Insight Travel Gear
Clothing, gear, and accessories you need for your next premium or Luxury Gold escorted journey
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Highlights
- Optional experiences
- Accommodation
- Reviews
- Dates & prices
Varied landscapes, magnificent scenery, history galore, and a treasure-trove of art and architecture... a glorious reflection of Europe at her best.
Take a look at your day-by-day itinerary to find out more.
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Day 1
Your Journey Begins
Board your overnight flight to England (please ask about our great deals).
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Day 2
Welcome to London!
Check in to your hotel, then there is time to relax.
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Day 3
Discovering London
An included half day sightseeing tour of London's West End shows you all the major sights - Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. Your Tour Director is also on hand today for help and advice.
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Day 4
Depart from London by Eurostar for Brussels
Meet your Tour Director and transfer to London's St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your two-hour rail journey takes you via the historic Channel Tunnel to Brussels. Alternatively, join at the Brussels Hotel. In the afternoon, stroll through the beautiful Grand Place, with its gilded buildings and see the cheeky Manneken Pis. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and an opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a warm evening of dinner and wine.
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Day 5
Cruise past the Castles of the Rhine Valley and on to Heidelberg
Travel into Germany and continue along the Rhine, via Bonn, to Boppard. Join a cruise, passing medieval hilltop castles and steep leafy vineyards to the village of St. Goar, near the legendary Loreley Rock. Continue on to Heidelberg to see the clifftop castle.
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Day 6
Rothenburg and along the Romantic Road to Munich
Stop in medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber, still surrounded by its old walls and watch towers, frozen in time since the 16th century. Continue along the Romantic Road to the Bavarian capital of Munich. See the Ludwigstrasse, Marienplatz and soaring Town Hall. Stroll through Munich's open-air food market, the Viktualienmarkt, with its beer garden. At night, maybe sample a stein of beer in a local beer hall?
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Day 7
Music and Mountains of Austria
A short drive leads over the Austrian border to Salzburg, the city of Mozart and the ‘Sound of Music'. Sightseeing with a Local Expert shows you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace which includes the fountains and statues where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene in the film was created. Witness the imposing fortress, cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse before having free time for lunch. Next you will continue to Innsbruck, surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Nordkette mountains, where you will see the 14th century houses of Old Town, the impressive Imperial Palace and the delightful Golden Roof with your orientation tour.
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Day 8 - Relaxed Start
Across the Dolomites to Venice
(Relaxed Start) Drive down through the Dolomites, crossing the Italian border and descend to the romantic city of Venice. You'll be enchanted with the refined elegance of your hotel, where modern rooms are furnished in the Venetian style of the 1700s - a touch of antiquity, typical of the most prestigious mansions of Venice.
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Day 9
Venice & the Magic of 'La Serenissima'
Waking up to the sights and sounds of Venice is a thrill for even the most experienced traveller. A morning boat transfer brings you to Giudecca Island to witness the age-old skills of glassblowers. Then cruise by Palladio's San Giorgio Maggiore to St. Mark's Square. Alight to see Lord Byron's Bridge of Sighs which connects the Doge's Palace to the prisons. In the square, the bell tower comes into view, plus the beautiful mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica and the Clock Tower Moors, who have been striking the hour for over 500 years. To the tune of accompanying musicians, you are serenaded through the atmospheric canals by gondola, past water-lapped doorways and Rococo palaces. The rest of the day is free to shop in the small arcades.
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Day 10
The Eternal City of Rome
Head south over the Apennine Mountains and follow the 'Highway of the Sun' to the 'Eternal City' of Rome.
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Day 11
Papal and Imperial Rome
During your two-night stay, join a Local Expert for a private tour of the priceless art of the Vatican Museums and the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. Your VIP visit includes fast-track entry and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, a part of the Vatican usually closed to the public. Then explore St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Cross the River Tiber to see the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum then the afternoon is free for you to explore.
