Compare European Dance by Europamundo Vacations vs Romantic European - Start London, Return Eurostar, Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Rome

Today’s Highlights: Evening transfer to the Trastevere district. Welcome to Rome! Upon arriving at the airport, we will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Check the information boards in the hotel reception area for details of the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening we will transfer you to Trastevere area (this neighbourhood will be a great introduction to Rome). Take a stroll in the narrow cobbled streets of the Trastevere district and find its hidden treasures, such as some modest medieval churches and small shops with interesting souvenirs. Many trattorias (informal Italian eating establishments) and osterias (inns) filled with the Italian spirit, will be ready to serve you local dishes. Other restaurants serving international cuisines can be found in this area. After dinner we return to the hotel.

Day 2: Rome

Today’s Highlights: City tour of Rome. Roman Coliseum and Vatican City. Evening transfer.In the morning, we will have a tour of the city, which will be a great introduction to “The Eternal city”. We enter the tiny state of the Vatican. The Vatican City is a principal centre of Christianity in the world. You will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. We will also enter the Roman Colosseum (admission price included), the principal symbol of Rome. This impressive con­struction dates back 2,000 years and will transport us in time so that we can learn about ancient society in the Roman Empire. In the evening we will transfer you to the Via Cavour area, where you will find many interna­tional restaurants to enjoy your dinner at. After dinner return to the hotel.

Day 3: Rome - Florence

Today’s Higlights: Tour with a local expert from Florence. View from Piazzale Michelangelo. Today we will leave Rome, heading north. This route has beautiful landscapes. Arriving in Florence, we head straight to the impressive Piazzale Michelangelo. In the evening we take a tour with a local expert, walking through the historic centre, taking in places such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Plaza della Signoria. This city is truly an outdoor museum. Enjoy some leisure time to explore. In the evening you will have time for dinner, as, in this district you can find many restaurants serving international cuisine.

Day 4: Florence - Venice

Today’s Highlights: Vaporetto boat on Venice’s Grand Canal. Visit and admission to the Sat. Mark´s Basilica. Admire the technique of crafting Murano Glass. Today we enjoy stunning mountain landscapes while crossing the Apennine Mountains. We will arrive in Venice and board a Vaporetto to travel around on the canals in the historic centre. With a local guide, we will visit the marvellous St. Mark´s Square and enter the Basilica (entrance included). Afterwards, we will visit the Murano Glass Factory. It is fascinating to see the technique of how this ancient glass is made. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore. In the late afternoon, you will have the chance to get dinner in the Mestre area, where you can choose from many restaurants.

Day 5: Venice - Innsbruck - Kitzbuhel

Today’s Highlights: Breathtaking landscapes. Dinner included. We will depart from Venice, travelling to Austria!. Arrival to Innsbruck, time to stroll in the historic centre and have lunch. After this, we travel along a very pretty scenic road between the mountains to Kitzbühel – Arrival and time to see this picturesque little village, a famous ski resort where we can enjoy the snow for a large part of the year! Free time. Dinner included(vegetarian option possible). Note: In case of few travellers on the trip, the journey from Venice to Innsbruck may be done by a train.

Day 6: Kitzbuhel - Salzburg - Vienna

Today’s Highlights: Salzburg, the city of Mozart. Fantastic scenery. Cruise on a lake. Departing in the morning, we will continue to explore Austria, traveling between the mountains, and arriving in Salzburg. Our guide will accompany us through the beautiful streets of this city’s historic centre, declared a World Heritage site. We make our way between lakes and mountains in the next stage through the Alps. Our next stop is in St. Wolfgang, a famous place of pilgrimage in Austria. We continue to Traunkirchen with its beautiful Traunsee Lake, where we take a cruise to see four castles, disembarking in Gmunden. After this we continue to Vienna, arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 7: Vienna

Today’s Highlights: Vienna city tour. Gardens of the immense Schön­brunn Palace. Today we take a scenic visit around this impressive city with a local expert. Here we experience its majestic avenues, its palaces and the vibrant city centre. Then we head directly to Schönbrunn Palace, where visitors can stroll around and enjoy its beautiful gardens. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon of leisure in the city centre. In the evening we will go to the City Hall Square to enjoy the nightlife in the neighbouring streets. Here you will get the opportunity to take dinner.

