Tour European Discovery (Classic, Start Amsterdam, End Paris, 16

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Transport

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. 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.

Accommodation

Würzburg: The Maritim Hotel Würzburg is situated directly in front of the banks of the river Maine and offers views of the imposing Marienberg fortress. Salzburg: Combining historic substance and modern architecture, the ARCOTEL Castellani is located in green surroundings and only a 15-minute walk from the centre of Salzburg. It features a large garden including a Baroque chapel and a 400-year old linden tree. Venice: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio Venice is a hotel with traditional and modern elements complete with a door opening onto a canal. Florence: Hotel Londra is an elegant hotel situated right in the heart of Florence. Rapallo: The Grand Hotel Bristol Resort and Spa is a classic property, overlooking the Mediterranean and offering spacious rooms decorated in the Art Nouveau style.

Others

Choose between two carefully selected activities Prague: Stroll through the Jewish Quarter with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Prague, and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry. Prague: Explore Prague with your local expert, walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. The city is then yours to explore. Maybe take a river cruise through the heart of the city or walk in the footsteps of kings along the Royal Route? Czechs are passionate about their beer, so be sure to try the local pilsners together with hearty Czech cuisine. Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc’s spectacular jardin vertical ’oasis d’Aboukir’, the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc. Paris: Join a local food lover on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way. 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. 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. Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop’s master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit. 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. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 15: Affordable and Clean Energy & Life on Land. Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century. Wurzburg: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Würzburg Residence. Wurzburg: Stand on the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke and see the Marienburg fortress. Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the best-preserved medieval town in Germany and a truly enchanting destination. Step back in time and explore the city walls, towers, and gates around the old town as well as the old town itself. Salzburg: Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in ’The Sound of Music.’ You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart’s birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you through vibrant backstreets, showing you how modern life takes place around ancient treasures. Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods. Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with dedicated time to explore one of the charming fishing villages. Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit. Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge. Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. "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." Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Guide

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark’s Square and see the Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark’s Basilica. Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.

Meals

7 Dinner with Wine (DW) 15 Breakfast (B) Amsterdam: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam for a delightful Welcome Dinner, served with wine. Salzburg: Experience authentic Farm-to-Table dining and enjoy the flavors of homemade Austrian dishes. Lucerne: Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening and hand-pick your preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience. Paris: Rendezvous with your newfound friends at La Coupole for a rousing dinner with wine.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Amsterdam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam, enjoy a day of leisure. Join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner. Mingle and get to know your fellow travelers as you cruise along some of the many 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 2 Day 2: Legends Along The Rhine
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Legends Along The Rhine

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 3 Day 3: Rothenburg And Golden Prague Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Rothenburg And Golden Prague Relaxed Start

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 4 Day 4: Prague, City Of A Hundred Spires
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Prague, City Of A Hundred Spires

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 5 Day 5: Salzburg, City Of Mozart Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Salzburg, City Of Mozart Relaxed Start

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 6 Day 6: The Tauern Mountains To Venice Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: The Tauern Mountains To Venice Relaxed Start

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 7 Day 7: The Magic Of ’La Serenissima’ Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: The Magic Of ’La Serenissima’ Relaxed Start

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 8 Day 8: Onto The Eternal City Of Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Onto The Eternal City Of Rome

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 dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9 Day 9: Rome With The Locals Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Rome With The Locals Relaxed Start

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 10 Day 10: The Vatican And Florence
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: The Vatican And Florence

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. Next door, visit St. Peter’s Basilica to admire Michelangelo’s emotive ’Pieta’ and see Bernini’s intricately carved Papal Altar. 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 11 Day 11: The Cinque Terre
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: The Cinque Terre

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 by train to Levanto, then on to your resort in Rapallo. Savor authentic Italian cuisine with a delicious dinner.
Day 12 Day 12: Across The Alps To Lucerne
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Across The Alps To Lucerne

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 13 Day 13: Lucerne’S Lakes And Mountains
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Lucerne’S Lakes And Mountains

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 14 Day 14: Sights And Delights Of Paris
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Sights And Delights Of Paris

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 15 Day 15: The Food And Flavors Of Paris
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: The Food And Flavors Of Paris

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 16 Day 16: Au Revoir Paris
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Au Revoir Paris

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

+13

16 days tour

European Discovery (Classic, Start Amsterdam, End Paris, 16

This tour includes:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip European Discovery (Classic, Start Amsterdam, End Paris, 16

Day 1: Welcome To Amsterdam

Day 2: Legends Along The Rhine

Day 3: Rothenburg And Golden Prague Relaxed Start

Day 4: Prague, City Of A Hundred Spires

Day 5: Salzburg, City Of Mozart Relaxed Start

Day 6: The Tauern Mountains To Venice Relaxed Start

Day 7: The Magic Of ’La Serenissima’ Relaxed Start

Day 8: Onto The Eternal City Of Rome

Day 9: Rome With The Locals Relaxed Start

Day 10: The Vatican And Florence

Day 11: The Cinque Terre

Day 12: Across The Alps To Lucerne

Day 13: Lucerne’S Lakes And Mountains

Day 14: Sights And Delights Of Paris

Day 15: The Food And Flavors Of Paris

Day 16: Au Revoir Paris

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