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England, United Kingdom
5/2 London
Welcome to England! Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel to check in and relax for the rest of the day.
Note: Due to flight times and scheduling, you are likely to depart Australia on Day 0. Final documents will confirm travel timings.
Accommodation: Ibis London Earls Court or similar
6/2 London (London Breakfast & Dinner)
After a relaxed start to the day, join your Tour Leader and group for an orientation tour of Greenwich and cruise along the River Thames. Look out for London’s most famous sights including Tower Bridge and Big Ben. Enjoy the afternoon to explore London on your own or join an optional walking tour (at your own expense) featuring the Highlights of Westminster. Meet up with your fellow travellers in the evening for a group dinner at a traditional local pub.
Accommodation: Ibis London Earls Court or similar
7/2 (London Breakfast then head to Paris - Dinner)
Depart London after breakfast this morning, cross the English Channel en route to Paris, ‘The City of Lights and Love’. Enjoy a driving tour of the French capital, passing many of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. After the city tour, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the famously electric and historic Latin Quarter. Then travel back to the hotel, experiencing Paris’ worldfamous metro system.
Accommodation: Hotel ibis La Defense Centre or similar
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France, France
7/2 (Paris Breakfast)
Enjoy a full day in Paris today, free to explore however you choose. Follow the Seine River from neighbourhood to neighbourhood as it flows through the heart of the city. Or, choose an optional river cruise (at your own expense) to float past the grandeur of the Louvre and Grand Palais, see Notre Dame cathedral and epic Eiffel Tower. Famous architecture and legendary landmarks are scattered through the compact city, along with elegant shops and sophisticated cafes. Your Tour Leader will have plenty of ideas and local knowledge, including recommendations of special places to eat and drink.
Accommodation: Hotel ibis La Defense Centre or similar
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Beaune, France
8/2 (Paris Breakfast to Beaune - Dinner) Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps
After breakfast this morning, depart Paris and travel south to Beaune, in the beautiful Burgundy region. After time to explore the town and enjoy a local lunch and wine (not included), take the stunningly scenic drive east across France into the Swiss Alps. On arrival into the alpine region, enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel.
Accommodation: Alpenrose Hotel & Gardens or similar
9/2 (Swiss Alps Breakfast)
Enjoy a full day of free time in Switzerland’s wonderful Alps. Spend your free day wandering and breathing in that crisp, fresh, Alpine air. Explore the local town, enjoy sight-seeing, souvenir shopping and don’t miss your chance to indulge in Swiss chocolate! Optionally, your tour leader can arrange a full day excursion (at your own expense) to the summit of Jungfraujoch, with its year-round snow-covered peak. The cable car journey up the mountain is a highlight, providing panoramic views of mountains, lakes and glaciers.
Accommodation: Alpenrose Hotel & Gardens or similar
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Italy, Italy
10/2 (Swiss Alps Breakfast then head to Pisa) Swiss Alps - Pisa - Montecatini Terme - Tuscany
Leave the mountains after early breakfast this morning, as the coach travels south out of Switzerland and into Italy. Stop for the essential photo opportunity at the Leaning Tower of Pisa! The world-famous 840 year old Bell Tower is immaculately presented and one of the most popular cultural European landmarks. Onward this afternoon through the remarkable Tuscan region – famous for exquisite wine, food, art and architecture. End the day in Montecatini Terme, a lovely spa town north-west of Florence.
Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere or similar
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Florence, Italy
12/2 (Montecatini Breakfast then head to Florence) Montecatini Terme - Florence - Rome
After the short drive into Florence this morning, explore the stunning Renaissance city with your Tour Leader on an orientation tour. Then, continue on through the Italian countryside to incredible Rome, the 2,300 year-old capital of Italy. Explore the heart of the city on your own, or join an optional tour, such as a guided walking tour or a guided visit to Vatican City, including the Sistine Chapel (at your own expense). Later, rejoin your group for a relaxed group dinner.
Accommodation: BV Oly Hotel or similar
Day 9 (Rome Breakfast)
Enjoy a slow start today, with the full day free for your own adventures. Relax, or join one of the optional tours your tour guide can recommend on the day, including a visit to the Colosseum or landmarks walking tour (at your own expense). The meandering streets of the old city are lined with breathtaking architecture, home to many wonderful galleries, museums, shops and gelaterias!
Accommodation: BV Oly Hotel or similar
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Venice, Italy
14/2 (Rome Breakfast then head to Venice) Rome - Venice
Rome city makes way for scenery as the coach travels to Venice. See vineyards, orchards and majestic mountains pass by from your vantage point. On arrival into Venice, your tour leader will introduce the city with an orientation walk. See world-famous St Marks Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The evening is free, with hundreds of local restaurants and bars to discover in winding alleys and hidden piazzas. Consider exploring Venice the traditional way – from the canals. Your tour leader can arrange for gondola and water taxi rides for a canal-based perspective of the beautiful palaces, villas and bridges that comprise this very special city.
