CostSaver
OFFER ID 1493765
European Cavalcade
Explore the romantic landscapes, pretty medieval villages and stately capitals of Europe on this 18-day voyage from Amsterdam to Rome and Paris with a stay in the Bay of Naples and visits to Beaune and Monaco along the way. You'll cruise down the Rhine, see the mournful lion of Lucerne and visit Vatican City as you capture all the exhilarating highlights of Europe.
Dining Summary
17 nights from $3,443 per person
Costsaver: European Cavalcade
Day 1 - Arrive Amsterdam
We kick off our adventure in historic, yet trendy Amsterdam. Soak up the buzz of bicycles and boats as you explore the old-world capital your way. That could mean joining an optional cruise along its tree-lined canals in a glass-topped boat.
Accommodations: Ibis Schiphol
Day 2 - Amsterdam – Cologne – Rhine Cruise – Rhineland
The natural beauty of the Rhinelands takes center stage today as you head east through the lush landscapes of Germany bound for Cologne. Stop briefly to view the Gothic spires of Cologne Cathedral before boarding your cruise down the Rhine, passing a multitude of medieval villages, steep vineyards and storybook castles that line your scenic river route. Arrive later at your hotel in the Rhineland.
Accommodations: NH Hirschberg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Rhineland – Colmar – Lucerne Region
History comes to life as you journey through the vineyards of Alsace to Colmar, which looks like it belongs in a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Its half-timbered houses and cobbled alleyways could tell their own captivating stories. Enjoy time in this living postcard before continuing through the mountains near Lake Lucerne where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Accommodations: City Brunnen
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Lucerne orientation and free time
Your Travel Director will take you on an orientation tour through Lucerne’s Old Town. Walk along the ancient wooden Chapel Bridge and visit the Lion Monument, which Mark Twain described as the 'most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world'. Let the 'heart' of Switzerland capture yours as you immerse yourself in its history and epic scenery. With a full afternoon to explore this pretty lakeside setting on your own, you may decide to spend it shopping for watches, Swiss army knives or chocolate. You could choose instead to ascend to the alpine heavens, joining an optional scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne to Stans, then traveling by railway and cable car up into the mountains for exhilarating mountain views.
Accommodations: City Brunnen
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Lucerne Region – Liechtenstein – Innsbruck
Big things come in small packages as you’ll come to discover when you visit the Principality of Liechtenstein. You can almost imagine the resident Prince surveying his kingdom when you visit its tiny capital, Vaduz. Earn your bragging rights by visiting one of the world’s smallest countries before continuing to Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol. Here you’ll admire the Hofburg Palace and Golden Roof, gilded in the 16th century by Emperor Maximilian to mark his wedding. Marvel at the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.
Accommodations: Bon Alpina
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Innsbruck – Verona – Venice (Mestre)
From Roman ruins to Romeo and Juliet, Verona certainly is the stuff of legends. Stop today in the city that served as a backdrop for Shakespeare’s famous love story. View the very balcony where the fictional Juliet once called for her Romeo and admire the Roman Arena where gripping performances are held to this day. Continue to Venice, once a maritime powerhouse and republic whose influences can be seen across the Eastern Mediterranean. You’ll arrive just in time for an optional Gondola and Grand Canal cruise – grand palazzi, churches and ornate bridges lining your journey. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Accommodations: LH Sirio Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Venice orientation and free time
Take to the waters of the canal and cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square, the gateway to the city. Admire the ornate Doge's Palace, the Basilica of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs, whose bittersweet views once elicited sighs from prisoners who were unlikely to see their beloved city ever again. There's time on your own to explore the city before we visit master craftsmen at a glassblowing workshop, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Consider joining a Choice Experience to the vibrant rainbow-colored facades of Burano Island.
Accommodations: LH Sirio Venice
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Venice – Rome
Italy’s capital city lies ahead and with it the promise of a journey into an ancient world, a holy empire and remnants of the Renaissance around every turn. Cross the Veneto plains and Apennine hills, admiring the Tuscan countryside as you travel south to Rome. You’ll have some time later to explore the city on your own or join the group for a Choice Experience to see some of the city’s sights, followed by a dinner of Italian specialties.
Accommodations: Ergife Palace
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Rome Sightseeing and Free Time
With so much to see and do, you could explore Rome for an eternity without getting bored. Join a Local Guide and get to grips with the city’s main attractions. Be awe inspired by the cosmopolitan throng of devoted pilgrims who visit the Vatican City, the world’s smallest country. Visit St. Peter's Basilica and view Michelangelo's greatest work, the sorrowful Piet. The rest of your day is free to explore this magnificent City.
