European Rhapsody - Start London, Small Group
European Rhapsody - Start London, Small Group
$5859
European Rhapsody - Start London, Small Group
12 Days Starting in London, United Kingdom and ending in Venice, Italy
Visiting: London, Amsterdam, Würzburg, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Venice
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the finest Europe has to offer as you lose yourself on the Romantic Road in Rothenburg and satisfy your appetite in Hungary with a fine dining dinner cruise in Budapest. Led by local experts, your experience will rival the aristocrats of yesteryear in the famed Carinthian Lake District. After checking in at your exclusive, private boat access hotel, dinner is served at La Fenice before twilight night caps at Café Florian—the premier cocktail bar in Venice. Sample a little pomp and circumstance with the Bavarian grandeur of Germany's Wurzburg Residenz and in Vienna, tread in the footsteps of your local Travel Director with a chance to take a private tour of Maria Theresa's awesome Schonbrunn Palace.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Prague: Stroll through the Jewish Quarter with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Prague, and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry.
- Prague: Explore Prague with your local expert, walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. The city is then yours to explore. Maybe take a river cruise through the heart of the city or walk in the footsteps of kings along the Royal Route? Czechs are passionate about their beer, so be sure to try the local pilsners together with hearty Czech cuisine.
Top Rated Highlights
- London: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train as you journey from London to Europe via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel.
- Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
- Wurzburg: Stand on the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke and see the Marienburg fortress.
- Wurzburg: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wurzburg Residence.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the best-preserved medieval town in Germany and a truly enchanting destination. Step back in time and explore the city walls, towers, and gates around the old town as well as the old town itself.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Authentic Dining
Amsterdam: Toast to the travels ahead during your Welcome Dinner of modern European cuisine at a local restaurant.
Budapest: Enjoy a scenic dinner cruise and take in the city's night time beauty as you float along the Danube.
Venice: Savor a Venetian Celebration Dinner with wine in a restaurant in the heart of this historic city.
Insight Choice
Prague: Stroll through the Jewish Quarter with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Prague, and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry.
Prague: Explore Prague with your local expert, walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. The city is then yours to explore. Maybe take a river cruise through the heart of the city or walk in the footsteps of kings along the Royal Route? Czechs are passionate about their beer, so be sure to try the local pilsners together with hearty Czech cuisine.
Itinerary
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 Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Apollo, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meet your Travel Director and transfer to London’s St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar for a rail journey via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel to Brussels. Board the coach and continue to Amsterdam. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests during a cruise, along some of the many quaint, tree-lined canals. 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. Disembark and venture to a local restaurant for your Welcome Dinner.
Day 3: Rhine Valley To Würzburg
Location: Würzburg
Accommodation Name: Maritim, Würzburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Relax with a scenic drive along the Rhine Valley to Würzburg. See the mighty Marienburg Fortress – the immense baroque palace of the Prince Bishops and one of the most important landmarks in Germany. On arrival, visit the imposing Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a Local Expert. Marvel at intricate decorations and lavish staterooms boasting with French, Austrian and Venetian influences.
Day 4: Rothenburg And Golden Prague
Location: Prague
Accommodation Name: Royal, Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most well-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Continue east to the Czech border, passing the town of Pilsen renowned for its beer, before reaching the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, perhaps take a river cruise through the heart of the city?
Day 5: Prague, City Of A Hundred Spires
Location: Prague
Accommodation Name: Royal, Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Prague with Insight Choice. Choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join your Local Expert through the Jewish Quarter and hear about the history, traditions and legends of the Jewish people and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry. Then, the city is all yours to explore. Perhaps rummage through the renowned antique stores or shop for the nest Bohemian crystal?
Day 6: Through Bohemia To Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn, Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a journey through the beautiful forested countryside of Bohemia. Travel to Hungary, following the River Danube to Budapest. In the evening, join a Local Expert to enjoy a scenic dinner cruise, gliding past UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city’s spectacular nighttime beauty earns it the nickname 'Pearl of the Danube’.
Day 7: Budapest, Queen Of The Danube
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn, Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive along the beautiful Andrassy Avenue to Heroes' Square. Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda and admire sweeping views from the Fisherman’s Bastion with a Local Expert. Stand atop Gellért Hill where the colossal Liberty Statue stands in front of the Citadella watching over the city. Marvel at extensive panoramic views as you look out over the famous river dividing Buda and Pest - the two sides linked by the mighty Chain Bridge and the elegant, newer Elizabeth Bridge.
