European Treasures

21 days from London to Paris or 22 days incl. travel (5190)

Vacation Overview

See much more than the main treasures on this magnificent vacation focusing on Central and Eastern Europe. Start in London, then cross the Channel by ferry and board your motorcoach bound for Amsterdam for guided sightseeing, a canal cruise, and two overnights. Head east to the magnificently restored city of Berlin for guided sightseeing, then on to the mountains and fortresses of the Erzgebirge range. Enter the Czech Republic and Bohemia to arrive in Prague for two nights and guided sightseeing. Next stop: Vienna for guided sightseeing that shows off the State Opera, Town Hall, and Parliament. South through the beautiful Styrian countryside to Klagenfurt. Skirt Lake Worth and Villach and travel through the Karawanken Tunnel to Slovenia. Stop in picturesque Lake Bled with an overnight in Ljubljana. Follow the Adriatic shores past the port of Trieste, then cross into Italy to Venice for a canal boat ride to St. Mark's and to marvel at this amazing "floating" city. Stop in Assisi to visit St. Francis' Basilica, then on to the "Eternal City" of Rome with sightseeing that highlights the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. In Renaissance Florence, a Local Guide shows you Piazza Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Duomo. Admire the Leaning Tower in Pisa and drive along the Italian and French Rivieras. On the way to Lyon, stop in Arles and Avignon, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. North through Burgundy to ancient Beaune before reaching Paris for guided sightseeing and your final two nights.

April 11 departure - Easter in Rome
Dec 16 departure - Christmas in Vienna

Map

5190

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND

Check into your hotel. In the afternoon you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 2 LONDON

A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London's landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (Breakfast)

Day 3 LONDON - AMSTERDAM AREA, HOLLAND

Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you embark on your ferry to the Continent. Meet your Tour Director and board your luxury motorcoach for the drive to the Amsterdam area. (Breakfast)

Day 4 AMSTERDAM AREA

Today, watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a diamond center in Amsterdam. Then, sightseeing with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights and a canal cruise to see this unique city from water level. (Breakfast)

Day 5 AMSTERDAM AREA - BERLIN, GERMANY

Leave the Amsterdam area and head east, passing Enschede and Osnabrück. Continue to Germany's capital city, Berlin. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 BERLIN

No longer divided but every bit as fascinating, Berlin was once the city of contrasts with the wall separating two different worlds. Today the city has developed into a harmonious blend of new and old, preserving its historical buildings and impressive boulevards as it creates brand new buildings in the most daring architectural style. See all of this on the included city sightseeing with a Local Guide. In the afternoon there is an optional excursion to historic Potsdam to visit Sanssouci Park, a marvel of landscape gardening and architectural wonders, and to Cecilienhof Palace. (Breakfast)

Day 7 BERLIN - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Cross the River Elbe this morning and on to Dresden for an orientation of the magnificently restored city after its almost total destruction in World War II. Next, on to the mountains and fortresses of the Erzgebirge range before entering the Czech Republic and Bohemia on the way to its beautiful capital, Prague. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8 PRAGUE

The wealth of gothic and baroque architecture here must have truly inspired Prague composers Dvorak and Smetana. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide features landmarks such as the National Theater, Belvedere, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Hall with its magnificent Astronomical Clock. (Breakfast)

Day 9 PRAGUE - VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Today, drive from Bohemia into Moravia and continue southwest before crossing into Austria. Arrive in Vienna in the early afternoon in time for the optional excursion to the jewel of the former Habsburg Empire€”breathtaking Schonbrunn Palace with its ornate imperial rooms and its fabulous gardens. Reserve some energy for this evening's optional excursion. (Breakfast)

Day 10 VIENNA

Included sightseeing with a Local Guide this morning starts with a tour featuring the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes' Square to view the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Habsburgs. Finally, an inside visit of St. Stephen's Cathedral. This afternoon, free time to absorb the splendors of this magnificent city. Indulge in a slice of Sachertorte, take a ride in a Fiaker, or just a stroll through the Karntnerstrasse with its boutiques and coffee shops. This evening, music lovers won't want to miss taking in a concert in the "mecca" of classical music. (Breakfast)

