FIT & Group Suggested Itineraries

European FIT Suggested Itineraries

Table of Contents
 Barcelona, Madrid & Southern Spain - 4
 Berlin, Nuremberg & Munich - 9
 Best of Italy - 14
 Budapest, Vienna & Prague - 18
 Greek Island Hopper - 23
 Ireland Self Drive - 28
 London & Paris - 33
 London, Paris & Rome - 36
 Paris & Rome - 40
 Zurich, Interlaken & Lucerne - 43

2
 3

European Group Suggested Itineraries

Table of Contents
 A Scottish, Welsh & Irish Adventure - 49
 Alpine Paradise - 53
 Best of Croatia - 56
 Best of Vienna, Prague & Salzburg - 61
 Best of Denmark & Germany - 66
 Eastern Europe - 69
 English Gardens - 74
 Explore Ireland - 78
 Fjord Adventure in Norway - 81
 Greek Island & Turkey - 84
 Icelandic Odyssey - 87
 Ireland, Northern Ireland & Scotland - 91
 Istanbul & Cappadocia - 93
 London & Brussels - 96
 Northern Italy - 99
 Oktoberfest Breweries & Rhine River - 102
 Portuguese Adventure - 106
 Scandinavian Capitals - 110
 Southern Finland - 113
 Swiss Alps & Italian Lake District - 115
 The Best of Central & Southern Spain - 119
 The Best of England & Wales - 124
 The Best of Moscow & St. Petersburg - 127
 The Best of Normandy, Brittany & Loire Valley - 131
 The Netherlands Tour - 135
3
 4

Barcelona, Madrid &

Southern Spain
11 DAYS/10 NIGHTS - INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Come visit the beautiful country of Spain! Begin in Barcelona, formerly home to artists like
Picasso, Miró and Dalí, this city is famed for its culture. While here be sure to check out INCLUSIONS
Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces like the Casa Milà, Park Güell and the iconic Basilica of the
 Private Arrival
Sagrada Familia. Continue to Madrid, Spain’s lively capital. Explore its excellent museums
and tapas bars. Madrid boasts the magnificent Plaza Mayor, the world-renowned Prado Transfers
Museum and the ever-refreshing Retiro Park. Next stop Seville, a wonderful city with  3 nights Barcelona
Moorish architecture, beautiful 17th-century palaces and a gorgeous Old Town. Local
flamenco bars along the Guadalqivir River add to its charm. It is no surprise that visitors feel  Secret Tour of La
such a strong affection for Spain. Centuries of culture, art and local traditions are still alive in Pedera
this country, which has learned how to embrace modernity while still maintaining its past.
 Private Full-Day
Sightseeing
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE DAY 2 ~ BARCELONA  Morning
BARCELONA Montserrat Tour
After breakfast you will be
Arrive in Barcelona and picked up at your hotel for  Barcelona Market
collect your bags. As you your exciting full-day private and Cooking Class
exit customs you will be met by a sightseeing tour. On this tour you will see  Rail Between Cities
representative that will help you with your the highlights of the city and get a terrific
luggage and escort you to your hotel where understanding of Barcelona’s famous  3 nights Madrid
you will stay for three nights. Take the history, which pre-dates the Romans. After  Madrid Sightseeing
afternoon to become accustomed with the this full-day tour, you will be free to spend by Night and
city and then make it back to your hotel Flamenco Show
the evening dining and relaxing. Make sure
with Drink
lobby in time for your evening sightseeing to wander down to the Las Ramblas and
tour. check out the street performers before  Private Madrid
indulging in some gazpacho and sangria. Sightseeing Tour
SECRET TOUR OF LA PEDERA ~ Discover
 Toledo and Escorial
the secret La Pedrera, a unique building PRIVATE, FULL-DAY SIGHTSEEING ~ On
Full-Day Tour
designed by the Catalan architect, Antoni this full-day, private sightseeing trip you
Gaudí. Architecturally it is considered an will see the highlights of Barcelona’s  3 nights Seville
innovative work for its steel structure and cultural heart. You will visit famous sites  Private Full-Day
curtain walls. Its design was controversial related to the artist and architect Antoni Seville Sightseeing
at the time it was constructed and would Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park
 From Seville to
still be considered Avant-garde today. Güell. You will also get to visit Barcelona’s Granada
Enjoy this intimate tour, where you can famous waterfront, including the Old and
 Private Departure
discover the nooks and crannies of this Olympic ports. You’ll marvel at the beauty
Transfers
landmark in the tranquility and magic of of the facades of the Passeig de Gracia and
the evening. Discover the hidden secrets of take stunning photographs on Montjuic
La Pedrera and become the lucky witness Hill. Lastly you can’t visit Barcelona without
to the lives, customs and stories of the visiting the Gothic Quarter with its
residents of this 100-year-old building. beautiful ornate cathedral. All this and
more on this exceptional sightseeing tour.
4
 5

DAY 3 ~ BARCELONA Spain’s capital city, Madrid. Meet your

transfer representative in the lobby for
This morning you will want
your ride to the station. You will then board
to eat breakfast early and
the very comfortable train and on arrival
then make your way to
meet your transfer to your hotel. You then
your designated meeting point for your
have the afternoon to yourself. You may
tour to Montserrat. After the tour you will
want to use this afternoon to visit the
be returned to downtown. You will have a
Prado Museum, which is the main national
few hours of free time before meeting your
art museum and features one of the
guide for a private market tour and cooking
world’s finest collections of European art.
class. After the class, enjoy the remainder
Tonight you will enjoy a city sightseeing
of the day at leisure- but make sure not to
tour and flamenco show.
miss Barcelona’s famous nightlife!
MADRID SIGHTSEEING BY NIGHT AND
MORNING MONTSERRAT TOUR ~ Enjoy FLAMENCO SHOW WITH DRINK ~
the picturesque drive to the foot of the Tonight you will enjoy a panoramic tour of
Montserrat Mountain. Perched 2380 feet Madrid’s avenues and lovely squares. Its
above sea level in this stunning natural park beautiful boulevards and illuminated
is the sanctuary of Santa Maria de fountains make a tour of Madrid by night a
Montserrat. You will enjoy a guided must! Afterwards you will attend a
orientation tour of Abby of Montserrat, flamenco show where you will enjoy a
during which the guide will show you all the complimentary drink. Flamenco is a genre
treasures of Catalonia’s most important of Spanish music, song and dance from
religious retreat including the monastery, Andalusia, a region in southern Spain.
basilica and museum, which has a Always dramatic and passionate, this is an
marvelous collection of paintings. You will evening you are sure to remember.
also get some free time to explore the bars,
DAY 5 ~ MADRID
restaurants, shops and market.
After an early breakfast you
BARCELONA MARKET AND COOKING
CLASS ~ You will meet your guide for an will meet your tour guide
escorted shopping tour of Barcelona’s for a full-day sightseeing
famous food market, La Boqueria. Your tour of Madrid. After the tour you are free
expert chef will show you the raw foods to relax on your own for the rest of the
that you will use to create amazing Catalan evening. Tonight you might consider dining
cuisine. You will then continuing to a in a restaurant that specializes in tapas, a
cooking school where you will learn to cook popular type of Spanish appetizers. They
delicious dishes like tapas, seafood paella, can be combined to make a full meal giving
and crema catalana. You will get the you the opportunity to try many different
chance to indulge in your many creations, tastes and flavors.
and will leave full of tasty dishes and ready PRIVATE MADRID SIGHTSEEING TOUR ~
to experience the local nightlife. Built above the old Alcazar of the
Habsburgs, Madrid was the official
DAY 4 ~ TRAVEL TO
residence of the Spanish monarchy from
MADRID
1765 until 1931. Within the Royal Palace,
Eat breakfast and then pack you will visit the Official Reception Zone,
your bags, because today the private rooms of King Carlos III, the
you will take the train from Barcelona to Museums Section, the Royal Chapel and
5
 6

the private rooms of Queen Isabel II. After met by your transfer representative in the
touring the palace, your sightseeing tour lobby. He or she will take you to the station
will continue with a stroll through the Plaza where you will catch the train for Seville.
España. You’ll see the city’s best landmarks Upon your arrival meet your transfer
and monuments including the Gran Vía, representative, who will escort you to your
Plaza de Oriente, Puerta del Sol and the hotel. This evening you can relax and settle
Prado Museum. This private tour gives you in to Andalucía's top destination. This
the perfect orientation to this extremely would be a great time to take advantage of
INCLUSIONS interesting and beautiful city. your Sevilla Card, which grants you access
to most of the museums and monuments in
 Private Arrival DAY 6 ~ MADRID
the city.
Transfers
Make sure to eat breakfast
 3 nights Barcelona DAY 8 ~ SEVILLE
and then make your way to
 Secret Tour of La your designated meeting Eat breakfast and then meet
Pedera point for your full-day Toledo Sightseeing your private guide in the
excursion. This former capital of the lobby. Seville has a long
 Private Full-Day
Spanish Empire has been populated since history that includes being the most
Sightseeing
the Bronze Age so you’re in for a true important Roman port on the Guadalquiver
 Morning River. Today you will be shown many of the
historical treat. After returning from the
Montserrat Tour
tour, take the evening to relax on your own important buildings and landmarks left in
 Barcelona Market and marvel at the differences between the wake of multiple cultural waves. The
and Cooking Class Spain's former capital and its current one. evening is yours to wander the charming
 Rail Between Cities streets or dine in a delicious restaurant or
TOLEDO AND ESCORIAL FULL-DAY
SIGHTSEEING TOUR ~ On this exciting full- tapas bar.
 3 nights Madrid
day tour of Toledo and the Escorial you will PRIVATE SEVILLE CITY SIGHTSEEING ~
 Madrid Sightseeing see many of the major buildings and Discover Seville's fascinating touristic areas.
by Night and
monuments including the City Hall Square, From the grand fair grounds of the Ibero-
Flamenco Show
with Drink the Victorio Macho Museum and San Juan American exhibition of 1929, to the
de los Reyes. The city of Toledo is home to contemplative alleyways and flowers of
 Private Madrid
many of Spain’s best cultural treasures. the Santa Cruz quarter, Seville has
Sightseeing Tour
This beautiful city has a rich artistic, something for everyone. You will also have
 Toledo and Escorial religious and historic heritage. Its buildings the chance to tour the Cathedral, Giralda
Full-Day Tour Tower and the Royal Palace of Alcazar, the
walk you through centuries of Spanish
 3 nights Seville history. It continues to be the religious oldest residence of the Spanish kings that is
 Private Full-Day capital of Spain and is considered the city of still in use today. After touring the central
Seville Sightseeing three cultures (Christian, Jewish and district you will continue on to Plaza de
Moorish). From Toledo, you will travel to Toros, the oldest bullring in Spain, and the
 From Seville to
The St Lawrence’s Royal Monastery of The vibrant and cultural Triana neighborhood.
Cordoba
Escorial, a magnificent construction from Lastly, you will view the lovely city from the
 Private Departure the 16th century. It is a pantheon of the water with a cruise along the shores of the
Transfers Guadalquivir River.
Kings of Spain and is considered to be the
Eighth Marvel of the World.
DAY 9 ~ SEVILLE
DAY 7 ~ TRAVEL TO Eat a good breakfast and
SEVILLE then make your way to the
After breakfast you will be designated meeting point

6
 7

for your full-day trip to the stunning city of

Granada. This fascinating and historic city has
been continuously inhabited for at least 2500
years. After the tour you have the rest of the
night to enjoy at your leisure. Take in some
more of the local Andalusian culture and
perhaps enjoy some of Seville's famous
nightlife.

SEVILLE TO GRANADA ~ Granada has a

extremely varied and long cultural legacy. At
the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range,
The Alhambra is the joy that crowns this
beautiful city. You will visit this picturesque
Nazarian city where every inch is a work of art.
During the visit to the palaces, grand halls,
rooms and exquisite gardens, you will begin to
understand why the last Moorish king cried as
he surrendered to the Catholic Kings who
conquered it. You will then meander through
the Generalife Gardens, some of the most
impressive gardens in the world, with an
official guide. At the end of the visit you will
have time to relax in Granada before returning
to Seville, never to forget this most
spellbinding of experiences.

DAY 10 ~ SEVILLE
Enjoy breakfast and meet your
transfer representative in the
lobby of your hotel. He or she
will help you with your luggage and escort you
to the airport for your flight. Wave goodbye to
the spectacular Spanish landscape as you take
off from Sevilla International Airport.

DAY 11 ~ HOME
Unpack and prepare for your
next vacation with Europe
Express!

7
 8

Admission Tickets
Instead of simply buying tickets to the sights you want to see, consider taking a tour. This
will benefit you in many ways:

1. Many of Europe's sights can have very long wait lines. By taking a tour you will often
skip the line and make better use of your time.

2. You will receive explanations of what you see from local experts. This can enrich your
experience and make it easier for you to understand the relevance of everything you
see.

3. Don’t waste your precious vacation time planning what you are going to do each day
The beautiful aerial or shopping around for the right tour. By pre-booking your activities you can
view of Madrid guarantee that you will see the sights you traveled around the world to see; make
sure you have the best experience possible!

Want a private
guide to show you
the sights?
City Cards and Passes
City Cards are your one-stop shop for a fantastic trip. It's a specially designed sightseeing
package that provides you with everything you need to discover the city. The package is a
Europe Express bit like an "all you can eat" buffet - once you've purchased your city card you don't have to
pay to get into any of the attractions covered by the pass; the more sights you see, the
offers a wide more money you save. This can especially come in handy if you’re hiring a private guide, as
your entrance fees are not always covered in the cost of the tour. It can also allow you to
variety of private skip the line at many sights and attractions.

sightseeing  SEVILLA CARD ~ This is a tourist card that entitles its holders to free access to most of
the museums and monuments in the city and its surroundings, several Tourist Buses,
options too! a guided boat tour on the Guadalquivir River, and much more. Sevilla Card holders will
benefit from discounts in restaurants, shows, clubs, discos and Isla Magica. The card is
The Casa Batlló in available in 24, 48, and 72-hour time limits.
Barcelona, designed by  BARCELONA CARD ~ With Barcelona's tourist card, visitors are granted access to 17
architect Antoni Gaudi
different facilities, museum discounts, cultural venues, leisure centers, restaurants,
shops and other services. The card also includes free public transport, which means
you get access to metro and city buses of TMB and FGC city, suburban train network,
trams, and Renfe trains in zone 1. Barcelona Cards are available in 2, 3, 4 or 5-day
timeframes.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

8
 9

Berlin, Nuremburg &

Munich
11 DAYS/10 NIGHTS - INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
S U G GE STE D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Delve into the unique histories of Berlin, Nuremberg and Munich. Berlin has taken its
INCLUSIONS
freedom and expressed it through its cultural offerings of art, music and performance. Since
becoming the German capital again in 1990, Berlin has raced up the ranks of must-visit cities.
 Private Arrival
Next visit the enchanting and historic town of Nuremberg. With its connections to the Nazi
Transfer
party, and as the home of the famous printmaker Albrecht Dürer, this town is ripe with
mystery and culture. Lastly, visit Bavaria’s most famous city: Munich. Whether you have a
taste for cars, art, architecture or beer festivals, Munich has something to offer. Practice  Rail Between Cities
your Deutsch on this trip to three of Germany’s most celebrated cities!
 3 nights Berlin

 Berlin Private City

DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE spend the evening dining and relaxing as
Sightseeing Tour
BERLIN you please.
Arrive in Berlin and collect BERLIN PRIVATE CITY SIGHTSEEING ~  Potsdam and
your bags. As you exit Berlin has been exposed to many Sanssouci Tour
customs you will be met by a groundbreaking events in world history.
 3 nights
representative that will help you with your This tour is your chance to discover the
Nuremberg
luggage and escort you to your hotel, famous avenues and impressive squares
where you will stay for three nights. Today the city has to offer. Your guide will show  Private Nuremberg
you are free to do as you please. Berlin is you the new Parliament buildings, the Sightseeing Tour
world renowned for being a city of culture, Reichstag, the Federal Chancellery and
Bellevue Palace, which is the seat of the  Private Romantic
politics and science, but is also known for
President. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, Road Tour
its festivals, diverse architecture, and art
programs. This could also be a great day to Checkpoint Charlie and the remnants of the
 3 nights Munich
discover the treasures of Museum Island, Berlin Wall. See Alexanderplatz and the
the home of the Pergamon Museum, which Potsdamer Platz, which is an entirely new  Private Munich
houses immense reconstructions of quarter, built from scratch in 1995. Enjoy Sightseeing Tour
historically significant buildings, such as this city of surprises with this exciting and
Babylon's Ishtar Gate. Settle in and explore unforgettable private tour of Berlin.  Royal Castles
Neuschwanstein
this diverse and beautiful city, and don't DAY 3 ~ BERLIN and Linderhof
forget to enjoy some of Berlin’s epic
On your second full day in
nightlife.  Private Departure
Berlin you will get a chance
Transfer
DAY 2 ~ BERLIN to experience the area
After breakfast you will be where many wealthy Germans have
met in the lobby for your historically chosen to escape the bustle of
full-day, private city city life. Upon your return to the center of
sightseeing tour. On this tour you will take Berlin, make sure to join the Germans for
in many of Berlin’s best sights and dinner. With twelve restaurants in the
monuments. Afterwards, you will be free to Michelin guide, Berlin has a diverse

9
 10

gastronomical scene. Whether you are you back to the hotel or drop you in the
looking for the typical Berliner fare of center. May we suggest you take the
currywurst or a gourmet meal, Berlin will evening to discover some of the city’s
surely not disappoint. breweries. Many great beers are made in
Franconia; in fact the area around
POTSDAM AND SANSSOUCI TOUR ~ The
Nuremberg has one of the largest
old garrison and residence town of
concentrations of breweries in the world.
Potsdam, situated just outside Berlin, has
become famous for its splendid palaces and PRIVATE NUREMBERG CITY TOUR ~ The
INCLUSIONS gardens. The palace of Sanssouci in best way to get to know such a
Potsdam was a favorite refuge of the great multifaceted town is with a person who
 Private Arrival
Transfer Prussian King Frederick II. Here he resides there. Discover this walled,
entertained some of the most educated medieval city that was once the cradle of
 Rail Between Cities men of his time. On this tour you will enjoy the German Renaissance and the home of
an extensive visit of Sanssouci Palace, both Nazi rallies and the Nuremberg Trials.
 3 nights Berlin which is often considered the German rival First you will visit the Documentation
of Versailles. Then stroll in the magnificent Center at the Reich Party Rally Grounds.
 Berlin Private City
park and enjoy a city tour of Potsdam. Here Here you will delve into the mysteries of
Sightseeing Tour
you will get to see the Dutch Quarter and the Nazi Party and its appeal to the masses.
 Potsdam and the Russian colony, Alexandrovka, which is You will then travel back to the city center
Sanssouci Tour known for its charming historic houses that for a personalized walking tour of its
appear to be made of gingerbread. charming Old Town. This area is known for
 3 nights fantastic regional food, festivals and
Nuremberg DAY 4 ~ TRAVEL TO
markets. Here you will visit the castle, city
NUREMBERG
walls, several churches and the home of
 Private Nuremberg
After breakfast, make sure Albrecht Dürer, the famous German
Sightseeing Tour
your bags are packed and printmaker. Your expert guide will show
 Private Romantic meet your transfer representative in the you where German emperors were
Road Tour lobby. You will then be transferred to the crowned, saints were buried and talented
train station, from which you will travel to artisans made history.
 3 nights Munich Nuremberg. On your arrival meet your
transfer representative who will escort you DAY 6 ~ NUREMBERG
 Private Munich to your hotel. Use the evening to discover Today you will explore the
Sightseeing Tour
the charming Old Town, with its Gothic highlights of the Romantic
 Royal Castles churches, winding roads, and splendid Road on your full-day
Neuschwanstein patrician houses. While in town get some guided tour. This tour will give you a great
and Linderhof dinner at a local restaurant or street cart. overview of the rich history of the area as
Consider trying the famous Nurnberger or well as take you to several cities that could
 Private Departure Frankische Bratwurste. play host to the most famous of German
Transfer fairytales. The evening is yours to relax,
DAY 5 ~ NUREMBERG
sightsee or enjoy some Franconian dishes
After an early breakfast, paired with a glass of Gewürztraminer.
meet your private guide in
PRIVATE ROMANTIC ROAD TOUR ~ You
the lobby. Today you will
will be met in the lobby for this fantastic
discover the famous sights of Nuremberg.
tour of the Romantic Road. Surround
After the tour, your guide will either take
yourself with magical castles and fairytale

10
 11

villages as you visit the cities of Würzburg DAY 8 ~ MUNICH

and Rothenburg. First you will travel to After breakfast you will
Würzburg to see the baroque Würzburger meet your guide in the
Residence & Gardens, which is a UNESCO lobby for a full-day city
World Heritage Site and one of the finest sightseeing tour. On this tour you will see
palaces in Europe. Afterwards proceed to many of Munich’s famous sights and avoid
Rothenburg, a town that seems to be the long lines with your local guide’s
untouched by the passage of time. At one expertise. After the tour you are free for
time, this small town was much larger than the remainder of the evening. Tonight you
either Frankfurt or Munich; today however could head out to the Nymphenburg
visiting it is like stepping back in time! You Gardens for a serene evening walk or go
will be given free time to explore on your into the city center, where you can dine in
own and eat lunch before you are guided the pedestrian shopping zone.
through town on an exceptional walking
PRIVATE MUNICH SIGHTSEEING TOUR ~
tour.
Discover the highlights of the capital city of
DAY 7 ~ TRAVEL TO Bavaria. This includes a walking tour of the
MUNICH Marienplatz and the Old Town, home to
This morning you will be most of the city’s historic landmarks,
picked up after breakfast including the world famous Glockenspiel,
and transferred to the station. You will then Viktualienmarkt and Peterskirche, the
take the train to Munich and be transferred oldest church in Munich. From there you
upon arrival to the hotel via private vehicle. will be brought to the Maximilianstrasse for
Once you settle in, spend the afternoon lunch and shopping. Here you will have
wandering the streets and taking in the some free time. Afterwards meet up with
sights. In the evening you will make your your guide for a museum visit. You will get
own way to the meeting point for your to choose if you would like to visit the Alte
evening Bavarian gastronomy tour. The Pinakothek, one of Europe's greatest art
tour ends at the famous Hofbräuhaus galleries, or the Deutsches Museum, a 13-
where you can choose to stay for the acre museum that houses at least 16,000
remainder of the evening. artifacts of German science and
technology. You will end the tour with a
BAVARIAN BEER AND FOOD EVENING ~
drink at one of the beer gardens of the
Munich is the beer capital of the world, so
Englischer Garten.
what better place to visit legendary beer
gardens, cellars and halls! Learn how beer DAY 9 ~ MUNICH
is brewed and discover Germany’s long
Enjoy your breakfast, and
history of brewing. You will get to sample
then meet in the lobby for
different types of beer and experience
a full-day excursion to the
what makes them different. You will also
castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof.
get to try some of Bavaria’s hearty brewery
After the tour the evening is yours to
fare. Tour the Beer and Oktoberfest
explore and tie up any loose ends. If you
Museum, which traces the history of beer
have a hankering for brats, beer, wine,
from its origins in ancient Egypt. Then enjoy
music, art, history or just a good time,
the famous Hofbräuhaus.
make sure to get it all out of your system
on your last night in Germany.

