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Highlights of Europe - Start London, End Paris, Small Group, Summer
Highlights of Europe - Start London, End Paris, Small Group, Summer
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Highlights of Europe - Start London, End Paris, Small Group, Summer
14 Days Starting in London, England and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lake Maggiore, Lucerne, Paris
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE933ZM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Europe's most iconic destinations with the "Highlights of Europe" tour, starting in London and concluding in Paris. This small group summer adventure takes you through eight captivating countries, including England, Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France. Travel in style aboard the high-speed Eurostar and enjoy the comfort of a luxurious, air-conditioned coach. Discover the architectural gems of Amsterdam, the majestic castles of Heidelberg, and the enchanting streets of Innsbruck. Experience the romance of Venice, the historical wonders of Rome, and the artistic treasures of Florence. Delight in authentic dining experiences, from a home-cooked meal in Rome to a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner in Florence. With exclusive access to cultural landmarks and sustainable travel experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable European adventure.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- 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.
- 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.
Top Rated Highlights
- London: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train as you journey from London to Europe via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel.
- Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
- Heidelberg: Venture inside the magnificent castle built in red sandstone, overlooking the Student Prince’s town. See the massive Heideleberg Tun built into the cellar in 1591, visit the Apothecary Museum and enjoy panoramic views of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley.
- Heidelberg: Explore one of Germany's most enchanting cities during your orientation with your Travel Director.
- 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.
- 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.
- Rome: Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure.
- 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.
- Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
Make Travel Matter
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.
Authentic Dining
Amsterdam: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam for a delightful dinner, served with wine.
Veneto: Visit a local winery and delight in a tasting of their magnificent prosecco. Meet the vignerons and learn how this local drink has come to rival its well-known counterpart in France.
Rome: Food and family go hand-in-hand in Italy and are pillars of the Italian way of life. Experience it for yourself with an invitation from your local host to join them for a truly Italian, home-cooked meal.
Florence: Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner in the city known for its delicious cuts of steak.
Baveno: Choose your dining experience from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, each offering their own unique cuisine and ambience on your Dine-Around Evening.
Paris: Rendezvous with your newfound friends at La Coupole for a rousing dinner with wine.
Insight Choice
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.
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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart London by Eurostar and onto Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet your Travel Director and transfer to London's St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you via the historic Channel Tunnel to Brussels where you will drive to Amsterdam. Later, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception. Mingle and get to know your fellow travellers as you cruise along some of the many tree-lined canals, to explore the heart of the Old City, before enjoying a pleasant evening of dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: The Rhine Valley and Heidelberg
Location: Heidelberg
Accommodation Name: Marriott, Heidelberg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a scenic drive through the Rhine Valley to see quaint villages, hilltop castles and hear the legend of the Lorelei Rock. Follow the Neckar River to Heidelberg and visit Heidelberg Castle with a Local Expert.
Day 3: Mountain-ringed Innsbruck
Location: Innsbruck
Accommodation Name: AC, Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast
Skirt the northern Black Forest and head towards the rolling Bavarian Alps. Stop beneath the royal castles of Hohenschwangau and King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein, rumoured to have inspired Walt Disney's iconic castle. Once over the Austrian border, continue to the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. Tour the architectural jewels of the city, seeing the Imperial Palace, Golden Roof and the 14th century houses of the Old Town.
Day 4: Across the Dolomites to Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue your journey, crossing the Italian border and on through the Dolomites. Amongst the hills of Conegliano Veneto, stop at a local family winery in Veneto to discover the art of prosecco production. Savour a tasting of these luxurious sparkling wines. Continue to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. In the evening, enjoy a dinner with wine.
Day 5: The Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop. Take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where the city's former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St. Mark's Basilica. Admire the Doge's Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. With the rest of the day free, why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Day 6: The Eternal City of Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Head into the Apennine Mountains and venture through the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria. Follow the course of the Tiber to the Eternal City of Rome. Enjoy a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Gaze in awe at the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening's experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini. Italian culture is deeply rooted in hospitality with food, friends and family being central to everyday life. For dinner, you’re invited into the home of a Roman local to experience Italian hospitality at its best.
Day 7: Papal and Imperial Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
During your two-night stay, join a Local Expert for a tour of the priceless art housed in the Vatican Museums and the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. Then explore St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Cross the River Tiber to see the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Day 8: The Chianti Hills to Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: NH Firenze, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive to the Chianti Hills and 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 a virtual open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. A leisurely afternoon gives you time to shop for quality goods, like gold and leather, which Florence is famous for. Alternatively, there is the option to visit the Accademia Gallery with an art historian to see Michelangelo's famed masterpiece, 'David.' In the evening, savour an authentic meal at a local trattoria in the heart of Florence.
Day 9: Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation Name: Simplon, Baveno
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This Summer version of this tour will overnight in Baveno. Travel past Milan, the capital of Lombardy, as you journey north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favourite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery combines with luxuriant subtropical vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake. Perhaps choose to take a cruise to the lovely Isola Bella for a guided tour of the incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens? Later, the choice is yours for your Dine-Around Evening. Enjoy your preferred dining experience from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, each offering their own unique cuisine and ambience.
Day 10: The Alps and onto Lucerne Relaxed Start
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, enjoy your last moments among the charming Italian Lake District before your travels continue across the Swiss border. 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. Continue to lakeside Lucerne where the afternoon is at your leisure. You may choose to enjoy a cruise on Lake Lucerne with its dramatic vistas.
Day 11: Lakeside Lucerne Relaxed Start
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
The emotive Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff, is a memorial dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution, which is a source of great pride to the people of Lucerne. See this beautiful work before strolling across the Chapel Bridge to see the ornate Jesuit Church. 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?
Day 12: Sights and delights of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the rural French country side of Alsace and Burgundy regions, famous for their vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, 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 13: The Food and Flavours of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you can enjoy an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join an avid food lover 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, enjoy dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole. Delight in French cuisine and delicious wine.
Day 14: Au Revoir Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 6 dinners with wine and 13 breakfasts.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Paris, including a walk through the streets with a local food lover.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.
What's Not Included
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Flights Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers are not included if your flights are outside the scheduled times or if you have not booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a cruise to Isola Bella or a visit to the Accademia Gallery in Florence are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping for chocolate and Swiss watches in Lucerne are not included.
Dining Summary
Additional Included Highlights
Insight Experiences
Well-being
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as witnessing the ancient skill of glassblowing in Venice, enjoying a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome, and taking a panoramic, open-top cable car ride to the top of Mount Stanserhorn in Switzerland.
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Are there any special dining experiences during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several special dining experiences including a Welcome Dinner in Amsterdam, a home-cooked meal with a local host in Rome, a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner in Florence, and a Dine-Around Evening in Baveno where you can choose from a selection of local restaurants.
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What activities are available in Paris during the tour?
In Paris, you have the option to explore the Montorgueil district to see local community life or join a local food lover to sample treats from patisseries, boulangeries, and chocolatiers. Additionally, you can enjoy a dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole.
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How does the tour support sustainable practices?
The tour supports sustainable practices by including experiences such as the glassblowing workshop in Venice, which helps preserve traditional crafts, and the solar-powered cable car ride to Mount Stanserhorn, which supports clean energy and conservation efforts.
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What is the transportation like during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes a high-speed Eurostar train from London to Brussels and a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom for scenic drives across Europe. The coach is equipped with onboard amenities and physical distancing measures for a safe journey.
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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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