Day 1
FLIGHT TO LONDON:
Today, we are greeted by our
Christian Tours Tour Director and are transported to the
Charlotte Douglas Airport for our overnight flight to London.
Day 2
LONDON, ENGLAND:
We arrive in London to begin
our seven-country European Whirl. Enjoy some free time
to relax or spend some time exploring this exciting city. We
spend the next two nights in London.
Day 3
LONDON SIGHTSEEING:
Many of the major sights of
London are included on our morning sightseeing tour,
such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster
Abbey. Finishing in Central London, you have the rest of the
day at leisure to discover more of the city’s delights. (B)
Day 4
LONDON • EUROSTAR • BRUSSELS • AMSTERDAM
CANAL CRUISE:
This morning we travel to London’s St.
Pancras International to board the Eurostar for a high-speed
train journey to Brussels. Upon our arrival we travel by luxury
coach to Amsterdam. Our orientation of Amsterdam includes
Dam Square and the Mint Tower. Early this evening, the views
are splendid as we cruise along the city’s abundant canals
aboard our glass-topped boat, enjoying our dinner cruise. (B, D)
Day 5
RHINE RIVER CRUISE • HEIDELBERG, GERMANY:
We
travel via Arnhem along the Ruhr and Rhine Valleys. Enjoy
picturesque scenery all the way to Boppard, where we enjoy
a cruise on the romantic Rhine River. Our cruise takes us
past vine-clad hills and crumbling medieval castles to St. Goar.
We see the famous Lorelei Rock and later enjoy views of the
ancient red sandstone castle towering above Heidelberg. (B, D)
Day 6
SWABIAN ALPS • MUNICH • INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA:
Have your cameras ready as we travel through the Swabian
Alps on the edge of the Black Forest, arriving in the Bavarian
capital of Munich. Our orientation tour take us past the
Hofbräuhaus, and the neo-Gothic Town Hall which dominates
the Marienplatz. We admire splendid scenery and cross the
Austrian border arriving in Innsbruck the capital of the Alps.
Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture
of the Old Town, including Emperor Maximilian’s famous
Golden Roof. This evening you may want to consider an
optional evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment. (B)
Day 7
VENICE, ITALY • CANAL CRUISE:
Enjoy spectacular
scenery as we travel along the Brenner Pass into Italy and
across the Dolomite Mountains on our way to Venice, Italy.
Here we cruise by private motor launch to visit St. Mark’s
Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace
along the way. Next we visit a traditional Venetian glass
blowing workshop, then spend the afternoon exploring the
sights of your choice. (B)
Day 8
ROME:
We head south across the Veneto Plain. We pass
by Bologna and over the dramatic Apennine Mountains,
as we continue to the Lazio region to Rome, for a two night
stay. Enroute we connect with locals and enjoy true Tuscan
hospitality and a delicious lunch with a local family on their
private estate in the Chianti countryside. (B, L)
Day 9
ROME SIGHTSEEING:
Our morning sightseeing
tour begins with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica to view
Michelangelo’s Pieta. Crossing the River Tiber to ancient Rome,
we see the Forum and the Colosseum, as well as the enormous
Circus Maximus, famous for chariot racing. Spend the rest of
the day at leisure exploring the sights of your choice on your
own. You may want to take an optional excursion inside the
Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. (B)
Day 10
TUSCANY • FLORENCE:
From Rome we travel north
into Tuscany, through rolling countryside and along
the valley of the River Arno to Florence, the birthplace of
Renaissance. We discover the city’s rich artistic and medieval
history with our expert local guide on our walking tour. We
visit the Piazza Signoria with its impressive sculptures and
stunning palazzi. Marvel at the Baptistery and the multi-marble
Duomo, designed by Brunelleschi. (B)
Day 11
SCENIC DRIVE • LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND:
Today
we take an incredible scenic drive passing picturesque
Italian Lakes and across the Alps into Switzerland. We arrive
in the medieval city of Lucerne. We view the mournful, mortally
wounded lion hewn from the rock to commemorate the Swiss
Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI. Walk along
the flower-lined 14th century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing
the river Reuss. We spend the next two nights in the beautiful
lakeside town of Lucerne, Switzerland. (B)
Day 12
EXPLORE LUCERNE:
You may choose to join an
optional excursion to Mount Pilatus, ascending by
cog-wheel train, where you’ll have time to explore, admire
the views, and breathe the pure air. Descend by cable-car to
enjoy a scenic lake cruise. After the tour, you’ll have some
time to discover Lucerne and some of the delicious chocolate
shops in town. (Optional tour cost: 118 CHF) (B, D)
Day 13
PARIS, FRANCE:
This morning we pass Basel and cross
the border into France. In every direction, vineyards
and picturesque villages provide a memorable backdrop for
our journey. Spend some time this evening strolling along the
Seine and grand boulevards in search of a cozy bistro for fine
French cuisine. We overnight in Paris the next two nights. (B)
Day 14
PARIS SIGHTSEEING:
Today we tour the beautiful
city of Paris. On our tour we see the Champs Elysees,
Place de la Concorde, the 19th century Arc de Triomphe, the
Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral and a stroll through
the Latin Quarter. Later we enjoy a farewell dinner together
with our tour director. (B, D)
Day 15
FLIGHT HOME:
Today we bid farewell to Paris and
board our flight for home. (B)
Ground Arrangements: by Trafalgar Tours
