European Grandeur - Start London, End Amsterdam, Small Group
Tour Type: Discovery
Brochure Type Europe & Britain Premium 2025 v1
See Paris icons like the Champs-elysees through the eyes of your local expert, enjoy the gastronomic delights of Pintxos tasting tours en route to San Sebastian in Spain and try your hand at Venice glassblowing in Italy, all on the grandest of European tours. From boutique fashionista shopping in the avenues of Paris to Picasso's trail blazing masterpieces in Madrid, this cultural tour de force is all encompassing. Barcelona dazzles with Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece?La Sagrada Família, while Avignon serves up a palate tantalizing taste of traditional farm to table cooking. The French Riviera offers an abundance of opulence, with harbors in Nice and Monaco packed to the brim with luxury yachts, and in Vienna the regal history of Austria's Habsburg dynasty fires up the imagination.
Additional Included Highlights
Brochure Type Europe & Britain Premium 2025 v1
See Paris icons like the Champs-elysees through the eyes of your local expert, enjoy the gastronomic delights of Pintxos tasting tours en route to San Sebastian in Spain and try your hand at Venice glassblowing in Italy, all on the grandest of European tours. From boutique fashionista shopping in the avenues of Paris to Picasso's trail blazing masterpieces in Madrid, this cultural tour de force is all encompassing. Barcelona dazzles with Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece?La Sagrada Família, while Avignon serves up a palate tantalizing taste of traditional farm to table cooking. The French Riviera offers an abundance of opulence, with harbors in Nice and Monaco packed to the brim with luxury yachts, and in Vienna the regal history of Austria's Habsburg dynasty fires up the imagination.
Additional Included Highlights
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, y
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Avignon At a local farm learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce before indulging in a farm-to-table dinner of traditional French home-style cuisine.
- Venice In St Marks Square at sunset, long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels, sip cocktails canal-side before dinner at a local restaurant.
- Paris Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a delightful Welcome Dinner, served with wine.
- San Sebastián Enjoy an evening of pintxos, dining with locals in this Basque tradition. Your delicious dinner includes a wide variety of finger food delicacies, each with their own regional flavor, flair and presentation.
- Vienna Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialties of coffee and Sachertorte.
- Lucerne Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening and hand-pick your preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
- Amsterdam Toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Paris Join an avid local foodie on a walk through a local food market - Bastille Marche. Visit a variety of stalls and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Vienna Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialties of coffee and Sachertorte.
- Paris We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. Landmarks will include passages couver
- Paris Join an avid local foodie on a walk through a local food market - Bastille Marche. Visit a variety of stalls and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
- Vienna Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
- 8 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 26 Breakfast (B)
- Rhineland The beautiful scenery of the Rhine River is punctuated by the many castles dotted along its banks. Delight in a private estate viewing of one of these Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments located along the Midd
- Rome Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica's simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior
- Madrid
- Venice Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblow
- Stanserhorn Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora.
- Bordeaux Your Local Expert will show you the quayside facades, Grand Theater, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces.
- Innsbruck Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Ba
- Ljubljana Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
- Stanserhorn Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
- Florence Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the
- Monaco City Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
- Madrid See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
- Monaco City Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbor.
- Paris We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. Landmarks will include passages couver
- Pisa Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th century cathedral and of course, the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
- Avignon View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
- Chateau Chenonceau Visit the majestic Chateau de Chenonceau, known as the 'Ladies' Chateau' it perfectly embodies the elegance of 16th century design in the Loire Valley.
- Maribor Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture.
- London Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train as you journey from London to Europe via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel.
- Lucerne During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
- Salzburg Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getrei
- Vienna Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
- Vienna Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Expert reveals why this is the historic core of the city. You will also tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
- Barcelona With your Local Expert, drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Famíl
- Nice Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
- Vaduz Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains.
- Venice With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
- Amsterdam Cruise along the old waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
- Paris Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs
- Rome During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
- San Sebastián Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical
Call (800) 435-5850 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18824464
- Tour Operator
- Insight Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/30/2024
- Duration
- 27 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
Day | Destination | Description |
Day 1 | London | Welcome to London: Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London. Accommodations: The Cumberland Hotel, London |
Day 2 | Paris | London to Paris by Eurostar: Meet your Travel Director and transfer to London's St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you via the Channel Tunnel to Paris where you can spend the afternoon as you please.During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the River Seine with its many romantic bridges. See the obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a fabulous Welcome Dinner at a local brasserie. Accommodations: Le Meridien Etoile, Paris. |
Day 3 | Paris | Paris, the City of Light: Your exploration of Paris today begins with an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Accommodations: Le Meridien Etoile, Paris. |
Day 4 | Bordeaux | Onto Bordeaux: Head southwards towards Chateaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known as the Jardins de France for the beautifully maintained gardens that were created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenonceau Castle, an elegant French chateau spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling seaport of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character. Accommodations: Novotel Bordeaux Gare St Jean |
Day 5 | Donostia-San Sebastian | Bordeaux and San Sebastián: Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France's best 18th century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Theatre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contribured to Bordeaux earn inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián where you will have the chance to dine with the locals in the evening. In small groups, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine. Accommodations: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián. |
