Overview
As the name implies, this European tour features some of Europe’s capital cities. You’ll stay 2 nights in Paris, capital of France; Brussels, capital of Belgium; you’ll visit Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands; Berlin, capital of Germany; Prague, capital of the Czech Republic; and Vienna, capital of Austria. You’ll also spend one night in Bremerhaven, Germany, an important Hanseatic port city.
In each of the capitals, you’ll see the sights with a Local Guide, a knowledgeable local who will share with you history, culture, and ins and outs of the city. In Paris, among other landmarks, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, and Eiffel Tower in Paris; in Brussels, the Grand’Place—the central square surrounded by baroque guild houses and the gothic Town Hall; In Prague, the Astronomical Clock, built in 1410, and Charles Bridge, dating to 1357 and one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe; and in Vienna the State Opera House and Hofburg, the palatial complex in the heart of the city. In Amsterdam, you’ll see the city from water level on a canal cruise—the best way to see Amsterdam!
In addition to the capitals, this European tour also features visits of some of Europe’s smaller—but fascinating—cities. In Antwerp, see the world’s largest diamond district and the 14th-century Cathedral of Our Lady, which dominates the city centre with its 400-foot-tall spire and artwork by Rubens. In Dresden, the lovely German city, your guided sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the Zwinger Palace Glockenspiel, where 40 bells sound every quarter of an hour. In Bremerhaven, you’ll visit the new Emigration Center Museum, documenting the German migration to the United States in the last 300 years. In the Czech Republic, enjoy a stroll through the medieval old town in Tábor, founded in 1420 as a city where everyone is equal. For value-minded travellers, this is the perfect vacation to see some of Europe’s fascinating capitals!
UK - Paris, France
Day
1
Fly to Paris, where you will be met by your tour director and transferred to your hotel.
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the French capital with your CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Paris
Day
2
Paris is a world-class city with more familiar landmarks than almost any other city in the world. This morning, see these sites during the included city tour with an expert Local Guide. In the afternoon, feel like a French aristocrat on an optional walking tour through the opulent Palace of Versailles. Tonight, consider joining an optional dinner at a typical French restaurant.
Paris - Brussels, Belgium
Day
3
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Paris before heading to Brussels, capital of Belgium and major centre for international politics since WWII. Tonight, dinner is included at a local restaurant.
Brussels
Day
4
Join your Local Guide this morning and explore this vibrant city, headquarters of the European Union. Along the way, hear about the ornate Grand Place and see the tiny yet world-famous Manneken Pis statue. The afternoon is free to make your own discoveries.
Brussels - Antwerp - Amsterdam Area, Holland
Day
5
Start the day by getting to know the international port city of Antwerp with a Local Guide. See the centuries-old Diamond Quarter, the largest diamond district in the world; the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, founded in 1663; the 14th-century Cathedral of Our Lady with its triptychs by Rubens; and much more. Cross the border into South Holland and arrive in Amsterdam, vibrant capital of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Amsterdam Area
Day
6
Enjoy a CANAL CRUISE to see the city from water level, then watch skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones at a DIAMOND CENTRE. Continue the discovery with a Local Guide showing you the city’s highlights. Maybe get to know the beautiful Dutch countryside on an optional excursion.
Amsterdam Area - Groningen - Bremerhaven, Germany
Day
7
Depart Amsterdam and stop in Groningen, an important trade centre in the 13th century, which today is hailed as the “World Cycling City.” In the centre of town, admire the Martini Tower with its 62-bell carillon, the Spanish Moorish synagogue, and much more. Reach Bremerhaven for a guided visit of the interactive GERMAN EMIGRATION CENTRE, Europe’s largest museum about emigration, particularly German emigration to the United States.
Bremerhaven - Bremen - Berlin
Day
8
Travel to the Hanseatic city of Bremen, which majestically straddles the Weser River. Attractions here include the opulent Town Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the massive, 15th-century statue of Roland, the city’s protector; the oldest wine cellar in Germany, the Ratskeller, whose wine list boasts more than 650 German wines; and the bronze sculpture of the Bremen Town Musicians from the Grimm Brothers’ famous fairytale. You’ll see the highlights on your included guided walking tour, then it’s on to Berlin!
Berlin
Day
9
On the included guided tour, learn how, since the fall of the wall, Berlin is no longer divided but every bit as fascinating. Once a city of stark contrasts, Berlin has developed into a harmonious blend of old and new. It has preserved the old buildings, such as the State Opera House and Brandenburg Gate; its neoclassic-style boulevards, such as the Kurfüstendamm and Unter den Linden; and it has created brand new buildings in the most daring, contemporary architectural styles. It is once again Germany’s capital and one of Europe’s most lively cities. This afternoon, maybe join an optional excursion.
Berlin - Dresden - Prague, Czech Republic
Day
10
Travel southwest toward the Czech border to Dresden, hailed as the “Jewel Box” city for its splendid baroque and rococo centre. With four nature reserves and 63% of the city consisting of green areas and forests, Dresden is one of the greenest cities in all of Europe. On your included guided sightseeing tour, see the ZWINGER PALACE GLOCKENSPIEL with its bells made by the famous Meissen porcelain factory, as well as many other city highlights. Cross into the Czech Republic and head towards Prague.
Prague
Day
11
The wealth of gothic and baroque architecture in the “Golden City” of Prague inspired local composers Dvorak and Smetana. Prague will inspire you, too, during your included guided sightseeing tour. See the Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square with its fantastic Astronomical Clock, and more. Your Tour Director can suggest optional excursions, including a fun evening of traditional Czech music and entertainment.
Prague - Tábor - Vienna, Austria
Day
12
Visit Tábor this morning, founded in 1420 as an egalitarian peasant commune. Walk through the pretty Old Town with its narrow cobblestone streets to its main square. In the afternoon, cross the Austrian border to arrive in Vienna, Austria’s capital. This evening, how about an optional classical music concert?
Vienna
Day
13
Once the seat of the mighty Habsburg Empire and home to Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven, Hadyn, and Mozart, Vienna blends ornate baroque architecture with an irresistible musical heritage. You can almost hear the classical music as you stroll its streets. There’s much to enthrall you today on your included guided sightseeing tour. Admire the fabulous State Opera House, Habsburg Palace, and Parliament. Later, maybe try some of Vienna’s heavenly Sachertorte at a traditional coffee house, or join the optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace. This evening, the included Viennese farewell dinner might be just the ticket!
Vienna - UK
Day
14
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Things to note
Special Departure:
New Years in Amsterdam including Reveillon Dinner: 27th December 2018