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11-Nights European Rhapsody - Start London, Classic Group from $5,118
Insight Vacations
OFFER ID 1497774
European Rhapsody - Start London, Classic Group
Experience the finest Europe has to offer as you lose yourself on the Romantic Road in Rothenburg and satisfy your appetite in Hungary with a fine dining dinner cruise in Budapest. Led by local experts, your experience will rival the aristocrats of yesteryear in the famed Carinthian Lake District. After checking in at your exclusive, private boat access hotel, dinner is served at La Fenice before twilight night caps at Café Florian—the premier cocktail bar in Venice. Sample a little pomp and circumstance with the Bavarian grandeur of Germany's Würzburg Residenz and in Vienna, tread in the footsteps of your local Travel Director with a chance to take a private tour of Maria Theresa's awesome Schönbrunn Palace.
Dining Summary
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Prague: Stroll through the Jewish Quarter with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Prague, and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry.
- Prague: Explore Prague with your local expert, walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. The city is then yours to explore. Maybe take a river cruise through the heart of the city or walk in the footsteps of kings along the Royal Route Czechs are passionate about their beer, so be sure to try the local pilsners together with hearty Czech cuisine.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Amsterdam: Toast to the travels ahead during your Welcome Dinner of modern European cuisine at a local restaurant.
- Budapest: Enjoy a scenic dinner cruise and take in the city's night time beauty as you float along the Danube.
- Venice: Savor a Venetian Celebration Dinner with wine in a restaurant in the heart of this historic city.
- Prague: Stroll through the Jewish Quarter with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Prague, and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry.
- Prague: Explore Prague with your local expert, walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. The city is then yours to explore. Maybe take a river cruise through the heart of the city or walk in the footsteps of kings along the Royal Route Czechs are passionate about their beer, so be sure to try the local pilsners together with hearty Czech cuisine.
- Budapest: Enjoy a tour of the Liszt Music Academy with a student, followed by an enchanting recital. Producing incredible musical talent, the university was founded by piano virtuoso and composer Franz Liszt in 1875.
- Vienna: Be pampered with traditional coffee and cake. An experience like no other, this cozy café provides companionship, and promotes well-being and support for the community, in addition to crafting delicious treats.
- Budapest: Enjoy a tour of the Liszt Music Academy with a student, followed by an enchanting recital. Producing incredible musical talent, the university was founded by piano virtuoso and composer Franz Liszt in 1875.
- Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- See Amsterdam • Alte Mainbruckem and Marienburg Fortress in Würzburg • Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber • Old Town Square, St Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle • Váci Utca and Gellért Hill in Budapest • Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche in Vienna • St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace in Venice.
- London: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train as you journey from London to Europe via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel.
- Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
- Wurzburg: Stand on the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke and see the Marienburg fortress.
- Wurzburg: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Würzburg Residence.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the best-preserved medieval town in Germany and a truly enchanting destination. Step back in time and explore the city walls, towers, and gates around the old town
11 nights from $5,118 per person
Insight Vacations: European Rhapsody - Start London, Classic Group
Day 1 - Welcome to London
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Accommodations: Park Plaza Victoria, London
Day 2 - London to Amsterdam
Meet your Travel Director and transfer to London’s St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar for a rail journey via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel to Brussels. Board the coach and continue to Amsterdam. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests during a cruise, along some of the many quaint, tree-lined canals. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. Disembark and venture to a local restaurant for your Welcome Dinner.
Accommodations: Grand Amrth, Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3 - Rhine Valley to Würzburg
Relax with a scenic drive along the Rhine Valley to Würzburg. See the mighty Marienburg Fortress – the immense baroque palace of the Prince Bishops and one of the most important landmarks in Germany. On arrival, visit the imposing Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a Local Expert. Marvel at intricate decorations and lavish staterooms boasting with French, Austrian and Venetian influences.
Accommodations: Maritim, Würzburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4 - Rothenburg and Golden Prague
In the morning venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most well-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Continue east to the Czech border, passing the town of Pilsen renowned for its beer, before reaching the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, perhaps take a river cruise through the heart of the city?
Accommodations: Royal, Prague
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Prague, City of a Hundred Spires
Explore Prague with Insight Choice. Choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join your Local Expert through the Jewish Quarter and hear about the history, traditions and legends of the Jewish people and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry. Then, the city is all yours to explore. Perhaps rummage through the renowned antique stores or shop for the nest Bohemian crystal?
Accommodations: Royal, Prague
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Through Bohemia to Budapest
Start the day with a journey through the beautiful forested countryside of Bohemia. Travel to Hungary, following the River Danube to Budapest. In the evening, join a Local Expert to enjoy a scenic dinner cruise, gliding past UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city’s spectacular nighttime beauty earns it the nickname 'Pearl of the Danube’.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn, Budapest
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7 - Budapest, Queen of the Danube
Drive along the beautiful Andrassy Avenue to Heroes' Square. Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda and admire sweeping views from the Fisherman’s Bastion with a Local Expert. Stand atop Gellért Hill where the colossal Liberty Statue stands in front of the Citadella watching over the city. Marvel at extensive panoramic views as you look out over the famous river dividing Buda and Pest - the two sides linked by the mighty Chain Bridge and the elegant, newer Elizabeth Bridge.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn, Budapest
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - The Flavors of Budapest
This morning, visit Liszt Academy. Continue your travels to the Austrian border and through pleasant farming country to Vienna.
Accommodations: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Vienna and the Habsburgs
In the morning, there is the option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Later, join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. Get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital's architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament building. Sit down for traditional coffee and delicious treats and mingle with locals at a cozy café.
Accommodations: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Lake Wörthersee to Venice
This day's route takes you past quiet villages, through Styria's forested mountains and into the Carinthian Lake District. Continue past Europe's warmest lake, the Wörthersee, to cross into Italy near Tarvisio. Then follow mountain valleys and cascading streams down to the Veneto Plain en route to the unique city of Venice. Arrive by private boat to your hotel. In the late afternoon and early evening, sip a cocktail on the corner of Piazza San Marco, whilst you are serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians. Afterwards, stroll past the Doges Palace and the famous 'Bridge of Sighs' to a local restaurant in the heart of the San Marco 'sestieri' for a magical dinner.
Accommodations: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11 - The Magic of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start
In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. Visit St. Mark's Square, dominated by its magnificent basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower. Also in the square stands the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace which is connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts center. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Accommodations: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 - Arrivederci Venice
Alas, you must bid farewell to this enchanting city. Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Meals: Breakfast
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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Ford's Travel
10738 W. Bell Road
Sun City, AZ 85351
USA
(623) 933-8256
(844) 827-3721