11
 12

ROYAL CASTLES OF NEUSCHWANSTEIN

AND LINDERHOF ~ This excursion takes
you inside two extraordinary castles, both
testament to the visions of Bavaria´s
fairytale king. Built by King Ludwig II, both
of these castles have inspired legend and
fantasy. After a short shopping trip at
Oberammergau, the home of the Passion
Play, you will continue to Neuschwanstein
INCLUSIONS
Castle. The striking, white castle towers
 Private Arrival above the Bavarian countryside and was
Transfer the inspiration for Disney World’s
Cinderella Castle. The king wanted a castle
 Rail Between Cities
that was representative of the romantic
interpretation of the Middle Ages as well as
 3 nights Berlin
the musical mythology of his friend,
 Berlin Private City Richard Wagner. Next you will visit
Sightseeing Tour Linderhof, the smallest of the three palaces
built by the King. This castle resembles the
 Potsdam and Palace of Versailles, with its ornate Hall of
Sanssouci Tour Mirrors and famous dumb-waiter. These
fairytale visits will leave you longing to
 3 nights
move in and live like royalty.
Nuremberg
DAY 10 ~ MUNICH
 Private Nuremberg
Sightseeing Tour Make sure your bags are
packed, then grab some
 Private Romantic breakfast before meeting
Road Tour your transfer representative in the lobby.
He or she will then transfer you to the
 3 nights Munich
airport. Hopefully you’ll bring home enough
 Private Munich cuckoo clocks, edelweiss bells, lederhosen,
Sightseeing Tour beer steins and memories to last you until
your return. Auf Wiedersehen!
 Royal Castles
Neuschwanstein DAY 11 ~ HOME
and Linderhof Unpack and prepare for
your next vacation with
 Private Departure
Europe Express!
Transfer

12
 13

Admission Tickets
1. Instead of simply buying tickets to the sights you want to see, consider taking a tour. This
will benefit you in many ways:
2. Many of Europe's sights can have very long wait lines. By taking a tour you will often skip the
line and make better use of your time.
3. You will receive explanations of what you see from local experts. This can enrich your
experience and make it easier for you to understand the relevance of everything you see.
4. Don’t waste your precious vacation time planning what you are going to do each day or
shopping around for the right tour. By pre-booking your activities you can guarantee that
you will see the sights you traveled around the world to see; make sure you have the best
The stunning
experience possible!
Danube River

German Escorted Tour Vacations

Want to travel with
Escorted tours offer the structure that some people need to feel comfortable abroad. They’re a a group of like-
great alternative if you don't feel that a independent vacation is best for you. On our escorted minded individuals?
tours you will travel with an expert guide who will accompany you throughout the program.
Many of your sightseeing tours and meals are included, and you don't have to worry about
Europe Express
getting lost. Below is our most popular itinerary and additional options are available on request.
offers a wide
 Romantic Germany Escorted Tour ~ Southern Germany offers magical landscapes
with rolling hills, medieval towns and picturesque castles. Travel back in time with a visit to
Rothenburg ob der Tauber and tour beautiful castles like Neuschwanstein. Impressive
variety of group
mountains and magnificent lakes make this an unforgettable romantic travel experience.
Highlights: Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Freiburg, the Black Forest, Füssen, Garmisch, Innsbruck, tours too!
Munich, Rothenburg

The Bavarian State

Chancellery in Munich

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

13
 14

Best of Italy
11 DAYS/10 NIGHTS - INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

First stop, Rome, with its cozy trattorias and remnants of the famous Roman civilization, the
INCLUSIONS
city invites you to step back to a past that is still very much alive. Contemplate the city’s rich
history while devouring a plate of pasta or a slice of pizza. Continue to Italy’s Renaissance  Private Arrival
capital, Florence, known for its artistic treasures, including Michelangelo’s David. Enjoy tasty Transfer
Italian gelato and a glass of Chianti, and then stop at a boutique to purchase a souvenir made
 4 nights Rome
from luxurious Italian leather. End your trip in Casanova's city of Venice, where getting lost
along ancient stone paths is a pleasure, and it’s impossible not to fall in love.  Private Essence of
Rome Tour
 Naples and Pompeii
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE unforgettable view and exploration of the Tour with lunch
ROME ancient world, you will head over to
 Exclusive Cooking
Arrive in Rome and collect Vatican City. At the Vatican Museums, you Lesson and Grocery
your bags. As you exit will see and experience the museums' most Tour
customs you will be met by a famous objects of art and architecture,
including the Sistine Chapel. After, you can  1st Class Rail
representative that will help you with your
luggage and escort you to your hotel where marvel at the enormous Basilica of St.  3 nights Florence
you will stay for 4 nights. Today you are Peter, soaking in the anecdotes of popes,
 Guided City Tour
free to do what you please. Travel back in saints, and artists. Ending your tour in true with Accademia
time by roaming the ancient streets of Roman style, you will take a stroll through and Uffizi Galleries
Rome. Make sure to dine in one of the Rome’s most beautiful squares where you
 Private Greve in
will see the city’s most famous monuments
fantastic local restaurants; start your trip Chianti, Verazzano
right by indulging in some Italian cuisine including the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon Castle and Radda in
that is simply bellissimo. and Piazza Navona. Chianti Tour with
Lunch
DAY 2 ~ ROME DAY 3 ~ ROME
 2 nights Venice
After breakfast you will be On your second full-day in
Italy you will get a chance  Private Gondola
met in the lobby of your
to experience the bustling Ride
hotel for your full-day tour.
Afterwards, you will be free to spend the city of Naples and to step back in time to  Absolute Venice
evening dining and relaxing as you please. explore the fascinating ruins of Pompeii. Walking Tour
Upon your return to Rome make sure to
PRIVATE ESSENCE OF ROME TOUR ~ This  Private Departure
join the Italians for a late dinner.
one-day, private walking tour is a Transfer
NAPLES AND POMPEII TOUR ~ This full-
wonderful way to experience all of the
city's main attractions. You will have a day tour will whisk you along the “Sun
chance to visit the great icons of Rome, Route,” through the beautiful regions of
including the ancient Colosseum and Forum Lazio and Campania. Once in Naples, you
as well as the historic city center. After this will enjoy a panoramic city tour before
continuing towards Pompeii. After a short

14
 15

visit to a cameo factory, you will visit the DAY 6 ~ FLORENCE

excavations of this world-famous Roman Today you will experience
town, giving you a glimpse of what everyday the highlights of Florence
life was like in 79 A.D. on your full-day guided
DAY 4 ~ ROME tour. This tour will give you a great
overview of the rich Florentine history and
After breakfast, meet your
will allow you to avoid the long lines at two
chef for an unforgettable
of Florence’s top museums.
grocery tour and cooking
lesson. Following this half-day tour you will GUIDED CITY TOUR WITH ACCADEMIA
AND UFFIZI GALLERIES ~ The best way to
have the remainder of your day to yourself.
Do your last sweep of Rome, making sure to get to know such a multifaceted town is
seek out any sight that you may have missed. with a person who resides there. You will
never forget the breathtaking views from
EXCLUSIVE COOKING LESSON AND
Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole or the
GROCERY TOUR ~ Learn from an expert how
charming walk through the narrow Roman
to make flawless Italian pasta and wine
and Medieval streets of the Old Town.
pairings. First, you will be taken to the places
Cross the spectacular Cathedral and
where Romans love to go grocery shopping.
Signoria squares before touring the famous
Afterwards, your cooking class takes place
Accademia and Uffizi Galleries, home to the
just a few paces from the Spanish Steps in an
artistic treasures of Michelangelo and
luxury home once owned by a princess. At
Raphael. Your local guide will provide you
the end of your lesson you'll taste what you
with fascinating insights into the history,
prepared and enjoy a glass of Italian wine.
architecture, painting and culture of
DAY 5 ~ FLORENCE Florence - and many otherwise hidden
After an early breakfast make secrets of the city.
your way to the Termini DAY 7 ~ FLORENCE
Station, where you will board
This morning you will be
your train to Florence. When you arrive make
picked up at your hotel for
your way to the hotel. You are free to explore
a full-day of private touring
on your own for the remainder of the day.
in the Tuscany region. Take in the glorious
This is a great time to discover the birthplace
views, and wander ancient paths through
of the Renaissance. Take a stroll along the
Tuscan olive groves and scented cypress
Arno River and cross the famous Ponte
woods. After a full-day of wine tasting and
Vecchio. Consider visiting the Basilica of San
picture perfect landscapes, enjoy your last
Lorenzo, home to The Medici Chapels, which
night in Florence. Take the time on your
serves as the burial ground to the most
way back from dinner to stop by the Loggia
powerful family in Florentine history. Use the
del Mercato Nuovo to pick up some
evening to settle in and experience exquisite
souvenirs and visit the Fontana del
Tuscan cuisine and wines. Many of the wines
Procellino. Popular tradition states that
you will find in Florence come directly from
rubbing the nose of the wild boar brings
nearby vineyards and local winemakers, so
good luck and fortune.
you can expect the best even if the bottle is
fairly inexpensive. PRIVATE TUSCANY TOUR WITH LUNCH ~
In the morning you will be met at your
hotel by your English-speaking driver for a

15
 16

full-day private Tuscany sightseeing tour familiarize you with the highlights of this
including visits to Greve in Chianti, living museum, which is well known for its
Verrazzano Castle and Radda in Chianti. element of elegant decay. You will then
This exclusive experience starts in the city have the rest of the day to explore the
of Greve in Chianti, a delightful town in one maze of meandering streets and canals.
of Italy's most famous wine producing Don’t worry, you can’t get too lost. You’re
regions. You will then enjoy the splendor of on an island and can always hire a
the Verrazzano Castle, which is perched convenient water taxi to take you back to
INCLUSIONS high on the hill overlooking the Greve the Grand Canal.
Valley. Verrazzano Castle has a long
ABSOLUTE VENICE WALKING TOUR ~ You
 Private Arrival tradition of winemaking and is mentioned
Transfer will start with an outdoor walk through the
in a manuscript dating back to 1150. Here
most characteristic and important places of
 4 nights Rome you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch,
Venetian history. This tour includes a visit
followed by wine tasting. The tour will
 Private Essence of to the Doge's Palace, which for centuries
continue to Radda in Chianti, which is a
Rome Tour was the seat of Venetian political power.
charming medieval commune. Wandering
You'll be surprised by the rich details of the
 Naples and Pompeii the quant streets of Radda is like taking a
Tour with lunch golden staircase and by the realism of the
step back in time.
scenes depicted by many artists who have
 Exclusive Cooking
DAY 8 ~ VENICE decorated this building. You will relive the
Lesson and Grocery
anguish of the prisoners crossing the
Tour After breakfast you will
famous Bridge of Sighs to enter the
pack up and head to Santa
 1st Class Rail Venetian prisons, famous for hosting
Maria Novella Station to
 3 nights Florence Giacomo Casanova. Next you will visit St
catch your train to Venice. When you arrive
Mark's Cathedral, one of the most majestic
 Guided City Tour on Venice Island you will make your way to
cathedrals of the world! You will have the
with Accademia your hotel. Venice is known for the beauty
pleasure to appreciate beautiful gold
and Uffizi Galleries of its architecture and artwork, particularly
mosaics, the marble inlays of the floors,
 Private Greve in its glassmaking. Tonight you will discover
and all the particularities of this historic
Chianti, Verazzano Venice’s canals from your private gondola
Castle and Radda in basilica.
as your gondolier gently floats you through
Chianti Tour with this exceptional city. DAY 10 ~ VENICE
Lunch
PRIVATE GONDOLA RIDE ~ This exclusive After breakfast meet your
 2 nights Venice transfer representative at
gondola ride takes you on a romantic
 Private Gondola journey through Venice’s canals. This your predetermined
Ride unique viewpoint give you access to this embankment location. You will be
 Absolute Venice charming atypical city, which remains one transferred to the airport by private boat to
Walking Tour of the largest functioning cities in Europe board your return flight back home. Make
entirely without motorcars or trucks. sure to say “Arrivederci” to Italia as you
 Private Departure
take off from Venice’s Marco Polo Airport.
Transfer DAY 9 ~ VENICE
DAY 11 ~ HOME
Enjoy your breakfast and
then then make your way Unpack and prepare for
to Piazza San Marco to your next vacation through
meet up with your guide for your half-day Europe Express!
city sightseeing tour. This walking tour will

16
 17

Admission Tickets
Instead of simply buying tickets to the sights you want to see, consider taking a tour. This
will benefit you in many ways:
1. Many of Italy's sights can have very long wait lines. By taking a tour you will often skip
the line and make better use of your time.
2. You will receive explanations of what you see from local experts. This can enrich your
experience and make it easier for you to understand the relevance of everything you
see.
3. Don’t waste your precious vacation time planning what you are going to do each day
or shopping around for the right tour. By pre-booking your activities you can
guarantee that you will see the sights you traveled around the world to see; make
The historic Piazza
Navona in Rome

Private Sightseeing
Private sightseeing can turn your vacation into a dream come true. We have a wide
assortment of popular options but can also customize an itinerary just for you. Whether
Want to travel with
you are simply looking for a private car and driver or would prefer an expert guide to
a group of like-
escort you throughout your personalized journey, we can help you find the right fit. Here
minded individuals?
are several potential options:
 Private, Full-Day Rome with Car and English-Speaking Driver ~ A private, Europe Express
full day of sightseeing in a comfortable luxury Mercedes is undoubtedly the best way
to experience the diverse neighborhoods of Rome. Customize the tour to suit your
offers a wide
own preferences and travel in comfort with an English-speaking driver (please note,
the driver is not a licensed guide and will not enter attractions with you).
variety of group
 Private, Full-Day Guided Florence Walking Tour ~ Meet your English-speaking
guide in the morning in the lobby of your hotel. The tour takes you to all of the sights tours too!
on everyone's list and then ventures off the beaten track to discover the gems of
history that only locals know how to find. With entry tickets to Santa Maria Novella
Church, the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia or Palatine Gallery included, this six-hour
tour will be the highlight of your Italian vacation. The Duomo in
 Private Montalcino Wine Tour from Florence ~ Have you ever dreamed of Florence
wine tasting in Italy? The village of Montalcino rests atop the highest hill in the
Brunello Kingdom, where the roads ramble through the Sangiovese grosso vineyards,
and huge barrels of wine age in deep cellars. This seven-hour tour includes all of your
transportation in a private vehicle; a professional English-speaking guide; visits to
several historic Tuscan sights; lunch and wine tasting at two different wineries.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

17
 18

Budapest, Vienna & Prague

10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS - INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Sample the delights of three Central European cities that were once centers of great
INCLUSIONS
empires. Spending three nights in each city will allow you to leisurely enjoy breathtaking
castles, palaces and churches. Visit the remarkable city of Budapest, where you can discover  Private Arrival
antique-filled flea markets, thermal spas, great bookstores and inviting cafes. Vienna Transfers
combines all the comforts and luxuries of the modern world with the spirit of the past, and
 3 nights Budapest
Prague's fairytale-like, historic center is registered as a cultural and historical site by
UNESCO. Pleasant train rides between the imperial cities affords the opportunity to view  Budapest by Night
rolling hills and quaint villages. Explore the heart of Europe and let its sights astound you.
 Budapest City Tour

 Szentendre
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE for a photo stop atop Gellért Hill (Citadel),
Nostalgia Tour
BUDAPEST the most spectacular viewpoint of
Budapest.  1st Class Rail
Arrive in Budapest and
between cities
collect your bags. As you DAY 2 ~ BUDAPEST
exit customs you will be met by a  3 nights Vienna
After breakfast you will be
representative who will help you with your
picked up at your hotel for  Vienna by Night
luggage and escort you to your hotel,
a fantastic city tour. The
where you will stay for three nights. Use
tour will feature Budapest’s impressive  City Tour and
the afternoon to get settled or take a Schönbrunn Palace
highlights and will gain you entrance to
relaxing walk along the beautiful Danube
many of this city’s most famous sights. At  Salzburg Tour
River. From its banks you can see many of
the conclusion of the half-day tour, you will
Budapest's best sights. Be sure to return to  3 nights Prague
be free to spend the evening dining and
the hotel lobby in time for your evening
relaxing.
sightseeing tour of Budapest. After the tour  Prague by Night
you can choose to go back to the hotel for a BUDAPEST CITY TOUR ~ The tour begins
 Grand Prague City
good night’s sleep, or gamble into the night on the Chain Bridge, where you will be
Tour
at the Monte Carlo Budapest. driven over to the neighborhood of Buda.
In the Castle District you will enjoy a short  Cesky Krumlov
BUDAPEST BY NIGHT ~ Enjoy the UNESCO Tour
walk where you will be shown some of the
illuminated ‘Paris of the East' as you spend with Lunch
main attractions of the area, such as
an exciting evening in a traditional
Matthias Church and the Fishermen's  Private Departure
restaurant in the hills of Buda! You will be
Bastion. You will then be taken across the Transfers
served a traditional, Hungarian three-
Elisabeth Bridge to the neighborhood of
course menu accompanied with wine. The
Pest and shown the famous Central Market
dinner is complemented by a colorful
Hall, followed by the largest Synagogue of
folkloric show with traditionally-dressed
Europe and the City Park. After a stop at
dancers and gypsy music. Afterwards you
the Heroes' Square, you will be taken past
will be driven through the illuminated city
the Opera House and the St Stephen's

18
 19

Basilica to downtown Pest. Here you will mortuary science. Before dinner consider
visit the interior of the impressive neo- popping in a local Kaffeehaus to read the
gothic House of Parliament. During the tour paper or chat with your companions over a
you will not just see the sights but get an cup of traditional Viennese coffee.
overview of the last 1000 years of
DAY 5 ~ VIENNA
Hungarian history.
After an early breakfast you
DAY 3 ~ BUDAPEST will be picked up at your
On your last full day in hotel for a half-day city
Budapest, you will have the sightseeing tour that features admission
chance to explore the lush and a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace.
Hungarian countryside on a full-day tour to After the tour you are free to explore on
the charming village of Szentendre. Upon your own for the rest of the afternoon. This
your return to the city, be sure to dine in a evening you will be picked up for a
local restaurant to enjoy some of the wonderful evening in Vienna.
diverse Hungarian cuisine. Due to
CITY TOUR AND SCHONBRUNN ~ This
Budapest's location and history, its food
tour will give you an overall impression of
has influences from every corner of the
the most significant historical sights of
world.
Vienna. Along the Ringstrasse you will see
SZENTENDRE NOSTALGIA TOUR ~ many grand buildings, such as the
Wander the narrow streets of the baroque magnificent Museum of Fine Arts, home to
settlement of Szentendre. This picturesque the artist treasures of the Habsburg family,
artists’ village was built on medieval ruins. and the Natural History Museum. You will
You will have the opportunity to go also will view the Museum Quarter, the
shopping and eat langos, a traditional fried Parliament and City Hall. The tour will take
Hungarian flat bread, or visit the Margit you past the Belvedere Palace, which
Kovács Ceramic Museum and houses the largest and most precious
Confectionery Museum. If visiting during Gustav Klimt collection in the world. The
the summer months you will return to highlight is a guided tour of the showrooms
Budapest on the River Danube by boat. of Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer
DAY 4 ~ TRAVEL TO residence of the Habsburg family and home
VIENNA of Empress Maria Theresa.

After breakfast make your VIENNA BY NIGHT ~ Tonight's tour lets

way to the station where you experience the beauty of Vienna’s
you will board the train for Austria. You are illuminated sights at night. After a short
traveling first class, so sit back and city tour, you will be taken to the well
appreciate the countryside as it passes by known Danube Tower. From its terrace 150
your window. Upon your arrival to Vienna, meters above the roofs of Vienna, you can
make your way to your hotel where you admire the marvelous panorama of the
will spend three nights. Enjoy the afternoon city. The evening ends in one of the
and evening as you please. This is the traditional wine taverns of Grinzing, where
perfect time to either discover Vienna's you can enjoy the music and charm of
dynamic music scene or to visit one of its traditional Viennese ambiance.
excellent museums such as the Bestattungs
Museum, which is dedicated to coffins and

19
 20

DAY 6 ~ VIENNA PRAGUE BY NIGHT~ Experience Prague,

one of Europe's historic cities, beautifully
Today you are in for a treat
illuminated at nighttime. Enjoy an evening
so eat a good breakfast
filled with lively atmosphere and Bohemian
before meeting your tour
specialties. After a tour of illuminated
guide in the lobby. Mozart and the Sound
Prague, you will be served a traditional
of Music await you in their hometown of
Bohemian dinner with beer or wine,
Salzburg. You will enjoy a full-day tour
accompanied by a colorful folkloric
before returning to Vienna. Pack your bags
INCLUSIONS program.
and make sure that you enjoyed a delicious
 Private Arrival glass of Austrian wine on your last evening DAY 8 ~ PRAGUE
Transfers in the former home of the Habsburg court.
After a week of traveling
 3 nights Budapest SALZBURG TOUR~ On your way to and sightseeing, take the
Mozart's town of birth you will become morning to either sleep in
 Budapest by Night acquainted with the beautiful or to wander the historic streets of the Old
Salzkammergut landscape, where the Town. This would be a great time to catch
 Budapest City Tour
Emperor Franz Joseph and his family used one or two of Prague’s many museums and
 Szentendre to spend their holidays. Skirting the edges galleries. As the center of Bohemian society
Nostalgia Tour of Lake Fuschl and Lake Wolfgang, you’ll for centuries, this wonderful city has much
 1st Class Rail reach the city of Salzburg in time for lunch. to offer to those interested in culture,
between cities The afternoon will be spent strolling history or technology. In the afternoon
through this historic city to see its most meet your guide in the lobby for a half-day
 3 nights Vienna important sights, including the Cathedral, city sightseeing tour. After the tour you will
the Festival Hall, and St. Peter's Abbey & be free to spend the evening dining and
 Vienna by Night
Cemetery. You will also have the chance to relaxing as you please.
 City Tour and see Mozart's birth place in the
GRAND PRAGUE CITY TOUR ~ Starting at
Schönbrunn Palace Getreidegasse. From the gardens of
Vysehrad you will be driven along the
Mirabell Palace experience a marvelous
 Salzburg Tour Moldavia River, passing the Manes Palace,
view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
the Zofin Palace and the National Theatre
 3 nights Prague en route. Enjoy the panoramic views of
DAY 7 ~ TRAVEL TO
 Prague by Night PRAGUE Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in
the world, and the Charles Bridge. During
After breakfast make your
 Grand Prague City the walking portion of your tour you will
way to the station where
Tour see many of Prague's impressive sights
you will board the train for Prague. Once
 Cesky Krumlov including the Loretto Church, the Royal
you arrive in the capital of Czech Republic,
UNESCO Tour Palace, the towering St. Vitus Cathedral,
make your way to your hotel where you
with Lunch and the Golden Lane, which is an ancient
will stay for three nights. Today you are
street lined by 11 charming historic houses.
 Private Departure free to do as you please. Travel back in time
Transfers By bus you will then return to Old Town
by roaming the ancient streets of Prague.
Square where you will find Prague's most
This magical city of bridges, cathedrals,
iconic landmarks, such as the gothic Tyn
gold-tipped towers and church domes has
Church, the baroque St. Nicholas Church
stood on the Vltava River for more then ten
and the beautiful and ingenious
centuries. In the evening meet your guide
astronomical clock.
at the Power Tower for a night of dining
and entertainment.

20
 21

DAY 9 ~ PRAGUE
On your second full day in
Prague you will get a
chance to experience the
beauty of the Czech Republic with a full-day
sightseeing tour to Cesky Krumlov, best
known for its fine architecture and historic
Old Town. Upon your return to Prague be
sure to join the locals for some traditional
Czech fare and take a walk over the famous
Charles Bridge. This bustling center of trade
and entertainment connects Old Town to
Lesser Town and dates back to the 14th
century.
CESKY KRUMLOV UNESCO TOUR WITH
LUNCH ~ On this all-day excursion you will
have a chance to admire the beautiful
southern Bohemian countryside, with its
picturesque villages and many ponds. The
entire town of Cesky Krumlov is on the
UNESCO World Heritage list and is
comprised of the castle and more than
three hundred well-preserved, historic
houses. The Cesky Krumlov Castle, the
second largest in the Czech Republic after
Prague Castle, is located on a rock
overlooking the Vltava River. Surrounded
by landscaped gardens, the castle’s
presence dominates the medieval village
below. In the village the facades of painted
houses, traditional artisan shops and
medieval taverns form a unique labyrinth in
which you'll want to simply lose yourself.

DAY 10 ~ PRAGUE
Enjoy breakfast and take
one final walk through the
charming streets of Prague
before meeting your transfer
representative in the lobby of your hotel.
He or she will help you with your luggage
and escort you to the airport for your flight
home. Watch as the towering spires of
Prague's churches disappear in the distance
as you take off from Prague Airport.

21
 22

Admission Tickets
Instead of simply buying tickets to the sights you want to see, consider taking a tour. This will
benefit you in many ways:
1. Many of Europe's sights can have very long wait lines. By taking a tour you will often skip the
line and make better use of your time.

2. You will receive explanations of what you see from local experts. This can enrich your
experience and make it easier for you to understand the relevance of everything you see.

3. Don’t waste your precious vacation time planning what you are going to do each day or
shopping around for the right tour. By pre-booking your activities you can guarantee that
you will see the sights you traveled around the world to see; ensure that you have the best
experience possible!
Budapest's famous

Alternative Prague Tours

Chain Bridge

KARLSBAD-KARLOVY VARY TOUR ~ After arriving in the world-renowned spa town of

Want a private Karlsbad (Karlovy Vary), tour the famous Moser glass factory where you will see production
guide to show you demonstrations and visit the exhibition. Afterwards, proceed to the center of town to view the

the sights? beautiful spa colonnades and hot springs. Here it is possible to feel like an international celebrity
for a day by trying the 12 famous thermal and mineral springs. In the afternoon you will have free
time to stroll through the picturesque streets, to shop or perhaps to treat yourself to a candied
Europe Express Carlsbad plum or a famous Czech bitters, Becherovka.
KUTNA HORA TOUR ~ Kutna Hora is an old mining town founded in the 13th century, which
offers a wide was once famous for its silver mines. Visit the gothic Cathedral of St. Barbara with its invaluable
murals and the former Royal Mint which once coined the Bohemian groschen. To this day Kutna
variety of private Hora has retained the character of a medieval city and rightly belongs to the most important
UNESCO heritage sites in the Czech Republic. You will also visit a unique Ossuary, known as The
sightseeing Bone Church, where everything from the chandelier to the crosses decorating the walls were
created from human bones.
options too! NIZBOR GLASS FACTORY ~ Nizbor is a small town located 24 miles from Prague, where one of
the Czech Republic’s most famous glass factories is situated. You will learn about the factory’s
daily operation and see how it produces and decorates its specialized handmade crystal and
The Kunsthistorisches metalwork. Afterward, you are welcome to visit the boutique where you can buy crystal products
Museum in Vienna at reasonable prices. Additionally- each visitor will receive a small present.
KARLSTEIN CASTLE TOUR ~ You will be driven approximately 20 miles to the beautiful
landscape of Central Bohemia to Karlstein Castle which was built by Charles IV and sits on a
dominating rock surrounded by dense forests. The drawbridge and towering walls illustrate how
very fortified the castle was despite many siege attempts. Walk about 20 minutes uphill to reach
this gothic treasure of Czech history and visit its fascinating interior.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

22
 23

Greek Island Hopper

11 DAYS/10 NIGHTS - INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Clear waters and sandy beaches await you on the islands of the Aegean Sea. Begin your trip INCLUSIONS
with a two-night stay in ancient Athens, where archaeological sites and historical museums
abound. Here antiquity meets the future, and ancient monuments form a classical backdrop  Private Arrival
to a new and trendier Athens. Then walk the harbor of Mykonos, lined with outstanding Transfers
shops, bars, and restaurants. Locals will welcome you into their social circle and you'll
understand why this is such a popular destination. After a three-night stay in Mykonos,  3 nights Athens
transfer by ferry to Santorini, a picturesque island graced with multi-colored sand. This
perfect island adventure will undoubtedly prove why Greece is one of those places that you  Athens by Night
just have to see for yourself.
 Delphi Excursion
with Lunch
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE take in the highlights of the city and get an  Private City
ATHENS exclusive view into much of Delphi’s Sightseeing in
famous history. After this full-day tour you Athens
Arrive in Athens and collect
your bags. As you exit will be free to spend the evening dining and
 Intra Flights
customs you will be met by a relaxing. The illuminated Acropolis is
representative that will help you with your particularly lovely to photograph at night.  3 nights Mykonos
luggage and escort you to your hotel, DELPHI EXCURSION WITH LUNCH ~ On  Private City Walk
where you will stay for two nights. Take the this enchanting trip to the past, you will be and Island Tour
afternoon to become accustomed with the driven across the fertile plain of Boeotia. En
city. Just be sure to be back to the hotel route you will pass the towns of Thebes,  Delos Tour
lobby in time for your evening sightseeing best known for the tragedy of King  Ferry Passages
tour. Oedipus, and Arachova, famous for its between Islands
ATHENS BY NIGHT ~ Your evening will colorful rugs and carpets. You will then
arrive to Delphi, which was the center of  3 nights Santorini
start with a ride to the port of Piraeus with
a short stop at the famous Mikrolimano. the Ancient World. Its prestige extended  Private Santorini
Here you will enjoy Greek appetizers and a far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic Sightseeing
drink of the anise-flavored aperitif, ouzo. world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus in
a landscape of unparalleled beauty lie the  Sunset Onboard
You will then be driven back to Athens to
ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios.
tour its famous historic neighborhood,  Cape Sounion
Plaka, where you will dine in a traditional Here you will have the chance to visit the
Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of  Private Departure
Greek tavern. Here you will be charmed by
Apollo and the Museum, which contains Transfers
bouzouki music and Greek folkloric dances.
masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture,
DAY 2 ~ ATHENS such as the bronze Charioteer and the
After breakfast you will be famous athlete Aghias. You will then return
picked up at your hotel for to the modern village of Delphi and return
your remarkable tour to the to Athens by the same route.
historic city of Delphi. On this tour you will

