Compare Seven Countries, Venice & Paris by Cosmos vs Road to Rome - With Oberammergau, Classic Group With Oberammergau Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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Road to Rome - With Oberammergau, Classic Group With Oberammergau Classic Group
by
Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 2,099 | $ 5,850 |
| Price Per Day | $ 210 | $ 450 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | If you want to see Western Europe’s main highlights but don’t have much time, this European tour is the vacation for you! Visit England, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France and see London, Brussels, Innsbruck, Venice, Lucerne, Dijon, and Paris. After spending some time in London, you’ll travel to Brussels on the Eurostar train, the easiest way to connect the two European cities. You will then carry on by tour coach through Germany to medieval Rothenburg, a walled town that has retained its fascinating character. Relax and take in the wonderful views of castle-crested hills, terraced vineyards, and pretty wine towns on the included scenic cruise along the Rhine River. Take a boat ride in Venice along the Giudecca Canal to St. Mark’s Square, allowing you to admire some of the palazzos and maze of streets. While in Venice, take the opportunity to watch glassblowers create their works as they have done for centuries. Some other must-sees on this iconic Europe tour are romantic Verona, the Italian city made famous by Romeo and Juliet; Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s finest cities, situated on the shores of breathtaking Lake Lucerne and nestled within the snow-capped Swiss Alps. Last, but not least, visit Paris, capital of France and one of the most celebrated cities on the old Continent. Here, your tour guide will show you some of the most famous sights in Paris on the city sightseeing tour. In a short time, this affordable European tour offers it all—historic sights, big cities, quaint towns, and scenic beauty. | Take the road to Rome from the iconic West End of London, through the cobbled streets of Paris and across the Alps of Innsbruck, to the Italian capital. Journey through the vineyards of Burgundy and slip across the Swiss border for an indulgent Dine Around meal in Lucerne. Enjoy a feast of local delicacies at a selection of hand-picked restaurants, set along the beautiful lakeside vistas. Voyage across the Dolomites to Venice and bear witness to the ancient skill of glassblowing. Practiced by precious few, this almost extinct artform is led by local craftsmen, intent on keeping the fifteenth century tradition alive. In ancient Rome, enjoy exclusive fast track access to the Vatican Museums and see Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel. Explore the quaint village of Oberammergau as it springs into action for the once in a decade Passion Play with included premium tickets to the world famous performance. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Check into your hotel. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
Day 2: LONDON
A full day to revel in our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, we recommend our optional Taste of London excursion with dinner, followed by a guided illumination cruise on the River Thames. (Breakfast)
Day 3: LONDON–BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Transfer to the railway station and board the Eurostar train to Brussels. Here, switch to your comfortable motorcoach for an orientation drive of the Belgian capital. Today’s Distance by train: 200 mi/ 320 km (Breakfast)
Day 4: BRUSSELS–RHINE CRUISE, GERMANY–FRANKFURT AREA
Journey into Germany to the shores of the mighty Rhine to enjoy an included scenic cruise. Then, on to the Frankfurt area for an overnight. Today’s Distance: 277 mi/ 445 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 5: FRANKFURT AREA–ROTHENBURG–INNSBRUCK AREA, AUSTRIA
Today’s highlight is a stop in the Medieval town of Rothenburg on the Romantic Road, with its towered gates and battlements, squares, half-timbered houses, and richly decorated fountains. Continue to the Innsbruck area for an overnight. Today’s Distance: 326 mi/ 525 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 6: INNSBRUCK AREA–BRENNER PASS–VENICE AREA, ITALY
Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Alps while crossing the Europa Bridge and Brenner Pass. Arrive in Venice, where, on a boat ride along the Giudecca Canal to Piazza San Marco you’ll admire the palazzi (palaces) and maze of streets. Time at leisure to soak up the magical atmosphere of this unique city. At a glassblowing workshop, experience this ancient Venetian art. Today’s Distance: 245 mi/ 395 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 7: VENICE AREA–VERONA–LUCERNE AREA, SWITZERLAND
Stop in fascinating Verona for a stroll in the old city and a glimpse of the Roman Arena. Cross the Swiss border and enjoy the idyllic views of Canton Ticino, then on to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Lucerne. Today’s Distance: 311 mi/ 500 km (Breakfast)
Day 8: LUCERNE AREA–DIJON, FRANCE
The focus of today’s visit is the Old Town of Lucerne. After that, time for an optional excursion to Mount Stanserhorn and then journey into France for an overnight in the charming town of Dijon. Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km (Breakfast)
Day 9: DIJON–PARIS
Leave Dijon and travel on the autoroute to Paris to discover many of the best-known Parisian sites on the included guided sightseeing tour. Today’s Distance: 221 mi/ 355 km (Breakfast)
Day 10: PARIS
Au revoir. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Day 1: Welcome to 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: London to Paris by Eurostar
Meet your Travel Director at 07:30 and transfer to London’s St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you via the Channel Tunnel to Paris where you can spend the afternoon as you please.During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the River Seine with its many romantic bridges. See the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. At 17:00 join your Travel Director for a fabulous Welcome Dinner at a local brasserie.
