Welcome to Amsterdam!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Holland Days
This morning, meet your Local Guide for a fascinating introduction to Amsterdam. At the pier board a glass-topped boat to admire Amsterdam from a different perspective as you cruise along the elegant, UNESCO-listed grachten (canals). See the most captivating views of “Golden Age” homes, landmark buildings, and charming bridges. Later, visit a Diamond Center to learn why Amsterdam is often called the “diamond capital of the world.” Free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE There’s nowhere quite like Amsterdam! A vibrant city with an impressive artistic heritage, and a fascinating infrastructure. The city is built on about 11 million wooden poles and criss-crossed by over 165 canals. In addition, it boasts a vast network of cycle lanes frequented by the city’s 881 000 bicycles, Amsterdam is so bike-friendly that the bicycles outnumber the residents!
Tradition on Tap in Heidelberg
Drive across the border into Germany where a real treat awaits with a scenic cruise on the River Rhine, one of Europe’s most important rivers, flowing through six countries. While sailing, admire castles, vineyards, and charming villages. On disembarkation, continue your journey to Heidelberg. Take photos of the red-walled castle ruins and [LF] enjoy a beer at the Kulturbrauerei. (B,D) 373 mi / 600 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Lift a glass of German beer in Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg brauhaus. Enjoy the famous tastes of Germany in this elegant and rustic beer house where hospitality is served in the heart of the brewery, along with legendary beers – both traditional and modern.
With Cherries on Top
This morning, head to the Black Forest to enjoy some local traditions. [LF] Watch a traditional woodcarving demonstration followed by a delicious helping of Kaffee und Schwarzwaldkuchen (coffee and Black Forest Cake). Later, drive over the border into Switzerland and stop to admire the breathtaking Rhine Falls. Continue to Lucerne for free time this evening. (B) 280 mi / 450 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Visit the House of Black Forest Clocks, a family-owned cuckoo clock producer and meet Mr. Herr, a skilled woodcarver. His creations are made with linden wood sourced directly from the famous Black Forest region in Germany. Watch the artisans at work turning blocks of wood into exquisite designs –an age-old art that is passed on through generations. Afterwards, indulge your sweet tooth with coffee and Black Forest Cake.
Lion Hearts in Lucerne
Today visit three countries, beginning with a morning walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief sculpture and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). Drive into Liechtenstein to visit the capital city of Vaduz and enjoy an orientation walk followed by free time. Today’s destination is Innsbruck, Austria, enjoy a walk through the Old Town to see the Golden Roof. (B,D) 186 mi / 300 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Lion Monument in Lucerne is a moving commemoration of the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution. As one of Switzerland’s most iconic monuments, more than a million visitors stand before this touching tribute each year. One such visitor, Mark Twain, described the sculpture of a mortally wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."
Benvenuti a Venezia
This morning, depart Austria and cross the border into Italy. Arrive in Venice to take a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breathtaking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark’s Square. Disembark for an orientation walk to St. Mark’s Square and a noted vetreria to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. Later, [LF] enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 242 mi / 390 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Savor the tastes and traditions of the Italian cuisine and create fun memories with your friends and family around the table. Nothing makes it more special than sharing good food with the ones we love the most and Italians know this more than anyone else in the world. Buon appetito!
Tuscan Treasures
Back to mainland Italy for a drive across the Apennine Mountains. Continue with a scenic drive past the olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills of Tuscany and Umbria. Later, arrive in the vibrant city of Rome.* (B) 329 mi / 530 km* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS If all roads lead to Rome, we choose the hilly landscapes of the Appennine Mountains, which stretch hundreds of kilometers from the north to the south of Italy. This “wild heart of Italy” is a natural masterpiece full of brilliant character. A real joy for the hearth and soul.
Spend your day your way in Rome.*
Explore more of Rome with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Rome of the Caesars
Time travel to ancient Rome! Stand in the Colosseum and let your imagination be captured by stories of gladiator games and emperor reigns. Delve deeper into the Rome of the Caesars with a guided walk through the Roman Forum, once the beating heart of the Roman Empire; see the Palatine Hill considered to be the birthplace of Rome.
The Papal City
Explore the Papal City for a guided visit of the extensive Vatican Museums. Lift your eyes to the heavens in the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo¿s masterpiece ceiling fresco, then continue to St. Peter¿s Square to see the breathtaking St. Peter¿s Basilica. Stroll along the Via della Conciliazione to admire Castel Sant'Angelo, the former Papal Fortress.
Historic Faith: Rome Jewish Ghetto and Saint Mary Major Basilica
Follow your guide on to the Jewish Ghetto to hear of its long and storied history¿from the ruins of Republican and Imperial Rome to the medieval age; from the Renaissance Ghetto to the construction of the Synagogue and the ultimate tragic affront of Nazi deportation suffered by the oldest Jewish community in Europe. Taste a traditional Kosher pastry, then continue on to magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary the Major. Built in the 4th century to celebrate a miraculous August snowfall, the basilica was rebuilt in the 5th century with continued embellishments ever since. See the papal basilica¿s Room of the Popes and the famed five-story so called "Bernini staircase".
Free time this afternoon and evening.* (B)* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Fine Art in Firenze
Leave the hustle and bustle of Rome behind as you relax for a scenic drive past the olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills of Umbria and Tuscany. Arrive in Florence, one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for a visit of the Academy of Fine Arts, to see Michelangelo's David statue, followed by a walk through the historic center, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. This afternoon free time to explore more of Florence “La bella.” (B) 190 mi / 305 km* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent. Home to a wealth of Renaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
A Tilted Tower & Table Games
This morning, stop in Pisa to visit the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and location of one of the most recognizable monuments in the world – the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Later, enjoy a scenic drive to reach the glamorous French Riviera. (B) 270 mi / 435 kmENHANCE YOUR FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE With an optional excursion to the glittering lights of Monte Carlo. It has attracted high-rolling gamblers for decades for its glamour and high-stake games. Explore the nightlife, restaurants, or roulette tables in this iconic city of princes and princesses on the French Riviera.
French Connections
Leave the French Riviera behind and continue your journey through the region of Provence to Lyon, a UNESCO-listed city, jam-packed with landmarks and considered the birthplace of cinema. Take a walking tour of the Old Town followed by free time to browse before dinner at your hotel. (B,D) 311 mi / 500 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Stroll the Old Town of Lyon and marvel at its hidden gardens and terracotta rooftops of Renaissance-era mansions, offering a view from the lovely lanes of this legendary culinary capital of France.
Bountiful Burgundy
Depart for a scenic drive through Burgundy with its vineyards and châteaux. Arrive in Paris this afternoon giving you plenty of time to get acquainted with this iconic city. (B) 292 mi / 470 km*For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOCAL TASTES Between Lyon and Paris is a world where the celebrated tastes, traditions, and timeless natural beauty reign in the breathtaking landscapes and vineyards of Burgundy. French treasures from escargot to Pinot are produced here, as well as Chardonnay and, of course, the beautiful Burgundy wines. A drive through bountiful Burgundy is brimming with the wonderful tastes and French castles found along the way.
C’est Magnifique in the City of Light
Hop on your private electric coach for a guided tour of the city of Paris to see iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Orsay Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore independently or join an optional excursion. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant * (B,D)*For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS As the song gs, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tempting shops of the Champs-Élysées to the irresistible charms of a corner café, our hearts are set on sharing France’s captivating City of Light any time you please.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