Day 11 VIENNA - LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

South this morning to Semming Pass, then on through the beautiful Styrian countryside before continuing to Klagenfurt. Skirt Lake Worth and after Villach through the Karawanken Tunnel, enter Slovenia and head towards stunning Lake Bled for a stop. Next, a Local Guide will tell you about the treasures of Ljubljana on the included sightseeing. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 12 LJUBLJANA - VENICE AREA, ITALY

Continue southwest today, skirting the Adriatic shores, passing the port of Trieste, and on to incomparable Venice. Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real city, with criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and quiet little piazzas. Upon arrival, enjoy the included orientation, which starts with a boat ride and is followed by a visit to St. Mark's square and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don't miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 13 VENICE AREA - ASSISI - ROME

An interesting drive south, cutting across the Po Delta, passing Ravenna, and through the gentle Umbrian hills to Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the medieval town and world-famous basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for the "Eternal City" of Rome. (Breakfast)

Day 14 ROME

A city steeped in history, vibrantly alive, exciting, and absolutely unique. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter's Square and is followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum, scene of gladiatorial encounters. This afternoon, enjoy one of our popular optional excursions. (Breakfast)

Day 15 ROME - FLORENCE AREA

This morning, join the optional excursion to the Vatican, an independent state since 1929 and, of course, residence of the Pope. See the Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. In the late afternoon, head north to Florence. On the included walking tour of the charming Old Town with a Local Guide, discover most of the city highlights: the Piazza Santa Croce, beautiful Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard, and the Piazza del Duomo with its cathedral, the "Gate of Paradise," and the Giotto Campanile. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 16 FLORENCE AREA - PISA - FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCE

Travel west today through Tuscany, stopping first in Pisa's Square of Miracles to admire the amazing Leaning Tower. Next, head north past Genoa along the Italian Riviera, then cross the border to reach your hotel for two nights on the French Riviera. (Breakfast)

Day 17 FRENCH RIVIERA

A whole day to enjoy all the amenities of the French Riviera, and a good opportunity to take advantage of the optional excursions. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 18 FRENCH RIVIERA - ARLES - AVIGNON - LYON AREA

Take the inland road across sun-drenched Provence and landscapes made famous by Van Gogh. Stop for a short visit in elegant Arles, still brimming with Roman heritage. Later, head for Avignon on the River Rhône, famous for its Roman bridge, massive city walls, and the "Palais des Papes," former residence of the popes. Continue north to Lyon, France's second-largest city. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 19 LYON AREA - BEAUNE - PARIS

Focus on the picturesque vineyards and fields of Burgundy, and take a break in ancient Beaune. Then, travel on the comfortable highway to Paris, arriving in time to enjoy the spectacular optional cabaret show. (Breakfast)

Day 20 PARIS

A full day to enjoy the city that's known throughout the world for its fashion, art and museums, delicious food, and joie de vivre. Included sightseeing with a Local Guide shows you the best-known sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid at the Louvre, Les Invalides, and the fabulous Champs-Elysees. Optional excursions are also available to enrich your experience in the "City of Light." To celebrate the success of your tour, don't miss the French farewell dinner party tonight. (Breakfast)

Day 21 PARIS

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

 

Vacation Highlights

INCLUDED FEATURES

Visits to Dresden, Venice, Assisi, Pisa, Arles, Avignon, Beaune

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

Styria, Lake Worth, Lake Bled, Italian & French Rivieras, Burgundy wine country

INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

GUIDES

Local Guides for city sightseeing in Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Ljubljana, Rome, Florence, Paris

 

Accommodations

MEALS

Buffet breakfasts; 7 dinners

HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class

London Novotel London West (F), Amsterdam Area Tulip Inn Amsterdam City West (ST), Berlin Abba (F), Prague Ibis Mala Strana (ST), Vienna Austria Trend Bosei (F), Ljubljana M Hotel (ST), Venice Area Novotel (F) at Mestre, Rome Villa Maria Regina (F), Florence Area Europa (ST) at Signa, French Riviera Park Inn (F) at Nice or Quality (ST) at Menton, Lyon Area Park Inn (ST) at Mâcon, Paris SAS Radisson Paris Boulogne (F)

TRANSPORTATION

Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in London and Paris if Cosmos issues the air tickets. Round-trip transportation between London and the Channel ports; on the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Cross-Channel ferry; canal transfer boat in Venice

Optional Excursions

Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency; you can use our online currency converter for exchange rate information.

