 Heart of Europe® Grand
22-day tour featuring Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France & England
Tour Description
Take in all the fabulous sights from our signature Heart of Europe® Circle tour including medieval villages and scenic mountain vistas while adding Rome, Pisa, Florence, Tuscany, an extra day in Paris, London. You will see it all on the Heart of Europe® Grand Tour!
Included Features
Meals - In addition to any meals you may be served during your flights to and from Europe, the tour price includes 20 breakfasts and 12 dinners during the land portion of the tour.
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| Details | | Image Tours | | Offer valid through 9/27/2012 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Overnight Flight to Europe | Overnight Flight to Europe.
Today brings the beginning of a new adventure . . . anticipation heightens as you realize that your trip of a lifetime is about to begin! Refer to "Preparing for your Departure" in your Final Documents for easy check-in procedures. Take time to relax on your trans-Atlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details. | | Day 2 | Amsterdam | HOLLAND . . Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - Dutch Lowlands - Lelystad.
As morning arrives, the European coastline comes into view and your plane soon touches down at the Amsterdam "Schiphol" Airport. Disembark, clear passport control, claim your suitcase, and pass through customs. Your "Arrival Instructions" will tell you how to get to the "Meeting Point", and at what time your tour manager will meet you there. Board your deluxe motor coach for a pleasant drive through the neatly-groomed Dutch lowlands. Much of the Dutch countryside is at or below sea level and is characterized by canals, dikes, and windmills. Continue to your hotel in Lelystad, which is situated on reclaimed land, known as a "Polder". Your twonight stay in Holland will introduce you to Dutch "gezelligheid", a kind, convivial, comfortable feeling, as you will experience in the days ahead. Time allowing, the tour manager may offer a late afternoon excursion to one of the old-world villages nearby. This evening, enjoy the "Welcome to Europe/Get-acquainted" dinner at the hotel with your fellow tour members. (Dinner) | | Day 3 | Lelystad | HOLLAND . . Country Stay in Lelystad.
This day is all yours to spend as you like. Communicating is no problem, as English is widely spoken. Consider taking advantage of Holland's efficient bus and railway network to a myriad of interesting places, many of them less than an hour away. Bikes are available for rent in many cities. There's also a full-day optional "Grand Holland" excursion, featuring a kaleidoscopic overview of Holland, including the unique countryside, a picturesque Dutch village, and an afternoon in Amsterdam, one of the great cities of the world. In the evening, return to your hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 4 | Heerlen | BELGIUM . . Antwerp & HOLLAND . . Margraten American Military Cemetery - Heerlen.
This morning you will cross three major rivers on your way to Belgium's "province" (state) of "Flanders" and its capital, Antwerp, known for its lively atmosphere and cozy outdoor cafes. Join a short orientation walk and explore the old city center. Be sure to try the Belgian waffles. There are also fine lace and irresistible chocolate shops in the area around the city's colorful Grand Square. Next, head for the hilly Ardennes region of eastern Belgium. For many Americans, the stop at the Margraten American Military Cemetery is an emotional experience. The graves of over 8,000 American servicemen stand in everlasting memory to the sacrifices of World War II. For the location of specific graves, write to: The American Battle Monuments Commission, Washington, DC 20314. You will spend the night in Heerlen, situated at the conjunction of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 5 | Schriesheim | GERMANY . . Rhine Cruise - Heidelberg Castle & Old Town - Schriesheim.
Guten Morgen! In Germany, some of your travel will be on the "Autobahn", the first state-of-theart superhighway system, which was expanded by Hitler. Near Koblenz, leave the Autobahn and wind through the Rhine River Valley to Boppard. A pleasure boat awaits you for an upstream cruise on this great, romantic river. You will glide past endearing villages, a variety of castles, and hillside vineyards known for producing the distinctive Rhine wines. Near the end of your cruise, you will pass by the treacherous Loreley Rock. Legend has it that the bewitching chant of a fair maiden sent boatmen crashing into the rock. The cruise ends at St. Goar, a characteristic wine village. Continue to Heidelberg, idyllically situated on the Neckar River and dominated by the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. This historic university town is considered by many to embody the spirit of Germany. Your tour manager will accompany you on a walking tour of the "Old Town". Following your visit to Heidelberg, proceed to the neighboring village of Schriesheim, your home-away-from-home for tonight. The hotel will serve dinner shortly after your arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 6 | Adelsried | GERMANY . . Medieval Rothenburg - Romantic Road - Adelsried.
