Heart of Europe® Grand Tour

22-day tour featuring Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, and England

Tour Description
Take in all the spectacular sights from our Heart of Europe®Circle tour including medieval villages and scenic mountain vistas, while adding Rome, Pisa, Florence, Tuscany, an extra night in Paris, and two nights in London. You will see it all on the Heart of Europe® Grand Tour!

Included Features
Meals - In addition to any meals you may be served during your flights to and from Europe, the tour price includes 20 breakfasts and 12 dinners during the land portion of the tour.

Call (570) 963-2020 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13125600

Tour Operator
Image Tours
Offer
Offer valid through 3/29/2024
Duration
22 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1Overnight Flight to EuropeOvernight Flight to Europe.
Refer to 'Preparing for your Departure' in your Trip Documents for easy check-in procedures. Take time to relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
Day 2AmsterdamHOLLAND . . Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - Dutch Lowlands - Lelystad.
Upon arrival, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to your 'Arrival Instructions' page in your Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Board your deluxe motor coach for a pleasant drive through the neatly-groomed Dutch lowlands. Much of the Dutch countryside is at or below sea level and is characterized by canals, dikes and windmills. Continue to your hotel in Lelystad, which is situated on reclaimed land known as a Polder. Your two-night stay in Holland will introduce you to Dutch 'gezelligheid', a kind, convivial, comfortable feeling which you will experience in the days ahead. This evening, enjoy the 'Welcome to Europe/Get-acquainted' dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
Day 3LelystadHOLLAND . . Country Stay in Lelystad.
The day is yours to spend as you wish. Communicating is no problem, as English is widely spoken. Consider taking advantage of Holland's efficient bus and railway network to a myriad of interesting places, many of them less than an hour away. Bikes are available for rent in many cities. There's also a full-day optional Grand Holland excursion, featuring a kaleidoscopic overview of Holland, including the unique countryside, a picturesque Dutch village, and an afternoon in Amsterdam, one of the great cities of the world. Return to your hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4MaastrichtBELGIUM . . Antwerp & HOLLAND . . Margraten American Military Cemetery - Maastricht.
This morning you will cross three major rivers on your way to Belgium's province (state) of Flanders and its capital, Antwerp, known for its lively atmosphere and cozy outdoor cafes. Be sure to try the Belgian waffles. There are also fine lace and irresistible chocolate shops in the area around the city's attractive Grand Square. For many, the next stop, at the Margraten American Military Cemetery, is an emotional experience. The graves of over 8,000 American servicemen stand in everlasting memory to the sacrifices of World War II. For the location of specific graves, write to: The American Battle Monuments Commission, Washington, DC 20314. Your hotel this evening is conveniently situated in Maastricht, near the converging borders of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5SchriesheimGERMANY . . Rhine Cruise - Heidelberg - Schriesheim.
In Germany, some of your travel will be on the Autobahn, the first state-of-the-art superhighway system, which was expanded by Hitler. Near Koblenz, leave the Autobahn and wind through the Rhine River Valley to Boppard. A pleasure boat awaits you for an upstream cruise on the Rhine river. You will glide past quaint villages, a variety of castles, and hillside vineyards known for producing distinctive wines. Continue to Heidelberg, situated on the Neckar River and dominated by the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. This renowned university town is considered by many to embody the spirit of Germany. Your tour manager will accompany you on a walking tour of the Old Town. Following your visit to Heidelberg, proceed to the neighboring village of Schriesheim, where your hotel will serve dinner shortly after your arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6AdelsriedGERMANY . . Rothenburg - Romantic Road - Adelsried.
This morning, travel to the storybook town of Rothenburg, a beautifully-preserved, medieval village surrounded by the original town walls. When you see the narrow cobblestone streets, distinctive inns, and quaint shop fronts, it might feel as if you are walking into a fairy tale. During your free time, climb to the top of the town hall Bell Tower for a bird's-eye view of the city, walk atop the old city walls, check out the Medieval Criminal Museum which exhibits tools of punishment from more draconian times, or stroll through the castle gardens overlooking the River Tauber. Delightful shopping awaits you at Kathe Wohlfahrt's Weihnachtsdorf, a sprawling, year-round Christmas shop. Your afternoon journey leads south on the Romantic Road. This area is rich in unspoiled countryside, ancient castles and untouched villages. Tonight, your meal at the hotel in Adelsreid will be enlivened by accordion music. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7InnsbruckGERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck - Tyrolean Village.
