European Sampler with London

Itinerary ▼

1. Day 1: ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

   Welcome to Amsterdam! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

2. Day 2: AMSTERDAM

   Holland Days This morning, meet your Local Guide for a fascinating introduction to Amsterdam. At the pier board a glass-topped boat to admire Amsterdam from a different perspective as you cruise along the elegant, UNESCO-listed grachten (canals). See the most captivating views of “Golden Age” homes, landmark buildings, and charming bridges. Later, visit a Diamond Center to learn why Amsterdam is often called the “diamond capital of the world.” Free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE There’s nowhere quite like Amsterdam! A vibrant city with an impressive artistic heritage, and a fascinating infrastructure. The city is built on about 11 million wooden poles and criss-crossed by over 165 canals. In addition, it boasts a vast network of cycle lanes frequented by the city’s 881 000 bicycles, Amsterdam is so bike-friendly that the bicycles outnumber the residents!

3. Day 3: AMSTERDAM–HEIDELBERG, GERMANY

   Tradition on Tap in Heidelberg Drive across the border into Germany. A real treat awaits with a scenic cruise on the River Rhine, one of Europe’s most important rivers, flowing through six countries. Admire castles, vineyards, and charming villages as you sail down the river. On disembarkation, continue your journey to Heidelberg. Take photos of the red-walled castle ruins and [LF] enjoy dinner with a beer at the Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg restaurant. (B,D) 329 mi / 530 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Lift a glass of German beer in the Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg brauhaus. Enjoy the famous tastes of Germany in this elegant and rustic beer house where hospitality is served in the heart of the brewery, along with legendary beers – both traditional and modern.

4. Day 4: HEIDELBERG–BLACK FOREST–RHINE FALLS, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE

   With Cherries on Top This morning head to the Black Forest to enjoy some local traditions. Watch a traditional woodcarving demonstration followed by a delicious helping of Kaffee und Schwarzwaldkuchen (coffee and Black Forest Cake). Later, drive over the border into Switzerland and stop to admire the breathtaking Rhine Falls. Continue to Lucerne and join a walking tour to see the city highlights including the [LF] Bourbaki Panorama, the Lion Monument and the 14th- century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). (B,D) 230 mi / 370 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEM A monumental panorama, a piece of European cultural heritage, and a symbol of Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition - the Bourbaki Panorama brings together a multitude of stories. It commemorates the internment of 87000 soldiers of the French Bourbaki army, who fled Switzerland in the harsh winter of 1871. Painted by the artist Edouard Castres who personally witnessed the internment as a Red Cross worker and put his feelings on display in a most impressive way in 1881. A true journey back to the time in which Switzerland and its self-image were formed in the service of humanity, tolerance, and human rights.

5. Day 5: LUCERNE

   Sweet Sights of Switzerland A whole day to do as you please. Explore more on your own and get better acquainted with this alpine gem or join an optional excursion up one of the mighty mountains that surround it. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE What better way to spend this free day than with an excursion to the top of Mt Pilatus? Ascend via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway passing the exquisite alpine meadows and dramatic rock formations. Take in spectacular views of central Switzerland. Feel on top of the world because you are! Send a yodel across the Swiss peaks in the tradition of mountaineers of old.

6. Day 6: LUCERNE–BEAUNE, FRANCE

   Spend your day your way in Beaune Leave Switzerland behind as you enter France. En-route to Beaune, enjoy a scenic drive through Burgundy with its vineyards and châteaux. Explore more of Beaune with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. All Aboard in BeauneAll aboard the "Petit Train Touristique" for a relaxing orientation ride through the charming medieval town of Beune. Hear insightful commentary on local landmarks, including the beautifully preserved Hôtel Dieu, the church of Notre-Dame, the Square des Lions, Pont des Oies, and more aboard the little electric train! Cellar Sips and Savory BitsThey say there are over 100 kilometers of wine cellars beneath Beaune! As the center of the region's wine trade for over 2,000 years, it's no wonder. Go deeper into Burgundy's wine capital with a guided visit to a local wine cellar, with wine tasting and culinary bites. Santé!Free time this evening. (B)236 mi / 380 km

7. Day 7: BEAUNE–VERSAILLES–PARIS

   Château of Kings & Queens Prepare to be amazed by the opulence when you stop at the Palace of Versailles en route to Paris. Meet your Local Guide and explore the elegant Baroque gardens, before walking through some of the palace’s incredible rooms, including the State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. Arrive in Paris later this afternoon giving you plenty of time to get acquainted with this iconic city. * (B) 208 mi / 335 km* For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS SLEPT HERE When it comes to the Palace of Versailles, opulent is an understatement! This converted hunting lodge boasts 2300 rooms adorned in 17th century gilded French décor. Kings, Queens, and Emperors have called it home! Now a world- famous museum that promises its visitors a breathtaking experience.

8. Day 8: PARIS

   C’est Magnifique in the City of Light This morning, your guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive and a scenic cruise on the River Seine with incredible views of celebrated landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore more independently or join an optional excursion. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. * (B,D)*For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tempting shops of the Champs-Élysées to the irresistible charms of a corner café, your hearts are set on sharing France’s captivating City of Light any time you please.

9. Day 9: PARIS–LONDON, ENGLAND

   Just in Time for Tea Say “au revoir” to Paris as you board the high-speed Eurostar Train to London. Arriving in the afternoon a uniformed Globus Host will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon and evening to start discovering some of London’s many attractions. (B)Today’s Distance: 305 mi / 492 km TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Take the fast train to London on the Eurostar - the only high-speed rail directly linking the UK to France. Since 1994, passengers have been whisked through the longest section of underwater tunnel in the world in comfort with speeds up to 200 mph.

10. Day 10: LONDON

    London Calling Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, the Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Free time this afternoon and evening, why not try a typical pub lunch or take a stroll along the Thames or in one of the Royal Parks. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS England’s national treasure of St. Paul’s Cathedral is home to a spectacular array of art – from delicate carvings to gilded dome murals and modern works of art. As the seat of the Bishop of London, the cathedral serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London, where notable remembrances have been served here, including Queen Victoria’s jubilee, birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II, and funerals of luminaries like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.

11. Day 11: LONDON

    Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)