Europe: The Grand Tour
Day 1 Overnight Flight
You’re on your way to an incredible journey through Europe. The rich culture and cuisine of France, the famed canals of Amsterdam, and the stunning architecture of Vienna are just some of the highlights to come on this tour to seven European countries: Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.
Day 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hotel: Maritim Hotel
Narrow canals, stone bridges, and bike-brimmed lanes - this is Amsterdam, the lively starting point of your journey. Check into your hotel* located in a bustling quarter in Amsterdam’s north, a convenient hub for using the city’s public transportation to reach all the must-sees. Get a taste of the local flavors and meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.(D)
Day 3 Amsterdam
Hotel: Maritim Hotel
See the city the way it’s meant to be seen - by canal. On a private boat, cruise under sloping bridges and pass by classic Dutch houses. Then, continue discovering Amsterdam** on a walking tour with a local guide. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this exciting city on your own.(B)
Day 4 Amsterdam - Lier, Belgium - Brussels
Hotel: Cardo Hotel
Get off the beaten track and uncover Lier’s rich history. On a guided stroll, explore Lier’s beguinage, where small houses feature biblical scenes upon the doors, and see the historic town hall, formerly a Cloth Hall, among this town’s charming architecture and sights. This afternoon in Brussels, it’s your choice! Explore the famed sights of Brussels on a locally guided tour -OR- follow the Comic Strip Route, discovering street murals and other representations of comic strip heroes throughout the city. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant in the heart of the town.(B, D)
Day 5 Brussels
Hotel: Cardo Hotel
The day is yours to explore more of Brussels and discover its rich history, architecture, gastronomy, and so much more. Perhaps you will choose to visit the famous site of the Battle of Waterloo, where the Napoleonic Wars came to an end in 1815, or join a full-day optional tour to the fairy-tale city of Bruges.(B)
Day 6 Brussels - Luxembourg - Strasbourg, France
Hotel: Maison Rouge Hotel & Spa
Explore the unique blend of Luxembourg’s historic fortresses, lush landscapes, and cosmopolitan elegance of the only Grand Duchy in the world. In the Old City of Luxembourg, join a local guide and hear the city’s stories as you take in landmarks and memorials, followed by time on your own in this unique capital. This afternoon, make yourself comfortable in your centrally located hotel in Strasbourg, your home for the next three nights. Tonight, experience famous Alsace cuisine at a local restaurant.(B, D)
Day 7 Strasbourg
Hotel: Maison Rouge Hotel & Spa
This morning, learn more about the provincial capital of Strasbourg, where centuries of Roman, French, German, and Alsatian influences blend together to lend this city its unique character. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Quarter, "Petite France," featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame, considered one of the noblest achievements of Western architecture. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the city on your own or perhaps you will choose an optional excursion to traverse the picturesque wine route of the Alsace wine region.(B)
Day 8 Strasbourg - Basel, Switzerland
Hotel: Maison Rouge Hotel & Spa
Traveling from Strasbourg to Basel, take in the beauty that surrounds the rich culture and history of Switzerland and France. The train whisks you through the stunning scenery, as it runs along the Rhine River much of the way. In Basel, wander through the winding streets and alleyways of the well-preserved medieval Old Town as a local guide brings history to life. Explore it further on your own before returning to Strasbourg in the late afternoon.(B)
Day 9 Strasbourg - Stuttgart, Germany - Münich
Hotel: Eurostars Grand Central Hotel
This morning, say “au revoir” to France and greet Germany. Visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Explore the museum’s collection of legendary vehicles on an audio guided tour and have an opportunity for lunch on your own in the museum’s cafeteria, before continuing your journey to the Bavarian capital, Münich. Tonight, enjoy Bavarian specialties during dinner at a restaurant popular among locals.(B, D)
Day 10 Münich
Hotel: Eurostars Grand Central Hotel
Explore Bavaria’s capital during a locally guided tour this morning. Explore the Altstadt (Old Town) and the central Marienplatz Square, known for its popular glockenspiel show that chimes and reenacts stories from the 16th century. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy this exciting city.(B)
Day 11 Münich - Salzburg, Austria - Vienna
Hotel: Intercontinental Hotel
This morning your journey continues to Austria. Explore Salzburg, the “City of Music” and enjoy its’ old-world charm. This evening, Vienna welcomes you with its’ elegant architecture and cobblestone streets. Tonight, join an evening stroll before dinner at a local restaurant.(B, D)
Day 12 Vienna
Hotel: Intercontinental Hotel
This morning, meet your local guide for a scenic walking tour to Vienna’s city center and behold the beautiful architecture, scenic parks, and gothic spires that fill the city. For the rest of the day, take the opportunity to explore Vienna as you wish. Tonight, you may choose to explore the interiors at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and listen to a musical performance at the famous Orangerie, where the past comes alive.(B)
