[Europe Tour] Sparkle of Europe (SPA7) – 7 Days 6 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?

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 outside later in the day, by the Golden Gate of Versailles Palace for your visiting pleasure on your own. Entrance fee payable at the gate (Versailles closes on Mondays). The opulent palace first built in 1623, by Louise 13^th – father of Louis 14^th 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.

( Continental Breakfast)

See everything from miniatures to monumental canvases, and offering encyclopaedic diversity: furniture, tapestries, ivories, gold and silver items, jewellery, glass, faience and porcelain, small bronzes, dating from the end of the Antique period to the middle of the 19^th century.

It is indeed a day to plod along and marvel at every step you take. The rest of the day, tour manager will certainly have loads of activities to recommend, but the shopping could be as tempting. Decision! Decision! Decision! Tough task!

(Note that our Paris tour does not include any entrance and programmes may be switched around to fit in the opening hours of certain monument).

( Continental Breakfast )

Stop to stroll to the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame in Reims, a masterpiece of Gothic art, the Cathedral of Our Lady was started in 1211. It was the cathedral of coronations for French kings in memory of the baptism of Clovis by Saint Remi, probably on Christmas Day 498.

The left portal on the west front carries the famous Smiling Angel statue. This massive gothic structure is famous for being the coronation place of French kings and stands as a superb example of 13^th century gothic architecture. The cathedral square is lovely and a pleasure to wander around with plenty of souvenir shops. Reims is also “bubbly”, by this we mean, the drinkable golden liquid – “Champagne” of course.

There are numerous champagne cellars and stores, each one is usually family run business, with their blend of unique concoction. Continue northwards, we enter Luxembourg; another highlight of the day.

It is a Grand – duchy, an independent country with the capital city that bears the same name – Luxembourg City. It occupies a dramatic and commanding site on a high bluff above the narrow valleys of the Alzette and the Petrusse.

We drop off at Place Liberte, see the bridges span across river Alzette, then to Notre Dame Cathedral, Hotel de Ville, Dukes Palace and Place Guillaume lined with many side walk cafés and restaurants. This evening we come to Bitburg in Germany.

( Continental Breakfast )

There are still is an abundant of Roman traces about. Starting from the walk through the Port Nigra and its city wall, the streets are all laid out in grit form, a typical system perfected by the Romans.

Appreciate the commentary made by your professional tour manager on all you wish to know about Trier’s Cathedral; the Basilica, the Imperial Baths and the Forum, indeed this city is undoubtedly one of the finest in Roman remains outside Italy. Here is also home of the great philosopher Karl Marx. You may wish to enter into his house of Marx (ticket at the gate). It is a museum that attracts countless international visitors annually.

Soon, enjoy German typical structured villages and vineyards on the hillside, as we skim alongside the Rhine river picturesque setting that is simply too beautiful to ignore! Before you know, the twin towers of the imposing Dom sprung into view, piercing the greyish skyline of Koln. This is also a witness to Germany’s 800 years of ancient Roman historical heritage. This evening, we come into the lowland country of Holland.

( Continental Breakfast )

Stroll through Dam square to see The New Church, the Royal Palace and along the canal-laced city of Amsterdam. During free time, you may visit the Sailor quarter and Amsterdam China town.

Check out with the tour manager for some afternoon optional activities, why not purchase ticket for an informative cruise on a glass-domed boat, to cruise alongside the 16^th-17^th century merchant houses, and visit a diamond house, see how raw stones are polished into sparkling gems, the skills on which so much of the prosperity of Holland depends.

Or take on a trip to Zaanschannes Windmill farm. Here one finds the cottage industries of Clog making, to learn and be amazed by the vast information you shall gain simply just going through the demonstration on site. Within the compound are thatched windmills, cheese making; bakery; clock museum etc. The setting is perfect as it presents quintessentially, a backdrop of the Dutch countryside. Where in Europe could you straddle a dyke, witnessing the river water level that is obviously higher than the land on its left! Most intriguing!

The choice is endless, but your tour manager will have the best solution for you.

( Continental Breakfast )

The city and its surrounding has much to offer for lovely picture stops: the awe inspiring Atomium; The intricate and unique Chinese Pavilion; the Japanese Pagoda; the most beautiful squares of the 17C – Grand Place; and of course the little Belgium hero who saved the city from destruction “Mannikin Pis”.

By the old Stock Exchange and main street, you have time to enjoy the shopping for Chocolate; Sweets; Laces; or local beer of 300 and more flavours before our final English Channel ferry brings us back to London by the late evening.

( Continental Breakfast )