 DAY 01: Welcome aboard!!
Today begin your memorable journey through Europe. Start your
vacation from London - the international city, with a guided
tour.
Today, begin your holiday in Europe. On arrival at the London
Airport, proceed to your hotel and check in on your own (Please
arrive into the hotel by 1400 hrs. Re-confirm with your travel
agent for the exact timings and details about your tour, hotels
and meeting place with the Tour manager). Later that afternoon,
at 1600 hrs, proceed on a guided city tour with an expert English-speaking
local guide. Enjoy the city as you see the Buckingham Palace,
Hyde Park, the Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament,
Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and many
more important sights. Later, visit the intricately designed
and glorious temple made out of white Italian Carrara marble
- the Swaminarayan Temple. Tonight enjoy an Indian dinner.
Overnight at hotel Holiday Inn Express Hammersmith or similar,
in London.
DAY
02: Eurostar to Brussels.
Orientation tour of Brussels. Onto Netherlands - Visit the tulip
extravaganza - Keukenhof - till May 18th. May 19th onwards,
visit Madurodam - Holland in miniature.
After buffet breakfast, check out and proceed to the station
to board the ultramodern train - Eurostar to the Belgian capital,
Brussels. Enjoy this hi-speed train as it gets you to Brussels
in less than two hours. On arrival, proceed on an orientation
tour of this beautiful city. Visit the Grand Place - rated as
one of the prettiest squares in the world. This is also a perfect
place for you to try the delicious and world-famous Belgian
waffles. See the unique Statue of Mannekin Pis - symbolic to
this city, and enjoy a photostop at the Atomium.
After an Indian lunch, drive to Netherlands to experience the
ultimate Tulip Extravaganza - Keukenhof (till 18th May) where
an amazing display of colours, flora and fauna awaits you. May
19th onwards, visit Madurodam, Holland in miniature. Here you
can enjoy all of Holland's important sights built on a 1:25
scale. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner.
Overnight at hotel NH or similar, in Amsterdam/Den Haag/Zandvoort.
DAY
03: Amsterdam - the Dutch capital city.
Enjoy a canal cruise. Visit a wooden shoe factory, a cheese
farm and a diamond factory. Enjoy a photostop at a traditional
windmill. Onto Cologne - the dramatic German city.
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed
to enjoy the sights & sounds of the exciting capital city
of Amsterdam. The city's richness and cultural heritage comes
to life on your canal cruise aboard a glass-topped boat. Visit
a wooden shoe factory and see how clogs, which are unique to
the Dutch, are made. Also see the making of the famous Dutch
cheese on your visit to a cheese farm. Get set for a sparkling
experience as you visit a diamond factory. Here you will be
amazed by the skills of these master craftsmen who have created
the world- famous Amsterdam cut. Last but not the least, photograph
yourself with the most popular symbol of this country - the
traditional windmill.
After an Indian lunch, drive into the city of Cologne, home
of the famous Eau de Cologne. Get fascinated by the sight of
the massive Cologne Cathedral - a fine example of Gothic architecture.
After enjoying these sights, proceed for an Indian dinner.
Overnight at hotel Holiday Inn or similar, in Cologne.
DAY
04: Beautiful Rhine Cruise.
Heidelberg - Alstadt. Onto Titisee, the heart of the Black Forest.
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to
the quaint village of Boppard, located in the Central Rhine
Valley. Stroll along this storybook town before boarding your
Rhine Cruise. This cruise will expose you to some of Germany's
most stunning landscapes. Cruise through the wine region and
enjoy sights of old castles as you arrive into St. Goar.
Later, drive to the beautiful city of Heidelberg - situated
on the banks of River Neckar. On arrival, enjoy an Indian lunch.
Later, continue on an orientation tour of this historic city
and visit the Alstadt - the old town. View the mighty ruins
of the Heidelberg Castle and see the many squares that make
up this city's life.
Experience a natural wonder as you drive through the mystical
Black Forest in Germany on your way to Titisee, a stunning lakeside
town in the heart of the Black Forest, synonymous with the Black
Forest Cake and home to the Cuckoo Clocks.
Tonight, enjoy an authentic Black Forest cake with an Indian
dinner.
Overnight at hotel Best Western Hofgutsternen or similar, in
Black Forest.
DAY
05 : See a demonstration on how cuckoo clocks are made in Drubba.
See the Rhine Falls - in Schaffhausen. Visit the sparkling Swarovski
Crystal Museum at Wattens in picturesque Austria. On to the
Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck.
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out and experience
the world of cuckoo clocks during an interesting demonstration
about these clocks, in Drubba. Later, proceed to see one of
Europe's natural wonders - the spectacular Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen.
