Insight > Romantic European

Romantic European
23 Days starting from $5,150

Countries Visited:
England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France

 

Length: 23 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: European Discovery
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: E912
   
 
About This Tour


This is a well paced tour with two-night stays in the eight key cities, allowing ample time for sightseeing and exploration.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director (hosted by Insight staff in London)
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Airport arrival transfer Day 2 and departure transfer in Paris on Day 23

Quality Dining

  • Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Rome (DA)
  • 1 Continental (CB), 1 Full Breakfast (B) & 19 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

23 Days ~ England ~ Belgium ~ Holland ~ Germany ~ Czech Republic
Slovakia ~ Hungary ~ Austria ~ Italy ~ Switzerland ~ France

Tour Pace
This is a well paced tour with two-night stays in the eight key cities, allowing ample time for sightseeing and exploration. The travelling days have been well planned with plenty of stops both for refreshment and photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to London.

DAY 2 – ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! On arrival you are transferred to your London tour hotel.
Hotel: Park Plaza Victoria.

DAY 3 – LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your half day sightseeing tour shows you Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The afternoon is at leisure to explore or shop. (B)

DAY 4 – LONDON – BRUSSELS
After driving to Dover and taking the ferry to France, make your way to medieval Bruges in Belgium, where you can stroll along cobbled streets and beside peaceful canals. Then it’s on to Brussels to marvel at the gilded buildings in the Grand Place and to see the Mannekin Pis statue. Later, enjoy a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Marriott/Sofitel Toison d’Or. (CB)

DAY 5 – BRUSSELS – AMSTERDAM
Drive to Amsterdam and pass Dam Square and the Mint tower en route to a demonstration of diamond cutting. Visit the fishing village of Volendam and learn how clogs and cheese are made before returning to Amsterdam.
Hotel: Moevenpick City Centre. (BB)

DAY 6 – AMSTERDAM – WüRZBURG
Head into Germany to see Cologne’s soaring Gothic cathedral. Continue via Bonn to the scenic Rhine Gorge to join your Highlight cruise. Glide past vineyards and medieval castles to see the Loreley Rock before continuing on to Würzburg with its Baroque Residenz palace, Marienberg fortress and statue-lined bridge.
Hotel: Maritim. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – WüRZBURG – PRAGUE
Stop in Nuremberg to see the charming blend of stone and timbered dwellings and the massive town ramparts before continuing east to the Czech border. Pass Pilsen, known for its beer, to reach the ‘golden city’ of Prague.
Hotel: Diplomat. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
A local guide introduces the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St Vitus’ Cathedral before descending to the Old Town Square, with its Astronomical Clock. Later, there is time to shop for fine Bohemian crystal. (BB)

DAY 9 – PRAGUE – BUDAPEST
Drive through the wine-producing area of South Moravia into Slovakia and stop in its fortified capital, Bratislava. After free time to explore, cross into Hungary and follow the River Danube to Budapest.
Hotel: Hilton West End. (BB)

DAY 10 – BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING
With a Budapest guide, see the murals in Matthias Church beside the Fisherman’s Bastion, which affords a grand view over the Danube and the Parliament. See the Royal Palace of Buda, then cross over to Pest to visit Heroes’ Square. The afternoon is free. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – BUDAPEST – VIENNA
Heading out of Budapest, survey the bridges over the Danube from the lofty citadel atop Gellert Hill. Continue through peaceful farmland, dotted with orchards and vineyards to the austrian border and Vienna.
Hotel: Hilton Plaza/NH Danube City. (BB)

DAY 12 – VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
A Premium Highlight visit takes you inside the fabulous Schönbrunn Palace. On a guided city tour, see the Parliament, Winter Palace and Opera House along the Ring Road. Spend the afternoon at leisure. (BB)

DAY 13 – VIENNA – VENICE
Cross over the Semmering Pass and across the border into Italy. Arrive at your hotel on Venice’s fashionable Lido.
Hotel: Hungaria Palace. (BB,D)

DAY 14 – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Cruise by private launch to St Mark’s Square to see the Doges’ Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St Mark’s Basilica, followed by a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration. Enjoy a fascinating Highlight gondola ride along the canals. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 15 – VENICE – ROME
Head south into the Apennine Mountains and follow the course of the Tiber to the Eternal City of Rome. As night falls, join your fellow passengers for a Dine-Around evening of local cuisine offered from a selection of restaurants.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,DA)

DAY 16 – ROME SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide to visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, complete with a Tour of St Peter’s Basilica to see Michelangelo's the Pieta. Now cross the Tiber to visit the Colosseum and see the Forum. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 17 – ROME – FLORENCE
Head north into the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany, driving to Piazzale Michelangelo for views over Florence. After a leather-work demonstration, spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful city.
Hotel: Palazzo Ricasoli. (BB,D)

DAY 18 – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
A local guide takes you to Santa Croce Basilica to see the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo. Continue to the lofty Cathedral where Giotto's 14C Campanile is said to be the most beautiful bell-tower in the world. See the 'Gates of Paradise' on the Baptistry and visit Signoria Square with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture. (BB)