Munich, the elegant capital of Bavaria, lies 60 kilometers (37½ miles) east. Step out for free time at the Marienplatz, a pedestrian only zone where historic buildings are cleverly interspersed with modern store fronts. The focal point of the square is the Rathaus (Town Hall) with its captivating Glockenspiel clock tower. For lunch, consider the Hofbrauhaus, a one-of-a-kind beer hall, which exudes an 'Oktoberfest' atmosphere year-round. After lunch, head south to the Austrian border and travel along the Inn River as it winds its way through the Alps. In the Imperial City of Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol and two-time host of the Winter Olympics, see the Imperial Church, the Golden Roof, the Maria Theresia Boulevard and the Triumphal Arch. Innsbruck owes its architectural beauty to Maximilian I, who ruled 500 years ago. A short distance from Innsbruck lies the Tyrolean village where you will spend the next two nights in a chalet style hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8InnsbruckAUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village near Innsbruck.
The peaceful villages tucked in the valleys around Innsbruck provide the perfect location for a relaxing day. For further exploration, trams or trains offer easy and direct transportation between the villages and Innsbruck. Another choice is the optional Bavarian Palace excursion. Try a local restaurant for your independent dinner or join the optional Tyrolean Show & Dinner for an evening of authentic Austrian folklore, music and dancing. (Breakfast)
Day 9VeronaITALY . . Dolomite Mountains - Lake Garda - Verona.
Enter Italy via the Europa Bruecke (Bridge), a remarkable feat of mountain highway engineering through the Dolomites, a mountain range known for its reddish appearance. After the customary morning break, you are in for a special treat as you descend to Italy's largest lake, beautiful Lake Garda. In some places, the rocky cliffside rises straight up from the water. Its sheltered location gives the area a subtropical climate rich in vegetation, including oleander bushes, olive groves, fruit trees and grape vines. An extended stop affords ample time to stroll along the lakefront, browse the quaint markets, and enjoy an Italian ice cream (gelato). From here, it's a short ride to your hotel in the legendary city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare's tragic love story of 'Romeo & Juliet'. During your independent dinner, experience an authentic Italian meal at one of Verona's many fine restaurants. (Breakfast)
Day 10VeronaITALY . . Venice - Verona.
Today features a full-day visit to the romantic city of Venice, famous for its canals and bridges, colorful gondoliers, and magnificent St. Mark's Square. All transportation is done exclusively over water. So, like the Venetians, you'll take a boat ride to the center of Venice. A guided walking tour follows, ending with a visit to a glass-blowing workshop where highly skilled artisans craft anything from delicate figurines to grand, multi-colored chandeliers. If you have your heart set on gliding through the canals, the cost is about $45 per person based on six people per gondola. The day provides ample time to marvel at the architecture of the San Marco Basilica, the Doges' Palace and the Clock Tower. Have dinner at a pizzeria or join your tour manager at a typical Venetian restaurant for the optional Venice Dinner. After a memorable day of sightseeing, return to Verona to spend the night. (Breakfast)
Day 11RomeITALY . . Rome
The countryside is painted with golden rolling hills, olive groves and sleepy villages as you travel south on the Italian 'Autostrada del Sol' (Highway of the Sun). In the early afternoon make a stop in a charming village along the way before continuing to Rome. La Citta Eterna (The Eternal City) bursts with history, while at the same time being vibrant and modern. Dinner is served shortly after your arrival at your Rome area hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 12RomeITALY . . Rome.
The entire day is devoted to the wonders of Rome. This is an energetic, modern metropolis, yet proudly protective of its abundant historical sites, crowned by the Colosseum (Roman Arena) which dates back to 80 A.D. During the city bus tour, see some of Rome's most famous landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.The afternoon is free for individual pursuits. The tour manager will offer an optional 'Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel' excursion to the Vatican City, including the stunning St. Peter's Basilica. Choose from over 2,000 restaurants for an independent dining experience, or join the optional 'Rome Dinner' excursion. (Breakfast)
Day 13TermeITALY . . Rome - Montecatini-Terme.
Return to Rome for further exploration this morning. The best way to see more of this marvelous city is on foot. Sip a cappuccino at the Spanish Steps, stroll through the Piazza Navona, visit the market vendors at the Campo de Fiori, or take in one of Rome's many museums. Another option is the Colosseum excursion, offering a guided tour of the interior. After an independent lunch, take the Autostrada north into the Tuscany region where you will spend two nights in the delightful spa resort town of Montecatini-Terme. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 14TermeITALY . . Pisa - Florence - Montecatini-Terme.
After breakfast and a short drive, you will be standing in front of the intriguing Leaning Tower of Pisa. Next, travel to Florence for a guided walking tour of the piazzas (town squares), home to countless sculptures and architectural masterpieces. After shopping for leather goods at the markets or for jewelry on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, treat yourself to an Italian pizza. In the evening, Montecatini-Terme welcomes you back with its pastel-tinted buildings on palm-lined streets.