Accommodations: Ergife Palace
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Rome – Bay of Naples
The Bay of Naples beckons and you’ll head south past the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of fierce battles during World War II, to Sorrento. Arrive just in time to perhaps spend the afternoon taking an optional drive along the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast, with a visit to the artist hub of Positano and its pastel-hued houses that seem to tumble into the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Accommodations: La Panoramica
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Bay Of Naples – Florence
Don’t miss the opportunity to join a Choice Experience to see the excavations of Pompeii in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Buried under ash when Vesuvius blew her top, Pompeii remains frozen in time and your Local Specialist will reveal what life was like as one of its former residents. Continue to Florence and Check in to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Accommodations: Starhotels Vespucci
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - Florence Sightseeing and Free Time
No expense was spared to exalt the glory of Florence through art and architecture and you’ll see first-hand how this city paved its way to a modern age. Join a Local Guide this morning for an enthralling account of the city’s history during a walking tour of its historic center, including views of Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery. Visit Piazza della Signoria, the city’s main square where many of the political and artistic treasures of the city can be seen. Admire panoramic views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo then learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. For a taste of Tuscany, consider joining a Choice Experience in the Tuscan hills with regional favorites, live music and a glass or two of crisp Chianti.
Accommodations: Starhotels Vespucci
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 - Florence – Pisa – Monaco – French Riviera
Don’t resist peer pressure and snap a few strategic photos featuring you and the extraordinary Leaning Tower of Pisa. Admire the Pisan Romanesque Square of Miracles in all its striped marble glory. Its structures are said to symbolise the three main stages of human life – the Baptistery (birth), the Cathedral (life) and the Camposanto (death). Your journey west stretches out to the shimmering Mediterranean coast, where the Principality of Monaco awaits. Keep your cameras at the ready in this home of the rich and famous and attempt to capture the sophistication that seems to ooze from every corner. Next stop, the glamorous French Riviera.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Nice Grand Arenas
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 - French Riviera free time
There’s no shame in spending the day sprawled out on a sun lounger with a cocktail, but if you can pull yourself away from the pool, you’ll want to join your fellow travelers for an optional exploration of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Life is rather idyllic in this enchanting walled hill-town and, like some of its famous residents, you’ll want to linger here a little longer, but the sun-kissed promenades of Nice beckon. You never know who you might spot seated in those sleek Ferraris and private yachts that dot the French Riviera.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Nice Grand Arenas
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 - French Riviera – Avignon – Beaune
A brief brush with the Papacy in the 14th century has gifted Avignon with some of the world’s most incredible religious architectural legacies. The heart of Provence may no longer hold the importance that the Vatican does today, but views of its Palace of the Popes and St. Bénezet Bridge are no less inspiring. Continue to the historic walled town of Beaune, in the heart of the Burgundy wine region and surrounded by the sprawling vineyards of Côte d’Or. You’ll have an evening to get lost in its cobbled streets and sample the region’s famous reds your way.
Accommodations: Greet Hotel Beaune, Mercure Beaune Center
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16 - Beaune – Versailles – Paris
From Beaune, we’ll head north to the opulence of Versailles – its splendor and beauty created to reflect the self-proclaimed majesty of King Louis XIV, the 'Sun King'. A Choice Experience could see you visit the exquisite sprawling gardens, the Hall of Mirrors with its impressive chandeliers and glinting mirrors. Carry on to Paris where you could join an Optional Experience, including a scenic drive stopping at all the best photo spots.
Accommodations: Mercure Paris Porte d'Orleans
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17 - Paris sightseeing and free time
The Parisians know a thing or two about beauty, elegance and a life well lived which your full day in Paris will deliver in abundance. Hit its grand boulevards on a city sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. See the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées then spend the rest of the day discovering the city on your terms. Don’t resist the urge to tread in the footsteps of Picasso and Dalí during an optional visit to Montmartre this afternoon, exploring its maze of streets and Artist’s Square. There’s time to shop for artwork and savor some local specialties before a real highlight this evening – an optional dinner and cabaret performance.
Accommodations: Mercure Paris Porte d'Orleans
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18 - Depart Paris
Say a fond farewell to newfound friends at the end of your holiday.
Meals: Breakfast
VilleFranche Shore Excursion - Discovery of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominativer board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes.
HIGHLIGHTS
Grasse Rising from the hills above the Mediterranean is the city of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, surrounded by the charming Provencal landscape and villages of the Pays de Grasse, the regional name for this breathtaking and tranquil countryside. This 17th and 18th century town is large and extremely interesting, with tiny streets that wind between the buildings, up and down ancient steps, passing through arched tunnels and sometimes opening out onto large squares.
Cannes was nothing more than an unimportant fishing village 150 years ago. Since then it has become an elegant city known round the world and attracts an international clientele.
