at Dam Square with the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), the Royal Palace and the National Monument. Then drive onto Brussels. On arrival a walking Orientation tour takes you to the magnificent Gothic St. Michel and St. Gudula Cathedral. Then via Galeries Saint Hubert - the world’s first shopping mall, opened in 1847, to the Grand Place, Europe’s most beautiful square. This exquisite market square is the main tourist attraction of the city. Time permitting, shop here for world famous Belgian lace, chocolate and delicious Belgian Waffles dusted with caramelized sugar. Mmmm! Visit the Manneken Pis, (photo stop) - the cheeky statue of a boy, representing the “irreverent spirit” of Brussels, which has drawn sightseers for centuries. After dinner, drive and check into your hotel.
This morning proceed to Cologne, the metropolis on the Rhine where on arrival you will visit the Cathedral – the first Gothic church in the Rhineland with its characteristic spires. Later drive to Boppard through the Rhine valley, where there are more castles than in any other river valley in the world. Enjoy a cruise along the ‘Romantic Rhine’. The stretch of river where you can see castles, villages, and vineyards, and the Loreley where the river valley runs through dramatically elevated hillsides. You can see a statue of the Loreley near the cliff. The scenery is actually stunning. Continue your scenicdrive to Heidelberg, situated in the Valley of the River Neckar and world famous for its romantic castle and picturesque Old Town with awe inspiring surroundings. Enjoy some free time at the ‘Altstadt’ - old section of the town. Later, after dinner check into your hotel in the Rhineland Area.
Today drive through the Black Forest to arrive at Drubba, the alpine nest of the Cuckoo Clock situated in the unique Hollental (Hell’s Valley), directly at the mouth of the Ravennaschult (Ravenna Glen). Witness a demonstration to explain the making of authentic cuckoo clocks in their original form, each piece carefully crafted for precision! The Cuckoo Clock is said to have originated between 1740 and 1750 and has remained more or less unchanged in its unique design. A visit here is a memorable experience. Carry on your drive to Austria. Halt at the internationally renowned Swarovski Crystal Worlds (under renovation till April 30th. 2015) in Wattens, and prepare to be dazzled at the ‘Chambers of Wonder’! In a wondrous blue hall dominated by a Unicum - a wall of crystal, you see the world’s big gest crystal and it’s smallest! Millions of people from all corners of the globe, have already been thrilled by the Swarovski experience - now you are one of them! Enjoy a scenic drive to Innsbruck. Located on the Inn River, Innsbruck is one of Europe’s most beautiful and lively cities. An international centre for winter sports, it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice! An orientation tour introduces you to the Golden Roof or ‘Goldenes Dachl’, an ornate Gothic balcony erected by the Emperor Maximilian I decorated with gold painted copper shingles, the Imperial Church and the ‘Hofburg’ or Imperial Palace. This Capital of the Alps, has a history of 800 years ! Enjoy a continental dinner after which you check into your hotel.
Today your journey takes you on a drive past quaint villages, medieval castles and fruit orchards, cutting across the fertile Adriatic Plains, to the magical lagoon city of Venice. Nothing prepares you for the captivating city of canals and palaces – Venice is simply unique! Built on 117 small islands, it is a pedestrian’s city, so get set for a walking tour. Cruise from Tronchetto Pier and glide romantically past fairytale palaces, through incredible miniature canals to the Piazza San Marco (St. Marks Square), where you disembark. Napoleon dubbed the Square the ‘finest drawing room in Europe’ for its constant carnival atmosphere! Witness the bronze Moors striking the hour, as they have been doing for the past 500 years ! From there to the Doge’s Palace, connected by the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ to its prisons. It was from here that the legendary lover Casanova made his famous escape! This exciting tour ends with a brief visit to a Murano Glass Showroom for a demonstration in glass blowing. It was on the island of Murano that glass was first made in Europe and hand blown Venetian glass is world famous. Enjoy a Gondola ride. Enjoyment at its peak this evening. A sumptuous dinner on the return cruise to Tronchetto Pier.