Day 8: Vienna - Budapest

Today’s Highlights: City tour of Budapest, cruise on the Danube included. We have an approximately three-hour journey to Budapest, Hungary. Arriving at around 11:30, we will discover Budapest (known as the “Queen of the Danube”) on a scenic tour of the city. Budapest is divided by the Danube River, with historic Buda on one side and cosmopoli­tan Pest on the opposite side. Time for lunch, followed by a boat tour along the river. After the tour enjoy some leisure time. At the end of the day we finish in the lively area of Vaci Utca, where there are lots of opportunities to take your dinner.

Day 9: Budapest - Bratislava - Prague

Today’s Highlights. Time to explore Bratislava. Czech landscapes. Evening transfer in Prague. We will leave Budapest for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia and a city alongside the Danube. With an attractive historic centre, take time to see the city and enjoy lunch. After lunch we will continue our journey to the Czech Republic, Prague. Arriving in the evening, we will make our way to the Old Town Square. This central location provides a great introduction to Prague, full of energy and touristic activities. You can take your dinner at one of the restaurants offering international cuisines, including Czech, Chinese, Indian and Italian. Return to hotel.

Day 10: Prague

Today’s Highlights: City tour of Prague. Visit to Castle. Boat tour along the river. Today we will visit the capital, Prague, the Baroque jewel of Europe. Our local expert will provide an informative city tour, which will include outstanding monuments. During the visit we walk through Prague Castle (admission included). Subsequently, we shall take a boat tour on the Vltava River. In the afternoon enjoy some free time to explore the city. In the evening, we will enjoy more time in the historic city centre and there will be an opportunity for you to take dinner. Return to hotel.

Day 11: Prague - Lauf - Wurzburg - Frankfurt

Today’s Highlights: Bavarian Germany. We leave for Germany. In the region of Bavaria, we will see Lauf An Der Pegnitz, a picturesque little village which stands out because of its busy Market Square and Castle. After this we will carry on to Wurzburg, with time for lunch and to see this Bavarian city on the banks of the Maine River, a former bishopric centre and now a very busy university city. Our journey continues to Frankfurt. Explore the historic city and choose one of the many international restaurants. Go to the hotel.

Day 12: Frankfurt - Cruise On The River Rhine - Cologne (Köln) - Amsterdam

Today’s Highlights: Rhine cruise included. Today we will take a small Cruise on the Rhine, between the villages of Rudesheim and St. Goar, undoubtedly the river’s most picturesque section. After this we will travel to Cologne, a city which stands out for its immense gothic cathedral. Then on to the Netherlands. Arriving to Amsterdam in the late afternoon.

Day 13: Amsterdam

Today’s Highlights: Picturesque typical village of Volendam. Boat on the IJsselmeer lake. City tour of Amsterdam. Today we have a very exciting day in the Netherlands. We will go to Zaanse Schans with its mills, canals and its typical houses. Next Volendam, a very picturesque fishing village. A short boat trip from Volendam, will take us to Marken (an island that was joined to the mainland by a fixed dike), where the houses there are built on stilts. After this, we travel to Amsterdam where we will enjoy a panoramic visit of the city to see its narrow canals, its official buildings and parks. We will also see the technique of diamond cutting. A large part of the visit will be done on foot, the information will be given through headphones. Time for dinner in Rembrandtplein, an area with many restaurants from all corners of the world and near the red-light district with its liberal values. Go to the hotel.

Day 14: Amsterdam - Brussels - Bruges - Paris

Today’s Highlights: Feeling Belgium. Today we will leave for Brussels, taking time in the Grand Place and making a stop to photograph the Atomium. Continuing to Bruges, the marvellous Flemish city known as the northern little Venice. Time for lunch. Our journey will take us to France. Arriving in Paris at the end of the day.