This morning, enjoy a leisurely ride to the enchanting, storybook town of Rothenburg; a beautifullypreserved, medieval village surrounded by the original town walls and without a single modern building in sight. You will feel like you are walking into a fairy tale when you see the narrow cobblestone streets, historic inns, and quaint shop fronts. During your free time, climb to the top of the "Rathaus" Bell Tower for a bird's-eye view of the city, walk atop the old city walls, check out the Medieval Criminal Museum which exhibits tools of punishment from more draconian times, or stroll through the castle gardens overlooking the River Tauber. Delightful shopping awaits you at Kathe Wohlfahrt's "Weihnachtsdorf", a sprawling, year-round Christmas shop. Your afternoon journey leads south on the "Romantic Road". This area is rich in unspoiled countryside, historic castles, and medieval villages. Enjoy dinner tonight at your hotel in Adelsried. Your meal will be enlivened by accordion music. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 7 | Innsbruck | GERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck - Stubaital Valley.
It's just 60 kilometers (37½ miles) to Munich, the elegant capital of Bavaria. You will enter the city via the Olympic Village, the Bohemian district of Schwabing, Victory Gate and the stately buildings which line the Ludwig Strasse (street). The focal point is "Marien Platz" (square) with its captivating "Glockenspiel" show at 11:00 a.m. For lunch, consider the "Hofbrauhaus", a one-of-a-kind beer hall, which exudes an "Oktoberfest" atmosphere year-round. The Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone where the old city gates and historic buildings are cleverly interspersed with attractive, modern store fronts. After lunch, head south to the Austrian border and travel along the Inn River as it winds its way through the Alps to the Imperial City of Innsbruck, capital of the Tyrol and two-time host of the Winter Olympics. The Inn River and the surrounding mountains are a stunning setting. See the Imperial Church, the Golden Roof, the Maria Theresia Boulevard, and the Triumphal Gate. Innsbruck owes its architectural beauty to Maximilian I, who ruled 500 years ago (and became Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire). A short distance from Innsbruck lies the Stubaital Valley, where you will spend the next two nights in a chalet-style hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 8 | Innsbruck | AUSTRIA . . Alpine Resort Village in the Stubaital Valley near Innsbruck.
The Stubaital Valley provides the perfect location for a relaxing day. Dotted along the valley are the resort villages of Telfes, Fulpmes, and Neustift all leading to the impressive Stubai Glacier. A scenic tram ride offers easy and direct access into Innsbruck. Another choice for the day is the optional "Bavarian Palace" excursion. Try a local restaurant for your independent dinner or join the optional "Tyrolean Show & Dinner" for an evening of authentic Austrian folklore, music and dancing. (Breakfast) | | Day 9 | Bussolengo | ITALY . . Dolomite Mountains - Lake Garda - Verona - Bussolengo.
Enter Italy via the "Europa Bruecke (Bridge)", a remarkable feat of mountain highway engineering through the alluring "Dolomites", a mountain range that is known for its reddish appearance. After the customary morning break, you are in for a special treat as you descend to Italy's largest lake, beautiful Lake Garda. In some places, the rocky shores seem to rise straight up from the lake. Its sheltered location gives the area a subtropical climate, rich in vegetation, including oleander bushes, olive groves, laurel and fruit trees, and grapes which produce some of the famous Italian wines. An extended stop affords ample opportunity to stroll along the lake front, browse through the quaint markets, and enjoy an Italian ice cream (gelato). From here, it's a short ride to the legendary city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare's tragic story of "Romeo & Juliet". Our hotel for tonight is in nearby Bussolengo. There will be two transfers from Verona to your hotel, one at 6:00 p.m. and one at 8:00 p.m. (Breakfast) | | Day 10 | Bussolengo | ITALY . . Venice - Bussolengo near Verona.