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 15Lake Lucerne RegionSWITZERLAND . . Lake Lugano - Gotthard Pass - Lake Lucerne Region.
Travel north past Milan towards the unsurpassed splendor of the Italian and Swiss lake districts. As you enter Switzerland, snow capped peaks emerge in the distance while palm trees greet you along the shores of Lake Lugano. Often referred to as the Rio de Janeiro of the Old Continent, Lugano is the perfect spot for a lunch break. In the afternoon, the 11-mile-long St. Gotthard Tunnel takes you from the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland into the larger German-speaking region. Traveling through William Tell country, you descend upon Lake Lucerne. The soaring peaks of Rigi, Stanserhorn and Pilatus, standing guard over this vast water basin, create one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Spend the night in one of the cozy villages in the Lake Lucerne Region. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 16Lake Lucerne RegionSWITZERLAND . . Stans - Lucerne - Lake Lucerne Region.
Today's first stop is in the old mountain village of Stans with an optional 'Swiss Mountain' excursion by funicular and cable car. Next, motor along the lake to the city of Lucerne, where you will see the Old Town Wall and famous Lion Monument. The rest of the day is yours to explore the old town, visit the Swiss Transport Museum, relax on one of the lovely lakeshore promenades. Lucerne is also a shopper's paradise. You will enjoy browsing through displays of wood-carved music boxes, delicate Swiss lace, delicious chocolates and Switzerland's world famous watches. Before returning to your hotel, the tour manager will offer an optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 17BeauneFRANCE . . Burgundy Wine Region - Beaune.
The church bells usher in another glorious day. Follow the Swiss Autobahn to Basel, strategically located where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, and the Rhine River becomes navigable. The mountains give way to hilltop villages and rustic vineyards. By mid-day, arrive in Beaune, the center of Burgundy wine country and one of the best preserved medieval cities in this area. During your free afternoon, visit the intriguing Hospices Museum with its striking facade. Built in the 15th century as a hospital for the destitute, the museum houses items used in hospitals in the Middle Ages, as well as an impressive collection of furniture, pottery, paintings and tapestries. Dinner is independent this evening, providing the opportunity to visit a wine cellar and to sample regional cuisine. (Breakfast)
Day 18ParisFRANCE . . Paris.
Around lunch time you will arrive in Paris 'La Ville Lumiere (The City of Light). Begin your introduction to Paris in the Montmartre district, where Paris looks as it does in old paintings and artists still display their works. Here you may also visit the impressive Sacre-Coeur Basilica and take in the spectacular views over Paris. Proceed to the hotel in the late afternoon. This evening, dine independently at one of Paris' many restaurants or join your tour manager on an optional Paris Evening excursion, with dinner at a characteristic French bistro located in the heart of Paris. (Breakfast)
Day 19ParisFRANCE . . Paris.
A full free day to continue your exploration of Paris. A great way to begin your sightseeing is by joining the optional Seine River Cruise excursion, providing unsurpassed views of some of the city's major sights. During your free time, your tour manager will direct you to the location of the principal sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum (open daily except Tuesdays), the Eiffel Tower, the Opera, the famous Galleries Lafayette department store, and the even more famous Champs Elysees. Shopping enthusiasts will be thrilled with the fashionable boutiques and department stores surrounding the Opera. Continue your exploration into the evening, or if your visit to Paris is incomplete without experiencing a nightclub, consider the optional Paris Dinner & Cabaret Show excursion. (Breakfast)
Day 20LondonENGLAND . . London.
After breakfast, take the high-speed Eurostar train under the English Channel and into London in just three hours. Upon arrival, a motor coach and local guide are waiting to introduce you to the famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, the River Thames, Piccadilly Circus and Hyde Park. After the tour, transfer to your hotel for check-in, followed by a 'Farewell Dinner'. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 21LondonENGLAND . . London.
Spend the day pursuing your personal interests. The ideal way to tour London is to purchase a double decker hop-on/ hop-off day pass (approximately £30), giving you access to popular attractions at over 90 stops! If you wish to see the Changing of the Guard, check with the hotel because performances are limited to 11:30 a.m. on select dates posted one month in advance and subject to special events or weather. Stop at the famous Harrods department store or Madame Tussauds with its life-like wax figures. The tour manager will offer an optional excursion to the 'Tower of London'. London offers many independent dining and entertainment opportunities, or join your tour manager for an optional 'London Dinner & Theatre' excursion. (Breakfast)
Day 22Daytime Flight back to the U.S.A.Daytime flight back to the U.S.A.
Transfer to the London airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast)
Dates/Pricing

Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
05/09/2024Quote
09/05/2024Quote
09/26/2024Quote
Cultural/Educational
History
Shopping
Disclaimer

The above departures reflect Land-Only per person pricing and TWIN pricing is based upon double occupancy. Any early booking discounts available will be reflected in the summary price after you pick your departure date, your accommodation type, and any additional options in the following steps. Please choose a departure date to continue pricing the tour.

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