23
 24

DAY 3 ~ TRAVEL TO Tonight choose if you would like to dine at

MYKONOS the hotel or in town at one of the many
restaurant choices. If you desire you can
This morning you will want
even stay for a drink at many of the
to eat breakfast early and
restaurants, which later turn into lounges
pack your bags. You will then be met in the
and bars.
lobby by a private guide who will take you
on a three-hour sightseeing tour of Athens’ PRIVATE CITY WALK AND ISLAND TOUR ~
best sights. The tour will be followed by a You will start this tour by walking the
INCLUSIONS quaint streets of Mykonos Town. Here you
transfer to Athens Airport for your late
 Private Arrival afternoon flight to Mykonos. Upon your will have many opportunities to
Transfers arrival you will be met by your private photograph whitewashed buildings, local
transfer representative who will escort you windmills, and Petros the Pelican- the
 3 nights Athens island’s mascot. Afterwards tour the island
to your hotel. Mykonos is well known for its
nightlife so be sure to save your energy for by private car. While exploring the inner
 Athens by Night
a late dinner this evening. island and the famous beaches, you will see
 Delphi Excursion fishermen, intimate private chapels and
with Lunch ATHENS PRIVATE SIGHTSEEING ~ This
charming houses built in the traditional
tour will give you an opportunity to
 Private City Cycladic style. Lastly you will stop in the
observe the striking contrasts that make
Sightseeing in idyllic town of Ano Mera and enjoy some of
Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert
Athens the signature Greek drink, ouzo.
guides take you to see the center of the
 Intra Flights city, Constitution Square, the House of DAY 5 ~ MYKONOS
Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown After an early breakfast you
 3 nights Mykonos
Soldier and the National Library. Driving will meet your tour guide
 Private City Walk down Herod Atticus Street, you will see the for a half-day sightseeing
and Island Tour Evzones in their traditional dress as well as tour to the sacred island of Delos. This
the Presidential Palace. On your way to the island is the largest open-air museum in the
 Delos Tour
Acropolis you will see Hadrian's Arch and world and is currently only inhabited by
 Ferry Passages the Temple of Olympian Zeus before archeologists. After the tour you are free to
between Islands making a short stop at the Panathenaix relax on your own for the rest of the day.
Stadium, home to the first Olympic games
 3 nights Santorini DELOS TOUR ~ It is strongly believed by
of the modern era which were held in
many that the island of Delos releases a
 Private Santorini 1896. On your Acropolis visit, enjoy the
heightened sense of light and energy,
Sightseeing architectural masterpieces of Athens’
which is one of the reasons ancient Greeks
Golden Age.
 Sunset Onboard believed that Apollo was born here. You
DAY 4 ~ MYKONOS will witness how the ancient civilians lived
 Cape Sounion their everyday lives as you wander through
Visitors come to the Greek
 Private Departure Isles to experience the their living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms.
Transfers gorgeous natural beauty You will get to see Europe's first synagogue,
and the fascinating history. After breakfast, the temple of Egyptian gods, the lion
meet your private guide for a half-day city terrace, Cleopatra’s house and the Temples
tour of the island. You then have the of Apollo. Your expert guide will explain the
afternoon and evening to yourself to spiritual, historical and cultural importance
continue sightseeing, to work on your tan, of Delos. Leave your watch at home
or to just relax and enjoy the ambiance. because on this adventure you will truly

24
 25

travel back in time. in the sun. Lastly your guide will take you to
the Wine Promotion Center, where you will
DAY 6 ~ TRAVEL TO
enjoy a guided tour of Santo Wines winery
SANTORINI
and a tasting of some of its locally-
Make sure to eat breakfast produced wines.
before meeting your
transfer representative in the lobby. They DAY 8 ~ SANTORINI
will take you to the ferry for your trip to After a week of traveling
Santorini. The high-speed ferry takes and sightseeing, use this
approximately three hours but can be a morning to either sleep in
little longer depending on weather. Once or to wander the historic streets of Fira’s
you arrive you will meet your transfer old town. Use your afternoon to catch
representative on the pier, who will escort some more rays at Santorini’s beautiful
you to your hotel. Take the evening to beaches before meeting your guide at the
settle in and relax. Tonight would be a port of Athinios. From here you will depart
wonderful night to dine at one of Fira’s for your sunset cruise. After this
restaurants; you may have to pay a little unforgettable experience you will
extra if it has a view of the island’s famous disembark in Oia, where you can admire
caldera, but it’s worth it for this once-in-a- the most spectacular sunset on the island.
lifetime dining experience. You can then choose to linger in this unique
city or catch a cab back to the hotel in Fira.
DAY 7 ~ SANTORINI
SUNSET ONBOARD ~ Climb aboard a
After breakfast you will be
traditional, wooden boat for a visit to the
met by your private guide
active craters of the volcano on the top of
in the lobby for your full-
the island of Nea Kameni. You will then sail
day tour of the island. This exclusive tour
on to Palea Kameni, where thermal springs
will feature museums, sandy beaches and a
provide natural, warm bathing water. Here
winery visit. After the tour you will have the
you will have about 40 minute of free time.
evening to appreciate the spectacular views
Next you will visit Thirassia, a traditional
from your hotel. Those seeking an
Cycladic village, which has been mostly
adventure can head to town for a good, old
undisturbed by tourism. Here you will stop
-fashioned ride on one of the local donkeys.
for two hours for dinner and swimming.
PRIVATE SANTORINI SIGHTSEEING ~ Begin You will then be dropped off in Oia, one of
with a visit to the Prehistoric Museum, the most photographed places in Greece.
where you can admire its collection of
artifacts and artistic masterpieces from the DAY 9 ~ TRAVEL TO
ATHENS
prehistoric Cycladic islands. Afterwards you
will have the chance to visit the Monastery Eat a good breakfast and
of Profitis Ilias, which is located on the meet your transfer
highest point on the island. From this representative in the lobby. You will then
spectacular vantage point you can see the fly back to Athens where you will again
surrounding islands and- on a clear day, the meet your transfer representative and
mountains of Crete. You will then proceed proceed to your hotel. Once you have
to the charming village of Megalochori and checked in and stored your luggage in your
Perissa Beach, with its beautiful, black room, meet your guide in the lobby. This
sand. Here you can have lunch and lounge tour is a perfect ending to your dreamy
25
 26

Greek adventure. If you have not yet

snapped the perfect photograph to
immortalize your trip, this tour is sure to
provide the ideal opportunity to capture
the image that will make all your friends
green with envy. After the tour you have
the remainder of the evening to enjoy on
your own.
INCLUSIONS
CAPE SOUNION ~ You will be driven along
 Private Arrival the coastal road, past the wonderful
Transfers beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and
Varkiza, to the most southern point of
 3 nights Athens
Attica: Cape Sounion. Here you will view
 Athens by Night the white marble pillars of the Temple of
Poseidon. The ruins of this ancient temple
 Delphi Excursion
are perched on the headland, surrounded
with Lunch
on three sides by the sea. On the way, you
 Private City have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf
Sightseeing in and the nearby offshore islands. After
Athens visiting the temple of Poseidon, you will
 Intra Flights have time to take a leisurely walk on the
rocky promontory of Sounion. The sunset
 3 nights Mykonos over this sight is a highly sought-after and
magical spectacle.
 Private City Walk
and Island Tour DAY 10 ~ ATHENS

 Delos Tour Enjoy breakfast and meet

your transfer
 Ferry Passages representative in the lobby
between Islands
of your hotel. He or she will help you with
 3 nights Santorini your luggage and escort you to the airport
for your flight. Wave goodbye to the
 Private Santorini spectacular Grecian landscape as you take
Sightseeing
off from Eleftherios Venizelos International
 Sunset Onboard Airport.

DAY 11 ~ HOME
 Cape Sounion
Unpack and prepare for
 Private Departure
your next vacation with
Transfers
Europe Express!

26
 27

Admission Tickets
Instead of simply buying tickets to the sights you want to see, consider taking a tour. This
will benefit you in many ways:

1. Many of Europe's sights can have very long wait lines. By taking a tour you will often
skip the line and make better use of your time.
2. You will receive explanations of what you see from local experts. This can enrich your
experience and make it easier for you to understand the relevance of everything you
see.
3. Don’t waste your precious vacation time planning what you are going to do each day
or shopping around for the right tour. By pre-booking your activities you can
guarantee that you will see the sights you traveled around the world to see; make
A quiet café on the
sure you have the best experience possible!
streets of Mykonos

Cruise to the Greek Islands Want a private

All cruises through Europe Express to the Greek Islands are operated by Louis Cruises. guide to show you
With 25 years of experience in cruising and 75 years of award-winning success in tourism, the sights?
Louis Cruises provides an unparalleled cruise experience aboard their friendly cruise ships
by offering comfortable and warmhearted hospitality. Experience unique destinations with
Mediterranean Cruises that combine famous highlights with lesser-known gems. Classical Europe Express
temples and grand pyramids, tall minarets and arabesque palaces, cobblestone streets
and winding Kasbahs, whitewashed churches and grand cathedrals, medieval palaces and offers a wide
fortified harbor towns… all blended to fulfill your every expectation.
variety of private
EXAMPLES OF THE CRUISES WE OFFER:
 7-NIGHT SPLENDOURS OF GREECE AND TURKEY ~ Cruise the Aegean in sightseeing
style with this seven-night cruise. From Athens and Istanbul to Crete and Santorini,
you will visit eight ports, two countries and two continents in just one week! Explore options too!
the land where western civilization blossomed, and take in landmarks that have stood
for thousands of years. Enjoy free time in all of these exotic destinations or choose an
optional shore excursion to maximize your adventures. All aboard! Colorful Greek boats
 ATHENS AND 4 NIGHTS ON JEWELS OF THE AEGEAN ~ Experience the grace island harbors
Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Plaka district and all things Greek during your two-night
stay in Athens. Then board your four-night cruise and sail through the Aegean Sea,
stopping along the way in Mykonos, Kusadasi Turkey, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and
Santorini. This adventure hits all the highlights and ventures off the beaten track to
help you explore the hidden gems. Enjoy free time in each of these beautiful ports of
call- or choose one of our shore excursions to maximize your stay.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

27
 28

Ireland Self Drive

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS - INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Explore all the nooks and crannies of this remarkable country. Drive around the Ring of Kerry
enjoying its spectacular rolling hills and soaring cliffs. On your way up the coast make sure to INCLUSIONS
stop by the Cliffs of Moher, which reach a height of 702 feet tall. Shop for Irish sweaters
while enjoying the festive atmosphere of Galway. Drive through the extraordinary  Private Arrival
landscapes of the Burren and the sheep strewn hills of Connemara. Be welcomed with open Transfer
arms by the folks in Cork, and enjoy the local charm of Irish B&B owners. Experience the
 1 night in Dublin
luxury of a night in a real Irish castle! Learn how the Irish produce whiskey. You can even use
your vehicle to drive up to the home of long-lost relatives.
 Jameson Whiskey
Distillery Tour and
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE -year-old Special Reserve as well as its 18- Premium Whiskey
DUBLIN year-old Reserve. Compare these Jameson Tasting
Arrive in Dublin and collect spirits against an international premium
your bags. As you exit Scotch and a premium American whiskey.  Automatic Car
customs you will be met by a Each participant is rewarded with a Rental with
representative that will help you with your Jameson Irish Whiskey Taster Certificate. Unlimited Mileage
luggage and escort you to your hotel, DAY 2 ~ CORK and CDW
where you will stay for one night. After
After breakfast make your
settling in, head over to the Jameson  4-night B&B
way back to the airport to
Whiskey Distillery for a tour of the facility voucher
pick up your automatic car.
and a premium whiskey tasting. Use the
Adjust to driving on the left side of the road
afternoon to visit Trinity College Library  1 night in Bunratty
as you travel southwest to Cork. You can
where you can find The Book of Kells, a Castle Hotel
choose your own route, but we suggest
beautifully illustrated manuscript dating
making a few stop in areas of interest along  Bunratty Medieval
back to the 9th century. Then check out
the way. Perhaps make a stop in Kilkenny
the Temple Bar area and enjoy a pint with Banquet
to visit the historic castle or take a walk in
the locals.
the many wonderful parks and gardens.
JAMESON WHISKEY DISTILLERY TOUR You may also consider visiting the House of
AND PREMIUM WHISKEY TASTING ~ The Waterford Crystal, where you can take a
Old Jameson Distillery offers you a window guided factory tour and purchase lovely
into the art of Irish whiskey making. souvenirs for your loved ones. While you're
Jameson is sold all over the world today, there, be sure to take an unforgettable
but its roots originate in a small distillery on walking tour of Waterford's rich and
Bow Street. Begin your tour with an colorful city center. After a day of exciting
introductory video and then experience a sightseeing, make your way to Cork and
selection of leading brands with an expert check in to your B&B. Take the evening to
guide, beginning with Jameson Irish relax or head into town for dinner to enjoy
Whiskey. You will also sample Jameson’s 12 some of the local, traditional dishes.

28
 29

DAY 3 ~ KILLARNEY houses a collection of 16th and 17th

century oak furniture. Ross Castle is also
Wake up and enjoy a
the departure point for boat tours on Loch
wonderful breakfast before
Léin. After a satisfying day of sightseeing
heading off for a full day of
you’ll return to your B&B in Killarney.
splendid sightseeing. Just five miles
Tonight enjoy the wide range of pubs and
northwest of Cork is the village of Blarney.
restaurants. Don’t forget to make time to
Near the village, standing almost 90 feet in
take a ride on one of Killarney’s famous
height, you’ll find Blarney Castle. More
jaunting cars operated by local jarveys.
than 300,000 people come annually to kiss
its world-famous Blarney Stone in the DAY 5 ~ GALWAY
hopes of gaining more eloquent speech.
After an early breakfast,
Another interesting place near Cork is the
load up the car and head
small seaside town of Cobh, home to The
north to Tarbert, where
Titanic Experience. The museum is housed
you’ll catch the 20-minute ferry to Killimer.
in the town’s original White Star Line
Once in County Clare, continue up the
building, the site where the last 123
scenic road to the picturesque Cliffs of
passengers boarded the ill-fated Titanic.
Moher, one of Ireland’s most popular
The aim of the exhibition is to bring to life
tourist attractions. From the cliffs and from
the experience on board and to share the
atop O’Brien’s Tower, visitors can see the
highs and lows of an early 20th-century,
Aran Islands in Galway Bay as well as the
luxury cruise liner through clever set
Maumturks and Twelve Pins mountain
designs, audio visual aids and interactive
ranges to the north in County Galway. From
exhibits. After exploring Cork’s
the cliffs you should travel inland through
surroundings, proceed west to Killarney,
The Burren, a rocky landscape region
where you will check into your B&B and
where you can find extraordinary stone
have the evening at leisure.
tombs and monuments that date back as
DAY 4 ~ KILLARNEY far at the Neolithic period. The easiest way
to access this unique landscape is by
After breakfast prepare for
visiting the Burren National Park. After
another day of exciting
exploring this fascinating countryside
sightseeing. The most
continue your journey to Galway and check
popular activity from Killarney is driving the
in to your B&B.
Ring of Kerry, which is a scenic route along
the coast; its beauty will amaze you. When DAY 6 ~ BUNRATTY
driving along the ring you can visit The
Enjoy your final full day in
Muckross House, a mansion built in 1843,
Ireland as you like. Galway
which is renowned for its beautiful
is known as Ireland's
landscaping. Just south of Killarney on the
Cultural Heart and is renowned for its
Ring of Kerry is Killarney National Park.
vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals,
Home to Ross Castle, Loch Léin and Ladies
celebrations and events. If you are burnt
View, tourists and locals alike frequently
out on beautiful countryside, get lost in the
hike this park’s lovely trails. Ross Castle’s
city’s bustling atmosphere. Galway has a
square medieval tower was built by the
vibrant and varied musical scene, three
O'Donoghue clan on the shores of Loch Léin
cinema complexes and intriguing
the 15th century. Now restored, the castle
landmarks. It hosts many sporting, music,

29
 30

and arts events. If you’re in the mood for

more adventure, travel west to the district
B&B Voucher System
of Connemara. The main town of The prepaid B&B vouchers are issued by B&B
Connemara is Clifden, and its surrounding Ireland, who offer the finest selection of town,
farm, and country home accommodations on the
countryside is rich with megalithic tombs
island of Ireland. They have been welcoming
and white, fluffy sheep. After you’ve visitors into their homes for more than four
finished exploring County Galway, travel decades, and as a guest you can expect that they
south to County Clare. Here you will check will help you learn the true meaning of “Cead Mile
into the Bunratty Castle Hotel and enjoy a Falte”- a hundred thousand welcomes!
INCLUSIONS
medieval banquet. These easy-to-use, prepaid vouchers allow the
 Private Arrival flexibility to travel around Ireland and explore
BUNRATTY IRISH MEDIEVAL BANQUET ~
Transfer For over 40 years the ladies of the castle,
small towns or large cities. They can be used to pre
-reserve your accommodation by using your
aided and abetted by the Earl's butler, have
 1 night in Dublin voucher number, or you can simply choose the
welcomed guests from the four corners of locations that interest you and play it by ear when
 Jameson Whiskey the globe to join them at the Earl's you arrive in Ireland. This allows you to stay longer
banquet. You will reach the castle through in one location if you find it of interest.
Distillery Tour and
Premium Whiskey the Entrance Cottage after taking a short

Rental Cars in Ireland

Tasting stroll through the Folk Park to the Castle
Gate. There a kilted piper will play a tune of
 Automatic Car welcome. A lively mead reception in the Driving in Ireland can be a bit of the challenge for
Rental with Great Hall will be followed by a four-course those unaccustomed to driving on the left. If you
Unlimited Mileage meal, served with red and white wines. take it easy however, you should do fine. We suggest
and CDW Then enjoy the superb entertainment of an automatic transmission to make it easier;
however, there are only a limited number available in
the Bunratty Castle Entertainers,
 4-night B&B accompanied by the harp and violin. You
Ireland, so it would be wise to familiarize yourself
with the operation of a manual transmission.
voucher are invited to enjoy an unforgettable
Maps are available at car rental agencies or gas
evening in the splendor of this magnificent
 1 night in Bunratty stations. If you would like to plan your route before
castle.
Castle Hotel you go, you can usually purchase a road map of
DAY 7 ~ RETURN Ireland at most large bookstores. GPS can be
 Bunratty Medieval HOME
requested, but is never guaranteed, so plan to bring
your own or have a back up plan if one is not
Banquet
After breakfast , you’ll available.
check out and proceed to You should yield and/or observe traffic signals when
Shannon Airport, where you can return approaching roundabouts. Once you enter a
your rental car. Wave goodbye to the roundabout you should keep moving. If you miss the
Emerald Isle as you take off, and “may the exit you wanted, keep moving until you circle back to
it again. You should use your direction signal when
luck of the Irish smile on ye!”
exiting a roundabout.
DAY 8 ~ HOME An international drivers license is not required to
Unpack and prepare for drive in Ireland, but you can obtain one through AAA
your next vacation with if it makes you more comfortable.

Europe Express! Taxes and drop fees are always paid locally and must
be paid in Euros or Pounds. This amount will always
be estimated on your vouchers so that you can
anticipate these cost before you go, but they must be
paid locally.

30
 31

Escorted Tours
Escorted tours offer the structure that some people need to feel comfortable abroad.
They’re a great alternative if you don't feel that a self-driving vacation is best for you. On
our escorted tours you will travel with an expert guide who will accompany you
throughout the program. Many of your sightseeing tours and meals are included, and you
don't have to worry about getting lost on the roads. The itineraries can vary but below is
one of the most popular escorted tours we offer:

 Unforgettable Ireland—Explore the length of the Emerald Isle. Kiss the Blarney Stone
before continuing on to the Ring of Kerry, famous for its views and lakes affording many photo
options. Next enjoy the gardens and gracious living at the Elizabethan mansion, Muckross House.
Stop at the famous Cliffs of Moher before heading out into the unique stone landscape of the Burren The monastery of
region. Onwards to the festival city of Galway where ‘craic', Irish for a good time, is always a given. Clonmacnoise
Then cruise the Lough Corrib past historic monuments and lovely views. Continue enjoying Ireland's
natural scenery in the Connemara region full of rivers, mountains and peat bogs. Gaelic is still spoken
in some of the villages in this charming region. Stop to admire neo-gothic Kylemore Abbey before
contemplating sixth century Celtic crosses at Clonmacnoise. End your journey in Dublin with a visit to
Trinity College to regard the ninth century Book of Kells. Want to travel
with a group and
Inclusions:
expert guide?
 Roundtrip flights to Dublin on available carrier
 Escorted sightseeing by luxury motorcoach
 Professional driver-guide included as per Europe Express
itinerary
 Group arrival and departure airport transfers offers escorted
 Accommodation at 4-star hotels for 7 nights
 Full Irish breakfast daily except on the Ireland trips too!
morning of arrival

 Three dinners as per itinerary

 All admission fees to the following: Dublin is a great place
to visit for the holidays
- Blarney Castle
- Muckross House
- Cliffs of Moher
- Galway Cathedral
- Connemara National Park
- Kylemore Abbey
- Clonmacnoise
- Trinity College
 Ferry ride across the River Shannon
 Cruise on Lough Corrib
 Half-day Dublin City Tour
 Hotel service charges, taxes and
porterage fees

31
 32

Private Car and Driver

If you don't feel comfortable driving in Ireland or are part of a small group, we can help
arrange a private car and driver-guide. We can facilitate any number of passengers with
any itinerary. Depending on the size of your group, we can arrange a luxury coach or a
private Mercedes vehicle. Our experts will work with you to personalize a itinerary that is
exciting and that allows you to see the sights that most interest you. Your driver will travel
with you and be available eight hours a day.

Ireland has over 300

golf courses to enjoy
Add a Castle or Manor House Stay!
Castle stays are a great way to enhance your trip. We have a variety of different types of
properties in many locations so you can feature a castle stay in your unique vacation plans.
Below are several castles that we suggest:
Don’t want to do
 Cabra Castle ~ Situated in the east of County Cavan, Cabra Castle boasts a proud history dating
it on your own? back to 1760. The hotel is less than an hour away from Dublin's airport. Most of the castle's
bedrooms are situated in the courtyard development, all having access to the castle's beautiful
garden. For travelers looking to have a truly unique and authentic experience, Cabra Castle has been

Europe Express remarkably restored to preserve its 17th-century origins.

 Ashford Castle ~ With 700 years of history, Ashford Castle has the modern amenities you would
offers a wide expect, while still maintaining its charm and class. Ashford Castle is located on beautiful Lough Corrib
and has a sweeping view of the lake and 350 acres of private woodland. Following a tradition passed
down through the centuries, enjoy a leisurely brunch or candlelight dinner in the comfort of your
variety of private own accommodation. The 13th-century DeBurgos Castle and original Ashford House (1715) offer
fishing, hunting, archery, horseback riding and billiards all within an hour of Galway.
car and driver  Solis Lough Eske Castle ~ Solis Lough Eske Castle is situated on 43 acres of forest at the edge of
Lough Eske, five miles outside of Donegal. It is located between Donegal Bay and the Blue Stack
options too! Mountains. The dining room features floor-to-ceiling, button-back upholstery, crystal fixtures and a
wonderful slate terrace. The bar has a club-like atmosphere with stone floors, heavy leather couches
and black and white photographs. The spa features treatment rooms, a thermal suite with hot
benches, cardio-vascular equipment and an indoor swimming pool with a beautiful glass atrium.
Castle stays can make
your trip unforgettable!  Adare Manor Hotel ~ Adare Manor, housed in an 18th-century building, is situated along the
meandering River Maigue amid 840 acres of formal gardens and lush parklands. It is an architectural
masterpiece of towers, turrets, and stonework ornamentation. Adare Manor is the former family seat
of the Earls of Dunraven. The restaurant is elegantly decorated and has crystal chandeliers, oak-
paneled walls and paintings by Peter Ellenshaw. The Adare Golf Club opened in 1995 and measures
7,138 yards off the championship tees; the course, with four tees on each hole, ensures that all
golfers will be able to enjoy their game. The Equestrian Center has a scenic and challenging cross-
country trail.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

32
 33

London & Paris

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS - INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Enjoy two of the most trendy, charismatic cities in one package! Wander the streets of
INCLUSIONS
London, where the monarchy still thrives and famous monuments abound. Explore London's
fashion scene in the Mayfair district or venture over to Soho for a bite to eat in a posh  3 nights London
restaurant. In Paris, enjoy the many designer boutiques, cafes, and cinemas with a stroll
down the beautiful tree-lined avenue, the Champs-Elysees. Take in the amazing view of Paris  Private Arrival
from atop the Eiffel Tower or taste a warm baguette from a local boulangerie. Explore these Transfer
two wonderful cities as you wish; you won't be disappointed.
 London Oyster
Card
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE MAGIC OF LONDON TOUR ~ This full-day
 London Eye– Fast
LONDON tour begins with a visit inside the Tower of
Track Ticket
Arrive in London and collect London before it opens to the public. Then
your bags. As you exit carry on to view the Changing of the Guard  Magic of London
customs you will be met by a at Buckingham Palace, followed by a Tour
representative that will help you with your panoramic drive, a cruise on the River
Thames and a photo stop outside  Windsor,
luggage and escort you to your hotel,
where you will stay for three nights. Feel Westminster Abbey. The afternoon begins Stonehenge,
free to use your Oyster Card to with a exciting visit inside St Paul's Lacock and Bath
conveniently explore Europe's largest city Cathedral, including unique access to the Tour
by taking the tube. Just be sure to make Whispering Gallery. The tour concludes at
Harrods, where you will enjoy a traditional  1st Class Rail
your reservation at the London Eye.
afternoon tea at the delightful terrace
LONDON EYE FAST TRACK ~ At 440 feet  3 nights Paris
restaurant.
high, the London Eye is the world's tallest
DAY 3 ~ LONDON  2-Day Paris Pass
cantilevered observation wheel. During the
graceful 30-minute flight, passengers have On your last full day in the  Guided visit of The
a view spanning up to 24 miles from their United Kingdom you will Louvre
fully enclosed, state-of-the art glass get a chance to explore the
capsules. By pre-booking the fast track lush English countryside on a full-day tour  Dessert or
ticket you will skip the line and maximize to Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath. Upon Chocolate Class
your time in London. your return to London make sure to stop
 Private Departure
into a local pub for a pint while you can.
DAY 2 ~ LONDON Transfer
WINDSOR, STONEHENGE, LACOCK AND
After breakfast you will be
BATH TOUR ~ Be amongst the first people
picked up at your hotel for
to enter Windsor Castle; see the splendor
an exciting tour of London.
of St. George’s Chapel and the sumptuous
After a full day of sightseeing, you will be
State Apartments. Over 900 years of royal
free to spend the evening dining & relaxing.
history are waiting for you at Windsor

33
 34

Castle, which is perched high above the the museum. This includes the medieval
River Thames just outside of London. After fortress, the modern pyramid, and the
your visit to Windsor, you drive through most reputed masterpieces, such as the
Runnymede, where King John signed the "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci. At the
Magna Carta. Then proceed to Stonehenge, end of the tour you have the option to stay
the most famous prehistoric monument in longer on your own should you desire.
the world, now a world heritage site. Lunch
DAY 6 ~ PARIS
is included in the picturesque village of
Lacock. Then proceed to Bath, a beautiful The morning is yours! After
INCLUSIONS
Georgian city with lovely crescents, breakfast you can enjoy a
 3 nights London terraces and architecture. stroll along the Seine, the
magnificent view from atop the Eiffel
 Private Arrival DAY 4 ~ TRAVEL TO Tower or the high-end shops on the
Transfer PARIS Champs-Elysees. This afternoon you will
After breakfast make your prepare dessert in a traditional French
 London Oyster
way to the St. Pancreas kitchen. Just this once—you can indulge in
Card
Train Station where you will board the some French sweets before venturing out
 London Eye– Fast Eurostar for Paris. You’re traveling first on your own for dinner.
class so sit back and take in the countryside
Track Ticket DESSERT OR CHOCOLATE CLASS ~ For
as you enjoy your complimentary meal
those with a sweet tooth, spend the
 Magic of London served right at your seat. Upon your arrival
afternoon learning to make two or three
Tour in Paris make your way to your hotel where
different dessert/chocolate specialties with
you will spend three nights. After you check
your French hostess in her private home.
 Windsor, in, head over to the Hard Rock Café and
You may get the chance to make pralines,
Stonehenge, pick up your 2-Day Paris Pass. Then you are
rochers, truffes au chocolat or a mendiant.
Lacock and Bath free to relax and enjoy the City of Light.
The session includes cooking, café, a tasting
Tour
DAY 5 ~ PARIS pause, and a takeaway bag filled with tasty
 1st Class Rail After an early breakfast
chocolates souvenirs to bring home to
family and friends.
make your way to The
 3 nights Paris
Louvre Museum for a DAY 7 ~ RETURN
 2-Day Paris Pass guided group tour. Afterwards, you are HOME
free to explore on your own. This is a great
After breakfast make sure
 Guided visit of The time to activate your Paris Pass and take in
your bags are packed and
Louvre the beautiful sculpture at the Rodin
meet your private driver in the hotel lobby,
Museum or to visit the Cathedral of Notre
 Dessert or who will help you with your luggage and
Dame, which is widely considered the finest
Chocolate Class escort you to the airport. Wave “Au revoir”
example of French Gothic architecture. Use
to Paris as you fly back home, but don't
 Private Departure the evening to savor exquisite Parisian
worry it will be waiting for you when you
cuisine and wine.
Transfer come back.
GUIDED VISIT OF THE LOUVRE MUSEUM ~
DAY 8 ~ HOME
The famous Grand Louvre walking tour
begins with a stroll through the commercial Unpack and prepare for
area of the Louvre Museum. The visit your next vacation with
continues inside where your expert guide Europe Express!
will escort you through several sections of
34
 35

Oyster Card
The Visitor Oyster Card is an electronic card that allows travelers to store credit for pay-as
-you-go travel on London public transit. The card automatically calculates the cheapest
fare possible and stops deducting credit when a daily amount is reached. Your £10 card
can be topped up with additional credit at Tube stations, Oyster Ticket Stops and London
Travel Information Centers. Your Oyster card has been pre-activated so you can start using
it as soon as you arrive in London.