Day 15: Paris

Today’s Highlights: City tour in Paris. Climb to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Boat ride along the Seine. Evening transfer. Today we take a guided tour to discover the history, main boulevards and the breathtaking monuments of Paris. We end the visit at the Eiffel Tower. You will have the opportunity to climb up to the second floor of this remarkable metal monument (ticket admission included) . End your visit with a boat cruise along the River Seine, which divides the north of Paris from the south. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure to explore and relax! At sunset enjoy dinner in the Latin Quarter, a very picturesque historic area where a wide variety of international cuisines await you. We will then return to hotel. Note: Sometimes queues to climb the Eiffel Tower are long. For organizational reasons, if deemed appropriate, the climb can be made at a different time of the day (of Monday).

Day 16: Paris - Rouen

Today’s Highlights: Rouen historic centre. We will start the day by going to the centre of Paris, to the area of the Louvre Museum. Enjoy some leisure time to explore. If you wish, we can accompany you to Benlux, one of the most complete and best-known perfumeries in Paris. At around 18.00 we will leave Paris for Rouen, with its houses with half-timbered walls, narrow streets and gothic churches. Accommodation in the city.

Day 17: Rouen - Eperlecques - Canterbury - London

Today’s Highlights. Ferry crossing to United King­dom. Stroll alongside London Bridge. Today we will take a stroll in the centre of Rouen to admire its magnificent cathedral and the ancient streets of the historic centre. After this we travel to the north of France. Travelling by ferry, we will cross the English Channel to reach Canterbury, the religious capital of England with a very attractive historic centre. Continuing to London, arriving with time to explore, visit London Bridgeto see it lit up and admire the modern buildings. Time for dinner in one of the many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. After dinner, return to the hotel.

Day 18: London

Today’s Highlights: Visit London. Changing of the guard. English Teatime. Evening transfer to Soho. Get to know London on a locally guided tour featuring style, cul­ture and history. See the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, the Tower of Lon­don and Buckingham Palace, where we will be able to watch the famous “Changing of the Guard” (depending on the season). In the afternoon, at approximately 5pm, after some free time, we invite all our passengers to a traditional afternoon tea. In the evening, take a walk through Leicester Square, China Town and Soho, with a lively atmosphere, theatres and entertainment. Sit down for dinner at your preferred restaurant. Return to the hotel.

Day 19: London

Today’s Highlight: British Museum. Damden district. After breakfast we will go to the British Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world. At lunch time we transfer to Camden, a district famous for having one of the most varied and extravagant street markets in London where we can see relics from cultures all around the world. Enjoy leisure time. End of our services. Check the time of your flight in case you need an additional night.

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.

Park Plaza Victoria, London.

Day 2: London to Amsterdam

At 07:00, meet your Travel Director and transfer to London’s St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar for a rail journey via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel. Once in Amsterdam, join your Travel Director in the evening for a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests during a cruise, along some of the many quaint, tree-lined canals. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. Disembark and venture to Humphrey's Restaurant for your Welcome Dinner.

Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3: Rhine Valley to Würzburg

Relax with a scenic drive along the Rhine Valley to Würzburg. See the mighty Marienburg Fortress – the immense baroque palace of the Prince Bishops and one of the most important landmarks in Germany. On arrival, visit the imposing Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at intricate decorations and lavish staterooms.

Maritim Hotel Würzburg.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 4: Rothenburg and Golden Prague

In the morning, venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most well-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Continue East to the Czech border, passing the town of Pilsen renowned for its beer, to reach the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, perhaps take a river cruise through the heart of the city?

Hotel Royal Prague.

Breakfast

Day 5: Prague, City of a Hundred Spires

Explore Prague with Insight Choice. Choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join your Local Expert through the Jewish Quarter and hear about the history, traditions and legends of the Jewish people and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry. Then, the city is all yours to explore. Perhaps rummage through the renowned antique stores or shop for the finest Bohemian crystal? In the evening, why not enjoy an Optional Experience in the Czech countryside?

Hotel Royal Prague.

Breakfast

Day 6: Through Bohemia to Budapest

Start the day with a journey through the beautiful forested countryside of Bohemia. Journey to Hungary, following the River Danube to Budapest.In the evening, join a Local Expert to enjoy a scenic dinner cruise, whilst looking out over beautiful city views. Budapest boasts one of the most spectacular night time vistas, earning it the nickname 'Pearl of the Danube’.