Drive across the Apennine Mountains, along the Brenta River past Bologna, to Pisa, the hometown of Galileo and a city, which makes the most of its claim to fame – its Leaning Tower! It has leaned almost since construction first started, due to the swampy soil beneath it. At a photo stop here, note its striking beauty along with its characteristic tilt. It is the Duomo’s (Cathedral) Bell Tower. Together with the Baptistry, these are all a part of the Field of Miracles. Continue to Florence, a shrine to the wonders of the Renaissance, with more artistic treasures per square meter than any other city in the world! Included in your walking tour of Florence is a visit to the remarkable Duomo (when open for visitors), which is the fourth largest cathedral in the world. It dominates the city’s skyline and still defines its scale – no building in town is taller! Beside it, is the ‘Gate to Paradise’ – the heavenly gilded bronze doors of the Baptistry, originally a pagan temple and the open-air gallery in Signoria Square. Walk on the famous Ponte Vecchio, the oldest surviving bridge in the city. After an exciting tour, drive to the region of Tuscany where on arrival you will be checked into your hotel.
‘Rome was not built in a day’- the truth of this oft quoted adage hits you with full force, as we pack in all the ‘must see’ agenda into our guided panoramic city tour! According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC. Start your introduction to Rome with a journey to The Vatican the smallest nation in the world! It boasts a priceless art collection and is probably per square foot the richest country in the world! Visit the Vatican Museum, one of the largest museum complexes in the world. A must see is the Sistine Chapel. The most famous square of The Vatican is St. Peter’s Square with St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Gaze in awe at Michelangelo’s Pieta. Continue your tour driving past the triumphal Arch of Constantine, one of the most important commemorative monuments of antiquity and then drive through Piazza Venezia, where the grandiose monument to the reunification of Italy is often referred to as the Marble wedding cake ! Pass the Circus Maximus - the Hippodrome - known for its ancient chariot races, which was reconstructed by Hollywood for the well known movie ‘Ben Hur’! Pay tribute to the brave Gladiators of Rome. At this amphitheatre, the notorious and gory gladiatorial games were held, where they fought one another and wild animals while the crowd roared! Pass the ruins of the Roman Forum and end the tour at the famous Trevi Fountain (under renovation). Legend has it, that if you make a wish and toss a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, you are sure to return to Rome! We at Amazing Travel Hub look forward to that! After an exciting tour relax and enjoy your drive to the hotel after dinner. Note: Due to Rome city regulations, certain roads may be off limits for long distance coaches. This may result in the Rome sightseeing being done partly by foot / public transport.
Today sit back, relax and enjoy a spectacular scenic drive of approximately seven hours to Switzerland. Drive past beautiful views of the Alps with glimpses of Italian countryside and medieval towns. Perhaps even more amazing than the Swiss cities themselves is the countryside. Unlike its modern and rather populated cities, its countryside is formed by patches of small villages, often consisting of ancient historical houses and picturesque chalets, separated from each other by beautiful landscapes, a unique composition of mountains, farms, medieval castles and the famous Swiss cows browsing the evergreen meadows. Check into your hotel on arrival. Later exclusive optional entertainment is lined up for you. A mountain that’s all yours! We make sure that ultimate fantasy comes true with Amazing Travel Hub so exclusive, that it’s only for you! Getting there is half the fun! Wind your way uphill in a cable car, (weather permitting) with a panoramic 360 degree view. That’s not all! We top it with Disco Dancing and a sumptuous Dinner! Yes, with Amazing Travel Hub you’re constantly on a high! (In the event of bad weather and the cable car not operating a gala dinner will be organised at an alternate location instead)
Today Amazing Travel Hub gives you optional Glacier 3000 – the everlasting snow mountain, offering panoramic views of the most beautiful summits of the Alps. Ascent is by cable car to Scex Rouge (2971m). A special adrenaline kick with a wild ride on the Alpine Coaster (weather permitting), the world’s highest bobsleigh track. You can cruise along at approx. 40 km/hour and with the brakes you determine how fast you want to go. The ultimate highlight is the 520-degree loop, followed by 10 curves, 6 waves, 3 jumps and 2 bridges. The View Point (stairs) located directly behind the Restaurant Botta 3000 has a 360-degree view that includes some of the most beautiful alpine peaks - from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau to the Matterhorn - take the 107 meters Peak Walk along a suspension bridge. Later take the Ice Express to ride the snow bus over the glacier. Enjoy a hot buffet lunch. Return to Col du Pillion. Drive to Lucerne with its picturesque mountains, lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows. Pause at the poignant Lion Monument, built to commemorate the brave Swiss soldiers killed during the French Revolution. Stroll along the covered, wooden Kappellbrucke (chapel Bridge), to the ornate Jesuit Church. You will have your first encounter with the marvels of Swiss shopping. Most visitors take home two things – memories of a beautiful country and a Swiss watch. After a memorable day and dinner drive to your hotel.