Paris Pass: 2, 4 or 6-Day The famous Tower

Bridge in London
The Paris Pass is your one-stop shop for a fantastic trip to Paris. It's a specially designed
sightseeing package that provides you with everything you need to discover the city. The
package is a bit like an "all you can eat" buffet - once you've purchased your Paris Pass you
don't have to pay to get into any of the attractions covered by the pass; the more sights Don’t want to do
you see, the more money you save. it on your own?
With the Paris Pass you will receive the following:
 Paris Museum Pass - admission to over 55 of Paris' world famous museums and
monuments. Europe Express
 Paris Attractions Pass - entry to Paris' best attractions including a Seine River Cruise,
Montparnasse Tower and even a wine-tasting experience. offers a wide
 Paris Visite Pass - unlimited travel on the metro, buses and RER within central Paris.
 Paris Bus Tour - Les Cars Rouges 2-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Paris. variety of private
 Jump to the front of the line at busy attraction entrances.
 120+ page guidebook - a detailed guide to all of the sights and landmarks in Paris, car and driver
including a map, directions and loads of helpful tips and hints.
 Special Offers - exclusive offers at shops and restaurants in central Paris. options too!
This pass is provided on an open voucher basis. Simply take your voucher to the Hard Rock
Cafe to redeem for a Paris Pass. Guidebooks and passes must be picked up in Europe and
cannot be shipped. The Arc de
Triomphe in Paris
Paris Pass includes admission to the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, The Orsay
Museum, Montparnasse Tower, Pantheon, Palace of Versailles, Saint-Chapelle, La
Conciergerie, Opera de Paris, Towers of Notre Dame, Paris Fashion Museum, and many,
many more.
Use of the Paris Pass is valid on consecutive days. At the end of your validity period, the
pass will expire and will no longer allow access to attractions.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

35
 36

London, Paris & Rome

11 DAYS/10 NIGHTS - INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Experience three of Europe’s most amazing cities in one fantastic package. Tour London's INCLUSIONS
Buckingham Palace or Parliament and then enjoy afternoon tea with the locals. While in
Paris, stop by a neighborhood boulangerie to buy a warm baguette before heading to  Private Arrival
Luxembourg Gardens for a delightful picnic. Continue to Rome where gorgeous squares, Transfers
sidewalk cafes and ancient history make for remarkable memories. Tour the Colosseum,  3 nights in London
where gladiators once fought for glory, or visit Vatican City to marvel at the breathtaking  London Oyster
artwork of Michelangelo and Botticelli inside the Sistine Chapel. While in The Eternal City, Card
don't forget to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome!
 London Eye– Fast
Track Ticket
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE daily amount is reached. Your £10 card can  Magic of London
LONDON be topped up with additional credit at Tube Tour

Arrive in London and collect stations, Oyster Ticket Stops and London  Windsor,
Travel Information Centers. Your Oyster Stonehenge,
your bags. As you exit Lacock and Bath
customs you will be met by a card has been pre-activated so you can
Tour
representative that will help you with your start using it as soon as you arrive.
 1st Class Rail
luggage and escort you to your hotel where DAY 2 ~ LONDON
you will stay for three nights. Feel free to  3 nights Paris
After breakfast you will be
use your Oyster Card to conveniently  2-Day Paris Pass
picked up at your hotel for
explore the United Kingdom’s capital city
an exciting tour of London.  Guided tour of The
by taking the tube. Just be sure to make
After a full day of sightseeing, you will be Louvre
your reservation at the London Eye.
free to spend the evening dining & relaxing.  Dessert or
LONDON EYE FAST TRACK ~ At 440 feet Chocolate Class
MAGIC OF LONDON TOUR ~ This full-day
high, the London Eye is the world's tallest
tour begins with a visit inside the Tower of  Flight to Rome
cantilevered observation wheel. During the
London before it opens to the public. Then  3 nights Rome
graceful 30-minute flight, passengers have
carry on to view the Changing of the Guard
a view spanning up to 24 miles from their  Private Essence of
at Buckingham Palace, followed by a
fully enclosed, state-of-the art glass Rome Tour
panoramic drive, a cruise on the River
capsules. By pre-booking the fast track  Naples and Pompeii
Thames and a photo stop outside
ticket you will skip the line and maximize Tour with lunch
Westminster Abbey. The afternoon begins
your time in London.
with a unique visit inside St Paul's  Private Departure
OYSTER CARD ~ The Visitor Oyster Card is Cathedral, including unique access to the Transfers
an electronic card that allows travelers to Whispering Gallery. The tour concludes at
store credit for pay-as-you-go travel on Harrods, where you will enjoy a traditional
London public transit. The card afternoon tea at the delightful terrace
automatically calculates the cheapest fare restaurant.
possible and stops deducting credit when a

36
 37

DAY 3 ~ LONDON free to explore on your own. This is a great

On your last full day in the time to activate your Paris Pass and take in
United Kingdom you will the beautiful sculpture at the Rodin
get a chance to explore the Museum or to visit the Cathedral of Notre
lush English countryside on a full-day tour Dame, which is widely considered the finest
to Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath. Upon example of French Gothic architecture. Use
your return to London make sure to stop the evening to savor exquisite Parisian
into a local pub for a pint while you can. cuisine and wine.
GUIDED VISIT OF THE LOUVRE MUSEUM ~
WINDSOR, STONEHENGE, LACOCK AND
BATH TOUR ~ Be amongst the first people The famous Grand Louvre walking tour
to enter Windsor Castle; see the splendor begins with a stroll through the commercial
of St. George’s Chapel and the sumptuous area of the Louvre Museum. The visit
State Apartments. Over 900 years of royal continues inside where your expert guide
history are waiting for you at Windsor will escort you through several sections of
Castle, which is perched high above the the museum. This includes the medieval
River Thames just outside of London. After fortress, the modern pyramid, and the
your visit to Windsor, you drive through most reputed masterpieces, such as the
Runnymede, where King John signed the "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci. At the
Magna Carta. Then proceed to Stonehenge, end of the tour you have the option to stay
the most famous prehistoric monument in longer on your own should you desire.
the world and now a world heritage site. DAY 6 ~ PARIS
Lunch is included in the picturesque village
The morning is yours!
of Lacock. Then proceed to Bath, a
After breakfast you can
beautiful Georgian city with lovely
enjoy a stroll along the
crescents, terraces and architecture.
Seine, the magnificent view from atop the
DAY 4 ~ TRAVEL TO Eiffel Tower or the high-end shops on the
PARIS Champs-Elysees. Your Paris Pass is also still
After breakfast make your active so feel free to visit other museums
way to the St. Pancreas and monuments, such as the Orsay or Paris
Train Station where you will board the Fashion Museum’s. This afternoon you will
Eurostar for Paris. You’re traveling first prepare dessert in a traditional French
class so sit back and take in the countryside kitchen. Just this once—you can indulge in
as you enjoy your complimentary meal some French sweets before venturing out
served right at your seat. Upon your arrival on your own for dinner.
in Paris make your way to your hotel where DESSERT OR CHOCOLATE CLASS ~ For
you will spend three nights. After you check those with a sweet tooth, spend the
in, head over to the Hard Rock Café and afternoon learning to make two or three
pick up your 2-Day Paris Pass. Then you are different dessert/chocolate specialties with
free to relax and enjoy the City of Light. your French hostess in her private home.
DAY 5 ~ PARIS You may get the chance to make pralines,
rochers, truffes au chocolat or a mendiant.
After an early breakfast
The session includes cooking, café, a tasting
make your way to The
pause, and a takeaway bag filled with tasty
Louvre Museum for a
chocolates souvenirs to bring home to
guided group tour. Afterwards, you are
37
 38

family and friends. saints, and artists. Ending your tour in true
Roman style, you will take a stroll through
DAY 7 ~ TRAVEL TO
Rome’s most beautiful squares where you
ROME
will see the city’s most famous monuments
After breakfast you will be including the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon
met in the lobby by your and Piazza Navona.
transfer representative who will take you
to the airport for your flight to Rome. DAY 9 ~ ROME

INCLUSIONS Arrive in Rome and collect your bags. When On your second full day in
you exit customs you will be met by a Italy you will get a chance
 Private Arrival representative that will help you with your to experience the bustling
Transfers city of Naples and to step back in time to
luggage and escort you to your hotel where
 3 nights in London you will stay for three nights. Today you explore the fascinating ruins of Pompeii.
 London Oyster are free to do what you please. Travel back Upon your return to Rome make sure to
Card in time by roaming the ancient streets of join the Italians for a late dinner.
 London Eye– Fast Rome. Make sure to stop into one of the
NAPLES AND POMPEII TOUR ~ This full-
Track Ticket fantastic local restaurants, and start your
day tour will whisk you along the “Sun
trip right by indulging in some Italian
 Magic of London Route,” through the beautiful regions of
cuisine that is simply bellissimo.
Tour Lazio and Campania. Once in Naples, you
 Windsor, DAY 8 ~ ROME will enjoy a panoramic city tour before
Stonehenge, continuing towards Pompeii. After a short
After breakfast you will be
Lacock and Bath visit to a cameo factory, you will visit the
Tour met in the lobby of your
excavations of this world-famous Roman
hotel for your full-day city
 1st Class Rail town, giving you a glimpse of what
sightseeing tour. This private tour is an
 3 nights Paris everyday life was like in 79 A.D.
excellent way to explore Rome’s many
 2-Day Paris Pass neighborhoods and the themes of religion, DAY 10 ~ ROME
ancient history, art and architecture.
 Guided tour of the Enjoy your breakfast and
Afterwards, you will be free to spend the
Louvre take one final walk through
evening dining and relaxing as you please.
 Dessert or the charming squares of
Chocolate Class PRIVATE ESSENCE OF ROME TOUR ~ This Rome before meeting your transfer
one-day, private walking tour is a representative in the lobby of your hotel.
 Flight to Rome
wonderful way to experience all of the You will be assisted with your luggage and
 3 nights Rome city's main attractions. You will have a escorted to the airport for your flight
 Private Essence of chance to visit the great icons of Rome, home. Make sure to say “Arrivederci” to
Rome Tour including the ancient Colosseum and Forum Italia as you take off from Rome’s Fiumicino
 Naples and Pompeii as well as the historic city center. After this Airport.
Tour with lunch unforgettable view and exploration of the
DAY 11 ~ HOME
ancient world, you will head over to
 Private Departure
Vatican City. At the Vatican Museums, you Unpack and prepare for
Transfers
will see and experience the museums' most your next vacation with
famous objects of art and architecture, Europe Express!
including the Sistine Chapel. After, you can
marvel at the enormous Basilica of St.
Peter, soaking in the anecdotes of popes,

38
 39

Admission Tickets
Instead of simply buying tickets to the sights you want to see, consider taking a tour. This
will benefit you in the following ways:
1. Many of Europe's attractions have very long wait lines. By taking a tour you will often
skip the line and make better use of your time.
2. You will receive explanations of what you are seeing from local experts. This can
enrich your experience and make it easier for you to understand the relevance of
everything you see.
3. Don’t waste your precious vacation time planning what you are going to do each day
or shopping around for the right tour. By pre-booking your activities you can
guarantee that you will see the sights you traveled around the world to see; make
sure you have the best experience possible! Prehistoric Stonehenge
in Wiltshire County

Private Sightseeing
Private sightseeing can turn your vacation into a dream come true. We have a wide
assortment of popular options but can also customize an itinerary just for you. Whether Want to travel with
you are simply looking for a private car and driver or would prefer an expert guide to
a group of like-
escort you throughout your personalized journey, we can help you find the right fit. Here
minded individuals?
are several potential options:
 Private, Stonehenge and Salisbury Car and Driver ~ Visit the historic city of
Europe Express
Winchester, a former ancient capital in England and home to one of the largest
cathedrals in Europe. Continue to Salisbury to view its magnificent early English
offers a wide
Gothic Cathedral and then carry on to Stonehenge, whose mysterious stones date
back nearly 4000 years. Please note, the driver is not a licensed guide and will not
variety of group
enter sights with you; however, Blue Badge Guides are available upon request.
 Private, Full-Day Guided Rome Tour with Transportation and Guide ~ A tours too!
private, full day of sightseeing in a comfortable luxury Mercedes is undoubtedly the
best way to experience the diverse neighborhoods of Rome. Customize the tour to
suit your own preferences and travel in comfort with an English-speaking driver and
private guide.
Paris’s famous Art
 Private Full Day Tour in Champagne ~ Spend the day with a fully-licensed driver Nouveau Metro
-guide and explore the vineyards of the Champagne region of France. Visit the Moët
& Chandon vineyards, the cellars, wine press and fermentation room. The afternoon
begins with a visit to the renowned Mumm Champagne cellars where a sommelier will
explain the process of how Champagne is produced. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of
their Champagne.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

39
 40

Paris & Rome

7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS - INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Visit two of Europe's most vibrant and charming cities on one heavenly trip! Your journey
INCLUSIONS
begins in the City of Light, known for its art, fashion, and panoramic views. Soak up the
intrigues of the Bourbon kings at the Palais Royal and Versailles. Experience Parisian culture  Private Arrival
as you climb the Eiffel Tower or have a picnic in Luxembourg Gardens. Drink in the history of Transfer
the ancient Romans at the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Compare the architecture of St
Peter’s Basilica to the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Experience the passion each culture has for  3 nights Paris
gastronomy at a cozy bistro or neighborhood trattoria. Life doesn't get much better!
 2-Day Paris Pass

 Guided visit of The

DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE continues inside where your expert guide
Louvre
PARIS will escort you through several sections of
Arrive in Paris and collect the museum. This includes the medieval  Dessert or
fortress, the modern pyramid and the most
your bags. As you exit Chocolate Class
customs you will be met by a reputed masterpieces, such as the "Mona
Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci. At the end of  Private Departure
representative that will help you with your
luggage and escort you to your hotel where the tour you have the option to stay longer Transfer
you will stay for three nights. After you on your own should you desire.
 Connecting Flight
check in, head over to the Hard Rock Café DAY 3 ~ PARIS
and pick up you 2-Day Paris Pass. Then you  Private Arrival
The morning is yours!
are free to relax and enjoy the City of Light. Transfer
After breakfast you can
DAY 2 ~ PARIS enjoy a stroll along the  3 nights Rome
After an early breakfast Seine, the magnificent view from atop the
Eiffel Tower or the high-end shops on the  Private Essence of
make your way to The
Louvre Museum for a Champs-Elysees. This afternoon you will Rome Tour
guided group tour. Afterwards, you are prepare dessert in a traditional French
kitchen. Just this once—you can indulge in  Naples and Pompeii
free to explore on your own. This is a great
some French sweets before venturing out Tour with lunch
time to activate your Paris Pass and take in
on your own for dinner.
the beautiful sculpture at the Rodin  Private Departure
Museum or to visit the Cathedral of Notre DESSERT OR CHOCOLATE CLASS ~ For Transfer
Dame, which is widely considered the finest those with a sweet tooth, spend the
example of French Gothic architecture. Use afternoon learning to make two or three
the evening to savor exquisite Parisian different dessert/chocolate specialties with
cuisine and wine. your French hostess in her private home.
GUIDED VISIT OF THE LOUVRE MUSEUM ~ You may get the chance to make pralines,
The famous Grand Louvre walking tour rochers, truffes au chocolat or a mendiant.
begins with a stroll through the commercial The session includes cooking, café, a tasting
area of the Louvre Museum. The visit pause, and a takeaway bag filled with tasty

40
 41

chocolates souvenirs to bring home to saints, and artists. Ending your tour in true
family and friends. Roman style, you will take a stroll through
Rome’s most beautiful squares where you
DAY 4 ~ TRAVEL TO
will see the city’s most famous monuments
ROME
including the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon
After breakfast you will be and Piazza Navona.
met in the lobby by your
transfer representative who will take you DAY 6 ~ ROME
to the airport for your flight to Rome. On your second full day in
Arrive to Rome, collect your bags and exit Italy you will get a chance
customs. You will be met by a to experience the bustling
representative that will help you with your city of Naples and to step back in time to
luggage and escort you to your hotel where explore the fascinating ruins of Pompeii.
you will stay for three nights. Today you are Upon your return to Rome make sure to
free to do what you please. Travel back in join the Italians for a late dinner.
time by roaming the ancient streets of
NAPLES AND POMPEII TOUR ~ This full-
Rome. Make sure to dine in one of the
day tour will whisk you along the “Sun
fantastic local restaurants; start your trip
Route,” through the beautiful regions of
right by indulging in some Italian cuisine
Lazio and Campania. Once in Naples, you
that is simply bellissimo.
will enjoy a panoramic city tour before
DAY 5 ~ ROME continuing towards Pompeii. After a short
visit to a cameo factory, you will visit the
After breakfast you will be
excavations of this world-famous Roman
met in the lobby of your
town, giving you a glimpse of what
hotel for your full-day city
everyday life was like in 79 A.D.
sightseeing tour. This private tour is an
excellent way to explore Rome’s many DAY 7 ~ RETURN
neighborhoods and the themes of religion, HOME
ancient history, art and architecture.
Enjoy breakfast and take
Afterwards, you will be free to spend the
one final walk through the
evening dining and relaxing as you please.
charming squares of Rome before meeting
PRIVATE ESSENCE OF ROME TOUR ~ This your transfer representative in the lobby of
one-day, private walking tour is a your hotel. You will be assisted with your
wonderful way to experience all of the luggage and escorted to the airport for
city's main attractions. You will have a your flight home. Be sure to say
chance to visit the great icons of Rome, “Arrivederci” to Italia as you take off from
including the ancient Colosseum and Forum Rome’s Fiumicino Airport.
as well as the historic city center. After this
DAY 8 ~ HOME
unforgettable view and exploration of the
ancient world, you will head over to Unpack and prepare for
Vatican City. At the Vatican Museums, you your next vacation with
will see and experience the museums' most Europe Express!
famous objects of art and architecture,
including the Sistine Chapel. After, you can
marvel at the enormous Basilica of St.
Peter, soaking in the anecdotes of popes,
41
 42

City Sightseeing - 2 Day

The Hop On– Hop Off Bus is the easiest way to see Rome. This 2-day pass is provided on
an open voucher basis and offers you two full days of flexible sightseeing at an economical
price. With wonderful galleries, an amazing café culture, the magnificent Colosseum, the
Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, Rome never fails to inspire. On your tour of “The
Eternal City” you will experience all the highlights of Rome! Your ticket is valid on both
routes for two consecutive days.

The beautiful Piazza

Paris Pass: 2, 4 or 6-Day
The Paris Pass is your one-stop shop for a fantastic trip to Paris. It's a specially designed
Navona
sightseeing package that provides you with everything you need to discover the city. The
package is a bit like an "all you can eat" buffet - once you've purchased your Paris Pass you
don't have to pay to get into any of the attractions covered by the pass; the more sights
Don’t want to do you see, the more money you save.
it on your own? With the Paris Pass you will receive the following:
 Paris Museum Pass - admission to over 55 of Paris' world famous museums and
monuments.
Europe Express  Paris Attractions Pass - entry to Paris' best attractions including a Seine River Cruise,
Montparnasse Tower and even a wine-tasting experience.
offers a wide  Paris Visite Pass - unlimited travel on the metro, buses and RER within central Paris.
 Paris Bus Tour - Les Cars Rouges 2-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Paris.
variety of private  Jump to the front of the line at busy attraction entrances.
 120+ page guidebook - a detailed guide to all of the sights and landmarks in Paris,
car and driver including a map, directions and loads of helpful tips and hints.
 Special Offers - exclusive offers at shops and restaurants in central Paris.
options too! This pass is provided on an open voucher basis. Simply take your voucher to the Hard Rock
Cafe to redeem for a Paris Pass. Guidebooks and passes must be picked up in Europe and
cannot be shipped.
The Notre Dame
Cathedral in Paris Paris Pass includes admission to the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, The Orsay
Museum, Montparnasse Tower, Pantheon, Palace of Versailles, Saint-Chapelle, La
Conciergerie, Opera de Paris, Towers of Notre Dame, Paris Fashion Museum, and many,
many more.
Use of the Paris Pass is valid on consecutive days. At the end of your validity period, the
pass will expire and will no longer allow access to attractions.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

42
 43

Zurich, Interlaken &

Lucerne
11 DAYS/10 NIGHTS - INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

From the lakes to the mountains, almost everywhere in Switzerland resembles a postcard.
INCLUSIONS
Explore the grandeur of the Swiss Alps by taking in three of Switzerland’s top destinations
with the convenience of a Swiss rail pass. Visit Zurich, the country’s largest and capital city.  Private Arrival
Nestled on a gorgeous lake, the picturesque old town maintains a delicate balance between Transfers
trendy and historic. Utilize your Swiss Rail pass by taking the train to Lucerne, the home of
the first cog railroad, and visit Interlaken, one of the adventure capitals of Europe. This  3 nights Zurich
country is abound with activities, from skiing in Interlaken to visiting one of Zurich's fifty
museums. No matter what type of vacation you want, it’s waiting for you in Switzerland.  Trolley with Top of
Zurich

DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE breath-taking photographs.  Mt Titlis– Glacier

ZURICH Paradise Tour
DAY 2 ~ ZURICH
Arrive in Zurich and collect
After breakfast you will be  Heidiland– Great
your bags. As you exit
picked up at your hotel for
customs you will be met by a Country Tour
your remarkable full-day
representative who will help you with your
sightseeing tour to beautiful Mount Titlis,  3 nights Interlaken
luggage and escort you to your hotel,
famous as the site of the world’s first
where you will stay for three nights. Once
revolving cable car. After this full-day tour  Eiger, Grindelwald
you get settled make your way to the bus
you will be free to spend the evening as
terminal were you will join an excellent and Jungfrau
you please. The residents of Zurich are well
tour of Zurich and the Uetliberg mountain.
known for being demanding audiences of  3 nights Lucerne
After the tour, the evening is yours to relax.
dance, music and theater so consider using
This would be a great night to get to sleep
the evening to enjoy some of the fantastic  Mt. Pilatus– Glacier
early. You’re in for an adventurous
cultural opportunities. Paradise Tour
vacation, so fight that jet lag now.
MT TITLIS– GLACIER PARADISE TOUR ~
TROLLEY WITH TOP OF ZURICH ~ The Enjoy an adventure excursion to the  Private Half-Day
perfect combination - an informative city highest viewpoint in Central Switzerland. Lucerne Tour
tour of Switzerland’s capital city and a train Begin with a relaxing and beautiful drive to
trip up to ‘Top of Zurich.’ Discover the Engelberg, where you will board the aerial  Rail Between Cities
sights of lovely Zurich aboard the unique cableway for a 45-minute journey from the
‘Classic Trolley.’ Then continue with a  Private Departure
green valley to the high, alpine glacier
stunning train trip to Uetliberg. At 2613 ft. region. At 10,000 ft. you are guaranteed Transfers
above sea level, Uetliberg towers over the snow year round. Enjoy a magnificent ride
roofs of Zurich. From this vantage you will in the world's first ever revolving 'ROTAIR'
enjoy magnificent views that extend over gondola, which offers a 360 degree
the town and across the lake to the Alps. panoramic view of the Alps. Visit the Ice
This tour is the perfect opportunity to get Grotto and experience the new "Ice Flyer,”
the lay of the land and to take your first
43
 44

a chair lift ride over the glacier with meet your transfer and go to your hotel.
fantastic views into crevasses and ice falls. You then have the afternoon to yourself.
After the descent back to Engelberg you Interlaken has the highest concentration of
will drive to Lucerne, where you will enjoy souvenir shops in Switzerland so you may
about an hour sightseeing and shopping want to use this evening to go shop for gifts
before you are brought back to Zurich. for your family and friends back home.

