THIS TRIP COMPARES FRANCE AND GERMANY TO SMALLER NEIGHBOURS SWITZERLAND AND THE NETHERLANDS.
Delve into the landscapes of Europe, from Amsterdam’s gabled façades and lush Burgundy vineyards, to the sophistication of Paris.
THE ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive Amsterdam
Welcome to the colourful city of Amsterdam. Explore this city of bicycles and boats before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening, on a scenic canal cruise including a light dinner and welcome drinks.
Hotel – Mercure City
Included Meals – Welcome Reception
Day 2
Amsterdam – Rhine Cruise – Heidelberg – Rhineland
Journey through Germany’s Rhine Valley, boarding a cruise past terraced vineyards, historic towns and medieval castles to St. Goar. Head to the highest castle in the Rhine River Valley for an exclusive ‘Be My Guest’ lunch where you’ll ‘Connect With Locals’ in medieval surrounds and be transported back to a time of kings and knights. The old university town of Heidelberg is our next stop, with its impressive Renaissance structures, Baroque Old Town and view of the ruined red sandstone castle that towers above the city. We venture to our Rhineland hotel where we’ll spend our evening at leisure.
Day 3
Rhineland – Schaffhausen – Lucerne (2 Nights)
Delve into a world of legends and fairy-tales today as you enter the enchanting Black Forest. Here, we’ll ‘Dive Into Culture’ and witness the fine craft of cuckoo clock making, before visiting the dramatic Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen, the largest waterfall in Europe. We cross the Swiss border, admiring the exquisite alpine setting and arrive on the shores of Lake Lucerne where we will stay for the next two nights in one of Trafalgar’s ‘Stays With Stories’ – the elegant lakeside Grand Hotel Europe.
Included Meals – Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 4
Lucerne Orientation and Free Time
Soak up the relaxed lakeside atmosphere before your morning orientation begins. Cross the solid wooden Chapel Bridge, visit the solemn Lion Monument, commemorating the Massacre of the Swiss Guards in 1792 and spend your afternoon shopping in the Old Town for Swiss souvenirs and chocolates. Consider an Optional Experience ascending the surrounding mountains for panoramic alpine views, wander along the tranquil lake shore or stroll around the city admiring the decorative signposts and ornate façades lining the city’s streets.
Included Meals – Breakfast
Day 5
Lucerne – Burgundy Wine Region – Paris (2 Nights)
See the changing landscape as you travel into France through Alsace and across the Maginot Line. Admire the scenic Burgundy Wine Region, famous for its delicious Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varieties, before arriving in Paris. Indulge in a free evening to explore the grand boulevards of the French capital. Experience the pageantry of Paris first-hand and opt for an Optional Experience to a Parisian Cabaret.
Hotel – Pullman La Défense
Included Meals – Breakfast
Day 6
Paris Sightseeing and Free Time
Join a ‘Local Specialist’ today to delve into the artistic and historic treasures of Paris, including views of the elegant Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. View Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. This afternoon, amble through the city’s stylish gardens, avenues and lanes, admiring the sophisticated atmosphere or consider joining an Optional Experience to the exquisite Palace of Versailles. This evening we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and Travel Director.
Hotel – Holiday Inn
Included Meals – Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 7
Paris – Eurostar™ – London
Transfers are provided to Paris Gare du Nord station, where you’ll board the Eurostar™ train to London. The journey time to London St. Pancras International is 2 hours and 20 minutes. On arrival in London, you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel – Park Plaza Riverbank
Included Meals – Breakfast
Hotel – Grand Europe
Included Meals – Breakfast
Day 8
Depart London
Enjoy an English breakfast at the end of your holiday.
Included Meals – Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
AVAILABLE ON DAY 3
Swiss Folklore Evening And Dinner
Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant. While enjoying dinner, you can also join in a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included. Occasionally, this optional may be offered as a Lunch for CHF68.00.
Adult Price: Fr.99.00*
AVAILABLE ON DAY 4
Mount Pilatus And Lake Cruise
We’ll ascend by cog-wheel train to Mount Pilatus’ summit, where you’ll have time to explore, admire the views, and breathe the pure air. Then, we’ll descent by cable-car to enjoy a scenic lake cruise. On certain departures this Optional may be operated in reverse.
