Compare European Journey by Europamundo Vacations vs European Flair - Start London, Classic Group Start London Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: London

Welcome to London! On arrival to the airport, we will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. Later, our guide will give an overview of the tour or you can check the informative panels in the hotel reception area.

Day 2: London

Today’s Highlights: Visit London. Changing of the Guard. 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). Afternoon at leisure. 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 3: London - Colchester - Ferry Colchester Volendam

Today’s Highlight: British Museum. Pleasant hill scenery. Ferry crossing. 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 some leisure time. At around 16.00 we will leave for Colchester, known as the most ancient city in England. Time for a stroll. We will then board the ferry in Harwich, taking a night voyage to the Netherlands. Note: The ferry used has a limited number of cabins. Sometimes we might change the itinerary, leaving London at 15.00 and take the Channel Tunnel, and spend the night in Antwerp.

Day 4: Ferry Colchester Volendam - Volendam - Amsterdam

Today’s Highlights: Picturesque typical village of Volendam. Visit to Amsterdam. At around 08:00 in the morning we will reach the Netherlands (Hoek Van Holland), making a stop in Volendam, a very picturesque fishing village. 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. 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.

Day 5: Amsterdam - Hamelin - Berlin

Today’s Highlights: Visit the village that was made famous through the Pied Piper of Hamelin children’s story. We leave Amsterdam for Germany. En route, we stop at Hamelin, a picturesque German town. Here, many shops and streets remind us of the town’s legend: The Pied Piper of Hamelin, written by The Brothers Grimm. We continue towards Marienborn, on the former border that separated east and west Germany until 1990, where we will see the museum that reminds us of it. Then, we continue to Berlin, arriving at the end of the afternoon.

Day 6: Berlin

Today’s Highlights: City tour of Berlin. We visit the Holocaust Me­morial and the Berlin Wall Museum. Ease your way into the local culture with a guided visit of Germany’s incredible capital, Berlin. We shall visit the historic centre, Museum Island, the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gates and the city’s magnificent parks. We continue our visit by stopping at the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Museum. This visit helps us to understand the difficult situation the city experienced during the Twentieth Century. Time to explore the city. Enjoy an evening in the lively area of Kantstrasse, a district that offers different types of ethnic restaurants to dine in (Indian, Oriental, Italian, German, and so on).

Day 7: Berlin - Dresden – Prague

Today’s Highlights: Dresden. Evening transfer in Prague. We journey through forests towards Dresden, a city which, due to its exceptional architectural and artistic heritage, has become one of the main tourist destinations in Germany. Time to explore some of the impressive palaces and to have lunch at one of its many restaurants and coffee shops. Later, we depart for the Czech Republic. Prague – Arrival. 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 8: 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 9: Prague

After breakfast, end of our services.

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: Depart from London by Eurostar and onto Amsterdam

Meet your Travel Director at 07:00 and transfer to London's St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you through the Channel Tunnel 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 quaint, 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: Onto Würzburg

Cross into Germany, through the Rhine Valley and into Würzburg, to see the mighty Marienburg Fortress. Visit the imposing Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at intricate decorations and lavish staterooms boasting with French, Austrian and Venetian influences.

Day 4: Rothenburg and Golden Prague Relaxed Start

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?

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 for a walk through the Jewish Quarter to learn about a different side of the history of Prague and taste Tredlník, traditional chimney cakes. 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?

Day 6: Salzburg, City of Mozart Relaxed Start

Journey through the Czech Republic and continue south over the Austrian border and onto Salzburg, the city of Mozart and the ‘Sound of Music.’ A Local Expert shows you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace which includes the fountains and statues where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed. Later see Residence Square and its fountain, where Maria sings 'I Have Confidence'. Witness the imposing fortress, immense cathedral and Mozart’s birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. In the evening for your Farm-to-Table dining experience, dine at a local organic farm in an old barn or courtyard. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of farm life as you savour the taste of homemade dishes and locally made cider.

Day 7: The Tauern Mountains to Venice Relaxed Start

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Salzburg to shop for local marzipan specialties. Perhaps take the opportunity to marvel at impressive views atop Kehlsteinhaus - the Eagle’s Nest - a unique example of historic architecture in a stunning alpine setting? Later, stunning scenery surrounds you as you travel down the Tauern Mountains to cross the Italian border. Continue to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic, where your hotel is perfectly located in one of the quietest peaceful and authentic Venetian districts.

Day 8: Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start

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 arts centre. 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 9: Onto the Eternal City of Rome

Head into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria. Your journey continues as you follow the course of the Tiber to your hotel in the Eternal City of Rome.Enjoy a Celebration Dinner with Italian wines accompanied by your newfound companions.

Day 10: Rome with the locals Relaxed Start

Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and pizzazz, and your morning walking tour with a Local Expert includes this in abundance. Toss a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain and see the best-preserved monument from the Roman period - the Pantheon, before enjoying free time to do as the Romans do, in Piazza Navona. Perhaps join a tour inside the Colosseum, the scene of many gladiatorial contests, and see the Roman Forum?

Day 11: The Vatican

Start the day with your Local Expert they introduce you to the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Insight provides special priority entry to avoid the crowds and gives you behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general public. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter's Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. The rest of the day is at your leisure; perhaps shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe?

Day 12: 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.