Hilton Garden Inn, Budapest.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: The flavours of Budapest

Your orientation takes your along the grand Andrassy Avenue to Heroe's Square. Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda and admire sweeping views from the Fisherman’s Bastion with a Local Expert.Stand atop Gellért Hill where the colossal Liberty Statue stands in front of the Citadella watching over the city. Marvel at extensive panoramic views as you look out over the famous river dividing Buda and Pest - the two sides linked by the mighty Chain Bridge and the elegant, newer Elizabeth Bridge. Continue your travels, past the Turul Monument, a large eagle statue overlooking the town of Tatabanya, to the Austrian border and through pleasant farming country to the imperial capital of Vienna.

Hilton Vienna Park.

Breakfast

Day 8: Vienna and the Habsburgs

In the morning, there is the option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital's architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament building. Later, join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. Sit down for traditional coffee and cake and mingle with locals at a cosy café.​

Hilton Vienna Park.

Breakfast

Day 9: Lake Wörthersee to Venice

This day's route takes you past quiet villages, through Styria's forested mountains and into the Carinthian Lake District. Continue past Europe's warmest lake, the Wörthersee, to cross into Italy near Tarvisio. Then follow mountain valleys and cascading streams down to the Veneto Plain en route to the unique city of Venice. Arrive by private boat to your hotel. In the late afternoon and early evening, sip a cocktail at Caffè Florian, whilst you are serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians. Afterwards, stroll past the Doges Palace and the famous 'Bridge of Sighs' to Principessa restaurant for a magical dinner. Indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce, before returning to your hotel.

Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 10: 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?

Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.

Breakfast

Day 11: Villa Machiavelli and Rome

Head into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. Meet your Local Host for a guided tour through the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Nicolo Machiavelli, with an included special opening of his private office where he wrote 'The Prince'. Visit the Italian garden with views of the Florence Cathedral and the historic cellar, which has a secret underground tunnel connecting the cellars to the oldest restaurant in Italy. Savour a tasting of wines made from the vineyards surrounding the home, accompanied by delicious samples of local Tuscan fare. Your journey continues as you follow the course of the Tiber to your hotel in the Eternal City of Rome.

Veneto Palace Hotel, Rome.

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Day 12: Papal and Imperial Rome

With your Local Expert, visit the Vatican Museums. Insight provides special priority entry to avoid the crowds and gives you behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, normally off-limits to the public. Inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Continue inside the cavernous St. Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith, to see another Michelangelo masterpiece, the Pietà, as well as the splendid dome. Leave Vatican City to cross the Tiber and stand outside the Colosseum, imagining yourself back in the days of the gladiators. The afternoon is at leisure.

Veneto Palace Hotel, Rome.

Breakfast

Day 13: Umbria and onto Florence Relaxed Start

Meet chef Lorenzo at his family farm in Umbria. Explore the art of Italian cooking during an entertaining pasta demonstration and delicious Highlight Lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine. Continue on to your hotel in Florence.

Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Day 14: Renaissance Florence

Begin the morning by joining a Local Expert in Florence to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. You also visit the open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces in Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Renaissance capital. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower?

Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.

Breakfast

Day 15: Across the Alps to Lucerne

Head north towards the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world, before travelling alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, down to scenic Lake Lucerne. Upon return in 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 and see the baroque Jesuit Church.

Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.

Breakfast

Day 16: Lucerne and Mt. 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. Breathe 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. With the day free, there is plenty of time for shopping for delectable chocolate in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers? At night, you are offered a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.

Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 17: Sights and delights of Paris

Journey through the rural French country side of Alsace and Burgundy regions, famous for its vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light. 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 Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the centre 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?

Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Breakfast

Day 18: The food and flavours of Paris

Your exploration of Paris today starts 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.  In the evening, indulge in refined French cuisine during your Celebration Dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole, frequently visited by the French entertainer Josephine Baker.

Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 19: Au revoir Paris

In the morning, bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London. On arrival, you are transferred to the Park Plaza Victoria where your trip ends.

Breakfast