Day 6 | Madrid | On to Madrid Relaxed Start: Continue along the Guadarrama Mountains to the plateau of New Castile and Spain's elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains? Accommodations: Hotel Riu Plaza España, Madrid. |
Day 7 | Madrid | Madrid Relaxed Start: Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighborhoods in the Spanish capital. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's Guernica. Accommodations: Hotel Riu Plaza España, Madrid. |
Day 8 | Barcelona | Madrid and Beautiful Barcelona: Cross the Castilian plain, past Zaragoza, and continue to the vibrant port of Barcelona. In the evening, why not try delicious local Catalan cuisine and as night descends, view the city from the heights of Montjuic, with lights sparkling below from the mountains to sea. Accommodations: Hilton Barcelona. |
Day 9 | Barcelona | Barcelona, City of Gaudi Relaxed Start: Join your Local Expert for a view of the Gothic Quarter and the cathedral. Travel by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família. Accommodations: Hilton Barcelona. |
Day 10 | Avignon | Avignon, the City of Popes: Journey to Avignon to see the famous Pont d'Avignon, once spanning the Rhone and immortalized in songs. Walk within the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to stand in the shadow of the old Palais des Papes, resembling a fortress. Learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce. After, indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner, a delicious insight into traditional French home-style cuisine. Accommodations: Novotel Avignon Center |
Day 11 | Nice | On the shores of Nice: Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or relax on the beach. Accommodations: Hotel Apollinaire |
Day 12 | Florence | Monaco and Pisa: Travel to Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family live, the yacht-filled harbor and visit the cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Cross into Italy and follow the arc of the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. In the Square of Miracles, stop to see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa with a Local Expert, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Also see the splendid 11th century cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Accommodations: NH Firenze, Florence. |
Day 13 | Florence | Renaissance Florence Relaxed Start: Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there's free time to shop or continue exploring. Accommodations: NH Firenze, Florence. |
Day 14 | Rome | The Eternal City of Rome: Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, before passing the Apennine Mountains to arrive at the Eternal City, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Radisson Blu GHR Rome. |
Day 15 | Rome | Exploring Papal Rome: A Local Expert introduces the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter's Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. The afternoon is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe before our exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. Accommodations: Radisson Blu GHR Rome. |
Day 16 | Rome | Rome at Leisure Relaxed Start: Enjoy Rome at your own pace today. Perhaps take an optional experience to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps. Accommodations: Radisson Blu GHR Rome. |
Day 17 | Venice | Autostrada del Sole to Venice: Journey through peaceful Tuscan landscapes, to descend past Bologna into the fertile Valley of the River Po. Arrive at the glorious city of Venice by boat and savor a cocktail at sunset whilst you are serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice. |
Day 18 | Venice | The Magic of La Serenissima: Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Admire the Doge's Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts center, before taking a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where St. Mark's Basilica exudes the city's former wealth and power. Accommodations: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice. |
Day 19 | Ljubljana | Venice to elegant Ljubljana Relaxed Start: Depart Venice by water taxi and continue your journey to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. A Local Expert shows you Pre?eren square with the Triple bridge, baroque Franciscan Church and and the lively banks of Ljubljanica river. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the tranquil shores of Lake Bled? Ride in a traditional wooden 'pletna' across the turquoise glacial waters towards the tiny island that rises in the middle. Accommodations: Hotel Lev Ljubljana. |
Day 20 | Vienna | Ljubljana to Vienna: Follow the Drava River and cross over the Slovenian border to reach the 700-year-old university town of Maribor. Continue past Graz through Styria's forested mountains and on to Vienna. Accommodations: Hilton Vienna Park., Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront |
Day 21 | Vienna | Vienna and the Habsburgs Relaxed Start: In the morning, there is the option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Later, get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built alongside the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital's architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament. Later, join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. Visit a traditional Viennese cafe to enjoy local specialties of coffee and Sachertorte or visit Capuchins' Crypt, the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna. Accommodations: Hilton Vienna Park., Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront |
Day 22 | Innsbruck | Salzburg and onto Innsbruck: Pass the impressive Benedictine monastery of Melk before reaching the enchanting city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and the iconic musical 'The Sound of Music'. A Local Expert will show you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, including the fountains and statues where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed. Cross Residence Square with its fountain, where Maria sings 'I Have Confidence' and see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. Perhaps join an excursion to the famous Eagle's Nest? Continue to the mountain ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace. Accommodations: AC Hotel Innsbruck. |
Day 23 | Lucerne | Liechtenstein to Lucerne Relaxed Start: Journey past flower-filled meadows and picturesque chalet-style villages to the Principality of Liechtenstein. Spend some time in its tiny capital, Vaduz, then cross into Switzerland and through glorious mountains to lakeside Lucerne. On arrival, visit Lucerne's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Accommodations: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne. |
Day 24 | Stanserhorn | Lucerne and Mt Stanserhorn: Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Breathe in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. With the day free, there is plenty of time for shopping for delectable chocolate and glamorous Swiss watches in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers? At night, you are offered a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening. Accommodations: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne. |
Day 25 | Konigswinter | Legends along the Rhine: Enjoy traveling through Germany and follow the Rhine Valley north to Königswinter. Accommodations: Maritim Hotel Königswinter. |
Day 26 | Amsterdam | The Canals of Amsterdam: Delight in a private estate viewing of one of the famous Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments situated along the Middle Rhine over a glass of wine. Continue your travels to Amsterdam. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. In the evening, toast your adventure and new-found friends during a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam. |
Day 27 | Amsterdam | Depart Amsterdam: After breakfast, transfers arrive at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
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- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class