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Day 12
Over the Chianti hills to Florence
Drive to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. A Local Expert will accompany you to the Duomo, where the Gates of Paradise adorn the baptistery. Continue to Signoria Square, the political heart of the city, lined with fountains and statues it acts as a virtual open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Take the time to gaze at Neptune and David. Afterwards, there is time to shop.
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Day 13 - Relaxed Start
Lake Maggiore
(Relaxed Start) Journey past the capital of Lombardy, Milan, as you journey north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favourite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery combines with luxuriant subtropical vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake or perhaps take a cruise out to the lovely Borromean Islands?
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Day 14 - Relaxed Start
The Alps and on to Lucerne
(Relaxed Start) In the morning, cross the Swiss border and enjoy Alpine scenery all the way to Lucerne. On arrival, see what Mark Twain described as 'the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world', the emotive Lion Monument. In the evening, get together with your friends and choose from a selection of authentic local restaurants for your dining pleasure.
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Day 15
Lakeside Lucerne
In the morning, head to the town of Stans, where we embark on a spectacular journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the stunning Stanserhorn. On a clear day, in addition to the beautiful mountains and surrounding hills, there are views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Then back to Lucerne, there is free time to stroll across the Chapel Bridge to the ornate Jesuit Church or spend time shopping in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside to meet the local farmers for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride?
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Day 16
Paris for a ‘Diner de Célébration’
Drive to Basel before crossing the Rhine to enter France. Travel through the wine-growing Burgundy region to Paris, the vibrant ‘Ville-Lumière' (City of Light). During your time in Paris, see the imposing façades of the Louvre, the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a ‘Diner de Célébration' served with wine in a Parisian bistro, abundant with French ambience.
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Day 17
Paris, the ‘City of Light’
In the morning, meet your Local Expert who will take you on a walking tour of the bohemian Latin Quarter. Explore the myriad of streets situated on the left bank of the Seine, before continuing onto the Notre Dame Cathedral to see this masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. Insight ensures you leave the long queues at the Eiffel Tower behind - ascend by express elevator to the famous viewing platforms for breathtaking panoramas over the city. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping or your own pursuits.
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Day 18
Au revoir Paris
Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 and 11:00, or depart for London via Gare du Nord for Eurostar option.
Highlights
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
- Eurostar: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train from London via the historic Channel Tunnel to Brussels.
- Rhine Valley: Watch medieval hilltop castles and vineyards slip by as you enjoy a scenic cruise.
- Venice: Glide along the atmospheric canals exploring the intimate and hidden parts of this unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs.
- Rome: Enjoy VIP fast-track entry into the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel including privileged behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase.
- Stanserhorn: A spectacular journey by a funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the Stanserhorn for expansive mountain views.
- Paris: Venture with a Local Expert through the Latin Quarter and see the Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture.
- Paris: With tickets to the Eiffel Tower prearranged, ascend and enjoy spectacular views of Paris.
Additional Included Highlights
- Brussels: Walk through the Grand Place to the Mannekin Pis.
Heidelberg: See the red sandstone castle and explore the baroque Old Town.
Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber: Visit Europe's finest medieval town.
- Munich: See the Olympic Stadium, Ludwigstrasse, Marienplatz and neogothic Town Hall.
- Salzburg: Walk through the Mirabell Gardens with a guide, see Mozart's Birthplace and the Cathedral.
- Venice: Cruise, with commentary, to St.
- Mark's Square.
- See the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St.
- Mark's Basilica.
- Rome: Visit St.
- Peters Basilica in the Vatican City.
- See the mighty Colosseum and overlook the Forum.
- Florence: Walk with your guide to the Cathedral, see the ‘Gates of Paradise' and open-air gallery of Signoria Square.
- Witness a traditional Florentine leather-work demonstration.
- Lucerne: View the emotive Lion Monument.
- See the covered Chapel Bridge and Jesuit Church.
- Paris: See Notre Dame Cathedral, the façades of the Louvre Museum, the Place de la Concorde.
- Drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Scenic Drives: The Dolomites, Italian Lake District and Swiss Alps..
