European Grandeur - Start London, End Amsterdam, Classic Group

European Grandeur - Start London, End Amsterdam, Classic Group

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26 Days From

$10840

European Grandeur - Start London, End Amsterdam, Classic Group

26 Days Starting in London and ending in Amsterdam

Visiting: London, Paris, Loire Valley, Chateau Chenonceau, Bordeaux, Donostia-San Sebastian, Madrid, Barcelona, Nice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Vatican, Venice, Ljubljana, Maribor, Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vaduz, Lucerne, Stanserhorn, Konigswinter, Amsterdam

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

E915MN26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English
From: $10840

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

See Paris icons like the Champs-Élysées through the eyes of your Local Expert, enjoy the gastronomic delights of pintxos tasting tours in San Sebastian, the foodie city of 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 masterpiece—La Sagrada Família, while Avignon serves up a palate tantalising 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.

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Paris: Join a local food lover on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
  • 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 couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.
  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Vienna: Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
  • Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialties of coffee and Sachertorte.

Top Rated Highlights

  • London: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train as you journey from London to Europe via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel.
  • Paris: Experience the magic of Paris with Insight Vacations as you explore its iconic sights, landmarks, and charming streets. Meander along the picturesque banks of the River Seine, delving into the rich history of its beautiful bridges and renowned landmarks, including the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Whether from the comfort of your coach or a scenic vantage point, immerse yourself in the timeless stories that bring this enchanting city to life.
  • Chateau Chenonceau: Visit the majestic Château de Chenonceau, known as the 'Ladies' Château' it perfectly embodies the elegance of 16th century design in the Loire Valley.
  • Bordeaux: Your Local Expert will show you the quayside facades, Grand Theater, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces.
  • San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.
  • Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
  • Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
  • Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
  • 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.
  • Monaco City: Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
  • Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
  • 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 quality of its luxury goods.
  • Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
  • 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.
  • Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
  • 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.
  • Vienna: Join your Local Expert for a city tour that reveals both the renowned sights and hidden gems of Vienna's historic core. Travel along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
  • 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 Getreidegasse.
  • 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 Baroque and Gothic architecture.
  • Vaduz: Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains.
  • Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel 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.
  • Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.

Make Travel Matter

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 glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft.  This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

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. 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. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 15: Affordable and Clean Energy & Life on Land.

Authentic Dining

Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of the city for a delightful 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.

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.

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.

Insight Choice

Paris: Join a local food lover on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.

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 couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.

Vienna: Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.

Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialties of coffee and Sachertorte.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To London

Location: London

Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, 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.

Day 2: London To Paris By Eurostar

Location: London, Paris

Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a fabulous Welcome Dinner at a local brasserie.

Day 3: Paris, The City Of Light

Location: Paris

Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 4: Onto Bordeaux

Location: Paris, Loire Valley, Chateau Chenonceau, Bordeaux

Accommodation Name: Novotel Gare St Jean, Bordeaux

Meals Included: Breakfast

Head southwards towards Châteaux 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 created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenonceau Castle, an elegant French château spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling in-land port of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character.

Day 5: Bordeaux And San Sebastián

Location: Bordeaux, Donostia-San Sebastian

Accommodation Name: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián

Meals Included: Breakfast

Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France's best 18th century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contributed to Bordeaux earning 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.

Day 6: On To Madrid Relaxed Start

Location: Donostia-San Sebastian, Madrid

Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza España, Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Continue through the mountains and gorges of the north and emerge from the tunnel in the Sierra de Guadarrama onto 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?

Day 7: Madrid Relaxed Start

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza España, Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 8: Madrid And Beautiful Barcelona

Location: Madrid, Barcelona

Accommodation Name: Hilton, Barcelona

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 9: Barcelona, City Of Gaudi Relaxed Start

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation Name: Hilton, Barcelona

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 10: On The Shores Of Nice & Monaco

Location: Nice, Pisa, Florence

Accommodation Name: Novotel Center, Avignon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend the morning at your leisure to relax on the beach or stroll through the Old Town. Later, explore Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through Monaco-ville the oldest district of the Principality of Monaco. 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.

Day 11: Pisa And Florence

Location: Nice, Pisa, Florence

Accommodation Name: Apollinaire, Nice, Radisson Blu, Nice

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. Continue through Tuscany to the captivating city of Florence.

Day 12: Renaissance Florence Relaxed Start

Location: Florence

Accommodation Name: Villa Neroli, Florence

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 13: The Eternal City Of Rome

Location: Florence, Rome

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 14: Exploring Papal Rome

Location: Rome, Vatican, Rome

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 15: Rome At Leisure Relaxed Start

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 16: Autostrada Del Sole To Venice

Location: Rome, Venice

Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 17: The Magic Of La Serenissima

Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 18: Venice To Elegant Ljubljana Relaxed Start

Location: Venice, Ljubljana

Accommodation Name: Lev Ljubljana

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart Venice by water taxi and continue your journey to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. A Local Expert shows you Prešeren 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.

