Tour European Grandeur (Classic, Start Paris, End Amsterdam, 26 D

Meals

8 Dinner with Wine (DW) 25 Breakfast (B) Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of the city for a delightful dinner served with wine. San Sebastián: Enjoy an evening of pintxos, dining with locals in this Basque tradition. Your delicious dinner includes a wide variety of finger food delicacies, each with their own regional flavour, flair and presentation. Avignon: At a local farm learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce before indulging in a farm-to-table dinner of traditional French home-style cuisine. Venice: In St Marks Square at sunset, long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels, sip cocktails canal-side before dinner at a local restaurant. 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. Amsterdam: Toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.

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.

Guide

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. Monaco City: Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbour. Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city. 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. Maribor: Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture. Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.

Others

Choose between two carefully selected activities 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. 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 theatres, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighbourhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc’s spectacular jardin vertical ’oasis d’Aboukir’, the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc. Vienna: Visit Capuchins’ Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna. Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialities of coffee and Sachertorte. 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. Madrid: Visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian and see Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica, one of the world’s greatest anti-war paintings. Alternatively, join a neighbourhood walking tour to discuss social equity empowerment and learn about the history of women’s movements in Spain. 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. Rhineland: The beautiful scenery of the Rhine River is punctuated by the many castles dotted along its banks. Delight in a private estate viewing of one of these Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments located along the Middle Rhine. 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. Chateau Chenonceau: Visit the majestic Château de Chenonceau, known as the ’Ladies’ Château’ it perfectly embodies the elegance of 16th century design in the Loire Valley. Bordeaux: Your Local Expert will show you the quayside facades, Grand Theatre, Triangle d’Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces. San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion. Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família. Avignon: View the Pont d’Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes. Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera. Monaco City: Explore inside Monaco Cathedral. Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles. Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the Multi-coloured 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. Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge. Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Expert reveals why this is the historic core of the city. You will also tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche. 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. Vaduz: Admire the Royal family’s residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains. Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge. 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. Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Accommodation

Paris: Located on the Left Bank of the River Seine, Paris Marriott Rive Gauche hotel is a modern property offering luxurious accommodation within close proximity to the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Bordeaux: The modern Pullman Bordeaux Lac is located on the lakefront and surrounded by vineyards. Madrid: The unique Sercotel Gran Hotel Conde Duque near the Gran via of Madrid provides a lovely base for exploration of Madrid. Avignon: The Cloître Saint-Louis has been recently-renovated and was originally a 16th century Jesuit building and a military hospital. Nice: The Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice is set on a stunning seafront location along the famous Promenade des Anglais. Rome: The Veneto Palace Hotel is located in the monumental and unique scenery of ancient Rome, not far from Piazza di Spagna, the Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese, which is the largest park in central Rome. The guest rooms offer a classic style that blends in perfect harmony with the style of the building. Venice: A hotel with traditional and modern elements, the Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio is complete with a door opening onto a canal. Vienna: Set in the heart of Vienna and featuring contemporary decor, the award-winning Hilton Vienna hotel is one of Austria’s premier hotels. Lucerne: The Hotel Astoria is sat in the middle of all Lucerne has to offer, with magnificent mountains and astonishing culture. Amsterdam The Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam is a five-star, Art Nouveau-style hotel, conveniently located minutes from the city centre and offering breathtaking views over the canal.

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.

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

Day 1: Welcome To Paris

Welcome to Paris, enjoy time at leisure to settle into your hotel. During your time here you will see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe. Later, join your Travel Director at a local brasserie in the heart of Paris for a fabulous dinner.
Day 2 Day 2: Paris, The City Of Light
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Paris, The City Of Light

Your exploration of Paris today begins with an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, 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. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city.
Day 3 Day 3: Onto Bordeaux
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Onto Bordeaux

Head southwards towards Châteaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known as the Jardins de France for the beautifully maintained gardens that were created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenonceau Castle, an elegant French château spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling seaport of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character.
Day 4 Day 4: Bordeaux And San Sebastián
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Bordeaux And San Sebastián

Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France’s best 18th century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d’Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contribured to Bordeaux earn inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián where you will have the chance to dine with the locals in the evening. In small groups, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine.
Day 5 Day 5: On To Madrid Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: On To Madrid Relaxed Start

Continue along the Guadarrama Mountains to the plateau of New Castile and Spain’s elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains?
Day 6 Day 6: Madrid Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Madrid Relaxed Start

Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighbourhoods in the Spanish capital. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian to see Picasso’s Guernica.
Day 7 Day 7: Madrid And Beautiful Barcelona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Madrid And Beautiful Barcelona

Cross the Castilian plain, past Zaragoza, and continue to the vibrant port of Barcelona. In the evening, why not try delicious local Catalan cuisine and as night descends, view the city from the heights of Montjuic, with lights sparkling below from the mountains to sea.
Day 8 Day 8: Barcelona, City Of Gaudi Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Barcelona, City Of Gaudi Relaxed Start

Join your Local Expert for a view of the Gothic Quarter and the cathedral. Travel by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
Day 9 Day 9: Avignon, The City Of Popes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Avignon, The City Of Popes

Journey to Avignon to see the famous Pont d’Avignon, once spanning the Rhône and immortalised in songs. Walk within the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to stand in the shadow of the old Palais des Papes, resembling a fortress. Learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce. After, indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner, a delicious insight into traditional French home-style cuisine.
Day 10 Day 10: On The Shores Of Nice
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: On The Shores Of Nice

Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or relax on the beach.
Day 11 Day 11: Monaco And Pisa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Monaco And Pisa

Travel to Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family live, the yacht-filled harbour and visit the cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Cross into Italy and follow the arc of the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. In the Square of Miracles, stop to see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa with a Local Expert, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Also see the splendid 11th century cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble.
Day 12 Day 12: Renaissance Florence Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Renaissance Florence Relaxed Start

Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there’s free time to shop or continue exploring.
Day 13 Day 13: The Eternal City Of Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: The Eternal City Of Rome

Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, before passing the Apennine Mountains to arrive at the Eternal City, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant.
Day 14 Day 14: Exploring Papal Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Exploring Papal Rome

A Local Expert introduces 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. 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. The afternoon is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe before our exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit.
Day 15 Day 15: Rome At Leisure Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Rome At Leisure Relaxed Start

Enjoy Rome at your own pace today. Perhaps take an optional experience to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps.
Day 16 Day 16: Autostrada Del Sole To Venice
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Autostrada Del Sole To Venice

Journey through peaceful Tuscan landscapes, to descend past Bologna into the fertile Valley of the River Po. Arrive at the glorious city of Venice by boat and savour a cocktail at sunset whilst you are serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 17 Day 17: The Magic Of La Serenissima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: The Magic Of La Serenissima

Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Admire the Doge’s Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre, before taking a private cruise to St. Mark’s Square where St. Mark’s Basilica exudes the city’s former wealth and power.
Day 18 Day 18: Venice To Elegant Ljubljana Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Venice To Elegant Ljubljana Relaxed Start

Depart Venice by water taxi and continue your journey to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. A Local Expert shows you Prešeren square with the Triple bridge, baroque Franciscan Church and and the lively banks of Ljubljanica river. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the tranquil shores of Lake Bled? Ride in a traditional wooden ’pletna’ across the turquoise glacial waters towards the tiny island that rises in the middle.
Day 19 Day 19: Ljubljana To Vienna
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Ljubljana To Vienna

Follow the Drava River and cross over the Slovenian border to reach the 700-year-old university town of Maribor. Continue past Graz through Styria’s forested mountains and on to Vienna.
Day 20 Day 20: Vienna And The Habsburgs Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Vienna And The Habsburgs Relaxed Start

In the morning, there is the option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Later, get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built alongside the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament. Later, join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. Visit a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialities of coffee and Sachertorte or visit Capuchins’ Crypt, the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
Day 21 Day 21: Salzburg And Onto Innsbruck
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Salzburg And Onto Innsbruck

Pass the impressive Benedictine monastery of Melk before reaching the enchanting city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and the iconic musical ’The Sound of Music’. A Local Expert will show you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, including the fountains and statues where the ’Do, Re, Mi’ scene was filmed. Cross Residence Square with its fountain, where Maria sings ’I Have Confidence’ and see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart’s birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. Perhaps join an excursion to the famous Eagle’s Nest? Continue to the mountain ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.
Day 22 Day 22: Liechtenstein To Lucerne Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Liechtenstein To Lucerne Relaxed Start

Journey past flower-filled meadows and picturesque chalet-style villages to the Principality of Liechtenstein. Spend some time in its tiny capital, Vaduz, then cross into Switzerland and through glorious mountains to lakeside Lucerne. On arrival, visit Lucerne’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.
Day 23 Day 23: Lucerne And Mt Stanserhorn
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Lucerne And Mt Stanserhorn

Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Breathe 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. With the day free, there is plenty of time for shopping for delectable chocolate and glamorous Swiss watches in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers? At night, you are offered a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
Day 24 Day 24: Legends Along The Rhine
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Legends Along The Rhine

Enjoy travelling through Germany and follow the Rhine Valley north to Königswinter.
Day 25 Day 25: The Canals Of Amsterdam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: The Canals Of Amsterdam

Delight in a private estate viewing of one of the famous Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments situated along the Middle Rhine over a glass of wine. Continue your travels to Amsterdam. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam’s Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. In the evening, toast your adventure and new-found friends during a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 26 Day 26: Depart Amsterdam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: Depart Amsterdam

After breakfast, transfers arrive at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.

+23

26 days tour

European Grandeur (Classic, Start Paris, End Amsterdam, 26 D

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip European Grandeur (Classic, Start Paris, End Amsterdam, 26 D

Day 1: Welcome To Paris

Day 2: Paris, The City Of Light

Day 3: Onto Bordeaux

Day 4: Bordeaux And San Sebastián

Day 5: On To Madrid Relaxed Start

Day 6: Madrid Relaxed Start

Day 7: Madrid And Beautiful Barcelona

Day 8: Barcelona, City Of Gaudi Relaxed Start

Day 9: Avignon, The City Of Popes

Day 10: On The Shores Of Nice

Day 11: Monaco And Pisa

Day 12: Renaissance Florence Relaxed Start

Day 13: The Eternal City Of Rome

Day 14: Exploring Papal Rome

Day 15: Rome At Leisure Relaxed Start

Day 16: Autostrada Del Sole To Venice

Day 17: The Magic Of La Serenissima

Day 18: Venice To Elegant Ljubljana Relaxed Start

Day 19: Ljubljana To Vienna

Day 20: Vienna And The Habsburgs Relaxed Start

Day 21: Salzburg And Onto Innsbruck

Day 22: Liechtenstein To Lucerne Relaxed Start

Day 23: Lucerne And Mt Stanserhorn

Day 24: Legends Along The Rhine

Day 25: The Canals Of Amsterdam

Day 26: Depart Amsterdam

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