AUTHENTIC REGIONAL FLAVOURS
- Lucerne: You are offered a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around evening. Choose your own ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
- Paris: Rendezvous at a typical French bistro for a little wine and a rousing Celebration Dinner. Bon Appétit!
- 14 Buffet Breakfasts (BB); 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 3 three-course table d'hôte Dinner (DW), 1 Dine-Around evening (DA) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD) all with wine, plus tea or coffee.
STAY AT THE BEST ADDRESSES
- Brussels: The Marriott is located in the heart of Brussels within walking distance to the Grand Place. All guest rooms are elegantly designed and feature luxury bedding.
- Heidelberg: The Crowne Plaza Heidelberg City Centre is in the heart of historical Heidelberg and includes its own swimming pool and sauna. Modern and well-appointed rooms.
- Innsbruck: Hotel Innsbruck is located on the bank of the Inn River in the heart of the medieval Old Town. The panoramic spa area looks over the roofs of the Old Town and offers a variety of saunas as well as a sun terrace.
- Paris: The Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River near the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Recently renovated, all rooms feature luxurious bedding, safes, high-speed Internet access and air conditioning.
ADDITIONAL FIVE STAR SERVICES
- An expert Insight Tour Director, at the pinnacle of their career, will guide you on your journey. Serving as your 'travelling concierge', this skilled guide will act as consummate organiser and be your 'friend in a foreign land'.
- Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom. It's business class comfort.
- A personal radio headset gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.
- Baggage handling everywhere, with seamless and prompt delivery to your door at every hotel.
- Hotel and restaurant tips included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourishes - from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
- Included airport transfers at scheduled times on arrival and departure days.
Optional experiences
Most Insight trips already include a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. There may also be an exciting array of Optional Experiences which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Travel Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your trip. Please note, many Optional Experiences are operated by independent third party suppliers, not Insight Vacations.
Prices and availability of Optional Experiences are subject to change.
Accommodation
Marriott Brussels
Brussels (Central) - Belgium
Marriott Brussels: Marriott, Located in the heart of Brussels within walking distance to the Grand Place. All guest rooms are elegantly designed and feature luxury bedding.
Crowne Plaza Heidelberg City Centre
Heidelberg (Contemporary) - Germany
Located in the heart of the city and just a short drive from Altstadt, the city's old town, is the Crowne Plaza Heidelberg City Centre. Your traditional-style room is comfortable and includes free WiFi to stay in touch with friends and family.
Leonardo Royal Hotel Munich
Munich (Central) - Germany
The Leonardo Royal Hotel, located next to Munich’s famous Olympic Park, features modern architecture and refined interiors.
Hilton Innsbruck
Innsbruck (Central) - Austria
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tyrolean Alps from the Hilton Innsbruck, situated within the city centre of Innsbruck.
Best Western Premier Hotel Sant'Elena
Venice (Central) - Italy
Best Western Premier Hotel Sant'Elena, Venice
Hotel Mediterraneo
Rome (Traditional) - Italy
The 4.5-star Hotel Mediterraneo is ideally located in the heart of Rome, with easy access to all the major sights. Its elevated position atop Esquilino Hill, the highest of Rome's Seven Hills, allows panoramic views from the roof terrace. The hotel was designed by architect Mario Loreti in 1936 and its art deco interiors create an ambiance of style and elegance.
Hotel Londra
Florence (Contemporary) - Italy
Hotel Londra is an elegant hotel situated right in the heart of Florence.
Grand Hotel Dino
Baveno (Central) - Italy
Grand Hotel Dino, Overlooking Lake Maggiore, ideally located in the hillside town of Baveno. Facilities include pools, massage rooms and Turkish baths.
Astoria Lucerne
Lucerne (Central) - Switzerland
A recently refurbished city centre hotel, just minutes from the lake. It has a lively rooftop bar with views of Lucerne as well as several restaurants and a coffee shop.
Marriott Rive Gauche
Paris (Central) - France
The Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River near the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
Guest Reviews & Experiences
Our guests rate us out of 5 based on
11427 independent user reviews received during the past year.