Antibes is the proper name of this ancient town, but it's commonly referred to as Trompe l'Oeil wall mural at Juan Antibes - Juan-les-Pins.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
The Bay of Naples, offers travellers the chance to visit some of Italy's most extraordinary sites such as, the classic ruins at Herculaneum, a town that was destroyed along with Pompeii in 79AD, and Mt. Vesuvius. Additionally, Castellammare di Stabia is a seaside town on the bay of Naples with a castle and unsurpassed seafood restaurants where visitors can dine outdoors and enjoy the beautiful sunsets.
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.
Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.
Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.
Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.
Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.
Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.
The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.
Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.
Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.
St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a full day excursion by private motor-boat to explore the Lagoon Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice lies in the centre of a vast lagoon that stretches for about 30 miles from north to south, studded by numerous small islands, mostly deserted. This amazing environment is what drove the Venetians to establish their city here, a perfectly secure and inaccessible little world. Enjoy the beauty of a ride across the waters of the lagoon; visit the island of Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years and where you can see the age-old techniques of glass blowing still in use today.
Continue to Torcello, to see the breathtaking mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta, the oldest building on the lagoon. After a leisurely lunch (payable locally) you reach the island of Burano, a quaint and colourful fisherman island famous for its lace and charming architecture.
Highlights:
The story of Murano and Burano
Hop on a private boat and start sailing through the Venice lagoon! This unique tour will let you discover the authentic side of Venice by exploring two famous islands – Murano and Burano. First stop, Murano – an epicenter of the most sophisticated glass production in the world. “Il vetro di Murano”, the glass of Murano, is a special type of glass made for decades. You will visit one of the traditional factories and take part in a glass-blowing demonstration. Pretty exclusive, don’t you think?
Your next stop is Burano – a small, fishermen’s island, famous for its heritage of lace embroidery that it’s still today made by hand only. It is often mentioned as one of the prettiest towns in Italy and also one of the most unique thanks to two characteristics: its canals and its colorful houses that make the island a real rainbow of colors! This tour will surely let you remember the Venice Lagoon forever.
Highlights:
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
Are you ready to start this tour with a private boat cruise down the most spectacular “boulevard” in the world? Yes, we are talking about The Canal Grande, Venice’s main artery. Just hop on your private boat and enjoy the scenic views of all the marvelous palaces and side alley’s canals. Sit back and relax while you absorb the breath-taking beauty and uniqueness of Venice. After the ride, the guide will take you through Calli, Callette, Ponti, Campi and Campielli. You will reach Rialto bridge, that was the only way to cross the great Canal on foot, for centuries. You can indulge in great experience of the famous local market filled with interesting products and learn more about the area that was once a significant place for trading goods.
Highlights:
unique sightseeing experience
Personal guide
Tour Duration: up to 4h
Tour can operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Easy
Inclusions:
No line entrance tickets for Doge’s Palace and St. Mark Basilic
Not Included:
Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours
Meet your driver at the Port in Amsterdam for a private transfer to the city centre where your guide is waiting to meet you for a walking tour of this beautiful city. Begin at Dam Square, bordered by the Royal Palace and enjoy wonderful views of the canals and gabled houses of the mercantile quarter before visiting the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*. After your tour, transfer in the comfort of your own private vehicle back to your ship.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours
Spend the day exploring Amsterdam in the hands of your expert guide. You are met at the port and transferred to Dam Square where your morning’s walking tour includes the notable Royal Palace. Admire the views of the canals and the gabled houses of the Canal Ring district, where you will visit the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*.
After lunch explore the beautifully-restored Rijksmuseum, to admire the stunning collection of masterpieces from the seventeenth-century Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without seeing the delightful Van Gogh Museum, home to many of his famous works as well as those of other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours
You are met at Amsterdam port for a full-day excursion outside of the city. Head south into the countryside for a photo opportunity at the impressive Three Sisters Windmills in Stompwijk. As over a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, windmills were initially designed to pump vast amount of water out, thus protecting land from flooding. Today, these silent giants draw many visitors every year for their charming appearances.
From here, you travel on to Delft, world-renowned for its famous blue and white pottery and one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Take in the town’s architectural gems and charming ambience, which are best appreciated by walking along its small canals with their graceful humpbacked bridges.
Following this, enjoy a privately-guided tour at the Royal Delft Experience, where a painter shares the passion behind the production of this stunning 17th-century earthenware during a special demonstration.
After lunch at leisure, you continue to the Hague, the home of the Dutch Royal Family and the administrative capital of the Netherlands; walk the Inner court past the Government buildings and take the opportunity for a photo stop at the International Court of Justice. You may like to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of paintings, including Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens and Van Dyck, or you may choose to visit the Panorama Mesdag, which hosts the Panorama, one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (subject to opening times).
On your return journey, stop at Scheveningen beach for some spectacular views before continuing back. (8 hours, driver and guide)
Highlights:
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.