Day 3: Paris, the 'City of Light'
Start your day with an Insight Choice. Choose to shop in quaint boutiques like a true Parisian for fashion, perfume or cosmetics with your Local Expert. Alternatively, join 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, perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the Paris cabaret?
Day 4: Burgundy and Lucerne
Journey through the Burgundy wine region and pass the Jura Mountains and crossing into Switzerland. Arrive in glorious lakeside Lucerne. A range of enticing options are available for your Dine-Around Evening. Choose from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants.
Day 5: Lucerne & Mount Stanserhorn
In the morning, embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn. Take in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Explore Mount Stanserhorn with Insight Choice. Choose to walk along beautiful scenic pathways for a chance to see marmots and other native animals. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Upon return to Lucerne, see the town'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. Then, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge to the baroque Jesuit Church. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for delectable chocolate and glamorous Swiss watches in the traffic-free Old Town.
Day 6: From Lucerne to Oberammergau
Start the day with a journey to the heart of the Alps, passing through the Principality of Liechtenstein. See its tiny capital, Vaduz, with its castle located on a hillside overlooking the city. Continue to Oberammergau in time to take your premium seats and witness the world famous Passion Play, re-enacting the passion of Christ. After a break for dinner, the performance continues into the evening.
Day 7: Innsbruck, the Dolomites to the Queen of the Adriatic
Head for Innsbruck, where your orientation will show you the 14th century houses of the Old Town, the impressive Imperial Palace and the delightful Golden Roof. Cross the impressive Europa Bridge as you journey south. Continue through the magnificent Dolomites via the Brenner Pass and follow the Adige River through spectacular scenery to glorious Venice, where your hotel puts you right in the heart of the splendour.
Day 8: The Magic of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start
In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. See the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace on St. Mark's Square, connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Day 9: Tuscany, Pisa and Florence
Visit Il Poggio organic farm for a guided walk and learn about organic food and wine production. On the veranda, take in beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills, as you taste the farm's wines and freshly produced olive oil. Enjoy an authentic Italian meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Explore the nearby town of Pisa with a Local Expert and see the baptistery with its intricate marble facade, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the cathedral and of course the famous Leaning Tower. Afterwards, travel to Florence.
Day 10: Florence Sightseeing Relaxed Start
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 11: Chianti Country to Assisi and onto Rome
Journey through the vineyards of the Chianti region passing Lake Trasimeno, one of the Italian Peninsula’s largest lakes and site of a great battle in ancient times against Hannibal and his war elephants. Continue up the foothills of the Apennine Mountains to reach delightful Assisi, a stone-built town spilling over the steep hillside. With a Local Expert, visit the tomb of St. Francis and see the beautiful frescoes by Giotto in the great basilica, before continuing along the valley of the River Tiber towards the Eternal City of Rome. In the evening, why not throw your coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the city?
Day 12: Papal and Imperial Rome
Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art collected over the ages by the Popes. To avoid the crowds and maximise your time, Insight has arranged special priority access to the Vatican Museums. Your Local Expert will guide you through the halls of artwork and take you behind the scenes to view the Bramante Staircase, a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally not open to the public. Next, visit the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Next door in St. Peter’s Basilica, view another masterpiece by Michelangelo, the Pietà, as well as the splendid dome, completed after his death. Cross the River Tiber to see the Colosseum, still echoing with the ghostly cries of gladiatorial combat and see Circus Maximus, the ancient chariot-racing stadium. Later, there is time for last-minute shopping or exploring at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy an elegant four-course Celebration Dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, you'll be serenaded with a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy's best-loved operas.
Day 13: Arrivederci Roma
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.
