Highlights of Europe - Start London, End Paris, Small Group, Summer

Highlights of Europe - Start London, End Paris, Small Group, Summer

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15 Days From

$8274

$8013

Highlights of Europe - Start London, End Paris, Small Group, Summer

15 Days Starting in London, England and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: London, Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lake Maggiore, Lucerne, Paris

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SE933ZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English
From: $8274 $8013 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$261

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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 comfort on the high-speed Eurostar train and stay in hand-picked hotels, such as the Thistle Marble Arch in London and the Marriott Rive Gauche in Paris. Experience the charm of Amsterdam's canals, the grandeur of Heidelberg Castle, and the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps. Delight in authentic dining experiences, from a home-cooked Italian meal in Rome to a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner in Florence. With guided tours, cultural insights, and the chance to explore at your own pace, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.

Highlights

  • Explore the architectural gems of Amsterdam with a canal cruise, including mansions from the 17th Century.

  • Visit Heidelberg Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the Neckar Valley.

  • Stroll through Innsbruck's picturesque Old Town, admiring Baroque and Gothic architecture.

  • Cruise to St. Mark's Square in Venice and see the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.

  • Discover the history and legends of the iconic Colosseum in Rome.

  • View the multi-colored marble cathedral and Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise in Florence.

  • Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a solar-powered cable car for spectacular views.

  • Walk through the streets of Paris with a local food lover, sampling patisseries and chocolatiers.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To London

Location: London

Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch, London.

Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, London

Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge. Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

Day 2: Depart From London By Eurostar And Onto Amsterdam

Location: Amsterdam

Accommodation: Hilton Amsterdam.

Accommodation Name: Hilton, Amsterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast

Meet your Travel Director and transfer to London's St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you through the Channel Tunnel to Brussels, en route to Amsterdam. Later, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests as you cruise along some of the 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 3: The Rhine Valley And Heidelberg

Location: Heidelberg

Accommodation: Marriott Hotel 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 4: Mountain-Ringed Innsbruck

Location: Innsbruck

Accommodation: AC Hotel 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 5: Across The Dolomites To Venice Relaxed Start

Location: Venice

Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Venice - Sant'Elena.

Accommodation Name: Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. Savor 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 6: The Magic Of La Serenissima Relaxed Start

Location: Venice

Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Venice - Sant'Elena.

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 7: The Eternal City Of Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.

Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 8: Papal And Imperial Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation: Room 007 Select, 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 9: The Chianti Hills To Florence

Location: Florence

Accommodation: NH Firenze, Florence.

Accommodation Name: NH Firenze, Florence

Meals Included: Breakfast

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, savor an authentic meal at a local trattoria in the heart of Florence.

Day 10: Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start

Location: Lake Maggiore

Accommodation: Hotel Simplon, Baveno.

Accommodation Name: Simplon, Baveno

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel past Milan, the capital of Lombardy, as you journey north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favorite 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 11: The Alps And Onto Lucerne Relaxed Start

Location: Lucerne

Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, 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 12: Lakeside Lucerne Relaxed Start

Location: Lucerne

Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, 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 13: Sights And Delights Of Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, 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 14: The Food And Flavors Of Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 15: Au Revoir Paris

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

What's Included

  • Transport

    Travel from London to Europe on the high-speed Eurostar train.

  • Dining

    14 Breakfasts and 6 Dinners with Wine are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Join a Local Expert for tours in various cities including Rome, Florence, and Heidelberg.

  • Make Travel Matter Experiences

    Participate in experiences that support sustainable development goals, such as visiting a glassblowing workshop in Venice and a conservation talk on Mount Stanserhorn.

  • Authentic Dining

    Enjoy meals at local restaurants and with local hosts in cities like Amsterdam, Rome, and Paris.

  • Additional Included Highlights

    Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi are included.

  • Insight Experiences

    Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome during an after-hours visit.

  • Well-being

    Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, with physical distancing measures and hand sanitizer available.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as a cruise to the island of Burano or a visit to the Accademia Gallery in Florence are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and arrangements are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.

Mode of Transport

Travel from London to Europe on the high-speed Eurostar train.

Accommodation

Stay at a range of hand-picked hotels such as Thistle Marble Arch in London, Hilton Amsterdam, Marriott Hotel Heidelberg, AC Hotel Innsbruck, Hotel Indigo Venice - Sant'Elena, Room 007 Select in Rome, NH Firenze in Florence, Hotel Simplon in Baveno, and Hotel Astoria in Lucerne.

Dining Summary

  • 14 Breakfast (B)
  • 6 Dinner with Wine (DW)

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

  • 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.

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

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes several unique experiences such as witnessing the ancient skill of glassblowing in Venice, a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome, and a journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a solar-powered cable car in Switzerland.

  • What are some of the dining experiences offered during the tour?

    The tour offers a variety of 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.

  • What activities are available in Paris during the tour?

    In Paris, you can choose to explore the Montorgueil district or join a local food lover to sample local treats. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to see landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Seine River, and the Champs Élysées.

  • How does the tour support sustainable practices?

    The tour supports sustainable practices by including experiences such as the glassblowing workshop in Venice, which supports the survival of traditional crafts, and the solar-powered cable car ride to Mount Stanserhorn, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour in Italy?

    In Italy, the tour includes visiting the romantic city of Venice, exploring the Eternal City of Rome with its historical sites like the Colosseum, and enjoying the art and architecture of Florence, including the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$8940 $8658

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$282

Friday - Friday

Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$8274 $8013

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$261

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  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • 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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