Today features a full day visit to the romantic city of Venice, famous for its canals and bridges, colorful gondoliers, and magnificent St. Mark's Square. All transportation is done exclusively over water. So, like the Venetians, we take a boat ride to the center. A guided walking tour follows, ending with a visit to a glass-blowing work shop where highly-skilled artisans craft anything from delicate figurines to grand, multicolored chandeliers. If you have your heart set on gliding through the canals, the cost is about $45 per person based on six people per gondola. The day provides ample time to marvel at the architecture of the San Marco Basilica, the Doges' Palace, and the Clock Tower. Have dinner at a pizzeria or join your tour manager at a characteristic restaurant for the optional "Venice Dinner". After a memorable day of sightseeing, return to Bussolengo to spend the night. (Breakfast) | | Day 11 | Rome | ITALY . . Rome
Behold the countryside of central Italy, characterized by the golden, rolling hills and lush olive groves of Tuscany, with its romantic, sleepy villages, while you travel south on the Italian "Autostrada del Sol" (Highway of the Sun) to Rome, "La Citta Eterna" (The Eternal City). As legend has it, Rome was built on seven hills by Romulus and Remus. The city bursts with history, while at the same time being vibrant and modern. Rome is also a romantic city, as attested by such great movies as "La Dolce Vita" and "Roman Holiday". While in Rome, do not pass up a chance to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain of "Three Coins in a Fountain" lore. Dinner is served shortly after your arrival at your Rome area hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 12 | Rome | ITALY . . Rome.
The entire day is devoted to the wonders of Rome. This is an energetic, modern metropolis, yet proudly protective of its abundant historical sites, crowned by the Colosseum (Roman Arena) which dates back to 80 B.C. During the city sightseeing tour, see the Trajan and Roman Forums, the Arch of Constantine, and the Colosseum. The afternoon is free for individual pursuits. There is so much to see and do in this great city, which also houses the Vatican City, a city within the city of Rome. The tour manager will offer an optional "Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel" excursion to the Vatican City, including the stunning St. Peter's Basilica. Choose from over 2,000 restaurants for an independent dining experience, or join the optional "Rome Dinner" excursion. (Breakfast) | | Day 13 | Terme | ITALY . . Rome - Montecatini-Terme.
Return to Rome for further exploration this morning. The best way to see more of this marvelous city is on foot. Discover the architectonic beauty of the Eternal City by walking from the Piazza Venezia to the Trevi Fountain. Continue to the famous Via Veneto on which stands "Santa Maria della Concesione". After independent lunch, take the Autostrada north into the appealing Tuscany region where you will spend two nights in the delightful spa resort town of Montecatini-Terme. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 14 | Terme | ITALY . . Pisa - Florence - Montecatini-Terme.
After breakfast and a short drive, you will be standing in front of the intriguing Leaning Tower of Pisa. Next, you will travel to Florence. Start your free time on the Ponte Vecchio, a gathering point for Florentines and visitors alike. Marvel at the architectural masterpieces on the nearby Piazza del Duomo, the Baptistry with its renowned bronze doors by Ghiberti and Giotto's "Campanille" (Bell Tower). For shoppers, Florence is known for its fashion and leather crafting. After a fulfilling afternoon of sightseeing, Montecatini-Terme welcomes you back with its pastel-tinted buildings on palm-lined streets. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 15 | Lake Lucerne Region | SWITZERLAND . . Lake Lugano - Gotthard Pass - Lake Lucerne Region.
Travel north past Milan, the principal industrial city of Italy, towards the unsurpassed splendor of the Italian and Swiss lake districts. As you enter Switzerland, feast your eyes on pretty villas with snow-capped peaks looming in the distance. Often referred to as the "Rio de Janeiro of the Old Continent", Lugano, Switzerland is the perfect spot for a lunch break. In the afternoon, the 11-mile-long St. Gotthard Tunnel takes you from the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland into the larger German-speaking region. Traveling through William Tell country and along the edge of gorgeous Lake Lucerne, the serene beauty of the Swiss Alps comes alive. The towering peaks of Rigi and Pilatus, standing guard over this vast water basin, create one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Spend the night in one of the cozy villages in the Lake Lucerne Region. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 16 | Lake Lucerne Region | SWITZERLAND . . Stans - Lucerne - Lake Lucerne Region.