DAY 19 – FLORENCE – LUCERNE
Head north through the scenic Italian Lake District, glimpsing Lake Como as you cross into Switzerland. Enjoy magnificent mountain scenery as you travel on to lake-side Lucerne.
Hotel: Flora Hotel. (BB)

DAY 20 – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
In Lucerne, see the emotive Lion Monument before strolling along the Chapel Bridge to the richly ornate Jesuit Church. Embark on a Premium Highlight excursion to the summit of one of Switzerland’s most famous mountains, Mount Pilatus. Admire the views over the snow-capped Jungfrau and Eiger peaks before returning to Lucerne. (BB,D)

DAY 21 – LUCERNE – PARIS
Leave Switzerland and skirt the Jura Mountains into the Burgundy wine region before continuing on to Paris.
Hotel: Sofitel Bercy/Pullman Paris Porte de Sevres. (BB)

DAY 22 – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
A comprehensive guided sightseeing tour shows you the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Garnier’s Opera, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. A Premium Highlight sees you ascend by elevator to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower before visiting the gilded Dôme Church to see the tomb of the Emperor Napoleon. The evening is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 23 – RETURN TO USA
Your tour ends with a transfer to the airport. (BB)


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
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4/17/2008 - 5/9/2008
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4/24/2008 - 5/16/2008
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5/1/2008 - 5/23/2008
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5/3/2008 - 5/25/2008
$5,250
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5/8/2008 - 5/30/2008
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5/15/2008 - 6/6/2008
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5/17/2008 - 6/8/2008
$5,250
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5/22/2008 - 6/13/2008
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5/24/2008 - 6/15/2008
$5,250
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5/31/2008 - 6/22/2008
$5,299
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6/7/2008 - 6/29/2008
$5,250
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6/12/2008 - 7/4/2008
$5,325
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6/21/2008 - 7/13/2008
$5,250
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6/26/2008 - 7/18/2008
$5,275
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7/3/2008 - 7/25/2008
$5,225
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7/17/2008 - 8/8/2008
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7/31/2008 - 8/22/2008
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8/7/2008 - 8/29/2008
$5,225
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8/9/2008 - 8/31/2008
$5,175
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8/16/2008 - 9/7/2008
$5,275
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8/28/2008 - 9/19/2008
$5,325
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8/30/2008 - 9/21/2008
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9/4/2008 - 9/26/2008
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9/6/2008 - 9/28/2008
$5,150
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9/11/2008 - 10/3/2008
$5,450
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9/13/2008 - 10/5/2008
$5,250
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9/18/2008 - 10/10/2008
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9/20/2008 - 10/12/2008
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9/25/2008 - 10/17/2008
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9/27/2008 - 10/19/2008
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10/2/2008 - 10/24/2008
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10/4/2008 - 10/26/2008
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10/9/2008 - 10/31/2008
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12/18/2008 - 1/9/2009
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Hotels
There is an excellent selection of modern hotels: the impressive Hilton West End in Budapest and the Vienna Hilton Plaza on the famous Ringstrasse contrast with the historic heritage of the fashionable Venice Lido which was developed in the 19th century.

Fellow Passengers
This tour appeals to the seasoned traveler who wants to combine revisiting the classic highlights of Europe with an introduction to the two historic and fascinating capitals at the heart of modern-day Eastern Europe, Prague and Budapest.

Highlights
This tour has such variety – the first view of the Old Town Square of Prague, the grandeur of Vienna, the waterscape of Venice, the awe-inspiring ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the renaissance treasures of Florence, the ascent of Mount Pilatus and the glittering city of Paris.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • See all the sights of London’s West EndSee the canals of medieval Bruges
  • Visit the Grand Place & Mannekin Pis in Brussels
  • Visit the fishing village of Volendam
  • See Amsterdam’s Mint Tower & Dam Square See Cologne Cathedral
  • See the Marienberg Fortress & Old Bridge in Würzburg
  • Visit Nuremberg, a 'treasure chest' of early German history and medieval architecture
  • Visit St Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle and see the Astronomical Clock in the town square
  • Visit historic Bratislava
  • Visit Matthias Church & Heroes’ Square in Budapest
  • Views of the Danube & Budapest’s Parliament from Fisherman’s Bastion & Gellert Hill
  • Drive along Vienna’s Ring Road to see the Parliament, Winter Palace & Opera House
  • Cruise to St Mark’s Square to see the Doges’ Palace, Bridge of Sighs & Basilica in Venice
  • Visit St Peter’s Basilica, vast mother church of the Catholic faith in the Vatican City
  • View over Florence from Piazza Michelangelo and see the Gates of Paradise & Cathedral
  • Visit the tombs of Galileo & Michelangelo in Florence
  • See Lucerne’s Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge
  • See Notre Dame & drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
  • Demonstrations of diamond cutting, cheese & clog making, Venetian glass-blowing

Guided City Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tours with audio headsets where appropriate in London, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Rome, Florence & Paris Orientation tours in Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne, Würzburg, Venice, Nuremberg, Bratislava & Lucerne

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director (hosted by Insight staff in London)
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Airport arrival transfer Day 2 and departure transfer in Paris on Day 23

Quality Dining

  • Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Rome (DA)
  • 1 Continental (CB), 1 Full Breakfast (B) & 19 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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