[Europe Tour] Vignette of Europe (L2P) – 10 Days 9 Nights

Soon, it is southward we go, towards the port of Dover where P&O Ferry will bring us across the English Channel to France. At the other end, meet up with your European coach captain who will be with us for the entire journey.

The thrill of being in the SIN capital of the Romantic world sets our mind for the capital of the great country – FRANCE. Here we come! Why not hop on an evening optional trip, cruising the Seine so as to soak up the fragrance of the city?

Life here is lived to the full, the area is a rich and varied heritage, from Gallic remains to Romanesque towers, from the art treasures of its cities to the splendours of its châteaux, from its early industrial memories to its most futuristic creations – all of this is there for you to see and enjoy, along the way are townships that gave French wines their names: Auxerre, Avalon, Beaune and Dijon.

Our destination today is Switzerland, situated in the Middle of the European Central region; it is reputed to be the “Garden of Europe”. In the late afternoon, we arrive by early evening with a stop in the central of town.

Dominated by the central station and stretching all the way towards the embankment of Lake Zurich is the famous Bahnhofstrasse. It is lined with the most luxurious boutiques and show rooms of scintillating jewellery. We can see the Old Town (Altstadt), and admire quaint houses and grand political centres.

Capture photographs of the world’s largest clock face on St Peter’s Church, and gaze at the prismatic stained glass windows that decorate Fraumünster Church as we take this brief walking journey. Our overnight stop is Geroldswil in the Ulster Township.

( Continental Breakfast)

Along the shores, take in the charming sights that laced with weeping willows, graceful swans and mandarin ducks. Also the beckoning sirens from pleasure boats are here to capture your heart and to slow down your pace for a second glance.

Follow your tour manager, stroll into the old town, set foot by the monuments such as the Wounded Lion, memory of the heroic death of the Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792; The Kapellbrucke – Chapel Bridge constructed first half of the 14th century as a part of the city’s fortifications, the Jesuit Church, built in 1666-67, the first and finest baroque churches in the country and finally the old wall with its medieval watch towers.

Today is also your chance to have an opportunity to visit the famous Mt. Titlis on the world’s first revolving jumbo cable car, a ride to its summit at 10000 feet above sea level is exhilarating, ask your tour manager about the special cost and how you could join such a fantastic journey.

( Continental Breakfast)

Walk along the main street of Vaduz, its capital, you must not miss the castle perching on top of the hill where the Royal Family still resides. There is the coin and stamp museum, one of the main incomes of this country where each month a new set is distributed around the world for collectors and enthusiast.

As we ascend the Alps from Brenner to St Anton later in the day, at the other end of the mountain pass is Austria. The capital of the Tyrol Province – Innsbruck welcomes you.

Surrounded by the awe inspiring Alpine mountains, often snow-capped in spring, Innsbruck is indeed a jewel in its own accord. The city hosted two winter Olympic games and has since never ceased to improve her status. Marvel at the 3500 pieces of gilded copper plates, also known as “The Golden Roof”, the Arch de Triumph; the Hofkirche mausoleum, the Hofburg Royal Palace built by Maria Theresa and a host of splendid Baroque buildings.

Then we cross over the famous Austrian Europa Bridge, to recall the tragic incident to those who risked lives in creating this highest viaduct in Europe some 80 years ago. In the evening, we settle down in the old city of Verona.

( Continental Breakfast )

Getting off at St Mark Square, made popular by the play from Shakespeare “the Merchant of Venice”, we meet our charming guide for a short walking tour around the St Mark’s square itself – The Campanile; the Moors clock tower; the Grand Square that Napoleon loved so much, the St Mark Basilica and the Doges Palace.

Not forgetting the Winged Lion and statue of St Mark nearby. Check out with the tour Manager for optional Gondola ride (6 persons to a Gondola, time to float along the canals to enjoy this romantic city from a different perspective).

Later, wander on your own into the maze-like streets to discover the mysteries of this ancient Water city. Of course, how could we miss that iconic photo standing in front of the petite Bridge of Sigh? Having exhausted all your energy today, we then leave for hotel after a wonderful day in this unique city of water to the region of Roma Nord.

( Continental Breakfast )

It is a full day on foot, to tour the city. See: the ancient Roman Amphitheatre – the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Venezia, Pantheon and the Monument of Victor Emmanuel II, regarded as the Father of Modern United Italy.