DAY 3 ~ ZURICH DAY 5 ~ INTERLAKEN

INCLUSIONS After breakfast, make your After an early breakfast you

way to your designated will meet your tour guide
 Private Arrival meeting point for your tour for a full-day mountain
Transfers to Heidiland. This popular tourism area is excursion to Eiger, Grindelwald and
named after the Heidi books and captures Jungfrau. After the tour you are free to
 3 nights Zurich the quintessential Switzerland of relax on your own for the rest of the
everyone's imagination. After the tour you evening. Tonight explore some of
 Trolley with Top of
will be returned to downtown, free to Switzerland's eclectic food choices. Due to
Zurich spend the evening at leisure. the country’s unique location and multiple
cultures it has diverse culinary offerings.
 Mt Titlis– Glacier HEIDILAND– GREAT COUNTRY TOUR ~
Heidi's world is not only a children's fairy EIGER, GRINDELWALD, AND JUNGFRAU
Paradise Tour TOUR ~ An unforgettable Alpine tour to
tale; it really exists! After a tour of Zurich
you will follow the lake to the picturesque the majestic world of the Jungfraujoch - the
 Heidiland– Great
Old Town of Rapperswil and visit its Top of Europe at 11,333 ft. A scenic, private
Country Tour guided tour will take you to the magnificent
medieval castle. After crossing the Ricken
Pass, you will reach the lovely Toggenburg mountain world of the Bernese Oberland.
 3 nights Interlaken
region, famed for its picturesque scenery of After a short interlude in Lauterbrunnen
 Eiger, Grindelwald green hills and valleys. In Vaduz, the capital you will board the cogwheel train for a
of the tiny Principality of Lichtenstein, you magnificent mountain train trip via Kleine
and Jungfrau
will enjoy some leisure time to explore this Scheidegg, which sits at the foot of the
 3 nights Lucerne unique city. You will then continue on to famous Eiger North Face to Jungfraujoch.
the Maienfeld area, the settings of Heidi's Enjoy the incredible world of eternal snow
 Mt. Pilatus– Glacier story. In the summer months you can visit and ice. Visit the Ice Palace. Experience the
Paradise Tour Heidi's village. Just a short walk leads to a breathtaking panorama view from the
collection of typical mountain houses, a Sphinx Observation Terrace overlooking the
 Private Half-Day village shop, and of course- lots of little Aletsch Glacier, Europe's longest glacier,
Lucerne Tour goats. Your trip ends with a beautiful ride and the snow-capped peaks of the
back to Zurich along Lake Walen. neighboring countries. The downward
 Rail Between Cities mountain trip takes you to Grindelwald
DAY 4 ~ TRAVEL TO
where your driver will take you back to
 Private Departure INTERLAKEN
Interlaken.
Transfers Eat breakfast and then pack
your bags, because today DAY 6 ~ INTERLAKEN
you will take the train from Zurich to the Interlaken and the
adventurous destination of Interlaken. surrounding Bernese
Meet your transfer representative in the Oberland is well known as
lobby for your ride to the station. You will a destination for outdoor activities. Make
then board the train. Once you’ve arrived, sure to eat breakfast and then use the day

44
 45

to explore. If visiting during the winter beautiful, small city in the heartland of
months, go downhill or cross-country Switzerland. Today you will see many of the
skiing. The city has good access to several important buildings and landmarks in this
skiing/snowboarding areas and rental culturally rich city. This afternoon explore
equipment is available in town. some of Lucerne's wonderful museums.
Additionally, Interlaken offers other winter The most notable of them are the Swiss
sports, such as sledding, ice-skating and Transportation Museum, the Richard
night sledding. Summer in Interlaken offers Wagner Museum and the Rosengart
equally exciting outdoor activities to fill Collection, which has well over 200 works
your time. There are sports to complement by 23 artists of early modernism including
all tastes and fitness levels- from adventure Paul Klee, Cezanne, Chagall, Mirò, and
sports like paragliding, bungee jumping or Picasso. The evening is yours to wander
skydiving to more relaxing activities like Lucerne’s lovely streets or pop into one of
sailing, biking, swimming or hiking. Walk its delicious restaurants. Lucerne also has
along the shores of Lake Thun or Lake an active and diverse nightlife, so feel free
Brienz or hike Harder Mountain and then to explore.
spend the evening relaxing and enjoying PRIVATE LUCERNE HALF-DAY CITY
the local nightlife. SIGHTSEEING ~ Explore this beautiful city
of Lucerne with a private guide. First you
DAY 7 ~ TRAVEL TO
LUCERNE will visit the Chapel Bridge, which dates
back to the 14th century and is lined with
After breakfast you will be
pictures of 12th-century city life and
met by your transfer
history. You will take a walking tour of the
representative in the lobby. He or she will
car-free Old Town and the Museggmauer,
take you to the station where you will catch
which is part of the historic town’s
the train to Lucerne. Upon arriving meet
fortification. Lastly you will visit the figure
your transfer representative, who will
of the dying lion, which is carved straight
escort you to your hotel. This afternoon
into a rock face in remembrance of the
you can relax and begin to explore one of
heroic death of Swiss guards killed during
Switzerland's top tourist destinations.
an attack on the Tuileries in 1792 during
Tourism in Lucerne has a distinguished
the French Revolution. At the end of this
presence that dates back to the mid-19th
amazing tour you will be returned to your
century. After a tranquil day, a lovely way
hotel or dropped off in the city center.
to spend the evening is cruise Lake Lucerne
on a beautiful steamer ship. Several DAY 9 ~ LUCERNE
companies offer lunch and sunset cruises Eat a good breakfast and
with the option to join a special, themed then make your way to the
cruise like the Fondue Boat, Indian Buffet, designated meeting point
or Jazz Cruise. This is a great way to start for a full-day tour commonly known as the
your experience in the stunning city of Golden Roundtrip. This multi-leg trip will
Lucerne. have you on almost every form of
DAY 8 ~ LUCERNE transportation and will give you an all-
encompassing impression of the region and
Eat breakfast and then
its unique Alpine culture. After the tour you
meet your private guide in
have the rest of the night at leisure. Take
the lobby. Lucerne is a
your last night to marvel at the majesty of
45
 46

Switzerland's mountains and the

friendliness of the people before heading
back to the hotel to pack and get ready for
your trip home.
MOUNT PILATUS – THE GOLDEN
ROUNDTRIP~ Lucerne's "own" mountain
has many stunning sides - and on the
"Golden Round Trip" you experience each
INCLUSIONS and every one! A short guided coach ride
 Private Arrival from Lucerne takes you to Kriens, your
starting point for the Golden Roundtrip.
Transfers
Travel by panorama gondola and aerial
 3 nights Zurich cableway to the summit of Mount Pilatus. A
unique and impressive panorama of 73
 Trolley with Top of Alpine peaks and countless lakes await you
on Pilatus Kulm, some 7000 feet above sea
Zurich
level where several restaurants and a large
 Mt Titlis– Glacier sun terrace are located. A spectacular ride
on the world's steepest cogwheel railway
Paradise Tour
then takes you down to Alpnachstad,
 Heidiland– Great where you enjoy a beautiful hour and a half
cruise across the lake back to Lucerne.
Country Tour
DAY 10 ~ LUCERNE
 3 nights Interlaken
Enjoy breakfast and meet
 Eiger, Grindelwald your transfer
representative in the lobby
and Jungfrau
of your hotel. He or she will help you with
 3 nights Lucerne your luggage and escort you to the train
station. Here you will board the train for
 Mt. Pilatus– Glacier the Zurich Airport. Remember that some
Paradise Tour trains require you change trains in the
downtown Zurich station, while others are
 Private Half-Day non-stop, so be sure to pay attention to the
Lucerne Tour schedules. Zurich airport is recognized
worldwide for its modernity and easy travel
 Rail Between Cities conditions, so everything should be stress-
free from here. Wave goodbye to the
 Private Departure spectacular Swiss landscape as you take off
Transfers from Zurich’s Kloten International Airport.

DAY 11 ~ HOME
Unpack and prepare for
your next vacation with
Europe Express!

46
 47

Admission Tickets
1. Instead of simply buying tickets to the sights you want to see, consider taking a tour.
This will benefit you in many ways.
2. Many of Europe's sights can have very long wait lines. By taking a tour you will often
skip the line and make better use of your time.
3. You will receive explanations of what you see from local experts. This can enrich your
experience and make it easier for you to understand the relevance of everything you
see.
4. Don’t waste your precious vacation time planning what you are going to do each day
or shopping around for the right tour. By pre-booking your activities you can
guarantee that you will see the sights you traveled around the world to see; make
sure you have the best experience possible!
The Matterhorn near
the city of Zermatt
Other Swiss Cities of Interest
There are many interesting cities in Switzerland and most of them can be accessed using
the well-maintained and efficient Swiss rail system. In fact, it is so effective and timely that Want a private
reservations are not even available on many routes. Below are a few suggestions on ways guide to show you
to deviate or add on to your Swiss adventure: the sights?
 GENEVA ~ This beautiful, French-speaking city is nestled like a sparkling jewel on the
shores of Lake Geneva. Here everything exudes quality, elegance and a cosmopolitan Europe Express
lifestyle. The place is buzzing with people from all corners of the world. It has
excellent restaurants, exclusive shops, beautiful parks, a vibrant cultural life and offers a wide
interesting museums. A practical aspect is that Geneva is geographically quite small.
You can wander around the town in an hour, and it’s easy to make quick one-day variety of private
excursions into the idyllic surroundings.
sightseeing
 BASEL ~ Basel is the Cinderella of Switzerland, nestled on the borders of France and
Germany, in the northern reaches of the country. Obscured from view for too long,
options too!
Basel is now preparing for the ball and is ready to enter all with her beauty and
charm! With one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, a vibrant cultural
and culinary scene, and all within easy reach of the Black Forest and the Vosges The village of Weggis
mountain range, Basel will be sure to scintillate the senses! on Lake Lucerne

 ZERMATT ~ This picturesque city is perched below the famous Matterhorn, which is
one of the highest peaks in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy.
Zermatt is famed as an excellent mountaineering and ski resort. Until the mid 19th
century it was predominantly a farming community. Today it is a hub for outdoor
activities and luxurious living- a must-see when traveling to Switzerland.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

47
 48

European Group Suggested Itineraries

Table of Contents
 A Scottish, Welsh & Irish Adventure - 49
 Alpine Paradise - 53
 Best of Croatia - 56
 Best of Vienna, Prague & Salzburg - 61
 Best of Denmark & Germany - 66
 Eastern Europe - 69
 English Gardens - 74
 Explore Ireland - 78
 Fjord Adventure in Norway - 81
 Greek Island & Turkey - 84
 Icelandic Odyssey - 87
 Ireland, Northern Ireland & Scotland - 91
 Istanbul & Cappadocia - 93
 London & Brussels - 96
 Northern Italy - 99
 Oktoberfest Breweries & Rhine River - 102
 Portuguese Adventure - 106
 Scandinavian Capitals - 110
 Southern Finland - 113
 Swiss Alps & Italian Lake District - 115
 The Best of Central & Southern Spain - 119
 The Best of England & Wales - 124
 The Best of Moscow & St. Petersburg - 127
 The Best of Normandy, Brittany & Loire Valley - 131
 The Netherlands Tour - 135
48
 49

A Scottish, Welsh &

Irish Adventure
1 6 D A Y S / 1 5 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

This Celtic adventure will take you through the highlights of Celtic history, art and nature. INCLUSIONS
Although the Celts once settled in each of these lands, Scotland, Wales and Ireland all have a
 2 nights each in Loch
unique culture. From the kilted warriors and lochs of Scotland to the stunning natural
Lomond, St.
scenery of Wales and Ireland's quaint towns and jovial pubs, there is much to see and do. Andrews, Cardiff,
and Dublin
 3 nights each in
DAY 1 ~ GLASGOW coast and into Robbie Burns Country, the Galsgow and
ploughman poet. Here we will visit Burns Wexford
Upon arrival at Glasgow  1 night in Ruthin
Cottage in Alloway where you can walk in
airport, collect your  Breakfast daily
the footsteps of Tam O'Shanter in
luggage and proceed to the  Lunch and dinner
Alloway's "auld haunted kirk" and across per itinerary
arrivals hall. A representative will be there
auld Brig O'Doon, where Tam's mare,  Ground transport
to meet you and direct you to your waiting
Meg, had her narrow escape from the via air conditioned
motor coach. This evening we will enjoy a luxury coach
witches. We continue on to the 18th
welcome drink reception followed by an  English speaking
century Culzean Castle, which overlooks assistant and guides
evening dinner together.
the Atlantic coast. Part of this castle was
DAY 2 ~ GLASGOW gifted to General Eisenhower who resided HIGHLIGHTS
This morning we will here during his presidency and retirement
 View the Burrell
embark on a tour of the on several occasions. We return to
Collection with over
city, passing George Square Glasgow where you will be free for the 9,000 works of art
and Glasgow Cathedral, a magnificent balance of the evening.  Visit the cottage of
medieval structure built in the 14th Robert Burns,
DAY 4 ~ LOCH Scotland's favorite
century. This afternoon perhaps enjoy a LOMOND poet
visit to the Burrell Collection, a private  Cruise Scotland's
After breakfast we will visit
collection of over 9000 works of art that famous lochs
The "Bonnie, bonnie banks  Visit the home of
was donated to the City of Glasgow. As you
wander around the collections of medieval
of Loch Lomond" where we will stop for a golf - St. Andrews
short cruise on this famous Loch. So much  Enjoy a Scottish
art, tapestries, alabasters and stained glass Banquet of
myth, legend and history precedes a visit
you are sure to find pieces from well- traditional food and
to the expanse of Glencoe and Loch bagpipe music
known artists such as Degas, Cezanne and
Rodin. Also enjoy the wonderful park and
Leven, that many visitors are unprepared  Castle stay
for the sheer beauty and breathtaking  Narrow gauge steam
woodlands that the Pollock Estate offers.
serenity of this vast sweeping pass. We railway ride
Or you are free to enjoy the sights and  See the location
will pass Urquhart Castle, a stronghold on
sounds of Glasgow. from which the
a rocky peninsula overlooking Loch Ness, Titanic sailed its only
DAY 3 ~ GLASGOW where we will stop for pictures. voyage
This morning after Continuing on to Inverness, the capital of  View the Book of
the highlands and our hotel tonight, we Kells at Trinity
breakfast we will travel College, Dublin
south along the Ayrshire will enjoy an evening dinner together.~
49
 50

DAY 5 ~ LOCH new town. We continue along the historic

LOMOND
Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse,
After a leisurely breakfast the official Scottish residence of Her
we visit a local kilt maker Majesty the Queen. Our tour concludes at
where we can learn all about the famous Edinburgh Castle where we will enjoy a
tartans (plaids) and then continue on to the hearty Scottish lunch in the castle before
famous Culloden Battlefield where Bonnie we view the Scottish Crown Jewels and take
Prince Charlie's army was defeated by in the breathtaking views of the city from
government troops in 1746. This afternoon the castle ramparts. This evening we will
take the time to explore Inverness with its take a short walk to a local venue where we
suspension bridges across the River Ness, will enjoy a Scottish Banquet where you
old stone buildings and Ben Wyvis soaring can sample some haggis and enjoy
above the skyline. This evening after your traditional bagpipe music, songs and
included dinner you are free to enjoy the dancing.
local pubs and nightlife.
DAY 8 ~ RUTHIN
DAY 6 ~ EDINBURGH
This morning we depart
Leaving the Highlands Edinburgh for Wales. Our
behind us, we travel first stop of the day will be
southward where we visit a Rosslyn Chapel, founded in 1446 by the
Scottish shepherd at work with his faithful Prince of Orkney. This intriguing church has
sheepdog. We continue to the Edradour been visited by many famous people and
Distillery in Pitlochry. Sample a wee dram has most recently been featured in the Da
at Scotland's smallest distillery. We Vinci Code. We re-board our coach and
continue our drive to ancient St Andrew's travel south to the border of Scotland and
birthplace of golf. See St Andrews England, passing Gretna Green - the famed
University; founded in 1413 it is the oldest location for British runaway marriages! We
university in Scotland! There will be time in will stop near Carlisle for lunch and a visit
the quaint village of St. Andrews which is to see the remains of Hadrian's Wall, a 6-
full of traditional Scottish craft shops, pubs year undertaking that was built to separate
and restaurants, or perhaps you will prefer the Romans from the (Scottish) barbarians.
exploring the ruins of St Andrew's In the afternoon we continue on to Ruthin
Cathedral. Castle in Wales where we will overnight in
We travel on to the imposing city of the Castle and enjoy a medieval banquet.
Edinburgh and our downtown hotel. DAY 9 ~ CARDIFF
Tonight you are free to enjoy the many
This morning after
culinary delights this city has to offer - why
breakfast we will be
not round the evening off in one of the
heading to south Wales and
many pubs & wine bars?
the town of Cardiff. First we will enjoy an
DAY 7 ~ EDINBURGH exciting ride on one of Wales' Great Little
This morning's tour takes us Trains from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Minfford.
along Princes Street with its This narrow gauge steam railway takes you
fine shops and through the back in time while enjoying some of the
lovely Georgian squares and terraces of the stunning scenery of the Snowdonia
National Park. We continue on to

50
 51

Portmeirion, the fascinating Italianate DAY 13 ~ WEXFORD

fantasy village created by Sir Clough
After a hearty Irish
Williams-Ellis, and home to Portmeirion
breakfast, we depart on
pottery. We then continue south to Cardiff
one of Ireland's most
where we will spend the next two nights.
popular and beautiful drives, the Ring of
Tonight dinner is included at the hotel.
Kerry. Traveling northwards from Killarney,
DAY 10 ~ CARDIFF you come to the town of Killorglin, famous
for "Puck Fair" and from here you
This morning we will enjoy a
commence the "ring tour", your drive along
panoramic tour of the
the coastline of the broad Iveragh
capital city of Cardiff
peninsula, through the towns of Glenbeigh,
including a visit to Cardiff Castle. We
Cahirciveen, Waterville and Sneem. The
continue on to Dyffern Gardens where you
scenery is spectacular - wind-swept cliffs,
will enjoy the opportunity to enjoy these
still lakes, lost valleys and rocky mountains
wonderful gardens. We return to our hotel
blend in awesome beauty. From Sneem,
in Cardiff where you are free for dinner.
you continue via "Ladies View" back to
DAY 11 ~ WEXFORD Killarney and on to your hotel.
This morning after a DAY 14 ~ DUBLIN
leisurely breakfast we travel
This morning we depart
to Fishguard where we will
Killarney and travel north
catch our ferry that will bring us across the
to Adare, a charming old
Irish Sea to Rosslare near Wexford. Sit back
world village with thatched roofed
and enjoy the crossing which will take
cottages. We continue on through Limerick,
approximately three hours. Upon arrival in
Roscrea, Portlaoise and Kildare arriving in
Rosslaire we continue to our hotel in
Dublin in the mid-afternoon. The balance of
Wexford where we will enjoy dinner
the afternoon is free for you to enjoy the
together.
hotel's facilities. Tonight we will enjoy
DAY 12 ~ WEXFORD dinner together at the hotel.
Our first stop today is the DAY 15 ~ DUBLIN
village of Blarney where
After breakfast this
you'll have the opportunity
morning, we board our
to climb the stairs of Blarney Castle and kiss
coach for a sightseeing tour
the famous stone to get the "gift of the
of Dublin's fair city, which though modern
gab!” You can also enjoy the wonderful
and cosmopolitan, still retains the grace
wildlife gardens and landscape that Blarney
and atmosphere of the eighteenth century
Castle cultivates every year. Also available
through its Georgian squares and terraces.
is the opportunity to shop at the famous
On our tour we visit Trinity College and its
Blarney Woolen Mills. We then visit the
library, home to the Book of Kells, the Book
Cobh Heritage Museum at the restored
of Durrow and one of the finest collections
Victorian Cobh Railway Station where the
of manuscripts and early printed books in
Titanic made its last port of call before its
Ireland. We also visit St. Patrick's Cathedral,
one and only voyage. Cobh was also the
founded in 1190, with its memories of
port where many of the survivors of the
Jonathon Swift, Handle, King William and
Lusitania were brought in 1915.
many more. As we continue we see

51
 52

Christchurch Cathedral and O'Connell WHY TRAVEL WITH US ?

Street, reputed to be one of the widest Whether it is taking a family trip to Paris, an
main streets in Europe and the Bank of educational group to Barcelona, or a church
Ireland, formerly the Irish House of group to Rome we can build an affordable,
Parliament. The afternoon is free. This European trip tailored to your interests.
evening enjoy a farewell dinner followed by From single city itineraries to multiple cities
an Irish Cabaret with traditional Irish music and countries, your travel agent will work
song and dance. with us to create custom tours for groups of
DAY 16 ~ DUBLIN 10 to 500 people.

This morning we transfer to We Make It Easy - We provide a quick

Dublin International Airport turnaround on custom quotes. Multi-city
with ample time to check and multi-country itineraries are our
your luggage and board your flight back to specialty. In addition, we can help organize
the USA.
Why Should You signup deadlines, travel documents and
payments.
Encourage Your
Travel Agent to Experience - Europe Express has managed
Book Your Group over 6,000 custom group trips since 1990.
Through Us? We provide expert guides and high quality
travel products.

Flexibility - We work with your travel

Ease of Use agent to create a tailor-made trip to
accommodate your interests, booking what-
Experience ever combination of travel services fit your
plans and budget, including airfare, hotels,
rail, transfers, sightseeing and more.
Flexibility
Peace of Mind - Dedicated local ground
support means that there is always some-
Peace of Mind
one available to help you. Relax knowing
that your trip is backed by our commitment
to offer world-class quality of service.

Contact your travel agent today for a

customized itinerary and group quote!

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

52
 53

Alpine Paradise
1 2 D A Y S / 1 1 N I G H T S — G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y — C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Spend two weeks extensively exploring some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. This INCLUSIONS
pleasantly-paced yet interesting itinerary will begin in Munich and take you from Bavaria  4 nights in Munich
into Austria, a Mecca of classical music, amazing Alpine views and pinot noir wines. You’ll  2 nights in each
Salzburg, St Moritz
then travel into Switzerland, a country whose dramatically-stunning geography has no and Lucerne
equal. With lakes, mountains, delicious food, charming villages and expert sightseeing,  1 night in Zurich
 Breakfast daily
 Lunch and dinner per
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL IN Munich (combination coach & walking, itinerary
MUNICH with free time for lunch and shoppping).  Ground transport via
You will see this city’s best attractions air conditioned
Arrive in Munich, Bavaria’s private coach
political and cultural including Peterskirche (St Peter’s Church),
capital. After exiting customs, meet your which is the oldest church in Munich, as
HIGHLIGHTS
local assistant in the terminal’s arrivals hall. well as the open-air market,
Viktualienmarkt, and the medieval Isartor  Guided tour of
Your group will then travel by private coach Bavaria’s
to the hotel. (Even though your group will Gate. You will also visit Munich’s Neuschwanstein
most likely arrive before the hotel’s check- Marienplatz, which has served as the city’s Castle
main square for almost 900 years. If your  City sightseeing tours
in time, feel free to store your luggage with in Munich, Innsbruck,
the reception staff). There will be free time group arrives at 11:00 am, you’ll get to
Lucerne and Zurich
until this evening to begin exploring enjoy the iconic Glockenspiel’s life-size  Lunch at “Eagles
figurines perform high atop the New Town Nest”
Munich, a city famed for its fantastic
 “Sound of Music”
cultural attractions. During this time, Hall (Rathaus). Your tour will also take you
Tour in Salzburg
consider checking out the city’s beautiful inside the Schloss Nymphenburg; this  Special dinner in
Englischer Garten, taking a guided tour of former summer residence of Munich’s Salzburg served with
ruling Wittelsbach family is one of the most Austrian wines
the Paulaner Brewery, visiting Munich’s  Overnight stay in the
beautiful palaces in all of Europe. The tour
impressive BMW World, visiting the famed resort town St
Deutsches Museum or touring the Alte will finish late-afternoon back at the hotel, Moritz
and the remainder of the day is free.  Visit to Vaduz, the
Pinakothek, one of Europe’s best art
capital of the
museums. Depending on your group’s DAY 3 ~ Principality of
flight arrival time and interests, we could NEUSCHWANSTEIN Liechtenstein
 Swiss Folklore Dinner
easily schedule a guided tour to any of the CASTLE
 Mount Pilatus by Cog
aforementioned attractions. Train, Aerial Gondola
After breakfast in the hotel,
and a cruise on Lake
Tonight join your fellow group members for your group will travel south by private
Lucerne
a welcome dinner of Bavarian specialties in coach to the garden-like landscape of the
the hotel’s restaurant Bavarian Alps. Hidden in the seclusion of
the mountains, Ludwig II built one of his
DAY 2 ~ MUNICH
many dream castles: Neuschwanstein.
After breakfast in the hotel, Today you will tour the inside of
meet your local guide for a Neuschwanstein Castle, the fanciful folly of
full-day guided tour of Mad King Ludwig. Neuschwanstein was
53
 54

also an inspiration to Walt Disney in his spectacular views of the area. Afterwards
design of Cinderella’s castle in all of the your group will take a short drive over the
parks. Afterwards you’ll continue to the Austrian border that leads to the city of
lovely town of Oberammergau, famed for Salzburg, which naturally is “alive with the
being the site of the Passion Play that is sound of music.” Upon arrival to the hotel,
performed once every 10 years. Enjoy your group will have time to check in and
some free time for shopping and exploring freshen up before tonight’s group dinner at
before returning to Munich. You group will a nearby Austrian restaurant featuring
dine tonight at a local restaurant in regional specialties and Austrian wines.
Munich.
DAY 6 ~ SALZBURG
DAY 4 ~ DACHAU/ AND THE SOUND OF
MUNICH MUSIC
After breakfast in the hotel, After breakfast in the hotel
this morning your group will your group will head off on an exciting,
travel north to Dachau. Probably the most guided tour of scenic Salzburg . As you
gruesome result of Hitler's rise to power explore the historic center of Mozart’s
was the building of the concentration hometown, your guide will point out the
extermination camps. One of the first of sights related to the Sound of Music film.
these was situated 15km to the northwest Admire the exquisite Mirabell Gardens,
of Munich near Dachau. In 1965 a where the song “Do-Re-Mi” was filmed, the
memorial to the victims was created, giving famous Horse Trough, the great Festival
visitors a chance to learn of the atrocities hall, St. Peters Churchyard and the
prisoners were forced to suffer. Watch the monumental Domplatz. You will also visit
22-minute orientation video and then the birthplace of Mozart on the historic
explore the cells, barracks and gas Getreidegasse street. After free time for
chambers. The exhibition contains lunch, travel to the shores of Lake Mondsee
accounts of the prisoners' tragic to see the famous church where the
experiences from the setting up of the wedding of Maria and Captain Von Trapp
camp until their liberation by US-forces in was filmed for the movie. The tour will
1945. Afterwards your group will return to finish back at the hotel in the afternoon
Munich. and you have the evening free to enjoy
Salzburg.
The rest of the day is free.
DAY 7 ~ INNSBRUCK,
DAY 5 ~ EAGLE’S
ST MORITZ
NEST
After breakfast in the hotel
After breakfast and check-
your group will travel
out, your group will depart
southwest, enjoying the alpine landscape,
Munich and travel by private coach along
to the beautiful Austrian town of Innsbruck,
the incredibly scenic German Alpine Road,
which was home to the 1964 and 1976
which offers splendid views of the Bavarian
Winter Olympics. Upon arrival a local guide
Alps. Upon arrival to Berchtesgaden, you
will meet your group for a walking tour of
will board a special bus to travel to the
lovely Innsbruck followed by free time for
mountain summit, the location of "Eagle's
lunch and shopping. Afterwards your
Nest," which was originally built as a tea
group will re-board the coach and
house for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday.
continuing traveling southwest into
Enjoy a tour followed by lunch taking in the
54
 55