First, stop in the old mountain village of Stans with an option to take a funicular up "Mount Stanserhorn" (see "Swiss Mountain" excursion), during which you will enjoy some of the most incredible alpine vistas. Next, motor along the lake to the city of Lucerne to see such sights as the Old City Wall and the famous Lion Monument in the Glacier Garden. This inspiring stone carving, hewn out of natural rock, commemorates the heroic death of Swiss soldiers who defended Louis the XVI during the French Revolution. The rest of the day is yours to explore, or to simply relax on one of the lovely lake shore promenades. Lucerne is also a shoppers paradise. You will enjoy browsing through displays of wood-carved music boxes, delicate Swiss lace, delicious chocolates and Switzerland's world famous watches. Another choice for your free time is a visit to the Swiss Transport Museum, the largest museum of its type in Europe. Venture out for dinner on your own or join the "Swiss Lake Boat Ride & Dinner" optional. (Breakfast) | | Day 17 | Auxerre | FRANCE . . Burgundy Wine Region - Beaune - Auxerre.
The church bells usher in another glorious day. Follow the Swiss Autobahn to Basel, strategically located where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet and where the Rhine River becomes navigable. The mountains give way to hilltop villages and rustic vineyards. Visit Beaune, center of Burgundy wine country and one of the best preserved medieval cities in this area. Take time for independent lunch, browse the local wine shops, or visit the intriguing "Hospices Museum", built in the 15th century as a hospital for the destitute, now housing items used in hospitals in the Middle Ages, as well as an impressive collection of furniture, pottery, paintings and tapestries. The museum is also known for its striking architecture. Following the extended visit to Beaune, continue to Auxerre, idyllically situated on the Yonne River, and conveniently located for minimum travel time to Paris the next morning. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 18 | Paris | FRANCE . . Paris.
By midmorning, you will reach Paris, "La Ville Lumiere" (The City of Light). What a thrill it is to enter this vivacious city, rich in history, art and architecture. A brief acclimation will bring you to the Statue of Joan of Arc, adjacent to the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. Your tour manager will tell you about the location of the principal sights and stores, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, the Opera, the famous "Galleries Lafayette" department store, and the even more famous Champs Elysees. Before beginning your free time, we suggest joining your tour manager for the optional "Seine River Cruise" excursion for unsurpassed views of some of the city's major sights. This afternoon provides time to sightsee on your own; visiting museums (the Louvre Museum is open every day except Tuesday), exploring the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral, or shopping. At 4:30 p.m. transfer to the hotel. If your visit to Paris is incomplete without experiencing a nightclub, consider the optional "Paris Dinner & Cabaret Show" excursion. (Breakfast) | | Day 19 | Paris | FRANCE . . Paris.
A full free day to continue your exploration of one of the world's trendiest cities. With so much to see and do, you need to prioritize your interests, from shopping, visiting museums, going up to Montmartre where Paris looks like it does in old paintings and street artists still display their works, or any other special interests you may have. Shopping enthusiasts will be thrilled with the fashionable boutiques and department stores surrounding the Opera. Spend the entire afternoon and evening following your personal interests in Paris, or join your tour manager on an optional "Paris Evening" excursion with dinner at a characteristic French bistro in the heart of Paris. (Breakfast) | | Day 20 | London | ENGLAND . . London.
After breakfast, take the high-speed Eurostar train under the English Channel and into London in just three hours. Upon arrival, a motor coach and local guide are waiting to introduce you to the famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower of London, the River Thames, Piccadilly Circus, and Hyde Park. After the tour, transfer to your hotel for check-in and dinner. Tomorrow, the British capital will be entirely yours to explore as you wish. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 21 | London | ENGLAND . . London.
Spend the day pursuing your personal interests. The ideal way to tour London is to purchase a double decker hop-on/ hop-off day pass (approximately £20), giving you access to popular attractions at over 90 stops! If you wish to see the Changing of the Guard, check with the hotel because performances are limited to 11:30 a.m. on select dates posted one month in advance and subject to special events or weather. Stop at the famous Harrods department store or Madame Tussauds with its life-like wax figures. The tour manager will offer an optional excursion including the "Tower of London & Thames Cruise". London offers many independent dining and entertainment opportunities, or join your tour manager for an exciting optional "London Dinner & Theatre" excursion. (Breakfast) | | Day 22 | Daytime Flight back to the U.S.A. | Daytime Flight back to the U.S.A.
Transfer to the London airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast) |
| | | The above departures reflect Land-Only per person pricing and TWIN pricing is based upon double occupancy. Any early booking discounts available will be reflected in the summary price after you pick your departure date, your accommodation type, and any additional options in the following steps. Please choose a departure date to continue pricing the tour. |
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