Day 19: Ljubljana To Vienna

Location: Ljubljana, Maribor, Vienna

Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 20: Vienna And The Habsburgs Relaxed Start

Location: Vienna

Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 café to enjoy local specialties of coffee and Sachertorte or visit Capuchins' Crypt, the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.

Day 21: Salzburg And Onto Innsbruck

Location: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck

Accommodation Name: AC, Innsbruck

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 22: Liechtenstein To Lucerne Relaxed Start

Location: Innsbruck, Vaduz, Lucerne

Accommodation Name: Astoria, Lucerne

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 23: Lucerne And Mt Stanserhorn

Location: Lucerne, Stanserhorn

Accommodation Name: Astoria, Lucerne

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 24: Legends Along The Rhine

Location: Lucerne, Konigswinter

Accommodation Name: Maritim, Königswinter

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy traveling through Germany and follow the Rhine Valley north to Königswinter.

Day 25: The Canals Of Amsterdam

Location: Konigswinter, Amsterdam

Accommodation Name: Apollo, Amsterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 26: Depart Amsterdam

Location: Amsterdam

Accommodation Name: Apollo, Amsterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfers arrive at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.

Day 27: Depart Amsterdam

Location: Amsterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfers arrive at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    26 Breakfasts and 8 Dinners with Wine are included.

  • Activities

    Choose between two carefully selected activities in various locations.

  • Local Experiences

    Join local experts and food lovers for unique experiences in Paris, Vienna, Madrid, Rome, and more.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.

  • Porterage

    We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

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What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the start and end locations are not included.

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as excursions to Pompeii or Lake Bled are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in luxury with Insight's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy high-speed Eurostar train from London to Paris and water taxis in Venice.

Accommodation

Stay in a variety of comfortable and well-appointed hotels including Thistle Marble Arch in London, Marriott Rive Gauche in Paris, Novotel Gare St Jean in Bordeaux, Barceló Costa Vasca in San Sebastián, and many more throughout the tour.

Dining Summary

  • 26 Breakfast (B)
  • 8 Dinner with Wine (DW)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • 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, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Insight Experiences

  • Madrid: Visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian and see Pablo Picasso's masterpiece Guernica, one of the world's greatest anti-war paintings. Alternatively, join a neighborhood walking tour to discuss social equity empowerment and learn about the history of women's movements in Spain.
  • 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’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
  • 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 Middle Rhine.

Well-being

  • 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 distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities can I choose from in Paris?

    In Paris, you can choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district or join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies.

  • What unique experience is offered in Venice?

    In Venice, you will witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts center and take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where you can admire St. Mark's Basilica.

  • What special activity is included in Lucerne?

    In Lucerne, you will explore Mount Stanserhorn on an open-top cable car powered by solar panels, enjoy spectacular views from the summit, and have the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger about local wildlife and flora.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to the Vatican in Rome?

    The highlight of the visit to the Vatican in Rome includes a tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling, and St. Peter's Basilica to see Michelangelo's 'Pieta' and Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Rhine Valley?

    During the visit to the Rhine Valley, you will enjoy 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.

  • What kind of dining experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes various dining experiences such as a Welcome Dinner at a local brasserie in Paris, an evening of pintxos in San Sebastián, a Farm-to-Table dinner in Avignon, a traditional meal at a local restaurant in Rome, and a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam.

  • What are some of the key landmarks visited in Vienna?

    In Vienna, you will visit the Capuchins' Crypt, the burial place of the Habsburg family, and a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialties of coffee and Sachertorte. You will also see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building, and Karlskirche.

  • What unique experience is offered in Madrid?

    In Madrid, you will visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's masterpiece Guernica, one of the world's greatest anti-war paintings.

  • What special activity is included in Monaco?

    In Monaco, you will be driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, walk through the old town, see the Royal Palace, the yacht-filled harbor, and visit the cathedral housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Loire Valley?

    During the visit to the Loire Valley, you will take a scenic drive along the region known as the Jardins de France and visit the majestic Chenonceau Castle, an elegant French château spanning the River Cher.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily

02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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Jacqueline Thornberry  

Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights

31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

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Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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Patrick Ong  

Italian Intermezzo

12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

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1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Tuesday

May 01, 2026 - May 26, 2026
$11340

Friday - Tuesday

May 15, 2026 - Jun 09, 2026
$11340

Friday - Tuesday

May 29, 2026 - Jun 23, 2026
$11385

Friday - Tuesday

Jun 26, 2026 - Jul 21, 2026
$11340

Friday - Tuesday

Jul 10, 2026 - Aug 04, 2026
$11215

Friday - Tuesday

Jul 24, 2026 - Aug 18, 2026
$10840

Friday - Tuesday

Aug 21, 2026 - Sep 15, 2026
$11285

Friday - Tuesday

Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 29, 2026
$11365

Friday - Tuesday

Sep 25, 2026 - Oct 20, 2026
$11285
Prices last published on 01-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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