Feast your eyes on the cascading waters of Europe's largest
waterfall. Get mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery as you
drive past the Lake Constance below the northern edge of the
Alps into Austria. Enjoy an Indian lunch en route. Next, get
set for a glittering experience as you visit the Swarovski Crystal
Museum in Wattens, Austria. This museum is a blend of art, technology
and pure magic, an experience sure to stimulate your senses.
Later, drive to the Tyrolean capital - Innsbruck and experience
the charm of this Tyrolean city as you see some intriguing sights
like the Golden Roof and St. Anne's Column on Maria Theresien
Strasse, from where you get spectacular views of the Alps. Enjoy
many more sights as you stroll through the cobbled streets and
stone pathways of this picturesque town.
Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner.
Overnight at hotel Alpin Park or similar, in Innsbruck.
DAY
06 : Venice - the Queen of the Adriatic Sea.
Lunch on board your private boat. See the grand Piazza San Marco
and the Bridge of Sighs. Also, visit the famous Murano Glass
Factory.
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed
to the romantic city of Venice. Board your chartered boat to
the traditional centre of the city - Piazza San Marco. Today,
enjoy an Indian lunch on board your chartered boat. This city
of 117 islands in the Venetian Lagoon is sure to leave you mystified.
See the legendary Bridge of Sighs and explore the grandeur of
the St. Mark's Basilica, the Doges Palace, the Campanile and
many more sights surrounding the grand Piazza San Marco. No
visit to Venice is complete without understanding the art behind
the Murano Glass. Visit a Murano Glass Factory and see the skills
of these master craftsmen.
Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner in the comforts of your hotel.
Overnight at hotel Novotel or similar, in Ferrara/Bologna.
DAY
07: A guided city tour of Florence - the
home of renaissance.
Onto Rome - the eternal city. Experience the insightful Time
Elevator.
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive through
the beautiful Tuscany Region, to Florence. Join your experienced
English-speaking local guide on a tour of this historic city.
Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore - the Duomo, notable
for its dome design and its exterior of marble panels in various
shades of green and pink bordered by white. See the Gates To
Paradise - the east doors of the baptistery, the Campanile -
bell tower, marvel at the open-air sculpture museum in Piazza
Della Signoria, the Santa Croce where Michelangelo and Galileo
are buried. Also,
see the Ponte Vecchio - a medieval bridge over the River Arno,
noted for having exquisite jewellery shops. Later, get a bird's-eye
view of Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo where you can
also see the statue of David, one of Michelangelo's masterpieces.
After an Indian lunch drive to the legendary city of Rome. This
evening, experience the multi-sensorial attraction 'Time Elevator'
that shows almost 3000 years of Roman history. Fly over the
city, watch it burn with Nero; hear Brutus plotting to kill
Caesar. A truly insightful experience. Tonight, enjoy an Indian
dinner.
Overnight at hotel Pineta Palace or similar, in Rome.
DAY
08: A guided city tour of Rome. Visit the Papal Nation, The Vatican.
Visit the Grand St. Peter's Square and the St. Peter's Basilica.
See the opulent Colosseum and the majestic Trevi Fountain. Onto
Pisa - see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out and get set
to experience the magic of Rome on your guided tour. Start your
tour by visiting the Holy See - The Vatican (shorts, mini skirts,
sleeveless vests not allowed). See the grand St. Peter's Square
and visit the holy church of St. Peter's and be amazed by its
artistic and architectural genius. Your city tour will expose
you to beautiful sights like the opulent Colosseum, the majestic
Trevi Fountain - a fountain of grandeur and wishes, the Victor
Emmanuel Monument, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, ancient temples
and many more.
After an Indian lunch, drive to the city of Pisa. Hold your
breath as you enter the Square of Miracles and see the precariously
Leaning Tower of Pisa. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner.
Overnight at hotel Euro or similar, in Pisa.
DAY
09: Onto Switzerland.
Visit Swissminiatur in Lugano. Drive to Lucerne and enjoy a
scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne.
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out and enjoy a
scenic drive into Switzerland. On arrival into Switzerland we
shall proceed to the Swissminiatur - Switzerland's miniature
theme park on the shores of Lake Lugano. Spread across a large
area here you can see more than 120 mini models of major Swiss
attractions constructed on a 1:25 Scale. The theme park also
offers children various interesting rides - a treat for the
entire family. Relish an Indian Lunch and later drive to the
beautiful lakeside town of Lucerne. See the dramatic Lion Monument
and the Kapell Brucke as you soak in the beauty of the city.