Switzerland. Your destination is the famed Hall, Stag Square and the Lion Monument.
resort town of St Moritz. After check-in and Your group will then embark on a once-in-a-
free time to freshen up, your group lifetime trip to the summit of Mount Pilatus,
members will dine together tonight in the which offers views of the extraordinarily
hotel’s restaurant. beautiful surrounding landscapes. This is
your opportunity to enjoy the mountains and
DAY 8 ~ ST MORITZ
lakes of the region. You’ll view the stunning
Today you are free to enjoy scenery from several different vantage
the St Mortiz located in the points: the lake steamer provides a 90-
Engadine Valley. minute boat ride; the world’s steepest cog
DAY 9 ~ HEIDI, railway takes you up to the top of the
LIECHTENSTEIN AND mountain; and a large aerial tramway
LUCERNE connects to a modern gondola for your ride
back down to civilization. There are two
After breakfast in the hotel,
hotels at the top, so you’ll have time to snap
your group will travel north by private coach
some inspiring photos and grab lunch with a Why Should You
to Maienfeld, the setting for the Heidi
stories. A short walk leads to a collection of
view. After today’s unforgettable excursion, Encourage Your
typical mountain houses, a village shop, and
the evening is yours to enjoy in Lucerne. Travel Agent to
numerous goats which make up Heidi’s DAY 11 ~ ZURICH Book Your Group
village. You will also tour the authentic Heidi This morning your group will
Through Us?
House before re-boarding the coach and depart Lucerne and travel
proceeding to Vaduz, the capital of the tiny north by private coach to
Principality of Liechtenstein, where you’ll Zurich, the beautiful, financial hub of Ease of Use
have free time for lunch and shopping. Switzerland. Upon arrival a local guide will
Afterwards your group will board its coach take you on a guided tour of Zurich featuring
one last time today and drive west to impressive attractions. See the medieval Old
Experience
Lucerne, which lies on the shores of Lake Town, the Bahnhofstrasse, St Peter's Church
Lucerne and is one of the prettiest towns in and Lake Zurich. Visit the Fraumunster with
Switzerland. After checking in at the hotel, Flexibility
its five stained glass windows designed by
enjoy some free time to freshen up before Marc Chagall. Your tour will finish with a
tonight’s traditional Swiss Folklore Show,
during which you will enjoy traditional Swiss
visit to the Lindt Chocolate Factory shop, the Peace of Mind
perfect place to buy last-minute souvenirs.
food accompanied by folk music, yodeling .
Tonight your group will enjoy a farewell
DAY 10 ~ MOUNT dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.
PILATUS
DAY 12 ~ ZURICH
After breakfast in the hotel,
your group will meet a local After breakfast, your group
guide for a brief walking tour of the city of will travel to Zurich Airport
Lucerne. Here you will see local attractions for its return flight home.
including the Kapellbrucke, the Old Town

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

55
 56

Best of Croatia
1 3 D A Y S / 1 2 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Spend just under two weeks extensively exploring the treasure that is the country of Croatia. INCLUSIONS
While not large in size, this country is absolutely mammoth in terms of historical and cultural
 3 nights in Split
value. Its vivid past includes Greek colonies, the Roman Province of Dalmatia, the medieval
maritime Republic of Ragusa, the Hapsburg monarchy, the Ottoman Conquest - and more  6 nights in
recently, the former Yugoslavia. Geographically-speaking, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Dubrovnik
vacation destination with as many fantastic national parks, turquoise beaches, breathtaking  2 nights in Zadar
coastline, thousands of islands (and good seafood), hills, fjords, amazing lakes, mountains
 1 night in Mostar
and vineyards. This itinerary will show you the best of Croatia, and while there you’ll realize
 Breakfast daily
 Lunch and dinner
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE SPLIT DAY 2 ~ SPLIT per itinerary
Arrive in the historic city of After breakfast in the hotel,  Ground transport
Split, the second largest city meet your local guide in the via air conditioned
in Croatia and a major port lobby for a morning luxury coach
city on the Adriatic Sea. Split’s city center, sightseeing tour of Split’s historic core.  English speaking
which contains the ruins of a magnificent, Located in the center of the Dalmatian assistant and guides
3rd-century Roman palace belonging to the coast and nestled between the mountains  Admission tickets
Emperor Diocletian, is a fascinating and sea, Split has fantastic ruins to be as outlined in
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival visited that date to the end of the 3rd itinerary
to the Split Airport, a local assistant will century during the reign of the Roman
meet your group in the arrivals hall and Emperor Diocletian. On your guided tour,
accompany it to the hotel by private coach. your group will tour the impressive ruins of
Your hotel rooms most likely will not be the emperor's palace complex including the
ready for check-in until 2:00 pm. Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of St.
Depending on your flight arrival time, Domnius. During your tour, the guide will
energy level and time of the year – this also show the lovely medieval square of
afternoon your group could visit the Brace Radic Trg and the Riva promenade.
Mestrovic Gallery (sculpture), go for a swim The tour will finish in the historic center,
at the public beach at Bacvice, or simply although the guide can accompany any
have free time to begin exploring Split. group member back to the hotel should
There will be a welcome dinner tonight they prefer. The remainder of the day is
either in the hotel or in a local restaurant free to visit Split on your own. Continue
within walking distance of the hotel. sightseeing, shop – or relax on the beach.
Consider trying some of the delicious, Lunch and dinner are on your own.
traditional seafood dishes paired with
DAY 3 ~ SPLIT
Croatian wine.
After breakfast in the hotel,
meet your local guide in the

56
 57

lobby for a full-day of exciting sightseeing 15th century Gothic-Renaissance church

by private bus. You’ll begin by traveling to that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
the outskirts of Split to the ancient city of
From Sibenik, the group will continue
Salona. Salona was the capital of the
traveling north along the coast to the city
Roman province of Dalmatia, and long
of Zadar, your overnight base for the next
before that it was the site of a major Greek
two nights and another incredibly historic
market. This morning you will see some of
city along the beautiful Adriatic Coast.
its impressive Roman ruins; please wear
HIGHLIGHTS After checking into the hotel, enjoy free
comfortable shoes as this is an
time to freshen up, relax or venture out
 Hotel overnights in archeological site and it’s only possible to
before reuniting with the others for a group
beautiful, historic visit the site on foot. Afterwards, your
dinner in the hotel or a nearby local
cities along group will travel a short distance to the
Croatia’s famed restaurant. Consider a leisurely stroll down
coastline town of Trogir, whose beauty will knock
the Zadar’s seaside “Riva” promenade.
 Historic city of your socks off! Upon arrival, everyone in
Trogir, a UNESCO the group will have free time for lunch, DAY 5 ~ ZADAR
World Heritage followed by a guided sightseeing tour of After breakfast in the hotel,
Site
historic Trogir. Trogir is a UNESCO World your group will depart by
 The famed Plitvice
Lakes National Heritage Site due to its historical tapestry private bus for Plitvice
Park, a UNESCO of Greeks, Romans and Venetians - and Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World
World Heritage because the town today still houses a Heritage Site world renowned for its 16
Natural Site
fairytale blend of Romanesque-Gothic, cascading, turquoise lakes that contrast
 Skradinski Buk’s 17
waterfalls inside Renaissance and Baroque architecture. beautifully with the surrounding verdancy.
inside Krka Visit inside the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. If you’re a nature lover, this guided
National Park See the Clock Tower, the Loggia, the Land excursion will most likely be the highlight of
 Day trip to Mostar, Gate, Kamerlengo Castle and St. Mark's your entire trip to Croatia. In addition to its
Bosnia and
Herzegovina to see Tower. After the tour group members will prized lakes, Plitvice is also home to many
the iconic Stari have time to shop or explore on their own animal species, meadows, caves and
Most bridge, a before returning to Split in the late natural springs. After touring this
UNESCO World afternoon/early evening. Lunch and dinner spectacular feat of nature, return to Zadar.
Heritage Site
 Day trip to are on your own. Tonight your group will attend a classical
beautiful music concert (pending availability) in the
DAY 4 ~ ZADAR
Montenegro Church of St. Donatus, whose 9th century
 Classical music After breakfast in the hotel,
acoustics still continue to impress
concert in Zadar’s group members should
historic Church of concertgoers.
check out and be ready to
St Donatus
travel north along the Adriatic coast to the DAY 6 ~ MOSTAR
 Visit to the
beautiful island of city of Zadar. En route you will visit Krka After breakfast in the hotel,
Korčula, reckoned National Park, which is located on the check out and meet your
by many to be the
outskirts of the historic town of Sibenik. local guide in the lobby for
birthplace of the
explorer-merchant You’ll tour this remarkable park, which is a morning walking tour of Zadar’s Old
Marco Polo considered one of Croatia’s crown jewels, Town, a bastion of Gothic-Romanesque
 Day trip to the and cruise to its breathtaking Skradinski architecture. The city however is even
village of Cilipi, Buk waterfall. After the visit, proceed to much older than that. In fact, before the
famous for its
national costumes, the historic center of Sibenik where your Common Era, Zadar was an important
folk customs & group will have free time to have lunch and trading center for Phoenicians, Etruscans
embroidery to go inside the Cathedral of St. James, a and Ancient Greeks. On your guided tour
57
 58

you will see Zadar’s ancient city walls and waters - the entire historic core of
gates a well as Zadar’s remarkable 12th- Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage
century, Romanesque churches including Site. Upon arrival to the hotel in
the Church of St. Mary, the Church of St. Dubrovnik, check in and enjoy free time.
Chrysogonus and the St. Anastasia There will be a group dinner tonight in a
Cathedral (inside visit of the Cathedral is local restaurant.
included). Another must-see on this
DAY 8 ~ DUBROVNIK
morning includes seeing Zadar’s legendary
Sea Organ, whose melodies are created by After breakfast, meet your
the breaking waves. If time permits, the local guide in the lobby for
group will also visit Zadar’s bustling market a leisurely full-day tour of
of Dolac to see where locals come to buy Dubrovnik, which is certain to enchant any
produce and to chit chat. visitor! Most of the city’s top attractions
reside within its historic walls. Originally
After the sightseeing tour, group members settled by the Romans - Dubrovnik’s Golden
will have time for a quick lunch before Age came about during the Middle Ages
boarding the bus to travel south to the because of its extremely strategic location
picturesque city of Mostar in Bosnia and as a maritime port. The Venetians,
Herzegovina. The drive will be a good time Hapsburgs and Ottomans all coveted
to fit in a nap or brush up on your Dubrovnik, the seat of the Republic of
knowledge of Balkan history. Mostar is Ragusa as it was then known. Its medieval
known for its interesting blend of “East past has left a strong mark on the city that
meets West.” Upon arrival to Mostar, your you will tour today.
group will check into the hotel and have
time to relax and freshen up before a group On your guided walking tour through the
meal in the hotel’s restaurant. Old Town, you will see the city’s very scenic
harbor, the Onofrio's Fountains, the 15th-
DAY 7 ~ DUBROVNIK century Ploce Gate, Luza Square, the
After breakfast in the hotel, Church of St. Blaise, Orlando's Column, the
check out and meet your Sponza Palace and the Franciscan
local guide for morning Monastery. You will go inside Dubrovnik’s
tour of Mostar’s historic Old Town during Baroque Cathedral (Church of the
which you will see the iconic Stari Most Assumption) and the Dominican Monastery
(Old Bridge). This UNESCO World Heritage & Museum. During the tour the guide will
Site was constructed by the Ottomans give the group free time for lunch and
during the 16th century. It is perhaps the shopping. The tour will finish in the
best example of Islamic architecture in all afternoon, and the remainder of the day is
of the Balkans. After the tour and time for free to explore Dubrovnik.
a quick lunch on their own, group members
DAY 9 ~ DUBROVNIK
will board the bus to proceed to Dubrovnik,
commonly referred to as the “Pearl of the After breakfast in the hotel,
Adriatic.” you have a full day at
leisure to explore splendid
Arrive in Dubrovnik, one of Europe's best Dubrovnik. You could check out the local
preserved walled cities (and certainly one scene at the Gunduliceva Poljana farmers
of its most beautiful ones). With dramatic market or stroll down the “Stradun,” the
ramparts surrounded by pristine, azure pedestrian street that runs east to west
58
 59

through Dubrovnik’s historic core. Shop for Ston’s fortifications – particularly its walls-
local arts & crafts. Those interested in were noteworthy. From here your group
visiting an amazing beach could take the 10 will drive across the Peljesac Penisula, an
-minute ferry to nearby Lokrum Island. The area well-known for its grape vineyards and
Dubrovnik Aquarium and Maritime wine production (why not try some at
Museum also makes for a very interesting lunch?). In the port town of Orebic you’ll
visit. Lunch and dinner are not provided board a ferry for a short voyage to the
today. island of Korcula, which might prove to be
another favorite moment on your trip to
DAY 10 ~ DUBROVNIK
Croatia. The Old Town of Korcula (on the
After breakfast, meet your island of Korcula) was a city of utmost
local guide in the lobby who importance during the Middle Ages.
will lead a fantastic Defensively fortified by thick walls, for
sightseeing excursion today into the many years it actually was part of the
neighboring Republic of Montenegro, a Republic of Venice. It is even rumored to
nation that – like Croatia - boasts a rich be the birthplace of explorer-merchant
heritage and immense natural beauty. This Marco Polo. Enjoy a guided walking tour of
stretch of the Dalmatian Coast has a very Korcula’s best medieval attractions before
Mediterranean climate and is known for its returning to Dubrovnik in the afternoon.
interesting geology. Your first stop is the The evening is at leisure.
picture-perfect Bay of Kotor, a dramatic
DAY 12 ~ DUBROVNIK
submerged river canyon (that resembles a
fjord). This scenic spot is part of a largest After breakfast in the hotel,
historic area that is a UNESCO World meet your local guide for
Heritage Site. From here, your group will your final day of sightseeing
proceed to the town of Cetinje, which was in Croatia; it will be a great one. Today’s
once the seat for the Montenegrin royals. tour will begin with a drive to the heart of
While here, you will go inside the Orthodox the Konavle Valley to the village of Cilipi,
Monastery of Saint Peter. Also on today’s which is known for carefully preserved folk
itinerary is a visit to the gorgeous islet of customs, rich national costumes and
Sveti Stefan, a popular resort in famous embroidery. You’ll visit inside the
Montenegro. (There will be a stop for Konavle Homeland Museum, which
lunch on own during the day, perhaps in showcases many of the traditional
Budva). After an exciting day of exploring costumes and jewelry. (If the excursion
Montenegro, drive back north along the takes place on a Sunday, the villages
coast to Dubrovnik. The evening is at perform traditional folk dances in costumes
leisure. from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm). After this visit
your group will continue to the coastal
DAY 11 ~ DUBROVNIK
town of Cavtat, where your guide will
After breakfast in the hotel, provide a walking tour of this lovely,
meet your local guide for historic fishing town. See its beautiful
another day of fantastic harbor, the Rector's Palace, the city walls,
sightseeing. You’ll begin by traveling north the Church of St. Nicholas, the Franciscan
along the Adriatic Coast to the seaside monastery and the mausoleum of the Racic
village of Ston. During the medieval, family, which was designed by Ivan
maritime Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik), Mestrovic - a famous Croatian sculptor.
59
 60

You will have free time here for lunch before WHY TRAVEL WITH US ?
traveling north to visit the Trsteno
Whether it is taking a family trip to Paris, an
Arboretum, a seaside villa that’s been in
educational group to Barcelona, or a church
business for over 500 years. It is one of the
group to Rome we can build an affordable,
oldest arboretums in this part of the world.
European trip tailored to your interests. From
Enjoy visiting its beautiful collection of exotic
vegetation and Renaissance fountains before single city itineraries to multiple cities and
returning to Dubrovnik in the afternoon. countries, your travel agent will work with us
to create custom tours for groups of 10 to
DAY 13 ~ DUBROVNIK
500 people.
After breakfast and check-
out, your group will transfer We Make It Easy - We provide a quick
by private bus to Dubrovnik turnaround on custom quotes. Multi-city and
International Airport for its return flight to multi-country itineraries are our specialty. In
Why Should You the USA. addition, we can help organize signup
Encourage Your deadlines, travel documents and payments.
Travel Agent to
Book Your Group Experience - Europe Express has managed
Through Us? over 6,000 custom group trips since 1990.
We provide expert guides and high quality
travel products.
Ease of Use
Flexibility - We work with your travel agent
to create a tailor-made trip to accommodate
Experience your interests, booking whatever
combination of travel services fit your plans
Flexibility and budget, including airfare, hotels, rail,
transfers, sightseeing and more.

Peace of Mind Peace of Mind - Dedicated local ground

support means that there is always someone
available to help you. Relax knowing that
your trip is backed by our commitment to
offer world-class quality of service.

Contact your travel agent today for a

customized itinerary and group quote!

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

60
 61

Best of Vienna, Prague & Salzburg

1 1 D A Y S / 1 0 N I G H T S — G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y — C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

INCLUSIONS
This 11-day tour was designed to take your group from the banks of the Danube, past the
 Accommodations:
Vienna Woods, through historic Bohemian towns, to a fairytale city found along the River
Vienna 4 nights, Prague
Vltava and lastly to the northern frontiers of the scenic Alps. We guarantee that you 3 nights, Salzburg 3
cannot find scenery much better than this! If remarkable royal castles, pretty baroque nights

towns, top-notch classical music venues, and out-of-this-world landscapes are on your  Meals: Continental
breakfast daily. Lunch
travel bucket list, this is the itinerary for you!
and dinner as noted

 Air-conditioned,
private coaching
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL TO DAY 2 ~ DAY TOUR
VIENNA OF OLD TOWN  English-speaking
assistants and guides
Welcome to Austria! Upon After breakfast in the hotel,
arrival an assistant will a local guide will meet your HIGHLIGHTS
meet your group in the terminal’s arrivals group and take it on a full-day guided  Tour Schönbrunn, the
hall and accompany it by private coach to sightseeing tour of Vienna’s Innere Stadt Habsburg’s Winter
the hotel in Vienna. As this is the arrival (1st District), which contains its Old Town. Palace and a UNESCO
day, we have not scheduled any activities This entire area has been classified as an World Heritage Site

until dinnertime. Please note that if your official UNESCO World Heritage Site. Being  Dinner in a traditional
group arrives before the hotel’s official a political and cultural capital for the House wine tavern in the
check-in time (generally 3:00 pm) you are of Habsburg, Vienna served as a capital of Vienna Woods
more than welcome to store baggage with the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian  Wachau Valley day trip
the reception staff so that you can set out Empire, and later the Austro-Hungarian featuring Melk Abbey
and begin to explore Austria’s elegant, Empire. The dynasty’s patronage long and a Danube River
riverside capital. encouraged art, music and science, and as a Cruise
result, the city of Vienna today is truly a  Free day in Prague
The ancient city of Vienna was once home
treasure-trove of cultural attractions.
to some of Europe’s most powerful rulers,  Walking tours in the
Today’s tour will take place inside of
and their patronage is still evident today in historic Bohemian
Vienna’s famed Ring. Your guide will show towns of Třeboň and
this cultural mecca’s grand boulevards,
your group Stephansplatz, which is home to Český Krumlov
superb museums, splendid palaces, and
Vienna’s iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
unrivaled classical musical scene. This  Inside visits to Hofburg
You’ll stroll down Kärntnerstrasse, Vienna’s
afternoon consider paying a visit to one of Palace, Prague Castle,
most-famous shopping avenue and see the and Křivoklát Castle!
Vienna’s impressive museums, or as
nearby Vienna State Opera House.
Austria’s capital is world-famous for its  The Sound of Music tour
coffee houses, why not pop into one for a Most of your time today will be spent in Salzburg
café and a Viennese pastry (or two)? touring the imperial Hofburg Palace, which
 Day trip to the
was the winter residence of the Habsburg Bavarian Alps in
This evening your group will dine in the
kings and emperors. Today it is the official Germany
hotel’s restaurant.
61
 62

residence of the President of Austria. This century rooms associated with the Empress
enormous palace complex plays host to Maria Theresa, and the private apartments
many residences, offices and museums of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Sisi,
including the Spanish Riding School, the your group will return to the hotel in
National Library, the Burgtheater, the Vienna. There is nothing scheduled this
Natural History Museum, the Museum of evening. However, as Vienna has such a
Fine Arts, and the Imperial Chapel, where wonderful classical music scene, your group
the famed Vienna Boys Choir performs on might consider attending a performance at
Sunday mornings from September to June. the symphony or opera.
Your group will specifically go inside the
DAY 4 ~ WACHAU
Imperial State Apartments
VALLEY EXCURSION
(Kaiserappartements) to see what home
was like for the Habsburg emperors and After breakfast in the hotel,
their families. You will then continue to the today your group will set
Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer), which is out on an exciting sightseeing excursion to
arguably the world’s greatest treasury. the Wachau Valley. This extremely
picturesque area, which is found along the
The tour will finish up back at the hotel, Danube River, is another UNESCO World
and the remainder of the day is at leisure. Heritage Site. Today’s excursion will take
For information on Vienna’s nightlife and you west through the Vienna Woods to a
excellent restaurant scene, please feel free fairytale land of vineyards, castles, sleepy
to ask your guide. villages and historic abbeys.
DAY 3 ~ As part of today’s tour, your group will
SIGHTSEEING IN leisurely cruise the Danube from the pretty
VIENNA
wine town of Spitz to the ancient town of
After breakfast in the hotel, Melk, which is home to the famed
your group will dive straight back into the Benedictine Melk Abbey. This baroque
world of Habsburg splendor. Today’s first masterpiece, which dates back to the 11th
visit will be to the Kunsthistorisches century, is a true symbol of Austria and one
Museum, which is Vienna’s Museum of of the most-important monastic sites in the
Fine Arts. Many of the museum’s world. Your guide will lead your group on
collections were amassed by the Habsburg an interesting tour of the abbey before
rulers from their extensive territories. returning to Vienna in the late-afternoon.
Quite simply, this is one of the finest art (Please note that the Danube river cruises
museums in the world! generally only operate from April to
October. In the event that your group is
Afterwards your group will board its private
vacationing in Austria outside of this time
coach and travel southwest to Schönbrunn,
period, this area is still well worth a visit!
the Habsburg’s magnificent baroque
Instead of the river cruise, we could
summer palace. This UNESCO World
arrange for your group to have a special
Heritage Site, which has well over 1,000
lunch of regional specialties in Melk).
rooms, is the location where a six-year-old
Mozart wowed the Empress Maria Theresa After returning to the hotel in Vienna,
(mother of Marie Antoinette) with his enjoy some time to relax and freshen up
extraordinary musical talent in the late before tonight’s group dinner in Grinzing,
1700s. an area located on the outskirts of the
Vienna Woods. Grinzing is best
After touring the palace’s state rooms, 18th-
62
 63

characterized by its “heurigen” or cultural and architectural offerings date

traditional wine taverns. Enjoy a from their reigns. The city’s heritage is so
memorable last evening in Vienna before rich that its entire historic center is a
returning to the hotel (roundtrip UNESCO World Heritage Site.
transportation to Grinzing is included).
DAY 6 ~ PRAGUE
DAY 5 ~ VIENNA - CASTLES TOUR
TŘEBOŇ - PRAGUE After breakfast in the hotel,
After breakfast and check- your group will set out by
out, your group will bid private coach on a full-day royal castles
farewell to Vienna, head north by private sightseeing tour featuring Křivoklát Castle
coach, and cross into the Czech Republic. and Prague Castle. Dating back to the 12th
While your destination is Prague, en-route century, Křivoklát Castle was the home of
your group will stop and visit the Bohemian Bohemian kings and princes for centuries
town of Třeboň. This historic, walled city is (as well as political prisoners during the
home to some very pretty baroque and Middle Ages). The castle’s interiors are
renaissance architecture. While in Třeboň, absolutely stunning; its library and royal
your group will have free time for lunch, chapel in particular. After touring the
followed by a guided walking tour before re castle and free time for lunch, your castle
-boarding the coach and traveling north to sightseeing tour will continue with a visit to
Prague. the Prague Castle complex, which is
composed of many structures including
Upon arrival to the hotel in Prague, check
towers, houses and churches. One can
in and take some time to freshen up before
easily spend an entire day there and still
tonight’s group dinner in the hotel’s
not see everything. During your tour this
restaurant. Tomorrow you will begin your
afternoon your group will tour St. Vitus
sightseeing in the Czech Republic’s historic
Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, the Old
capital!
Royal Palace, Golden Lane and Daliborka
Much of the fairytale-like beauty found in Tower, all of which form part of a UNESCO
Prague can be credited to its 14th-century World Heritage Site.
ruler: Charles IV. As both the King of
The sightseeing tour will finish up back at
Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire, his
your hotel, and the evening is at leisure for
patronage ushered in an era of art, culture,
you to enjoy Prague.
architecture, and scholarship in Bohemia; a
true Golden Age. During his reign, Prague DAY 7 ~ PRAGUE
became the imperial capital of the Holy FREE DAY
Roman Empire. A second Golden Age in After breakfast in the hotel,
Prague took place in the late 16th century enjoy a full day at leisure to
during the reign of Emperor Rudolf II, who visit Prague on your own. As most of
despite being a Habsburg chose to rule yesterday’s sightseeing in Prague took
from Prague instead of Vienna. His place up in Hradčany, the Castle District,
fostering of both science and art allowed today we recommend you explore Prague’s
Prague to blossom even further. After his medieval Old Town, which in Czech is
reign, the Austrian Habsburgs continued to known as “Staré Město.” There you will
rule over Prague for the next three find a multitude of interesting sights, some
centuries; until the end of World War I. of which like the 13th-century Old New
Today, many of Prague’s magnificent Synagogue are located in Josefov, Prague’s
63
 64

Jewish Quarter. Another must see is Empire (and run by Prince Archbishops)
Prague’s magnificent Old Town Square, until it officially became part of Austria in
which is home to the city’s 15th-century the beginning of the 19th century.
Astronomical Clock. For postcard-like
While Salzburg was heavily bombed in
views of the Vltava River, we suggest you
World War II, much of the fantastic
stroll across the city’s iconic Charles Bridge.
baroque architecture found in its Old Town
Lastly, if you’re a fan of the Czech Art
was not destroyed. As a result, Salzburg’s
Nouveau artist, Alphonse Mucha, you must
Old Town is quite a rare example of an
pay a visit to the Mucha Museum, which is
authentic, Austrian alpine city. Its entire
housed inside the baroque Kaunický Palace.
historic area is an official UNESCO World
This evening your group will dine in a local Heritage Site. In addition to its
restaurant on its last evening in Prague. architecture, Salzburg today is known for
scenic surroundings (many of which were
DAY 8 ~ PRAGUE -
featured in The Sound of Music) and
ČESKÝ KRUMLOV -
wonderful music festivals, many of which
SALZBURG
pay homage to Salzburg’s most famous
After breakfast and check- son: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
out, your group will travel south by private
coach to visit one of the Czech Republic’s DAY 9 ~ SALZBURG
most popular tourist attractions: the pretty AND THE SOUND OF
Bohemian town of Český Krumlov. The MUSIC
town’s historic center, which comprises the After breakfast in the hotel
famed Český Krumlov Castle, is an official your group will head off on an exciting,
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival guided tour of scenic Salzburg (combination
to Český Krumlov, your group will enjoy a coach & walking). As you explore the
walking tour of its beautiful Old Town, historic center of Mozart’s hometown, your
followed by free time to buy lunch before guide will point out the sights related to
proceeding southwest to Salzburg. The Sound of Music film. Admire the
exquisite Mirabell Gardens, where the song
Upon arrival to the hotel in Salzburg, check
“Do-Re-Mi” was filmed, the famous Horse
in and take some time to freshen up before
Trough, the great Festival hall, St. Peters
tonight’s group dinner in the hotel’s
Churchyard and the monumental
restaurant, which will feature regional
Domplatz. You will also visit the birthplace
specialties and Austrian wines. Tomorrow
of Mozart on the historic Getreidegasse
you will begin your sightseeing in the
Street. After free time for lunch, travel to
musical, mountainous city of Salzburg!
the shores of Lake Mondsee to see the
Located at the northern edge of the Alps famous church where the wedding of Maria
along the banks of the Salzach River, and Captain Von Trapp was filmed. The
Salzburg’s incredible alpine vistas will make tour will finish back at the hotel in the
you feel a world away from the imperial afternoon, and you have the evening at
city of Vienna. This is one of the only parts leisure to enjoy Salzburg.
of Austria that was not ruled for many
DAY 10 ~ BAVARIAN
centuries by the Habsburgs. After gaining
ALPS TOUR
independence from the Bavarian (German)
Wittelsbach dynasty in the late 14th After breakfast in the hotel,
century, Salzburg was actually an your group will travel south,
independent state in the Holy Roman crossing the border with Germany into the
64
 65

heart of the Bavarian Alps. As part of your return flight to the USA or Canada. (Note: if
sightseeing tour, your group will travel to flight itineraries or rates are better from
the mountain retreat of Obersalzburg, a Munich, your group could easily add a night
particularly beautiful area that was often in Munich and use Munich Airport instead of
frequented by Adolf Hitler and senior Salzburg Airport).
members of the Nazi party. While there
your group will stop to appreciate the
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
spectacular views from the Eagle’s Nest, Whether it is taking a family trip to Paris, an
which was a teahouse originally educational group to Barcelona, or a church
constructed for Hitler’s 50th birthday. You group to Rome we can build an affordable,
will then descend back down to the truly European trip tailored to your interests.
lovely alpine town of Berchtesgaden, where From single city itineraries to multiple cities
you will have time for lunch. From there and countries, your travel agent will work
it’s on to the famed Berchtesgaden salt with us to create custom tours for groups of
mines, where you will have the opportunity 10 to 500 people.
to learn all about working underground! Why Should You
We Make It Easy - We provide a quick
This area (and Salzburg in particular) has turnaround on custom quotes. Multi-city and
Encourage Your
always been deeply impacted by the multi-country itineraries are our specialty. In Travel Agent to
presence of salt mines. As we know, salt addition, we can help organize signup Book Your Group
was historically always an extremely deadlines, travel documents and payments. Through Us?
valuable commodity. (In fact, the modern
Experience - Europe Express has managed
word “salary” originates from when Roman
over 6,000 custom group trips since 1990.
soldiers used to receive their pay or
We provide expert guides and high quality
“salarium” in salt). Much of the Salzburg’s
travel products.
Ease of Use
Prince-Archbishops’ wealth came from the
salt mines, and the name Salzburg actually Flexibility - We work with your travel agent Experience
translates to “salt castle.” Before returning to create a tailor-made trip to accommodate
to the hotel in Salzburg, your group will your interests, booking whatever Flexibility
also venture inside Berchtesgaden National combination of travel services fit your plans
Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to see and budget, including airfare, hotel, rail, Peace of Mind
the park’s magnificent Königssee. transfers, sightseeing and more.