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12 November, 2018
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10 November, 2018
Trip: Awesome! We had a special group of people in our tour!
Service: We attribute much of the fun and success of the trip to our tour director, Gary Junge. As several of us reminisced, we could not think of one thing Gary could have done better. He was super organized, knowledgeable, compassionate and helpful to all. By the way, we already handed in a written review.
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10 November, 2018
Trip: Tiring but saw a lot. Just what the title said...highlights
Service: Would recommend them. Great tour director and luggage always appeared in the room in a timely fashion.
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01 November, 2018
Trip: I wasn't too sure what to expect, last minute purchase.
Service: Everything went as planned. Yes I have recommended insight to others.
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29 October, 2018
Trip: Superb! From London, then on wards to Brussels, Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Inns brook, Venice, Florence, The Alps, places in Switzerland, Rome, the Vatican, all those museums, castles and palaces, to Paris and more.....all very exciting, very admirable places that we visited. It has been our pleasurable yet memorable travel we have had. Thanks to Insight Vacations, we will come back again sometime, and also, we will recommend with friends and relatives. The services you have to us has been immaculately worthy of appreciation and praise. Myself and my wife Emma Arboleda would say .....THANK YOU and REGARDS
Service: All the places we visited were additionally explained especially the history which dated back many centuries ago. Additionally, the Travel Director Mr. Gary Junge is so friendly, generous, highly organised, an admirable linguist who can easily talk and co-ordinate with lots of people from different countries that make our travel very smoothly and pleasurable.
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28 October, 2018
Trip: Great variety of sights to see which kept the tour interesting !
Service: Gary, the tour director was absolutely exceptional and had exceeded all our expectations. He was very knowledgable and accomodating to all guests on the tour. He made the tour the best tour/holiday we have ever been on!
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27 October, 2018
Trip: We had never been on as extended group tour before and I was alittle nervous to be honest. It was incredible! Insight took care of everything, and I mean everything!! Unfortunately, a couple of fellow travelers, had some health issues, and our Tour Director, Gary Junge, was amazing. It’s very scary being in a foreign country, but Gary was right there arranging everything. He stayed the hospital almost all night, despite having an early departure the next morning for the rest of the group. It wasn’t just the logistics of insurance, booking flights, etc, He stayed right with her comforting her, supporting her husband, translating. He’s the guy you want to travel with! He’s unbelievably knowledgeable about all the “Highlights” we saw. Whether it’s history, geography, or just some fun facts. Our driver Peiro, kept us safe driving those crazy roads/ streets!! My husband and I stayed a couple extra days in London and happened to go on a day tour to Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge. While it was a great trip, we both looked at each and thought the same thing. We LOVED our Insight bus with the incredible leg room. Very comfortable! This was a vacation of a lifetime and will never forget it! Thanks Insight, Gary and Peiro! We came home pleasantly exhausted! Totally worth it. I’ll be booking again with a Insight!
Service: I have never been on an extended group tour before and just want to say how incredible it was! Everything, and I mean everything was taken care of! Our Tour Director, Gary Junge, was amazing. Unfortunately, a couple people in our group had some health issues during the trip, but Gary handled everything! It’s very scary to be in a foreign country and unsure what to do. Gary stayed with one of people and her husband at the hospital almost all night, despite our group having an early depart the next day. He and Insight arranged everything from insurance questions to last minute change in travel plans . It wasn’t just the logistics involved, but the absolute kindness shown by Garry. He stayed with her the whole time comforting her, supporting her husband, translating, etc. He’s definitely the guy you want to travel with. Loved everything about our trip. We came home pleasantly exhausted! It’s very fast paced, but totally worth it! Thanks Insight and especially Gary and our driver Peiro for a vacation I’ll never forget!!
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26 October, 2018
Trip: We covered so much on this fast paced tour and I saw so much in such a short time it was terrific!