Vatican City, the smallest sovereign state in the world, walk through St. Peter’s Square and time will be given for you to visit the inside of the St Peter’s Cathedral. Not to be missed is a place to bask in the Roman atmosphere, right in Navona Square.

Here, Bernini’s art lives in perpetuity, displayed proudly in the centre is his “Fountain of four Rivers”. For those with a sweet tooth, take this opportunity to taste Italy’s famous Tatufu ice-cream (sequence of the walking tour to be decided by the tour manager).

( Continental Breakfast )

Florence’s great historical and artistic treasure is exhibited not only in her monuments, her churches; her manor houses, but also in her water and her air. In fact, the entire city exudes intoxicating artistic aroma that only by living here forever is the only solution to satisfy the real connoisseur of antiquity.

Visit Florence old town for a walking trip to view the famous Saint Mary of the Flower Cathedral, The door of Paradise, Signoria town Hall Square and the Old Bridge.

In the afternoon, we arrive at Pisa and her leaning Tower. The old world wonder, the religious centre of this city owns three amazing monuments, completely decorated with white marble from the Carrara quarries, are certainly breadth stopping. This work of art is not only exhibited on its exquisite exterior, we beckon you to explore the Baptistery as well as the Cathedral, and you will be overwhelmed with awe by the intricacy of stone works.

We then on the Italian autostrada, follow the coast line of the Italian Riviera, travelling pass the holiday region of Cinque Terre which made up of five isolated islands where inter-link only by way of boats, famous for the resort of the rich Italians at Portofino, Rapallo. Tonight we settle at Italian Riviera.

( Continental Breakfast )

A small independent state that is enclave within France, we are here to experience the life style of the multi-billionaire around the world. Make a stop at the world famous casino garden where you can view the World famous race track for Formula 1.

View from here, the Royal Cathedral and Palace. Later at Côte d’Azur’s (the blue coast), we come to the Queen of the French Riviera; the popular holiday destination of the English Aristocrats in the 19C.

Enjoy the cool breeze as you sip your cafe or enjoy an ice cream amongst swaying palm trees and its leafy promenade. This is Nice, and it is nice to be here. Tour continues through the Provence region, we rest of feet in the township of Rhone Alp region near Lyon in the evening.

( Continental Breakfast )

The Rhone and Shone Rivers bring great wealth to the 2^nd largest city of France and it is reflected on the grandeur of her stately buildings.

Next, we travel through the Burgundy wine region, dotted with pretty villages such as Macon, Beaune, Auxerre, Nemour and we arrive into the capital well before dinner time.

For a night outing, may we suggest an optional Seine River boat ride to enjoy the evening: participate on a French dinner menu tasting optional; or reserving few seats at the Lido night club or the Moulin Rouge cabaret for the spectacular stage performance, after all, the night is always young in the city that never sleeps!

( Continental Breakfast)

We see Notre Dame, one of the most beautiful churches in the world and a masterpiece of medieval art. The Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elys’ees, Place de la Concorde, Trocadero Gardens, the Opera House and the Grande Dame of Paris – Eiffel.

We shall also stop by the Golden Gate of Versailles Palace for your visiting pleasure on your own later in the morning. Entrance fee payable at the gate (Versailles closes on Mondays).

The opulent palace first built in 1623, by Louise XIII – father of Louis XIV as his “hunting lodge”. The young king liked it so much that he soon had it enlarged.

Today, one could view the splendour of about 20 apartments, such as the Queen’s Bedchamber, the Hall of Mirrors, the king’s “Grand Apartment’, the War and Peace room, the Chapel and more. Indeed, it expresses the extravagant lifestyle of the French court at its height.

Later, a two-hour visit to the Louvre (purchase your own ticket – Louvre Museum closes on Tuesdays). Once the residence of the Royals, it is now the largest museum of antiquity in the world.

Pick the cream of the exhibits in your whirlwind dash through the endless corridors and galleries, simply pick the musts see 3 ladies: The Venus de milo; the Wingless Victory of Samothrace; and the world famous smiling lady “Mona Lisa” of course.

We may still find time to visit the Galleries Lafayette department store for some fine shopping. Indeed, this world class city has immense possibilities to fulfil all taste and desire! You only need to choose wisely.

You have chosen to board coach in London, leaving tour on day 10 in Paris in the late afternoon.

( Continental Breakfast )