Your last evening in Salzburg is at leisure. Peace Of Mind - Dedicated local ground
support means that there is always someone
DAY 11 ~ DEPARTURE
available to help you. Relax knowing that
FROM SALZBURG
your trip is backed by our commitment to
After breakfast and check- offer world-class quality of service.
out your group will travel by
Contact your travel agent today for a
private coach to Salzburg Airport for its
customized itinerary and group quote.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

65
 66

Best of Denmark & Germany

9 D A Y S / 8 N I G H T S — G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y — C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

This fascinating itinerary was crafted to show you some of Europe’s most interesting INCLUSIONS
historical sights. In just over a week you will visit Denmark’s grand capital city, explore  Accommodations:
German cities along the North Sea and the Baltic Sea of immense cultural heritage, and Copenhagen 2 nights,
then spend a couple days in Germany’s lively capital city. And despite the fact that no Lübeck 1 night,
fewer than three UNESCO World Heritage Sites are featured in the itinerary, you will find Bremen 1 night,
Lüneburg 2 nights,
that these destinations are unspoiled and not jam-packed with tourists. If your group is
Berlin 2 nights
looking to pair incredible, off-the-beaten-path sightseeing with European capital cities, this
is the itinerary for you.  Meals: Continental
breakfast daily, lunch
and dinner as noted in
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE IN itinerary
Danish King Christian IV as a summer
COPENHAGEN residence. The tour will finish at your  Air-conditioned,

Welcome to Scandinavia! Copenhagen hotel, where your group can private coaching

Upon arrival to check in and then have the remainder of  English-speaking

Copenhagen, Denmark’s beautiful capital the afternoon to continue discovering this assistants and guides
city, a local guide will meet your group in beautiful city. (Please note that should
your group arrive before the hotel’s official HIGHLIGHTS
the airport arrivals hall and immediately
lead it on a panoramic city tour of check-in time, which is generally 3:00 pm,  Visit three UNESCO
you are more than welcome to store your World Heritage Sites
Copenhagen. See the main sights of the
Danish capital beginning with a drive down baggage with the hotel staff so that you can  Visit Denmark’s iconic
Hans Christian Andersen Boulevard, which immediately head out and enjoy Tivoli Gardens
runs past the Tivoli Gardens, a world discovering Copenhagen.)
 Guided tour of
famous amusement park. Cross the This evening there will be a group welcome Copenhagen
picturesque canal and drive past dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.  Historic waterfronts
Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the
and town halls
Danish Parliament. Pass the beautiful, DAY 2 ~
historic Stock Exchange and see Kongens COPENHAGEN -  Gothic brick
TIVOLI GARDENS architecture
Nytorv (King’s New Square) with its Royal
Theater. Continue to Nyhavn, a street well After breakfast in the hotel,  Vibrant Berlin’s top
known for the variety of its nightlife, and a local guide will meet your group in the attractions
then see Amalienborg Palace, the Danish lobby and accompany it to Tivoli Gardens,  Visit Potsdam’s
Royal Family’s winter residence. Your tour an iconic symbol of Denmark. (This historic Sanssouci Park
will then take you to one of the most park served as one of Walt Disney’s
famous sights in Copenhagen: the Little inspirations to create Disneyland.) Inside
Mermaid statue, located in Copenhagen’s the park, the guide will show your group
lovely harbor. As part of the tour you will many of Tivoli Gardens’ best attractions.
also see Rosenborg Castle, which was built Afterwards, you and your fellow group
in the Dutch-Renaissance style by the members can continue exploring the park
66
 67

on your own and at your own pace. The Heritage Site. Your tour this morning will
remainder of the day is free, so please feel feature the Old Town gates, the Town Hall,
free to stay in Tivoli Gardens. Alternatively, and the many beautiful churches including
consider visiting one of Copenhagen’s Marienkirche, the world’s tallest brick
museums or check out the city’s fantastic church. Other sights include the historic
shopping scene. Before your guide finishes salt warehouses and the Medieval Hospital
showing your group around Tivoli Gardens, of the Holy Ghost.
feel free to ask for suggestions of what to
Once the tour has finished, you and your
see and do during your free time in
fellow travelers will have some time to eat,
Copenhagen.
buy souvenirs or continue exploring
DAY 3 ~ Lübeck. By mid-afternoon everyone will
COPENHAGEN - regroup and re-board the coach to travel to
LÜBECK the historic city of Bremen.
After breakfast and check- Upon arrival to your hotel in Bremen, your
out, your group will board a private coach group will check in and then enjoy an
and travel south from Copenhagen to evening at leisure.
Denmark’s southern tip at Rodby. From
there your group will cross with the ferry DAY 5 ~ BREMEN -
into Germany. When you arrive to LÜNEBURG
Puttgarden, a local German coach driver After breakfast and check-
will meet your group at the ferry terminal out, your group will set out
and drive it to the beautiful city of Lübeck, on another exciting day of Hanseatic
the formal capital of the Hanseatic League. sightseeing! A local guide will meet your
Upon arriving to your hotel in Lübeck, your group in the lobby and show it historic
group will check in and then have some Bremen’s best sightseeing attractions.
free time to begin looking around this
The 1,200-year-old city of Bremen, located
extremely historic city, whose entire Old
on the Weser River, was a major trading
Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
port in the Hanseatic League and remains
(And if you venture out to begin exploring
an important commercial and industrial city
the city’s large historical quarter, we
today. This morning will begin with a
suggest you seek out one Lübeck’s most
walking tour through Bremen’s Old Town.
well-loved delicacies: marzipan.)
Walk along the moats of the former
Tonight your group members will dine medieval city walls in Wallangen Park and
together in Lübeck. through the bustling pedestrian zones. The
highlight of your tour will undoubtedly be
DAY 4 ~ LÜBECK -
Market Square, dominated by the “Weser
BREMEN
Renaissance” façade of the UNESCO-listed
After breakfast and check- Town Hall and statute of Roland. Your tour
out, a local guide will lead continues along artistic Böttcherstrasse and
your group on a fascinating tour of Lübeck. the Schlachte riverside promenade, and at
Lübeck was the formal capital and “queen its conclusion you will again have free time
city” of the Hanseatic League, and its entire to buy souvenirs or look around on your
Old Quarter, which is located on an island own. By mid-afternoon your group will
in the Trave River, is a UNESCO World regroup and board its coach to transfer to

67
 68

the nearby city of Lüneburg. will travel by private coach to the vibrant
metropolis of Berlin, Germany’s capital.
Your group members will dine together this
When you arrive in Berlin you will have
evening in Lüneburg.
time on your own to grab some lunch
DAY 6 ~ LÜNEBURG before reconvening for an afternoon tour
SIGHTSEEING of this fabulous city. Highlights include the
After breakfast in the hotel, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Potsdamer
a local guide will lead your Platz, Checkpoint Charlie, Unter den
group on a sightseeing tour of the historic Linden, and the Berlin Cathedral.
city of Lüneburg. Lüneburg participated in The tour will finish back at the hotel, and
the Hanseatic Diet starting in 1363 and after check-in you will have the remainder
remained in the League right through to of the day to explore this energetic city on
the 17th century. The city’s several- your own.
hundred-year monopoly on salt production
in the region linked the city with Lübeck, DAY 8 ~ BERLIN -
POTSDAM
Why Should You the chief Hanseatic city. The cityscape
attests to the city's earlier wealth and
Encourage Your After breakfast in the hotel,
intensive trading during the Hanseatic your group will travel
Travel Agent to boom. outside of Berlin by private coach to
Book Your Group Potsdam, a baroque city surrounded by
Through Us? Your walking tour of the Old Town includes
parks. You will have a guided tour of the
the picturesque riverside quarter, the Town
most spectacular of them, Sanssouci Park.
Hall (one of northern Germany's largest
With its ornate palaces, manicured gardens
and most beautiful medieval town halls)
Ease of Use and "Am Sande" Square featuring some
and picturesque pavilions you will be
amazed at the incredible detail around
magnificent brick buildings. The tour
Experience continues with a visit to the German Salt
each corner or bend in the path.
Museum where your group will learn how a Upon returning to Berlin, enjoy free time
Flexibility nondescript mineral became a vital building before reconvening with your fellow group
block of life and was nicknamed “white members for a farewell group dinner at a
Peace of Mind local restaurant near your hotel.
gold.”

At the conclusion of your tour of Lüneburg, DAY 9 ~ DEPART

enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. BERLIN

DAY 7 ~ LÜNEBURG - After breakfast and

BERLIN checkout, your group will
travel by private coach to the airport for its
After breakfast in the hotel
return flight to the USA or Canada.
and check-out, your group

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

68
 69

Eastern Europe
1 8 D A Y S / 1 7 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Discover the beauty of Eastern Europe with this itinerary which features the highlights of INCLUSIONS

former Iron Curtain countries. Immensely rich in culture – and fascinating in its 20th century  2 nights each in
evolution - learn the history of Eastern Europe from antiquity to the Middle Ages to the Prague, Warsaw,
Budapest, Sofia, and
Warsaw Uprising through the Cold War to the present. Experience the beauty and heritage Bucharest
of its capital cities’ Old Towns. Explore its green, serene parks. Try traditional cuisine at  1 night each in Banska
neighborhood restaurants, bakeries and cafes, many of which have been in business for over Bystrica, and Plovdiv
 3 nights in Krakow
a century.  2 overnight trains
 Breakfast daily
 Lunch and dinner per
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE DAY 2 ~ PRAGUE itinerary
 Ground transport via
PRAGUE air conditioned luxury
After breakfast, meet your
Arrival in picturesque coach
local guide in the hotel
 English speaking
Prague, the capital of the lobby for a morning assistant and guides
Czech Republic. After exiting customs, meet excursion by private coach to the  Admission tickets as
your local guide in the terminal’s arrivals outlined in itinerary
spectacular Karlstejn Castle, a medieval
hall. Travel by private coach to Prague structure commissioned by Charles IV in HIGHLIGHTS
Castle, whose origins date back to the 9th the 14th century. Your group will enjoy an  Walking tour of
century. Here your group will enjoy a excellent guided tour with admission Prague, including a
guided walking tour of the castle complex, included inside the castle. Before returning guided visit of Prague
Castle
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided to the hotel in Prague, your group will have  Opera or Concert
tour will feature the St. Vitus Cathedral, the lunch at a local restaurant that serves up performance at
Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of St. George, Prague's State Opera
traditional Czech fare (included). Upon
House
the 16th century Golden Lane and arriving to the hotel, enjoy the remainder  Guided tour of the
Daliborka Tower. After the tour at Prague of the afternoon to visit more in Prague on Warsaw Uprising
Museum and the
Castle your group will proceed to the Old your own. A group dinner is not included Fryderyk Chopin
Town Square. There will be free time to on today’s program, but all group members Museum
have lunch on your own. Afterwards your should be back to the hotel at the agreed  Chopin Concert at
Lazienki Park
group will be transferred to the hotel for meeting time for tonight’s performance at  Visit Bulgaria's
check-in. Your group has the rest of the the State Opera House or concert venue. Boyana Church and
afternoon free to explore. This evening a Bachkovo Monastery
DAY 3 ~ PRAGUE  Tour of the Romanian
local assistant will accompany your group Peasant Museum &
to a local restaurant by private coach. After enjoying breakfast in the Romanian
Afterwards, you may either return to the the hotel, enjoy a free day Parliament
 Tour of the Wielicka
hotel by coach with your assistant - or stay to continue exploring
Salt Mine
in Prague’s beautiful Old Town on your own Prague on your own. The hotel’s check-out
to check out the city’s famous jazz clubs, time is generally at 12:00 noon, so if you’ve
pubs and nightclubs. planned a lot of sightseeing for today and
don’t want to return to the hotel at midday

69
 70

to check-out, the most convenient option traditional Polish meal.

might be to have breakfast, check out and
DAY 5 ~ WARSAW
store your baggage with the reception staff.
During today’s free time, consider cruising After breakfast, your group
down the Vltava River, blending in with the will meet a local guide in
locals at a neighborhood café – or checking the lobby for a sightseeing
out some of Prague’s lovely artisan shops; tour by private coach of Warsaw’s best
you’ll find many that create old-fashioned attractions with admission included inside
marionettes. At the agreed meeting time, the Royal Castle. You’ll also travel down
meet your group members and local The Royal Route, which was the route that
assistant in the hotel lobby and transfer to Poland’s kings and queens took from The
the rail station by private coach. Bid Prague Royal Castle in the Old Town south to
farewell as your group departs on a Wilanów Palace. Today it is rife with
comfortable, overnight train to Warsaw, splendid buildings, universities, shopping,
Poland. palaces, historic landmarks and churches
including Ujazdów Castle, the Presidential
DAY 4 ~ WARSAW Palace and the royal summer residence
This morning your group dubbed the “Palace on the Water” located
will wake up in Warsaw, inside Lazienki Park. Pending availability,
Poland. Meet your local after the coach and walking portions of the
guide on the platform as soon as your train tour and free time for lunch, the group will
pulls in to the station. After a quick, private return to the beautifully landscaped
coach transfer to Warsaw’s Old Town, your Lazienki Park to attend a free Chopin
group will begin its day with breakfast in a concert before returning to the hotel by
local café. Afterwards your guide will lead a private coach. The rest of the day is free to
fascinating tour of the Museum of the enjoy exploring Warsaw.
Warsaw Uprising. Here your group will
DAY 6 ~ KRAKOW
learn the military background of the
infamous, 63-day battle as well as hear This morning enjoy
about the civilians’ experience of living in a breakfast and time to relax
city under siege. From here you will before checking out of the
continue the morning sightseeing tour with hotel and transferring by private coach to
a visit to the Fryderyk Chopin Museum to the train station where your group will
learn about Poland’s most famous travel first class to the cultural city of
composer. Once the tour finishes at the Krakow. Meet your local assistant on the
hotel, group members will store their platform as soon as your train pulls in to
baggage with the reception staff (or check- the station. Then depart by private coach
in if the rooms are already ready). The to the hotel where your group can check in
afternoon is free for lunch and exploration and freshen up before meeting a local
on own. Consider checking out the former guide in the lobby for an introductory tour
Gestapo Headquarters, now home to the of Krakow by visiting the Old Town and the
Museum of Independence (note: children impressive Rynek Gówny Square. See St.
under 14 are not admitted). This evening Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall, the Town Hall
at the agreed meeting time all group Tower, the Barbican fortress Florianska
members will meet back in the hotel lobby Gate and the Royal Route. The tour will
to transfer to a local restaurant for a finish at a local restaurant for a group

70
 71

dinner of local dishes. Afterwards return to carvings and murals. After the guided tour
the hotel by private coach. of the mine, the group will return to the
hotel in Krakow. The evening is free for
DAY 7 ~ KRAKOW
group members to spend as they choose.
After breakfast in the hotel, This evening is also free for group members
your group will meet a local to enjoy Krakow on their own.
guide in the hotel lobby for
DAY 9 ~ BANSKA
a full-day tour of Krakow, with private
BYSTRICA
coaching included. This morning’s tour will
consist of the Wawel Castle Complex. The This morning after
castle dates back to the 10th century and breakfast and check-out,
for over 500 years was home to the Polish group members will board the private
monarchy. Inside the complex the group coach to travel south to the former mining
will visit inside the Royal Cathedral, town of Banska Bystrica in Slovakia. This
including the Cathedral Museum and the pretty town, which is surrounded by
Royal Tombs. This is a place of intense mountains, has steadily become a popular
pride for the Polish people. Also inside the place to visit over the last few years. It was
complex the group will visit the Crown also the scene of one of the largest anti-
Treasury and Armory, home to national Nazi uprisings in Europe. Upon arrival to
treasures and the Crown Jewels. After the the hotel, group members can check in and
visit the group will have time to break for enjoy some free time for lunch.
lunch on own before continuing the tour by Afterwards, a local guide will provide a
traveling to the former Jewish quarter of walking tour of the historic town center.
Kazimierz, a must-see while visiting Krakow Once the tour ends at the hotel, the group
and the location of much of the filming of is free for remainder of the day to explore
Schindler's List. The tour will finish in the Banska Bystrica.
late afternoon at the hotel. The evening is
DAY 10 ~ BUDAPEST
free for group members to spend as they
choose. After breakfast and check-
out the group will continue
DAY 8 ~ KRAKOW traveling south by private
After breakfast in the hotel, coach to Budapest, Hungary’s beautiful
your group will meet a local capital city. Upon arrival to the hotel,
guide in the hotel lobby for group members will store baggage with the
a full-day excursion by private coach reception staff and proceed on an
beginning with a guided tour of the former afternoon panoramic, sightseeing tour of
concentration camp of Auschwitz, which Pest’s inner, historic area. See the 12th
today exists as a Memorial and Museum. century Inner City Parish Church,
After the visit, the group will travel east to Vajdahunyad Castle, Andrássy Boulevard,
the city of Wielicka for a tour of its Budapest’s Parliament, the Opera House,
interesting Salt Mine. Composed of nine St. Stephen’s Basilica, Váci utca street -
levels and concealed beneath the town, the famed for shopping & strolling – the
mine surpasses a depth of 1000 feet and Dohány Synagogue, the second largest
contains approximately 180 miles of working synagogue in the world- Heroes’
corridors, 3,000 chambers, magnificent Square, city park and Vajdahunyad Castle.
chapels, underground lakes, original tools, The tour will finish at the hotel. After check

71
 72

-in and time to freshen up, the group will DAY 13 ~ BUCHAREST
have a traditional Hungarian dinner in the
This morning your group
hotel’s restaurant.
will wake up in Bucharest,
DAY 11 ~ BUDAPEST Romania. Meet your local
guide on the platform as soon as your train
After breakfast in the hotel,
pulls in to the station. From here, the
your group will meet a local
sightseeing of Bucharest will commence!
guide in the hotel lobby for
Known for its tree-lined boulevards, Belle
a morning tour of historic Buda and the
Époque architecture and lively nightlife,
Castle District. Cross the Chain Bridge,
Romania's capital was once known as the
which connects the neighborhoods of Buda
"Little Paris." Remodeled, in the late 19th
and Pest and then ascend to visit this
century, by French and French-trained
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour will
architects, the city even has its own “Arcul
feature Matthias church, the Budapest
de Triumf” located on the elegant Soseaua
History Museum, located inside Buda
Kiseleff, a boulevard longer that Paris'
Palace, and the Fisherman's Bastion with its
famed Champs-Elysées. The tour will also
marvelous panoramic view. During the
feature the fascinating Museum of the
tour the group will stop in a neighborhood
Romanian Peasant and the Palace of the
café for coffee and a pastry. The tour will
Romanian Parliamentary Palace, the
finish back at the hotel. The remainder of
second largest administrative building in
the day is free to explore Budapest. This
the world; it’s second only to the Pentagon
capital city contains truly excellent
in Washington, D.C. After the tour, the
museums; consider visiting one or two this
coach will transfer the group to the hotel to
afternoon. For tonight, consider attending
check-in. After having time to freshen up,
a performance at the Opera House – or find
it will transfer by private coach to Casa
a wine bar where you can taste local
Doina for a special dinner in this 18th
vintages. Hungary does produce some
century Romanian villa-restaurant.
world-renown wines.
DAY 14 ~ BUCHAREST
DAY 12 ~ BUDAPEST
Today the group has a full
There’s no rush this
day to explore Bucharest
morning so feel free to
on its own. Consider visiting
relax before checking out.
the acclaimed National Museum of Art, the
The group will then head with a local guide
Orthodox church of Biserica Stavropoleos,
to the historic Gundel Restaurant for
the Controceni Museum or the National
brunch. After brunch depart with your
Village Museum.
local guide and private coach to the town
of Szentendre, a lovely town north of DAY 15 ~ PLOVDIV
Budapest renowned for its artistic
After breakfast and check-
community. The guide will accompany
out, the group will board its
your group through its historic
private coach and travel to
neighborhoods and galleries. Afterwards
south to Ruse, Bulgaria, a city often
there will be free time to explore and shop.
referred to as “Little Vienna.” Upon arrival
At the agreed meeting time, the group will
in Ruse, meet your local guide who will take
return to Budapest and transfer directly to
your group on a walking tour. Ruse is
the train station to board an overnight train
known for its Baroque and Rococo
to Bucharest, Romania.
72
 73

architecture. After the walking tour, there DAY 17 ~ SOFIA

will be time for everyone to buy something After breakfast, all group
for lunch before re-boarding the coach to members will meet a local
continue traveling south to the historic city guide and board a private
of Plovdiv, which contains truly impressive, coach for transfer to the UNESCO World
ancient ruins. Bulgaria, the oldest state in Heritage Site of the Boyana Church, one of
Europe, is extremely rich in archeological the most complete and perfectly preserved
heritage. You’ll travel through its the monuments of eastern European, medieval
central plains, thought to be home to art. Constructed in the 10th century, the
Europe’s oldest civilization, the tribes of Eastern Church was enlarged at the
Thracian. This part of Bulgaria is called beginning of the 13th century. The second
“The Valley of the Kings.” Upon arrival in church’s 13th century frescoes contribute
Plovdiv, the group will check in to the hotel to the complex’s important collection of
and then have free time to relax or set out medieval paintings. The ensemble is
to visit Plovdiv, considered by many to be completed by a third church, which was Why Should You
the cultural capital of Bulgaria. Dinner will built at the beginning of the 19th century. Encourage Your
be included in the hotel’s restaurant After the guided visit, we’ll return to the Travel Agent to
tonight. center of Sofia for a lunch break followed Book Your Group
DAY 16 ~ SOFIA by an afternoon walking tour through Through Us?
Sofia’s lovely Old Town. The tour will
After breakfast and check-
feature the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the
out, the group will set off
Eternal Flame of the Unknown Soldier, the
with a local guide for a Ease of Use
Church of St. Sofia, the Russian Church of
walking tour of Plovdiv’s Old Town.
St. Nicholas, the Archeological Museum,
Afterwards, it will travel half an hour by
private coach to the Bachkovo Monastery,
the Rotunda of St George, St. Nedelya Experience
Church, the Banya Bashi Mosque, the Sofia
which was founded in the 11th century. Its
Synagogue and the lively street of Zhenski
rich history and spectacular art collection
has made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pazar. The tour will finish at the hotel, and Flexibility
everyone will have time to relax and
After a guided tour and a break for lunch,
freshen up before tonight’s farewell dinner.
the group will travel west to Sofia, the Peace of Mind
capital of Bulgaria. Upon arrival, the group DAY 18 ~ SOFIA
will check in and have free time to relax. After check-out, your group
Later in the evening, meet your local will transfer this morning to
assistant who will accompany your group Sofia, Bulgaria international
on foot to a nearby restaurant for an Airport for your return flight to the USA.
evening of traditional Bulgarian cuisine.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

73
 74

English Gardens
1 1 D A Y S / 1 0 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

