European Grandeur - Start Paris, Return Eurostar, Classic Group
European Grandeur - Start Paris, Return Eurostar, Classic Group
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European Grandeur - Start Paris, Return Eurostar, Classic Group
26 Days Starting in Paris, France and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, San Sebastián, Madrid, Barcelona, Nice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Vatican City, Venice, Ljubljana, Maribor, Graz, Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vaduz, Lucerne, Mount Stanserhorn, Rhine Valley, Königswinter, Amsterdam, Brussels, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E915UM126
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "European Grandeur - Start Paris, Return Eurostar, Classic Group" tour, exploring the heart of Europe across 13 captivating countries. Begin your adventure in Paris, where you can indulge in local delicacies and explore iconic landmarks. Travel through the picturesque landscapes of the Loire Valley, the vibrant streets of Barcelona, and the historic charm of Rome. Experience the elegance of Vienna, the romance of Venice, and the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps. Delight in authentic dining experiences, from pintxos in San Sebastián to a celebration dinner in Amsterdam. With guided tours, cultural insights, and sustainable travel experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, culminating in a scenic Eurostar journey back to London.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals Included: Dinner
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: Paris, The City Of Light
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Onto Bordeaux
Location: Loire Valley, Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Novotel Gare St Jean, Bordeaux
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 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 in-land port of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character.
Day 4: Bordeaux And San Sebastián
Location: Bordeaux, San Sebastián
Accommodation Name: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián
Meals Included: Dinner
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 contributed to Bordeaux earning 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: On To Madrid Relaxed Start
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza España, Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue through the mountains and gorges of the north and emerge from the tunnel in the Sierra de Guadarrama onto 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: Madrid Relaxed Start
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza España, Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Madrid And Beautiful Barcelona
Location: Madrid, Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Barcelona, City Of Gaudi Relaxed Start
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Expert for a view of the Gothic Quarter and the cathedral. Travel by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Grà cia, adorned with some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada FamÃlia.
Day 9: Journey To The French Riviera
Location: Nice
Meals Included: Dinner
Journey around the Mediterranean Sea to the elegant French Riviera. Arrive in Nice and glory in the unforgettable moment you see the Bay of Angels. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and take in the atmosphere of the Côte d'Azur of one of Europe's popular, cosmopolitan playgrounds.
Day 10: On The Shores Of Nice & Monaco
Location: Nice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the morning at your leisure to relax on the beach or stroll through the Old Town. Later, explore Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through Monaco-ville the oldest district of the Principality of Monaco. 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.
Day 11: Pisa And Florence
Location: Pisa, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Continue through Tuscany to the captivating city of Florence.
Day 12: Renaissance Florence Relaxed Start
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Villa Neroli, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals Included: Dinner
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: Exploring Papal Rome
Location: Vatican City, Rome
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Rome At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Autostrada Del Sole To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals Included: Dinner
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: The Magic Of La Serenissima
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Venice To Elegant Ljubljana Relaxed Start
Location: Venice, Ljubljana
Accommodation Name: Lev Ljubljana
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Ljubljana To Vienna
Location: Ljubljana, Maribor, Graz, Vienna
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the Drava River to reach the 700-year-old university town of Maribor. Continue past Graz through Styria's forested mountains and on to Vienna.
Day 20: Vienna And The Habsburgs Relaxed Start
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Salzburg And Onto Innsbruck
Location: Salzburg, Innsbruck
Accommodation Name: AC, Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Liechtenstein To Lucerne Relaxed Start
Location: Vaduz, Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Tonight, enjoy a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
Day 23: Lucerne And Mt Stanserhorn
Location: Mount Stanserhorn, Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Dinner
In the morning, explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels takes you up to 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, 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.
Day 24: Legends Along The Rhine
Location: Rhine Valley, Königswinter
Accommodation Name: Maritim, Königswinter
Meals Included: Dinner
Enjoy travelling through Germany and follow the Rhine Valley north to Königswinter.
Day 25: The Canals Of Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Apollo, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Dinner
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: Return To London
Location: Brussels, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, travel to Brussels for your high-speed Eurostar train journey. On arrival, you are transferred to the Insight London hotel where your trip ends.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Paris and Vienna.
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Top Rated Highlights
Visit iconic landmarks such as Chateau Chenonceau, Sagrada FamÃlia, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa with local experts.
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Make Travel Matter
Participate in experiences that support sustainable development goals, such as glassblowing in Venice and conservation talks at Mount Stanserhorn.
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Authentic Dining
Enjoy local dining experiences in Paris, San Sebastián, Avignon, Venice, Lucerne, and Amsterdam.
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Insight Choice
Explore local culture and cuisine with guided tours and tastings in Paris and Vienna.
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Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage, and complimentary Wi-Fi are included.
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Insight Experiences
Exclusive access to cultural sites such as the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid and the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome.
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Well-being
Travel in comfort with luxurious, air-conditioned coaches, onboard washroom, and physical distancing measures.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as excursions to Pompeii and Lake Bled are not included.
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Flights
International flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with luxurious, air-conditioned coaches featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom facilities. Enjoy a high-speed Eurostar train journey from Brussels to London, and experience scenic drives through Europe's picturesque landscapes.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Marriott Rive Gauche in Paris, Novotel Gare St Jean in Bordeaux, Barceló Costa Vasca in San Sebastián, Riu Plaza España in Madrid, Hilton in Barcelona, and other premium hotels across Europe, ensuring a restful experience throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 8 Dinner (D)
- 25 Breakfast (B)
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
- 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.
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
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What unique experiences are included in the tour to support sustainable development?
The tour includes experiences that support sustainable development goals, such as witnessing the ancient skill of glassblowing in Venice, which supports the survival of this traditional craft, and a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger at Mount Stanserhorn, which supports clean energy and life on land.
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What dining experiences can I expect during the tour?
You can expect a variety of authentic dining experiences, including a delightful dinner in Paris, an evening of pintxos in San Sebastián, cocktails and dinner in Venice, a Dine-Around Evening in Lucerne, and a Celebration Dinner in Amsterdam.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences available, such as excursions to Pompeii and Lake Bled, which are not included in the tour package.
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What are some of the top-rated highlights of the tour?
Top-rated highlights include visiting iconic landmarks such as Chateau Chenonceau, Sagrada FamÃlia, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa with local experts.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides luxurious, air-conditioned coaches with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.
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What is the focus of the 'Make Travel Matter' experiences on this tour?
The 'Make Travel Matter' experiences focus on supporting sustainable development goals, such as learning about traditional glassblowing in Venice and participating in conservation talks at Mount Stanserhorn.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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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.
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