Adult Price: Fr.112.00*
AVAILABLE ON DAY 4
Swiss Countryside & Carriages
A chance to get to know the Swiss, you’ll meet local farmers and enjoy a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Soak up the stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a farm where you’ll savour local drinks and snacks. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Adult Price: Fr.67.00*
AVAILABLE ON DAY 5
Nouvelle Eve Cabaret And Dinner
One of the oldest and most elegant revue theatres in Paris, Nouvelle Eve is a hidden gem, where you’ll meet the Director and two of the cast members before enjoying a four-course dinner with wine. You will then experience unparalleled Parisian entertainment – including the world-famous Can-Can.
Adult Price: €139.00*
AVAILABLE ON DAY 6
Seine Cruise And Paris Illuminations
Paris at night is a city transformed. Enjoy this superb ‘City of Light’ on a leisurely cruise along the River Seine. Afterwards, as we drive through this amazing city, we’ll stop at some vantage points for you to capture the fascinating sights on camera. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
Adult Price: €38.00*
AVAILABLE ON DAY 6
Versailles Palace And Gardens
Built for the Sun King, Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles was the envy of every European ruler. Your Local Specialist will take you through the State apartments and famous Hall of Mirrors, with free time to stroll the symmetrical tree-lined gardens. Please note: this optional is subject to availability and involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Adult Price: €68.00*
AVAILABLE ON DAY 5
Moulin Rouge Cabaret And Dinner
Enjoy dinner and cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world-famous Moulin Rouge – the original Paris cabaret. Immortalized by the award-winning film of the same name, this Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!
Adult Price: €165.00*
AVAILABLE ON DAY 6
Montparnasse and Napoleon’s Tomb
Take the fastest elevator in Europe to the Panoramic Observation Deck for unbeatable views of the Eiffel Tower and all of the city’s iconic monuments. The highest rooftop terrace in Paris offers a breath-taking 360-degree view, with all of Paris at your feet! We’ll also visit the Dôme des Invalides with our local specialist to see Napoleon’s final resting place.
Adult Price: €49.00*
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
TRIP DETAILS
| What’s included | 7 NIGHTS | 10 MEALS | ON-TRIP TRANSPORT | ||||
| Accommodation | 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch (Be My | All transport shown including flights | |||||
| Guest), 2 dinners (including | |||||||
| Be My Guest) with local wine | |||||||
| Sightseeing highlights | ORIENTATION of Amsterdam and Lucerne | VISIT the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen |
| VIEW the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge | SEE the Lorelei Rock and Vineyards of Burgundy | |
| in Lucerne, the Champs Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, | ||
| the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral in | ||
| Paris and the White Cliffs of Dover |
| Travel highlights | Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing | Eurostar high-speed train tickets from Paris to |
| Specific transfer information can be found here: | London | |
| Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals | Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most | |
| countries or alternative transportation (such as rail | ||
| journeys) | ||
| Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted | Optional Experiences and free time | |
| All porterage and restaurant gratuities | Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras | |
| An expert Travel Director and professional Driver | All hotel tips, charges and local taxes | |
| Handcrafted Highlights | VIP entry to many sights |
DEPARTURE DATES
APRIL 2020
Monday 6th April – Monday 13th April Monday 13th April – Monday 20th April Monday 20th April – Monday 27th April Monday 27th April – Monday 4th May
MAY 2020
Monday 4th May – Monday 11th May Monday 11th May – Monday 18th May
Monday 18th May – Monday 25th May Monday 25th May – Monday 1st June
JUNE 2020
Monday 1st June – Monday 8th June Monday 8th June – Monday 15th June Monday 15th June – Monday 22nd June Monday 22nd June – Monday 29th June Monday 29th June – Monday 6th July
JULY 2020
Monday 6th July – Monday 13th July
Monday 13th July – Monday 20th July
Monday 20th July – Monday 27th July
SEPTEMBER 2020
Monday 7th September – Monday 14th September Monday 14th September – Monday 21st September Monday 21st September – Monday 28th September Monday 28th September – Monday 5th October
NOVEMBER 2020
Monday 2nd November – Monday 9th November Monday 16th November – Monday 23rd November Monday 30th November – Monday 7th December
DECEMBER 2020
Monday 14th December – Monday 21st December Sunday 20th December – Sunday 27th December Sunday 27th December – Sunday 3rd January
JANUARY 2021
Monday 11th January – Monday 18th January Monday 25th January – Monday 1st February
FEBRUARY 2021
Monday 8th February – Monday 15th February Monday 22nd February – Monday 1st March
MARCH 2021
Monday 8th March – Monday 15th March
Monday 22nd March – Monday 29th March
APRIL 2021
Monday 5th April – Monday 12th April