Accommodation: Hotel Ambasciatori, Hotel Delfino or similar
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Munich, Germany
15/2 (Venice Breakfast then head to Munich) Venice - Munich - Nuremberg
After breakfast this morning, set off from Venice for another remarkable journey through some of Europe’s finest scenery. Travel through the towering Dolomites and into the lush verdant valleys of Austria and Germany. An orientation tour in Munich will introduce you to the famous Karlsplatz and Marienplatz as well as provide an insight into some of the region’s rich history. Dinner tonight will be enjoyed together at a traditional German beer hall, finally spending the night in Nuremberg.
Accommodation: ibis Nurnberg City am Plarrer or similar
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
16/2 (Nuremberg Breakfast then head head to Rhine River) Nuremberg - Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
Leaving Nuremberg behind after breakfast today, head to one of the most picturesque areas along the Rhine River. Enjoy an included lunch free time to soak up the views and shop for handcrafted souvenirs. Next up, enjoy a stunning cruise along the Rhine River. This part of the valley is home to the most concentrated stretch of castles in Europe! Take in the views of the striking cliffs, medieval castles and historic vineyards along the river banks. Afterwards, the journey continues to arrive in Amsterdam later tonight.
17/2 (Amsterdam Breakfast)
Get acquainted with Amsterdam’s highlights on a canal cruise this morning. Enjoy sightseeing from the water and learn more about this historic city as you cruise. The rest of the day is free to wander the streets of Amsterdam at your leisure; explore colourful neighbourhoods, sample local food & beers or visit some of the city’s world-famous museums; including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. For something different, join an optional Dutch countryside tour (at your own expense) featuring cheese, clogs and windmills! Complete your Dutch adventure by joining the optional group dinner (at your own expense) this evening in Amsterdam.
Accommodation: Best Western Plus Plaza Almere or similar
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Bruges, Belgium
18/2 (Amsterdam Breakfast then head to Bruges) Amsterdam - Bruges - London)
Say farewell to Amsterdam and head to the medieval city of Bruges, in Belgium. Enjoy free time to stroll along cobblestone streets, admire historic buildings, stock up on Belgian chocolate or sample a Belgian waffle. After Bruges, it’s time to complete the last leg of the journey back to London. Arrive back in London towards the end of the day. Tonight, you can choose to join a group farewell dinner in Greenwich.
Accommodation: Hotel ibis Greenwich or similar
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Budapest, Hungary
Monday, February 18th, 2024: Arrival in Budapest
Morning:
9:00 AM: Arrive in Budapest
Check-in at your chosen accommodation
Afternoon:
12:00 PM: Lunch at Central Market Hall - Enjoy Hungarian street food and local delicacies in this historic market.
1:30 PM: Visit Buda Castle - Explore the historic castle complex and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Fisherman's Bastion.
Evening:
5:30 PM: Dinner at Rosenstein Restaurant - Indulge in traditional Hungarian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
7:30 PM: Relax in a thermal bath - Unwind at one of Budapest's famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi Thermal Bath or Gellért Thermal Bath.
Tuesday, February 19th, 2024: Explore Pest Side
Morning:
9:00 AM: Breakfast at New York Café - Experience the opulence of one of the most beautiful cafés in the world.
10:30 AM: St. Stephen's Basilica - Admire the stunning architecture and panoramic views from the dome.
Afternoon:
12:30 PM: Lunch at Karaván Street Food Court - Sample various Hungarian and international dishes from food trucks.
2:00 PM: Hungarian Parliament Building Tour - Discover the history and architecture of this iconic landmark.
Evening:
5:00 PM: Explore the Danube Promenade - Take a leisurely stroll along the river and enjoy the views of Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge.
7:00 PM: Dinner at Gerbeaud Café - Indulge in desserts and coffee at one of Budapest's most renowned cafés.
Wednesday, February 20th, 2024: Day Trip to Szentendre
Morning:
9:00 AM: Take a train to Szentendre - Enjoy a scenic ride to this charming town known for its art galleries and museums.
10:00 AM: Explore Szentendre - Wander through the cobblestone streets, visit the Marzipan Museum, and browse local shops.
Afternoon:
12:30 PM: Lunch at Paprika Vendéglő - Taste authentic Hungarian dishes in a cozy restaurant.
2:00 PM: Visit the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum - Learn about Hungarian rural life and traditions.
Evening:
5:00 PM: Return to Budapest
7:00 PM: Dinner at Sir Lancelot Medieval Restaurant - Experience a medieval feast with entertainment and live music.
Thursday, February 21st, 2024: Explore Margaret Island
Morning:
9:00 AM: Breakfast at your accommodation or a local café
10:00 AM: Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk around Margaret Island - Enjoy the scenic parks, gardens, and recreational facilities.
Afternoon:
12:30 PM: Picnic lunch on Margaret Island - Pack some sandwiches and snacks to enjoy in the park.
2:00 PM: Visit the Palatinus Thermal Bath - Relax in the outdoor pools and thermal baths.
Evening:
5:00 PM: Sunset cruise on the Danube River - Take in the beautiful views of Budapest illuminated at night.
7:00 PM: Dinner at Spoon Café & Lounge - Dine on a boat with panoramic views of the Danube and the city skyline.
Friday, February 22nd, 2024: Departure from Budapest
Morning:
9:00 AM: Breakfast at your accommodation
Check-out and depart for your next destination.