CITY: Amsterdam

Volendam & Zaans Schans
Drive to Volendam where you will have free time to enjoy a stroll and view the sights. From Volendam continue to Zaanse Schans, a working open-air museum that demonstrates what life was like in the 17th and 18th centuries. During the afternoon you will also visit a cheese shop and clog maker for a demonstration.
Approximate value: EUR €15 per person

Keukenhof
This tour takes you through Holland's most colorful springtime attractions. See the fields of Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in bloom. Visit famous Keukenhof Garden Park, an unforgettable sight. This excursion is available from March 18th to May 26th.
Approximate value: EUR €28 per person

Dutch Dinner & Drive
Enjoy a typical hearty Dutch meal in an authentic 16th century establishment, the Restaurant Haesje Claes, which is part of Amsterdam history. Located in the heart of the city, it is renowned for its eight different dining rooms, each offering diners a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person

CITY: Berlin

Famous City Of Potsdam
Potsdam is famous for its fine palaces and many beautiful historical buildings. Visit the Cecilienhof Palace where Truman, Attlee and Stalin signed the Potsdam agreement in 1945. See magnificent Sanssouci Palace, built by Frederich the Great.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person

Ziko's Grill Dinner
A fun evening at a local restaurant with good food and atmosphere. You will be served a four-course meal with 2 drinks per person and coffee/tea. During the evening musical entertainment you can even dance between the tables!
Approximate value: EUR €33 per person

CITY: London

Morning City Sightseeing Daily
A comprehensive tour in the company of a local guide including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Changing of the Guard (if held). Note: Groups cannot visit St. Paul's on Sundays. Reduced traffic permits more sightseeing and a lower price (£24) applies.
Approximate value: GBP £29 per person

Tower of London and Crown Jewels Afternoons daily
Let your guide bring the 900-year-old Tower Of London to life before you inspect the fabulous Crown Jewels. Afternoons daily.
Approximate value: GBP £37 per person

Afternoon Excursion to Windsor Castle Daily
Enjoy your guided visit to the Queen's favorite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The highlight is the newly refurbished state rooms.
Approximate value: GBP £37 per person

Buckingham Palace & the Royal Mews Afternoons daily July 23 to October 3
First a guided visit to the Royal Mews to see the magnificent gold coach, then admire over 20 grand rooms in the palace used by the Queen for state occasions.
Approximate value: GBP £46 per person

A Taste of London Daily April to October
Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion combines a traditional London pub experience with a relaxed, night-time river cruise, viewing some of the capital's most beautiful illuminated sights. Enjoy a three-course dinner at an historic London pub in the City of London.
Approximate value: GBP £56 per person

CITY: Nice

Monte Carlo by Night with Dinner
A beautiful drive along the French Riviera - arriving in the Principality of Monaco, where you will have a delicious French dinner. After dinner see the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Then stop for a drink at "Le Cafe de Paris" giving you the opportunity to absorb the jet-set atmosphere of Monaco. Afterwards time to gamble* at the famous Casino or just relax and enjoy the elegant ambience. *Personal ID required and formal dress code (but not evening wear) recommended. Minimum age limit to enter the Casino - 21 years.
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person

Monte Carlo by Night - Drink Only
A beautiful drive along the French Riviera - arriving in the Principality of Monaco see the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Stop for a drink at "Le Cafe de Paris" giving you the opportunity to absorb the jet-set atmosphere of Monaco. Afterwards time to gamble* at the famous Casino or just relax and enjoy the elegant ambience. *Personal ID required and formal dress code (but not evening wear) recommended. Minimum age limit to enter the Casino 21 years.
Approximate value: EUR €33 per person

