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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.
Your Journey Begins
Board your overnight flight to England (please ask about our great deals).
Welcome to London!
Check in to your hotel, then there is time to relax.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
The Eternal City of Rome
Head south over the Apennine Mountains and follow the 'Highway of the Sun' to the 'Eternal City' of Rome.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Heidelberg: See the red sandstone castle and explore the baroque Old Town.
Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber: Visit Europe's finest medieval town.
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 trips. Please note, many Optional Experiences are operated by independent third party suppliers, not Insight Vacations. The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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.
Heidelberg (Contemporary) - Germany
A modern hotel located in the centre of historical Heidelberg.
Munich (Central) - Germany
The Leonardo Royal Hotel, located next to Munich’s famous Olympic Park, features modern architecture and refined interiors.
Innsbruck (Central) - Austria
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tyrolean Alps from the Hilton Innsbruck, situated within the city centre of Innsbruck.
Venice (Central) - Italy
Best Western Premier Hotel Sant'Elena, Venice
Rome (Contemporary) - Italy
Florence (Contemporary) - Italy
An elegant hotel situated right in the heart of Florence.
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.
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.
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.
Our guests rate us
8047 independent user reviews received during the past year.
24 October, 2017
07 October, 2017
Trip: covered major attractions could have seen more in London even just a ride along the river to see tower of London ferris wheel
Service: excellent very helpful informative
07 October, 2017
Trip: I was really looking forward to this tour since it covered seven countries in 18 days. Some of the destinations have been favorites on previous trips and a few were going to be new to me. I was blown away by everything we saw and were exposed to! Chantal Sucaud was such an outstanding Tour Director. She was so experienced and ready to handle any situation that occurred on our tour. We learned so much about every country we traveled through. She was a fabulous leader for our tour! With all the terrorist events in Europe and around the world, she helped us to be smart about our surroundings and feel safe! The optional experiences were all such a great value. My sister and I have found that we like to do all of them because they are so well planned with exceptional local guides! The meals we enjoyed, the ambience of the restaurants and the local entertainment at the group dinners were all way above any expectations I had! I consider myself a "foodie" and nice meals are important when I travel and I was never disappointed. I posted photos on FB every day of our tour and tagged them with #insightmoments and #insight vacations and I think I have convinced numerous friends to look into your travel company! They loved traveling vicariously with me! I would highly recommend this vacation to anyone who is ready to see and enjoy Europe. I have traveled with several other companies and Insight is the best (this was my fourth tour with them)
Service: I am so impressed with Insight customer service. A couple days before our tour began, I called with some questions about the starting time of our tour. I was answered promptly, to reassure me that our flight times and arrival for the tour were correct with the timing of the tour.
07 October, 2017
Trip: Enjoyed most stops. Some of the extra options did not meet expectations and one extra tour guide was annoyed by being out in inclement weather.. she grew impatient.
Service: We enjoyed our trip very much. This was a new form of travelling for us. Customer experience was great.
07 October, 2017
Trip: Would have spent two nights in Florence and only one night in Lucerne.
Service: Extremely well organized
07 October, 2017
Trip: Excellent was we saw, loved the selection and countries. Felt too rushed in really being able to take in the experiences. Would add a few more days to really enjoy the sights and wonderful places.
Service: prompt in replying to my questions- not as well versed in currency requirements for the trip as I had hoped - appreciated the package I received in the mail- not sure I had been told when/if this was coming
24 September, 2017
Trip: The Eurostar was great but not sure about the accommodation. It was a very busy hotel and the service was not what you would expect in something as expensive as that.
Service: This was out first time with Insight Vacations and we did the 15 Day Highlights of Europe and had Philip as our guide. We wanted comfort in travel and a guide that was knowledgeable. We got both of these and would certainly use insight vacations again. I have recommended Insight to my family and friends.
20 September, 2017
Trip: i didn't purchase very much.
Service: Our guide took very good care of us and we saw and did so much. I would go again but I wouldn't do as many countries.
20 September, 2017
Trip: iT WAS A VERY BUSY SCHEDULE.
Service: Basically it was very good++. The only negative draw back was a marketing method used where a number of "extras" that were not included in the advertised tour costs were left as optional.
16 September, 2017
Trip: Every day was a surprise for the places visited and the hotels where we stayed. Enjoyed the occasional two-night stopover.
Service: Throughout the experience was first class.
16 September, 2017
Trip: Great selection of sights and hotels
Service: Great choice of cities, great tour guide, hotels are centrally located, and the coach and driver were wonderful.
16 September, 2017
Trip: So much packed into this itinerary.
Service: Organization and attention to the details was excellent.
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Trip: Great choice of stops...almost too many but that's what we wanted..consider making at least 2 nights at every stop
Service: Wonderful tour guide...knowledgeble..helpful Comfortable coach and helpful confident driver Easy to read itinery Helpful website