Day 1 – Depart USA
Overnight flight to Frankfurt.

Day 2 – Arrive Frankfurt
Welcome to Frankfurt! After check–in, time to relax and unwind. Late this afternoon we enjoy an orientation tour of Germany's financial centre, including the Römer building in the old town. Later we will enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner with our Tour Director and fellow travellers. (Dinner) 

Hotel: Sheraton Offenbach


Day 3 – Frankfurt – Rothenburg – Munich – Innsbruck
After breakfast this morning, our first stop is at the medieval town of Rothenburg. Here an orientation walking tour reveals this Hansel and Gretel style town before time to explore and maybe shop for wooden Christmas ornaments. Next on to fun–loving Munich where an orientation tour shows us the Olympic Stadium, Hofbräuhaus and Marienplatz. Then our journey takes us into Austria arriving at our hotel in Innsbruck. (Buffet breakfast) 

Hotel: Grauer Bär

Day 4 – Innsbruck – Venice
Today's orientation tour of this mountain–ringed city shows us the Golden Roof and the Wilten Basilica beneath the Olympic ski jump. Next we enjoy a spiralling drive up and across the Europa Bridge to the Brenner Pass into Italy. Later, we continue our journey along the Adige valley to magical Venice where we spend the night. This evening, dinner is included at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast Dinner) 

Hotel: Antony Palace


Day 5 – Venice – Florence
This morning we will savour the sights and sounds of this Byzantine city on our included canal cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square. Here we view the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace and St. Mark's Basilica before witnessing the ancient craft of Venetian glass–blowing. Later, we make our way to Renaissance Florence where a guided walking tour using our sophisticated audio system, features the cathedral, Signoria Square and visits the Santa Croce Basilica. Tonight we will enjoy a Highlight Dinner of local specialities in a typical trattoria. (Buffet breakfast Highlight dinner) 

Hotel: Holiday Inn Florence


Day 6 – Florence – Lucerne (2 nights)
This morning we have time to shop for high quality leather and 18–carat gold jewellery and also the chance to discover one of the many Hidden Treasure of this fascinating city with our Tour Director. Then we head north across the forested Apennines and past the commercial centre of Milan which lies on the great northern plain of Italy, to the Italian and Swiss Lake Districts via Como and Lugano. Later we take the scenic St. Gotthard route which takes us into central Switzerland to picturesque lakeside Lucerne for two nights.  (Buffet breakfast) 

Hotel: Schiller (2 nights)


Day 7 – Lucerne orientation and leisure
An orientation in this medieval town includes a visit to the poignant Lion Monument and a stroll across the Chapel Bridge to the Jesuit Church. At leisure, why not take a trip by cable car and cog railway up nearby Mount Pilatus for stunning Alpine views? Then there is time to wander through the streets of the old town and shop for Swiss watches and delicious chocolates. This evening, after dinner at the hotel, perhaps enjoy an optional folklore night out of yodelling and flag–throwing! (Buffet breakfast Dinner)


Day 8 – Lucerne – Paris (2 nights)
This morning after breakfast, we head to the French border past Belfort and the remains of the Maginot Line. From here our journey continues into the wine–producing region of Burgundy, to view the Savigny–Lès–Beaune vineyards before arriving in lively Paris. Your evening is free to do as you please so why not take an evening tour of the glittering illuminations of the city or enjoy one of Paris’ spectacular and colourful cabaret shows? (Buffet breakfast) 

Hotel: Couryard Marriott Neuilly (2 nights)


Day 9 – Paris sightseeing and at leisure
Enjoy views of the flying buttresses of Notre Dame Cathedral and other great monuments on our guided sightseeing tour this morning. We will see all the great sights of this exciting city including the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde and the Champs Élysées. We will also ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower by elevator, for spectacular views over this superbly designed city. Then time at leisure to relax or explore further and tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our new–found friends. (Buffet breakfast Farewell dinner)


Day 10 – Paris – USA
Time to say ‘au revoir’ to Paris, our Tour Director and new–found friends as our memorable tour of Europe comes to an end. There is an airport transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)