Service: I would definitely recommend Insight Vacations and look forward to traveling with them again ! Was a fabulous trip , excellent Tour Director that made the trip fun and was so knowledgeable! Everything was organized so well and our optional extras enhanced the overall experience through our travels.
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20 October, 2018
Trip: Not one of the best that I have been on with Insight, but was made excellent with the amount history and knowledge that our tour director provided.
Service: I felt that it would have been nice if the night before the start of the tours, there had been a get to know the other members of the tour with the tour director present, this was done in the past, and done by the tour company, "Gate1". The representative's sent to the hotels the day before the tours did'nt have a clue as to whether breakfast would be served or not on the day of departure, we were told on both the last two tours that a box breakfast would be provided, which was not the case.
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16 October, 2018
Trip: We saw so much of Europe even though it was ‘the highlights’
Service: Our tour guide Gary Junge was ‘the best ever’ a walking encyclopaedia, would love to do another insight tour as long as he was our guide
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15 October, 2018
Trip: We enjoyed all of the highlights of each City and Country. We especially loved it when we had a local tour guide to take us to attractions. At other times we split off and added a few on our own because the tour company was not able to scheduled our size group for some of the attractions with the limited time we had. Overall, a great time!
Service: We were able to see and experience so much in just 16 days. Yes we were a little tired at times, but our tour guide, Brendan Lampard, was a delight and made every country, city and site a special experience. We loved our fellow travelers and enjoyed meeting people from around the world and bonding as a "family." We would definitely recommend this tour company to friends and family, and would do another tour with Insight if it works out for us.
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09 October, 2018
Trip: It gave us a good overview on the cities in the short time we were there.
Service: The director was very good in organising each day. He ensured that we got through special places first. He also explained the places saw well.
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Notes: Twin prices are per person. Seasonal adjustments and/or black out dates apply. (01 Nov, 15 Nov, 29 Nov, 17 Dec, 24 Dec 2017 & 03 Jan, 17 Jan, 07 Feb, 14 Mar, 21 Mar 2018) These prices and inclusions/itinerary are subject to change and the Peace of Mind Guarantee does not apply to these departures. (02 Nov, 16 Nov, 30 Nov, 17 Dec, 24 Dec 2016 & 04 Jan, 18 Jan, 08 Feb, 15 Mar, 22 Mar) These departures operate as per our 2016/2017 Winter Europe Brochure. (17 Dec, 24 Dec 2016 & 17 Dec, 24 Dec 2017) Xmas/New Year's Eve highlight dinner included, these additional dinners will replace dinners shown in the itinerary. (16 Nov, 30 Nov, 17 Dec, 24 Dec 2016 & 17 Dec, 24 Dec 2017) Christmas Markets: These departures will see Christmas Markets in selected cities. (07 Jul, 12 Jul, 14 Jul) These departures stay in Munich during Oktoberfest and will visit the festival instead of the City Centre. Book Your Air Early: To get the best land & air deal possible! All Friday departures begin in Brussels with the London Accommodation and sightseeing included at the end of the tour.
*Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Prices displayed reflect available discounted rates such Early Payment Discount or Last Minute Deals (discounts are not combinable). Discounts may be withdrawn at anytime, book early to confirm space. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
Special Offers
Check our Special Offers to see which one is perfect for you.
Destinations
Learn more about each of the destinations we visit.
Trip: Too much time in the bus - by the end I felt that I had seen more service stops on the autobahns then sightseeing. Trip better described as snapshots of Europe from the bus. We often arrived at the end of the day in a location - minimal free time and often with a group dinner. For example we arrived in Heidelberg and Innusbruck in the late afternoon. In Heidleberg we did a quick walk of the old town before being taken to our hotel. Our hotel was then too far away from the old town to walk back to have dinner. Similar arrival with Innusbruik -arrived to late in the day to do any useful sightseeing. Having said this our Tour Director was faultless.
Service: There was a difference in the customer service between the two tours. I would rate the customer service for the Highlights of Europe tour as exceptional with the Normandy tours as good. I would not recommend the highlights tour to others - this was too fast, too much time on the bus and not enough free time when you got to the location.