Excursion to St. Paul De Vence
See lovely landscapes on your drive to St. Paul de Vence, a medieval Provencal village set on a spur, surrounded by well-preserved ramparts. Enjoy the serene setting of this picturesque spot made famous by artists such as Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, and Miro.
Approximate value: EUR €15 per person

CITY: Paris

The Louvre & Its Masterpieces
Once a royal palace and now a museum housing one of the most famous art collections in the world, the Louvre is yours on a guided tour. The Louvre Museum is open every day except Tuesdays and bank holidays. On these days, you will be offered alternative sights.
Approximate value: EUR €38 per person

Cabaret Show
A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to a typical cabaret show. A glass of champagne is served during the show.
Approximate value: EUR €65 per person

Versailles Sun King's Palace (Sat-Sun)
Week-ends visit: Historic Versailles is the beautifully restored palace of Louis XIV, the Sun King. After the guided tour of the palace, you can stroll in the magnificent terraced gardens with their fountains and statues. The Palace of Versailles is open every day except Mondays and bank holidays. On these days, you will be offered alternative sights.
Approximate value: EUR €70 per person

Farewell Dinner & Montmartre
The evening consists of a visit to Montmartre, the heart of Bohemian Paris, with time to see the Sacre-Coeur Church enjoying a panoramic view of the city. Included is a memorable four-course dinner with an aperitif and wine.
Approximate value: EUR €57 per person

CITY: Prague

Panorama & Krizik's Fountains
First enjoy a visit to Strahov monastery where you will appreciate a spectacular view over the whole of Prague and the Moldau River. Then continue to a typical Czech pub where you will taste the famous Prague dark beer. You will end your evening at the Krizikova Fountains, a well known outdoor spectacle where the fountains and the sound of the cascading water is synchronized with music and lights.
Approximate value: EUR €30 per person

The Best Of Medieval Prague
An afternoon full of history and architectural beauty - an intensive visit of the entire Castle District with entrance to the Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Crypt of the Bohemian Kings. You will also see inside the St. George Basilica. Finally, to Golden Lane where Franz Kafka lived for a short while.
Approximate value: EUR €35 per person

Czech Dinner & Music
A typical Czech meal in a famous wine restaurant not far from Prague Castle including unlimited drinks with wine served from special glass pipes. During the meal enjoy folklore music from different parts of the country.
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person

CITY: Rome

Treasures Of Rome Bn & Dinner
A night tour including some of the city's fountains and majestic squares: Piazza Barberini, Triton Fountain, Via Veneto, Villa Borghese, and Trevi Fountain. Finish the evening with a meal in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music included.
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person

The Catacombs
The early Christians created the Catacombs, a network of underground corridors, during centuries of persecution by the Romans. Included visit to St. Paul's Outside the Walls.
Approximate value: EUR €38 per person

Castelli Romani With Dinner
Drive through the ancient villages in the Alban Hills, a landscape of rare beauty, myths, legends and history. Take pictures of the Pope's summer residence, Castel Gandolfo. Then to Frascati where one of the famous local white wines is included with your dinner in a tavern.
Approximate value: EUR €50 per person

Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
A tour around the Vatican museums to admire the beautiful tapestry gallery and the Sistine Chapel with masterpieces by Botticelli and Signorelli. See the "Genesis" and Michelangelo's "Last Judgement".
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person

CITY: Venice

Gondola Serenade
This is one of the highlights of any European holiday - a gondola ride through centuries-old canals, under famous arched bridges, and past lavish palaces and quaint piazzas.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person

CITY: Vienna

Schonbrunn Palace & Gardens
A guided tour of part of the magnificent palace of Schonbrunn, which was the summer residence of the Austrian Emperors for nearly 150 years. It was built between 1695 and 1749 with over 100 rooms and beautiful gardens. End the tour with free time in the main gardens.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person

Evening In The Viennese Woods
A visit to Vienna is incomplete without seeing one of its famous wine villages. Enjoy typical vintner's fare and taste Heurigen (new wine). With musicians to entertain you, this is a convivial, and jovial evening.
Approximate value: EUR €42 per person

