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Cosmos
OFFER ID 1515143
From its exciting cities to its spectacular scenery, Europe has it all, and on this affordable European tour, you'll see the main highlights. Start in Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise and end in Paris with a guided tour and time on your own. In between, you’ll discover Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. In Amsterdam, Rome, Florence, and Paris, local experts will bring the cities alive, and among other famous sights, you’ll see Amsterdam's canals; Piazza Signoria in Florence, renowned for its ornate and famous statues; and St. Peter’s Square in Rome, the heart of the Vatican. Other interesting experiences include a boat ride to Venice’s St. Mark’s Square and a visit to Assisi’s Basilica, burial site of St. Francis and home to frescoes by Giotto. It is not just the cities you’ll see on this European tour; you’ll also see some of Europe's beautiful scenery. A fascinating drive along the Rhine River features quaint towns, castles from the Middle Ages, and villages lining the countryside. Marvel at the gorgeous Swiss Alps. Enjoy the beautiful Tuscany countryside, with its rolling hills, and journey through France’s famous vineyards. Overnight in romantic Lake Como, regarded as one of Europe's most picturesque lakes; spend time in Lucerne, nestled between the Alps and the fjord-like lake; and stop in Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and surrounded by three mighty mountains. Europe’s highlights-including historic monuments, must-see attractions, and scenery-are all available on this splendid, value-minded Europe tour!
13 nights from $3,259 per person
Europe's Highlights
Day 1 ARRIVE AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Check into your hotel and start exploring this exciting city with your CosmosGo app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)
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Day 2 AMSTERDAM Enjoy sightseeing in Amsterdam with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights, as you discover the city from water level on an included canal cruise. Then, watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a diamond center. Time in the afternoon to explore on your own or join an optional excursion. (B)
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Day 3 AMSTERDAM–RHINELAND, GERMANY Traveling through Germany, choose an included scenic drive along the shores of the Rhine or, even more thrilling, the optional Rhine cruise with vistas of hilltop castles, half-timbered wine villages, and terraced vineyards.
Today’s Distance: 336 mi/ 540 km (B)
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Day 4 RHINELAND–INNSBRUCK AREA, AUSTRIA Drive through Baden-Württemberg to the foot of the Alps to see King Ludwig’s magnificent Neuschwanstein castle, Germany’s fairytale castle. Carry on into the verdant Austrian Tyrol for an overnight stay.
Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (B,D)
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Day 5 INNSBRUCK AREA–VENICE AREA, ITALY Cross the border into Italy to the unique floating city of Venice. This afternoon’s orientation includes a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, followed by a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop. “O sole mio!” sing the gondoliers on an optional gondola ride along the legendary canals. Isn’t it romantic!
Today’s Distance: 242 mi/ 390 km (B,D)
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Day 6 VENICE AREA–ASSISI–ROME An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then through the gentle Umbrian hills to medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous St. Francis Basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome.
Today’s Distance: 345 mi/ 555 km (B)
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Day 7 ROME The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St. Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.* (B)
* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
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Day 8 ROME–PISA–MONTECATINI Say goodbye to Rome and drive on the Highway of the Sun to Pisa. Hop on a mini train to the Square of Miracles and admire the curious Leaning Tower, a world-renowned photographic subject. Overnight in the spa town of Montecatini, recently added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (B,D)
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Day 9 MONTECATINI–FLORENCE–LAKE COMO Arrive in Florence. This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide that features most of the city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi. To top it all, see Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile (belltower), and the magnificently carved East Door of the Baptistry, known as the “Gate of Paradise.” Journey northward through the Tuscan hills and across the Apennines to the shores of romantic Lake Como.
Today’s Distance: 252 mi/ 405 km (B)
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Day 10 LAKE COMO–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE AREA Leave beautiful Lake Como and cross the border into Switzerland for a stop in the Italian-speaking town of Lugano. Continue north and, once through Gotthard Tunnel, see more magnificent alpine scenery as you reach the shores of Lake Lucerne.
Today’s Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km (B)
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Day 11 LUCERNE AREA–INTERLAKEN–LAUSANNE Spend some time in beautiful Lucerne. Stroll through the old town and see the distinctive covered wooden bridge (Kapellbrücke) crossing the river Reuss or get carried away on an optional excursion first by funicular, then aboard the world’s first double-decker, open-top aerial cable car to the summit of Stanserhorn. Later, stop in idyllic Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland and then follow the shoreline of deep blue Lake Thun, continuing for a few more miles to Lausanne, overlooking Lake Geneva.
Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km (B)
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Day 12 LAUSANNE–BEAUNE, FRANCE–PARIS Enjoy vistas of the celebrated Burgundy vineyards on the way to Beaune. Visit the medieval town, known all over the world for its wine production. Take the autoroute to Paris.
Today’s Distance: 385 mi/ 620 km (B)
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Day 13 PARIS Get to know the city of romance with a local expert and see many of the Parisian sites.* (B)
*Note: for operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded
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Day 14 PARIS Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
3838 Camino del Rio N. Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92108
USA
(619) 589-6700
(800) 586-6700