Later, take a cruise on the lake of the four cantons - Lake
Lucerne. Enjoy some time to shop for the world-renowned Swiss
watches, Swiss knives, Swiss chocolates, souvenirs, etc. Tonight
an Indian dinner awaits you.
Overnight at hotel Schweizerhof/Europe or similar, in Engelberg/Lucerne.
DAY
10: A day at leisure (Indian lunch and dinner will be provided).
Or partake in an ultimate Alpine experience - Jungfraujoch -
the top of Europe
(3454 m). A champagne lunch on top. Visit the beautiful city
of Interlaken.
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, the day is at leisure
OR get set for an exciting day. Drive to Lauterbrunnen from
where you start your breathtaking cog wheel train ride to Jungfraujoch
at 3454 m - a world of eternal ice and snow. Enjoy a special
champagne lunch on the top of Europe. Visit the Ice Palace -
the highest-altitude ice palace in the world. The palace's ice
sculptures include vaulted rooms, birds, animals, penguins,
people, etc. Also, visit the Sphinx Terrace - the views from
here are considered the best in Switzerland.
Later, proceed to picture-perfect town of Interlaken - city
nestled between two lakes. Enjoy the beauty of this town before
driving back to your hotel.
Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner.
Overnight at hotel Schweizerhof/Europe or similar, in Engelberg/Lucerne.
DAY
11: Mt. Titlis - a landscape close to
heaven.
Visit the Swiss capital, Bern. Orientation tour of Bern. Onto
Geneva - the garden city. Orientation tour of Geneva.
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed
for an excursion that will surely leave you spellbound. Enjoy
stunning views from the world's first revolving cable car, Rotair,
on your way up to Mt. Titlis. As you ascend to 3020 m,a breathtaking
panorama unfolds. Here, visit the Ice Grotto and later, indulge
yourself in the world of snow on the snow terrace. After an
Indian lunch, drive to the capital city - Bern - home of Albert
Einstein. Of all Swiss cities, Bern is the most charming city
situated on the banks of River Aare. Its quiet, cobbled lanes
lined with sandstone arcaded buildings and beautiful Gothic
fountains have changed barely at all in over 500 years. See
the famous Clock Tower - an ornate astronomical calendar clock
created in 1530. Enjoy a stroll down on one of the world's longest
shopping promenade - Marketgasse, a buzzing and vibrant street.
Visit the Baren Graben and see the symbol of Bern - the Bear.
Later, drive to the garden city of Geneva, built on the point
where the River Rhone flows out of Lake Geneva. See the European
headquarters of the United Nations, the International Red Cross
Building and the magnificent Jet d' Eau - a majestic fountain
on the Lake of Geneva that shoots up to about 140 m, (Weather
Permitting) Geneva's most distinctive landmark. Feast your eyes
at the floral extravaganza of the English Gardens and see the
famous "Horloge fleurie" - "floral clock",
a masterpiece of technology and floral art. Tonight enjoy an
Indian dinner.
Overnight at hotel Ramada Encore or similar, in Geneva.
DAY
12: Paris, the cultural and fashion centre.
Cruise on River Seine followed by Gala dinner. Chance to see
the magical Lido Show.
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed
to the French capital, Paris, a city seeped in history, art
and fashion. Enjoy lunch enroute. On arrival into Paris, proceed
directly to your hotel and check in.
Today, enjoy a cruise on the River Seine and admire the beautiful
monuments of this spectacular city. Later, live the Parisian
high life on your Gala dinner with great music and unlimited
wine.
Tonight, do not miss the opportunity to see the light, sound
and dance extravaganza - the Lido Show.
Overnight at hotel Novotel or similar, in Paris.
DAY
13: Paris, the cultural and fashion centre.
Guided city tour of Paris. Visit the 3rd Level of the Eiffel
Tower. Visit the Louvre Museum, the unparalled art experience.
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, proceed on a guided city
tour with an experienced local English-speaking guide of the
French Capital, Paris. Enjoy many sights like the Arc de Triomphe,
Concorde Square, Invalides, Opera House and many more. Later,
visit the 3rd Level of the Eiffel Tower - an unparalleled experience.
After an Indian lunch, visit the ultimate art museum - the Louvre.
This temple of various art forms is an inspirational experience.
See the legendary and mystical Mona Lisa as you admire art created
by the best artists in history. Tonight, enjoy an Indian dinner.
Overnight at hotel Novotel or similar, in Paris.
DAY
14: Farewell!!
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to the airport (on your
own) for your flight back home. Return home with great experiences
and wonderful memories of your holiday with "Vacations
Exotica". |
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