The day is free, but do take advantage of our optional excursion to the Jungfra, the ‘Top of Europe’, a wonderful world of glaciers and eternal ice. Onto Jungfrau. Reach the highest altitude railway station in Europe by a charming , red cogwheel train, amid stunning and dramatic mountain scenery! What could be more tempting in this icy cold scenario than a hot Indian lunch! Walk on the great Aletsch Glacier. Visit the Sphinx Observation Terrace, at 357 1. The new Cinema Experience and the new Alpine sensation are attractions, enroute to the glistening Ice Palace. Descend to visit the popular holiday resort of Interlaken, cradled cozily between the beautiful Lakes of Brienz and Thun, where even today you see horse-drawn carriages. Indulge in some shopping. Next to a virtually unlimited selection of watches and jewellery, every store carries a vast array of small famous brand gifts and souvenirs, priced for every pocket. Note: Guests not availing the optional to Jungfrau will get a packed dinner.
Enjoy a spectacular journey and experience the natural beauty and wonders of the alpine region as you enjoy a comfortable drive of approximately seven hrs. to Paris, the ‘City of Lights’. On arrival in Paris check into your hotel. Later this evening after dinner, don’t miss our Optional Gala Evening in Paris and experience the joie de vivre of ‘Gaie Paris’. This enchanted evening unfolds with a cruise on the River Seine. True bliss! We stretch the night for you with an illumination Tour. It’s magic! Sparkle over a glass of champagne and enjoy the World Famous Lido Show with extraordinary sets and extravagant costumes. Return to your hotel.
Unleash the child in you and enjoy our recommended, fun-filled excursion to Parc Astérix. Ride the 80 kmph Tonnerre de Zeus – Europe’s highest wooden roller coaster; the Goudrix, the Oxygenarium, the Transdemonium, the Menhir Express, a log flume ride with a 13 metre drop, the Grand Splatch – a rapid river ride to keep the adrenaline flowing and the latest addition of the Pharaonique. Thrilling rides and incredible shows make it a complete family attraction. (On days when we are unable to visit Parc Astérix due to it not being open to visitors we will visit the Louvre Museum). Later, visit Fragonard, an exclusive from Amazing Travel Hub. Discover Fragonard’s creations on sale at factory prices. Enjoy a guided panoramic city tour. Drive past monuments like the pyramid of the Louvre, Garnier’s Opera, the River Seine, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Élysées the Napoleanic Arc de Triomphe and the Hôtel des Invalides. End the day with a dazzling overview of the city from the 3rd level of the Eiffel Tower! After dinner return to your hotel.
Good times need never end! Your tour ends with guests departing on individual schedules for the airport or return by coach to Heathrow Terminal 3 in London by around 16.30 hrs. Relive the high points of your ‘Amazing Travel Hub Classical Europe’ tour. We are confident you will join us again sometime soon... Note: This tour may run with an alternate flow due to Operational constraints