Kursalon Waltz Show
The Vienna Kursalon was built between 1865 and 1867 in the style of the Italian Renaissance. The Kursalon sparkles in renewed splendor, inviting audiences to experience the musical pleasures that have thrilled visitors since the famed Promenade Concerts of the Strauss brothers. Enjoy the unique Viennese ambience and partake of this wonderful musical journey through time.
Approximate value: EUR €43 per person

Dates and Prices

View the following dates and prices to find just the right date for your vacation. Below you'll find the date you'll depart, the date the vacation starts and date you'll return.

Once you've selected your date, click on "Find an Agent" link to find the nearest agent and book your vacation.

Departure
Details
Departure
Date
Tour
Start Date
Return
Date
Land/Cruise
Price Only
3/20/2011 3/21/2011 4/10/2011 $2,444.00
4/3/2011 4/4/2011 4/24/2011 $2,580.00
4/10/2011 4/11/2011 5/1/2011 $2,580.00
Popular Departure 4/17/2011 4/18/2011 5/8/2011 $2,580.00
Popular Departure 5/1/2011 5/2/2011 5/22/2011 $2,674.00
5/8/2011 5/9/2011 5/29/2011 $2,674.00
5/15/2011 5/16/2011 6/5/2011 $2,674.00
5/22/2011 5/23/2011 6/12/2011 $2,674.00
5/29/2011 5/30/2011 6/19/2011 $2,674.00
6/5/2011 6/6/2011 6/26/2011 $2,674.00
Popular Departure 6/12/2011 6/13/2011 7/3/2011 $2,674.00
6/19/2011 6/20/2011 7/10/2011 $2,674.00
Popular Departure 6/26/2011 6/27/2011 7/17/2011 $2,674.00
7/10/2011 7/11/2011 7/31/2011 $2,611.00
7/24/2011 7/25/2011 8/14/2011 $2,611.00
Popular Departure 8/7/2011 8/8/2011 8/28/2011 $2,611.00
Popular Departure 8/21/2011 8/22/2011 9/11/2011 $2,674.00
8/28/2011 8/29/2011 9/18/2011 $2,674.00
Popular Departure 9/4/2011 9/5/2011 9/25/2011 $2,674.00
Popular Departure 9/11/2011 9/12/2011 10/2/2011 $2,674.00
Popular Departure 9/18/2011 9/19/2011 10/9/2011 $2,611.00
9/25/2011 9/26/2011 10/16/2011 $2,611.00
10/2/2011 10/3/2011 10/23/2011 $2,611.00
10/9/2011 10/10/2011 10/30/2011 $2,611.00
10/16/2011 10/17/2011 11/6/2011 $2,611.00
10/30/2011 10/31/2011 11/20/2011 $2,507.00
11/13/2011 11/14/2011 12/4/2011 $2,507.00
12/15/2011 12/16/2011 1/5/2012 $2,486.00
Popular Departure - due to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early booking is encouraged.
Single room supplement:
$1066

No triple room reduction.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS & EXTRA NIGHTS
View details and pricing on airport transfer times and extra nights. Learn more about what's included with your vacation and how you can personalize it.

CAN$ Price Details


Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available at our low prices. 

Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-2010 & 2011 vacation itineraries and prices are subject to change.

Guaranteed Air-Inclusive Price:
Air tickets may be issued on the date we receive full payment in order to protect you from price increases. We encourage early payment to ensure that you are not subject to any airfare increases. If you revise or cancel your air record after tickets are issued, revision fees or airline cancellation changes may be applicable. Please ask if any such charges apply if making changes.

Not Included in the Vacation Price:
Airport taxes and fees; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your tour director, tour driver, local city guides; gratuities on ferries, trains and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; mini bar; alcohol, beverages and food not on the regular table d'hôte menu (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel or restaurant); optional excursions; porterage at airports; travel protection; excess baggage fees; all other items of a personal nature.

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Prices Exclude our 10% Discounts