Day 8: The Flavors Of Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, visit Liszt Academy. Continue your travels to the Austrian border and through pleasant farming country to Vienna.
Day 9: Vienna And The Habsburgs
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
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, join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. Get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along 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 building. Sit down for traditional coffee and delicious treats and mingle with locals at a cozy café.
Day 10: Lake Wörthersee To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
This day's route takes you past quiet villages, through Styria's forested mountains and into the Carinthian Lake District. Continue past Europe's warmest lake, the Wörthersee, to cross into Italy near Tarvisio. Then follow mountain valleys and cascading streams down to the Veneto Plain en route to the unique city of Venice. Arrive by private boat to your hotel. In the late afternoon and early evening, sip a cocktail on the corner of Piazza San Marco, whilst you are serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians. Afterwards, stroll past the Doges Palace and the famous 'Bridge of Sighs' to a local restaurant in the heart of the San Marco 'sestieri' for a magical dinner.
Day 11: The Magic Of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. Visit St. Mark's Square, dominated by its magnificent basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower. Also in the square stands the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace which is connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts center. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Day 12: Arrivederci Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Alas, you must bid farewell to this enchanting city. Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Included
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Meals
11 Breakfasts (B) and 4 Dinners with Wine (DW) are included, offering a taste of local cuisine.
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Choose Your Activity
Choose between two carefully selected activities to customize your travel experience.
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Expert Local Guides
Enjoy the company of local experts who will bring the destinations to life with their insights.
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Luxury Transportation
Travel in comfort with luxury air-conditioned coaches, offering double the standard legroom, onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
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Unique Experiences
From a scenic dinner cruise in Budapest to sipping cocktails by the canals in Venice, enjoy unique experiences that are carefully designed to immerse you in local culture.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Tips for hotel and restaurant services are included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
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Luggage Handling
Your luggage will be handled for you and delivered promptly to your hotel room.
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Insight Flourishes
Experience local specialties representing the destination with Insight Flourishes.
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Airport Transfers
Complimentary airport transfers are provided on arrival and departure days, as per the itinerary.
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Accommodation
Stay at carefully selected hotels, such as the Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio in Venice, ensuring a comfortable and authentic experience.
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities mentioned in the itinerary are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Personal Expenses
Expenses of a personal nature like souvenirs, laundry, and drinks not specified in the itinerary are not covered.
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Gratuities
Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included and are at the traveler's discretion.
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Visa Fees
Any visa fees required for travel are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
Dining Summary
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 4 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
- Vienna: Be pampered with traditional coffee and cake. An experience like no other, this cozy café provides companionship, and promotes well-being and support for the community, in addition to crafting delicious treats.
- Budapest: Enjoy a tour of the Liszt Music Academy with a student, followed by an enchanting recital. Producing incredible musical talent, the university was founded by piano virtuoso and composer Franz Liszt in 1875.
Summary
- See Amsterdam • Alte Mainbruckem and Marienburg Fortress in Wurzburg • Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber • Old Town Square, St Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle • Váci Utca and Gellért Hill in Budapest • Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche in Vienna • St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace in Venice.
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
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as a scenic dinner cruise in Budapest, sipping cocktails by the canals in Venice, and witnessing the ancient skill of glassblowing in Venice.
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Are there any special dining experiences during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several special dining experiences including a Welcome Dinner of modern European cuisine in Amsterdam, a scenic dinner cruise in Budapest, and a Venetian Celebration Dinner with wine in Venice.
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What are some of the highlights of the Prague visit?
In Prague, you can choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit St. Vitus Cathedral, or explore the Jewish Quarter with a Local Expert and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry. The city is also yours to explore further, with options like a river cruise or trying local pilsners.
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What is the Make Travel Matter experience in Venice?
In Venice, the Make Travel Matter experience involves visiting a traditional arts center to witness the skill of glassblowers, supporting the survival of this traditional craft and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides luxury transportation with air-conditioned coaches that offer double the standard legroom, onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, the journey from London to Europe is on the high-speed Eurostar train via the Channel Tunnel.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, complimentary airport transfers are provided on arrival and departure days, as per the itinerary.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
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