Day 13 Vienna
Hotel: Intercontinental Hotel
Choose how you spend your day because it’s your choice! Join a local guide in the Belvedere Museum, home to Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting, The Kiss -OR- stroll through the unique collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum and savor a taste of Viennese coffee-house culture. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and toast to the end of your journey through so many unforgettable destinations of Europe.(B, D)
Day 14 Vienna - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today.(B)
Vienna
Vienna is dominated by imperial castles and places: Schonbrunn, the magnificent summer residence, the Imperial Coach Collection, the Palm House, the Butterfly House, Belvedere Palace, magnificent state rooms in Hofburg, and the imperial crown in the Treasury. Stop by Ringstraße - the showplace of the monarchy built where Emperor Franz Joseph ordered the demolition of city walls. Important buildings include the State Opera, the Museums of Fine Arts and Natural History, Parliament, City Hall and Vienna University. The world capital of music. A long line of great composers Johann Strauss, Haydn and Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, Mahler and Schonberg all worked here. A city with splendid concert halls, such as the Golden Hall, from which the Philharmonic's New Year's Day concert is broadcast annually. International stars love to appear here in the State Opera, Volksoper, Konzerthaus, and at festivals like the Vienna Festival, the Klangbogen concerts during the Musical Summer, the Jazz Festval and the Haydn, Mozart and Schubert festivals.
Excursions
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours
This interesting city walk offers you an initial overview of the history, culture and achitecture of Vienna, taking you through the most beautiful and elegant streets and passing by some of the most famous sights of the city.
At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- The Imperial Palace, residence of the Habsburgs for nearly 650 years (outside)
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna's landmark (outside)
- State Opera House (outside)
- the Ringstrasse ('ring road')
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours
During this city walk "On the Traces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart", you discover Vienna's historic old town, passing by some of the most important locations of Mozart's life. This tour also includes a visit of the Mozart House. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Vienna's historic old town and former addresses of Mozart (outdoor)
- Visit of the Mozart House Vienna (indoor visit)
- St. Stephen's Cathedral (outdoor)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee Mozart House (visit with audio-guide)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the cruise ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours
This privately guided walking tour through Vienna's historic old town takes you to the Imperial Palace ('Hofburg'), to visit the Imperial Apartments and the fascinating Sisi Museum.
Highlights:
- Visit of the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Apartments (indoor visit)
- Visit of the Sisi Museum (indoor visit)
- Augustinian Church
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Imperial Palace (Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major historical sights along the Ringstrasse, before taking you to the magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg family.
Highlights:
- Main sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, Burgtheater, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Schoenbrunn Palace, privately guided tour (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Schoenbrunn Palace (Highlight Tour)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours
In addition to the familiar Gothic and Baroque buildings, Art Nouveau has a fixed place in Viennese architecture. Naturally, this tour also covers further architecural epoques, such as modernity.
Highlights:
- Architecturally interesting sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Vienna Secession (inside visit)
- Visit of the Kunst Haus Wien (insde visit)
- St. Charles's Church (outside)
- Hundertwasserhaus (outside)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Sunday; Morning or Afternoon
(Vienna Secession is closed on Monday!)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Vienna Secession
- Entrance fee for Kunst Haus Wien
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours
From Tuesday to Friday (9am-1pm, excl. July), this package covers many interesting aspects of Vienna: Starting with a short Vienna Old Town City Walk, you follow your guide through the old town towards the Spanish Riding School, where you attend the Lippizaner's Morning Exercise, allowing an insight into the training of the Lipizzaner Horses and their riders. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Overview of the history, culture and architecture of Vienna
- Vienna's historic old town (outside)
- Attendance of the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School (inside visit)
- Coffee break at the famous Café Central
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Friday, 9am - 1pm (excluding July)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School
- Coffee break at Café Demel (1 hot drink, 1 piece of cake)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)