As famed English gardener and writer Russell Page once wrote, “green fingers are the INCLUSIONS
extension of a verdant heart.” British culture is intrinsically linked to a passion for
 1 night in Durham
horticulture. The perfect destinations for garden lovers, travelers to England and Scotland  3 nights each in
can experience traditional English gardens, water gardens, rock gardens, bonsai gardens as Grasmere,
well as beautiful parks and woodlands – and all in places naturally abundant in beauty like Edinburgh, and
Harrogate
England’s legendary Lake District, which is home to many of the gardens you will visit on this
 Breakfast daily
tour. A great many of these gardens are located on the grounds of historic estate and manor  Lunch and dinner
houses. Some are so beautiful they have been chosen as film locations (as part of the tour, per itinerary
you will visit one where Jane Eyre was filmed). Visit the very best of Britain’s gardens, and  Ground transport via
enjoy the historic and literary aspects that will also form part of the itinerary, such as a visit air conditioned
luxury coach
to the former cottages of two beloved English writers: Beatrix Potter and Williams
 English speaking
assistant and guides
 Admission tickets as
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL IN journey north to Grasmere where it will outlined in itinerary
GRASMERE check-in to the hotel. There will be time to HIGHLIGHTS
Upon arrival, a Tour eat and relax before re-boarding the coach
for a visit to the nearby Wordsworth  Explore the cottage
Director will meet your
Museum and Dove Cottage, the former of one of the most
group inside the arrivals hall of Manchester famous writers of
Airport and accompany it by private coach home of William Wordsworth, one of children's literature:
to Grasmere, a lovely village based in the England’s best poets of the Romantic Era. Beatrix Potter
Wordsworth lived with his sister at Dove  Enjoy a leisurely
center of the English Lake District. It will
Cottage, and its garden today largely looks cruise on Lake
serve as your base for the next three Windermere
how it did when the Wordsworth’s resided
nights. Before arriving to the hotel, your  Investigate the
group will stop in the nearby market town there. Your group will see honeysuckles, works of the English
of Kendal to tour Levens Hall. The estate’s Rosa Rugosa, English primrose, daffodils, Romantic poet,
bluebells as well as mosses ferns and ivy. William Wordsmith,
17th century gardens are a must-see for at his namesake
any visitor to the English Lake District. The Inside the museum, you will see a
museum
design of the four gardens has remained collection of manuscripts, paintings and  Visit Malleny House,
unchanged for three hundred years, and its memorabilia related to the poet. home to the national
Wordsworth died in 1850 and was buried in Bonsai collection
topiary garden is one of the oldest of its  Visit film locations
kind in the world. The Hall itself was a nearby graveyard at the village church in
for the movie Jane
finished in 1820 with the completion of the Grasmere. After your visit, the group will Eyre
Howard Tower. Today you will see its finest return to the hotel in Grasmere for dinner.
Elizabethan rooms including elegant DAY 2 ~ GRASMERE
bedrooms and a dining room containing
After breakfast meet your
embossed Cordova leather wall-coverings.
Tour Director for a full-day
After your visit your group will continue its excursion around Lake

74
 75

Windermere beginning with a guided tour premier stately home and is surrounded by
of Hill Top, the former home of Beatrix 25 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.
Potter, a favorite author of children all over Here you will also find a motor museum,
the world for her book “The Tale of Peter exhibitions, a deer park, a shop, a café, an
Rabbit.” Potter moved to this 17th-century adventure playground – as well as the
house (which was located on the site of a world's largest slate sundial.
working farm) in 1906. Before she passed
After free time for lunch your group will
away, she bequeathed the house to the
once again travel to the town of Kendal to
National Trust with specific instructions to
visit Sizergh Castle, regarded as one of the
leave the house as she left it! The garden
very best houses in Cumbria. This castle
that surrounds this stone & slate
was originally built in the early 13th
farmhouse very much typifies the English
century and was occupied by the Strickland
country garden style with beds informally
family for 750 years. The gardens here are
filled with flowers and vegetables.
regarded as some of the best in the
After free time for lunch, your group will country. They feature the largest limestone
continue to Holehird Gardens, home to the rock gardens, which are managed by the
Lakeland Horticultural Society. Long National Trust. After your tour you will
considered one of the best gardens in all of return to your hotel for dinner.
England, its 17 acres contain a walled
DAY 4 ~ EDINBURGH
garden, alpine plants, stunning perennial
borders, rock gardens, heather gardens as After breakfast & check-
well as an extensive variety of trees and out, your group will begin
shrubs. Holehird Gardens also maintains its exciting sightseeing
three National Collections: Astilbe, program for the day. It will begin with a
Hydrangea and Polystichum Ferns. visit to the Dalemain Estate’s historic house
& gardens, which are located only 2 miles
After the visit your group will proceed to
from Lake Ullswater. This house, a
nearby Lake Windermere, the largest
medieval Tudor & Georgian home, has
natural lake in England and a source of
remained in the same family since 1679
inspiration for some of England’s best poets
and was the main location for the film Jane
and artists. The entire lake forms part of
Eyre. Notice the house’s splendid interiors,
the Lake District National Park, and since
fine furniture, family portraits and beautiful
the mid 1800’s it has been a favorite
gardens. After free time for lunch, the
vacation spot for the British. After your
group will continue sightseeing by traveling
cruise on the lake your group will return to
on to Ballerno where you will tour the
the hotel in Grasmere for dinner.
Malleny House, home to the National
DAY 3 ~ GRASMERE Bonsai Collection.

After breakfast meet your After your visit you will continue north to
Tour Director for a tour to Edinburgh where you will check-in to your
Holker Hall and Sizergh hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel
Castle. You will first visit Holker Hall & with the remainder of the day free.
Gardens in Grange-over-Sands. Holker Hall
DAY 5 ~ EDINBURGH
is a friendly, stately home with magnificent,
award-winning gardens classed as After your included Scottish
"amongst the best in the world…" (Good breakfast you will board
Gardens Guide). Holker Hall is Cumbria's your coach for your visit to
75
 76

the Edinburgh Botanical Garden and later garden with raised beds, a covered
tour of the city. walkway, a flowery mead and hurdle
fencing. It contains a variety of unusual
You will first visit the Edinburgh Botanical
vegetables, herbs and perennials.
Gardens with your own specialized guide.
At the Inverleith Garden you will see many After your tour you will return to your hotel
wonders of the plant kingdom which are for dinner. After dinner the remainder of
displayed in grounds that include ten plant the day is free at leisure.
houses, a world famous rock garden, peat
DAY 7 ~ DURHAM
and woodland gardens, an ecological
garden, colorful herbaceous borders, an After your included Scottish
arboretum and an executive collection of breakfast you will check out
rhododendrons. Time to stop for lunch on of your hotel and board
your own. your coach for your visit to Priorwood
Gardens and Hexham Herbs.
After lunch you will meet your guide at the
hotel for your half-day panoramic tour of Priorwood Gardens is a specialist garden
Edinburgh where you will see many of the where most of the plants grown are
most famous sights. After your tour you will suitable for drying. The colorful and
return to your hotel for dinner. After dinner imaginative selection ensures variety for
the remainder of the day is free at leisure. the dried flower arrangement made on the
premises. Priorwood Garden is just a short
DAY 6 ~ EDINBURGH walk from Harmony Garden in Melrose and
After your included Scottish from Priorwood Garden you will be able to
breakfast you will board see the impressive ruins of Melrose Abbey.
your coach for your visit to Time to stop for lunch on your own.
Inveresk Lodge Gardens and Culross Palace
After lunch visit Hexham Herbs; this 2-acre
& Town House.
garden specializes in many different garden
Inveresk Lodge Gardens’ inviting terrace herbs. Next you'll see Chesters which is
garden entices visitors with its colorful located very close to Hexham Herbs. This
herbaceous beds, a variety of attractive fort has an excellent example of Roman
shrubs and a collection of old roses Baths and is in a pretty location beside the
selected by Graham Stuart Thomas. The river. After your visit you will continue
fine Edwardian conservatory has an aviary, south to Durham. En route to Durham you
tree ferns and hardy exotics. In the will have a short stop at Hadrian's Wall. If
informal area, many of the plants hold the indeed you have time, you will also be
Royal Horticultural Society Award of allowed an entrance to one of the Wall
Garden Merit. Time to stop for lunch on Forts (either Housesteads or Vindolanda).
your own. On arrival in Durham check into your hotel.
Optional visit to see Durham Cathedral in
After lunch you will continue on to Culross
the evening.
Palace & Town House near Fife. The Palace
was built between 1597 and 1611 for Sir DAY 8 ~ HARROGATE
George and features many decorative
After your included English
items. On the ground floor of the West
breakfast you will check out
Wing there is a collection of Staffordshire
of the hotel and will board
and Scottish pottery. At the rear of the
your coach for your visit to see Heriot
palace you will find a model 17th Century
country and the Dales en route to
76
 77

Harrogate. While passing through Herriot Jane Eyre. The Parsonage setting in the
Country you will stop in the town of Thirsk moorland provided much of their
for a brief visit. You will then have an inspiration. After your tour you will return
entrance to The World of James Herriot (a to your hotel in Harrogate for dinner. After
museum). This was the home and dinner the remainder of the day is free at
veterinary practice of Alf Wight (James leisure.
Herriot). After your tour you will be taken
DAY 11 ~
to a local restaurant or bistro for an
HARROGATE
included lunch.
After your included English
After lunch you will then continue on to breakfast you will check
Harrogate. On arrival in Harrogate you will out of your hotel and will board your coach
be taken to see Newby Hall & Gardens. The for your transfer to Manchester Airport for
interior of this 17th Century house was departure flight back to the USA.
designed by Robert Adam and houses
beautiful classical sculptures and tapestries.
Why Should You
Encourage Your
DAY 9 ~ HARROGATE Travel Agent to
After your included English Book Your Group
breakfast you will board Through Us?
your coach for your day
visit to York. Spend the day on your own
then meet your coach driver at a
Ease of Use
designated meeting point to be arranged
between the driver and the group for your
return transfer back to the hotel. Dinner Experience
will be at the hotel.

DAY 10 ~
HARROGATE Flexibility
After your included English
breakfast you will board Peace of Mind
your coach for your visit to Harlow Carr
Botanical Gardens and the Bronte
Parsonage museum. Explore Harlow Carr
Botanical Gardens and then you will have
some time to stop for lunch on your own.

Continue on to the Bronte Parsonage

Museum, which was the home of the
Bronte sisters who wrote the famous novel

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

77
 78

Explore Ireland
1 2 D A Y S / 1 1 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

This tour of Ireland has something for everyone. Beautiful landscapes and natural beauty INCLUSIONS
characterize the Counties of Wicklow, Kerry, Galway and Donegal- with each destination
offering its visitors mountains, glens, lovely lakes or wild coastlines. Literary enthusiasts will  3 nights in Dublin
 2 nights each in
see the countryside that inspired the poetry of William Butler Yeats as well as the lively city
Killarney, Galway,
of Dublin, which inspired so many of Ireland's literary giants. Group members wanting to and Enniskillen
shop will have opportunities to purchase regional specialties such as Waterford Crystal  1 night each in
Factory and items from rustic, woolen mill towns. As your group tours medieval monasteries Waterford, and
Limerick
and castles throughout the country, learn the fascinating history of Ireland including the
 Breakfast daily
 Lunch and dinner
per itinerary
 Ground transport via
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL IN Ireland) and through the mountains via
air conditioned
DUBLIN Roundwood, the highest village in Ireland. luxury coach
Upon arrival clear We’ll stop in Glendalough, a scenic glen  English speaking
between two lakes that once held St. assistant and guides
immigration, baggage claim
Kevin's 6th-century monastic city. After  Admission tickets as
& customs and then meet your group’s outlined in itinerary
driver-guide in the arrivals hall for a viewing the ruined churches, round tower
transfer to the hotel by private coach. An and Celtic crosses, the group can hear HIGHLIGHTS

island country located to the west of the Glendalough's story inside The Visitors
 Explore the
United Kingdom and continental Europe, Centre
monastic history and
Ireland’s charming capital city of Dublin is After the visit, another stop will be made Celtic crosses of
one of Europe’s most loved destinations – beautiful
this afternoon in Wexford, an ancient town
Glendalough
and now you’ll see why. En route to the with rich Viking/Norman traditions. Begin  Kiss the Blarney
hotel, the driver-guide will provide a an unforgettable journey through 9000 Stone
panoramic tour of the city’s top attractions. years of Irish history at the Irish National  Shop for treasures at
After check-in and time to relax (or begin Heritage Park. From here the group will the Blarney Woolen
Mills
sightseeing) the group will have a welcome press on to its overnight accommodations  Tour the Ring of
dinner in the hotel’s restaurant this in Waterford. If time permits, take time Kerry
evening. before dinner to begin exploring its lovely  View the famous
streets. Cliffs of Moher
DAY 2 ~ WATERFORD  Explore Yeats’
After breakfast in the hotel DAY 3 ~ KILLARNEY country
 Enjoy traditional
and check-out, the group After breakfast in the hotel Irish music night at
will depart Dublin and and check-out, this morning Abbey Tavern
travel south to the city of Waterford. Along the group will journey to
the way, the driver-guide will take the Cobh, the 19th century exit point for many
group through Enniskerry, a secluded Irish emigrants. From 1848 until 1950, over
hillside village that serves as the gateway to 6 million adults and children emigrated
County Wicklow (often called the Garden of from Ireland, and over 2.5 million of them
78
 79

departed from Cobh. Visit the Victorian DAY 6 ~ GALWAY

railway station’s "Queenstown Story,"
After breakfast and check-
which tells the story of this exodus from
out, the group will travel to
Ireland. Next we travel on to the village of
Galway with sightseeing en
Blarney to visit the Blarney Castle, an
route. Drive through the winding streets of
impressive baronial mansion with formal
Ennis, the setting of an impressive 13th
gardens and woodland walks. Here you can
century friary. See the famed and dramatic
see its fabled stone, which gives the gift of
Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 ft. above the
eloquence with a kiss! There is time for you
Atlantic Ocean. Then drive north through
to go to the famous Blarney Woolen Mills,
the bare limestone region known as the
where you can buy everything from Irish
Burren to Ballyvaughan, where the Burren
sweaters to Waterford Crystal. Enjoy scenic
Exposure complex tells the story of its
views as we proceed west to Killarney, our
unique landscape and flora. Stop at
base city for the next two nights.
Rathbaun Farm in County Galway for a tour
DAY 4 ~ KILLARNEY of this working farm followed by tea &
scones. Next, arrive in Galway, City of
After breakfast the group
Tribes, which is the capital of the West of
will depart with its driver-
Ireland. Visit the Galway Cathedral & the
guide on a tour of the Ring
Church of St Nicholas, where Columbus is
of Kerry, a postcard panorama of
reputed to have prayed before sailing to
mountains, lakes, valleys, seacoast bog land
America. Our next 2 nights are at an abbey
and colorful villages. One of the most
converted into a wonderful 4-star hotel.
impressive inclusions on the Ring of Kerry is
the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, DAY 7 ~ GALWAY
with its Carrauntoohill peak being the
Relax this morning at your
highest in all of Ireland. The Ring of Kerry
hotel before we depart for
offers a rich diversity of wildlife and flora
the wild and scenic coast of
that has evolved due to its unique location
the Connemara district. Here the
on the Gulf Stream. Returning to the city of
mountains of Galway & Mayo drop down to
Killarney, we’ll stop in Killarney National
meet the rugged coastline. Stop at the
Park on our way back if time permits. The
famous Knock Shrine. On the 21st of
evening is free in Killarney.
August 1879, Our Lady, St. Joseph & St.
DAY 5 ~ LIMERICK John the Evangelist appeared at the south
gable of Knock Parish Church. Fifteen
After breakfast and check-
people, young & old witnessed the
out, the group will travel to
apparition. This afternoon return to your
Limerick this morning with a
hotel & enjoy Galway's quaint city
stop in the picturesque village of Adare,
highlights. Consider visiting the Spanish
considered to be the prettiest village in
Arch, Eyre Square, or the Galway Crystal
Ireland with its thatched cottages.
Heritage Center. Dinner in the hotel’s
Continuing north, stop and tour Bunratty,
restaurant is included tonight.
famous for its 15th century castle & park,
to learn about the Ireland of Medieval DAY 8 ~ ENNISKILLEN
times. Proceed to the city of Limerick for
After breakfast and check-
check-in, free time and later on this
out, this morning the group
evening – dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.
will head northeast to Sligo,
the homeland of poet William Butler Yeats.
79
 80

We visit his quiet churchyard grave at Lisburn, is famous for its Irish Linen Centre.
Drumcliffe. We then continue through the Continue to Armagh, the ecclesiastical
villages and towns of County Donegal. The capital of Ireland and home of two St.
area offers a rugged beauty and mystique Patrick Cathedrals and a heritage center
that you are unlikely to find anywhere else devoted to Ireland's patron saint. As we
in the world. Donegal Town itself is arrive later in the afternoon to Dublin, we’ll
regarded as a town of great historical check in then head out for a festive and
interest, for it was the family seat of the lively dinner at Abbey Tavern. The food is
O'Donnells, chieftains of Tirconaill in 1474. delicious and the traditional Irish music is
Enjoy the rest of the day in the peaceful top class - a blend of fiddles, concertinas,
surroundings of the Manor House Hotel as tin whistles, pipes, spoons and lots of hand
we cross into Northern Ireland near clapping.
Enniskillen.
DAY 11 ~ DUBLIN
DAY 9 ~ ENNISKILLEN
Why Should You Street-side cafes and pubs
The first outing this are always buzzing with
Encourage Your morning is a leisurely cruise animated conversations
Travel Agent to on the lovely lake around and it is interesting to note that it was in
Book Your Group Devenish Island to view its early monastic many of these same cafes and pubs that
Through Us? ruins. Ballycassidy is on the north of the literary giants such as Joyce, Kavanagh
Devenish Island on the eastern shore of the and O'Casey discussed the topics of the day
lake. The ruins of a monastery, two over a thick creamy pint of Guinness. In the
Ease of Use churches, an oratory and one of the finest city there are a variety of museums, art
round towers in Ireland occupy a sloping galleries and visitor attractions to suit every
hillside on the southeast tip of Devenish. St. taste. You can ask your driver-guide to
Experience Molaise founded a monastery on Devenish point out the off-the-beaten-track areas of
Island. The story is told that St. Molaise, Dublin, or you can find yourself immersed
resting from his labors, listened spellbound in shopping in the best shops in the
Flexibility to bird song that was the Holy Spirit country. Tonight join your fellow travelers
communicating. The reverie lasted a for a farewell dinner, where you can trade
hundred years, and when St. Molaise the Irish limericks you have learned over a
Peace of Mind
looked around after the interval, the pint of Guinness.
monastery had been built.
DAY 12 ~ DUBLIN
DAY 10 ~ DUBLIN After breakfast and check-
After breakfast and check- out, the will travel to
out, today we follow the Dublin Airport for its return
road south to Dublin. Along flight to the US.
the way we make little stops in small
villages along the way. One such village,

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

80
 81

Fjord Adventure in Norway

8 D A Y S / 7 N I G H T S — G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y — C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

INCLUSIONS
Groups in search of the world’s most extraordinary natural landscapes need look no further
 Accommodations: Oslo
than Norway. Home to magnificent glaciers, glimmering lakes, dramatic fjords and
2 nights, Lillehammer 1
thundering waterfalls, vacationers to Norway can expect to experience a sliver of paradise
night, Alesund 1 night,
on Earth. This itinerary was crafted to show your group Norway’s most beautiful spots.
Skei 1 night, Bergen 1
Scenic railways, funiculars, ferries and private coaching make it comfortable and relaxing to night, Ulvik 1 night
enjoy the out-of-this-world scenery.
 Meals: Continental
breakfast daily, lunch
and dinner as noted in
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL IN DAY 2 ~ OSLO - itinerary
OSLO LILLEHAMMER
 Air-conditioned, private
Welcome to Norway! An After breakfast and check- coaching
assistant will greet your out, a local guide will lead  English-speaking
group inside the arrivals hall of Oslo’s your group on a panoramic city tour to see assistants and guides
Gardermoen Airport and lead it to a private the main sights of Oslo including the
coach, which will take you directly to your Akershus Fortress, the City Hall, the Royal HIGHLIGHTS
hotel in Oslo. Should your group arrive Palace, Parliament and the Opera House.  See Vøringfossen, the
before the hotel’s official check-in time You will then travel west of the city to visit most famous waterfall
(generally 3:00 pm), please feel free to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, which is home in Norway
store baggage with the reception staff so to over 200 stone, bronze and cast-iron  Travel on two of
that you can begin visiting this wonderful figural sculptures made by the Norwegian Norway’s best scenic
city. As it is your arrival day and you are artist Gustav Vigeland. During your tour trains: Rauma Railway
most likely still adjusting to the time you will also travel up to the Holmenkollen and the Flåm Railway
change, we have left this day fairly free. Ski Jump to visit the Ski Museum. At the  Stroll through
However, if you feel up to it, we suggest end of the tour, your group will depart Oslo Bergen’s medieval
you get out there and begin your and travel north to the cozy resort town of wharf, a UNESCO
sightseeing in Oslo! Consider a stroll Lillehammer, which hosted the Winter World Heritage Site
through the harbor, or pay a visit to one of Olympics in 1994.  Visit Oslo’s Vigeland
the many excellent museums located on Sculpture Park
Upon arrival to the hotel in Lillehammer,
Oslo’s Bygdøy peninsula. We recommend
check-in and enjoy the remainder of the  See Briksdal Glacier
either touring the Viking Ship Museum,
day at leisure. inside Jostedalsbreen
which houses the world’s best-preserved National Park
Viking vessels, or visiting the open-air Norsk DAY 3 ~
 Cruise down the
Folk museum, whose impressive collection LILLEHAMMER -
Geiranger Fjord, a
of historical and cultural structures includes RAUMA RAILWAY - UNESCO World
the 800-year-old Gol Stave Church. ALESUND Heritage Site
This evening there will be a group welcome After breakfast and check-out, your group  Travel along the
dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. will board its private coach and drive north “Trollstigen” road
through the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, past
81
 82

fast-flowing rivers and scenic waterfalls to its private coach and travel past Fjaerland
the town of Dombås. Prepare yourself for and Laerdal to Sognefjord, the largest fjord
a real treat as you board Norway’s famed in Norway. In the village of Flaam (also
Rauma Railway, whose 70-mile route takes spelled Flåm) your group will board the
1 hour and 40 minutes. Enjoy this unique world-famous Flåm Railway. This scenic
opportunity to experience one of the most Norwegian railway represents a remarkable
spectacularly-scenic landscapes in Norway. feat of engineering. Prepare yourself for
After arriving to the town of Andalsnes, some out-of-this-world views of the Flåm
travel along the “Trollstigen” road to the Valley complemented by the sound of
seaside town of Alesund. This steep tumbling waterfalls. After arriving to
mountain road, with its series of hairpin Myrdal Station, your group will change
bends, takes its name from the ancient trains, drive to Voss, re-board the private
Norwegian sagas and today is one of coach and continue to Bergen, the second-
Norway's most popular tourist attractions. largest city in Norway.

Upon arrival to the hotel in Alesund, check- Upon arrival to the hotel in Bergen, check-
in and enjoy an evening at leisure. in and enjoy an evening at leisure.

DAY 4 ~ ALESUND - DAY 6 ~ BERGEN -

GEIRANGERFJORD - HARDANGERFJORD -
BRIKSDAL GLACIER - ULVIK
SKEI
After breakfast and check-
After breakfast and check-out, your group out, a local guide will meet your group in
will board its private coach and travel south the lobby and lead it on a city tour of
to the port of Hellesylt to embark on a 2- Bergen by private coach beginning with a
hour fjord cruise to the Geirangerfjord. An visit inside Troldhaugen, the home of
official UNESCO World Heritage Natural Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg.
Site, the Geiranger Fjord is considered to Afterwards return to the city center for the
be the most beautiful fjord in Norway (if walking portion of the tour which will
not the world). During the cruise you will feature Bryggen Wharf, a row of vibrant,
see several spectacular waterfalls, including wooden buildings that formed a merchant
the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil. From district during the Middle Ages, when
there your group will continue to the Bergen was a trading post of the Hanseatic
Briksdal Glacier, which forms part of the League. Today Bergen’s Old Wharf is an
Jostedalsbreen Glacier National Park; the official UNESCO World Heritage Site. After
home of the largest glacier in continental visiting this historic Norwegian quay, your
Europe. After visiting the park, your group group will catch the Fløyen Funicular to
will proceed to tonight’s hotel located in travel to the summit of Mount Fløien, one
the nearby village of Skei. of the seven mountains of Bergen. Once
you reach the top, enjoy superb views of
After check-in and time to freshen up, you
and your fellow group members will dine the city below. After returning to Bergen’s
together in the hotel’s restaurant. city center, re-board your coach and head
east along the beautiful Hardangerfjord,
DAY 5 ~ FLAAM the second-largest fjord in Norway. This
RAILWAY - BERGEN region has been dubbed the “orchard of
After breakfast and check- Norway” because of its abundance of fruit
out, your group will board trees. Tonight your group will have dinner
82
 83

and sleep at a hotel in the scenic village of WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
Ulvik.
Whether it is taking a family trip to Paris, an
DAY 7 ~ ULVIK - OSLO
educational group to Barcelona, or a church
After breakfast and check- group to Rome we can build an affordable,
out, depart Ulvik and travel European trip tailored to your interests.
by private coach to Eidfjord From single city itineraries to multiple cities
through the Mabodalen Valley (also spelled and countries, your travel agent will work
Måbødal). En-route your group will catch a with us to create custom tours for groups
ferry to cross the Hardangerfjord, and soon of 10 to 500 people.
after see the remarkably-beautiful
Voeringsfossen (also spelled Vøringfossen), We Make It Easy - We provide a quick
the most famous waterfall in Norway. turnaround on custom quotes. Multi-city
After a photo stop your group will travel and multi-country itineraries are our
specialty. In addition, we can help organize
east back to Oslo, passing some Why Should You
signup deadlines, travel documents and
unforgettable scenery along the way
payments.
Encourage Your
including the Hardangervidda plateau,
Travel Agent to
Geilo (a popular winter resort located in Experience - Europe Express has
the scenic Valley of Hallingdal), Lake
Book Your Group
managed over 6,000 custom group trips
Krøderen, Tyrifjorden (Lake Tyri), and the since 1990. We provide expert guides and
Through Us?
town of Hønefoss. high quality travel products.
Upon arrival to the hotel in central Oslo, Flexibility - We work with your travel
your group will check-in and have time to
Ease of Use
agent to create a tailor-made trip to
freshen up before tonight’s farewell dinner accommodate your interests, booking
in the hotel’s restaurant. (Note: groups whatever combination of travel services fit Experience
with very early-morning departure flights your plans and budget, including airfare,
may consider overnighting at a hotel hotel, rail, transfers, sightseeing and more.
located nearer to Oslo’s Gardermoen
Peace Of Mind - Dedicated local ground
Flexibility
Airport.)
support means that there is always
DAY 8 ~ DEPART someone available to help you. Relax
Peace of Mind
OSLO knowing that your trip is backed by our
After breakfast and check- commitment to offer world-class quality of
out, your group will travel service.
to Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport by private Contact your travel agent today for a
coach. customized itinerary and group quote.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

83
 84

Greek Island & Turkey

8 D A Y S / 7 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

This itinerary is absolutely ideal for travelers who are eager to experience the world’s INCLUSIONS
greatest attractions from the ancient world – from the comfort of a relaxing cruise ship. The
 3 night in Athens
histories of Greece and Turkey have been overlapping since the time of Antiquity. Both  4 nights on cruise
nations are connected to some of history’s (and mythology’s) best characters and moments.  Breakfast daily
Combine the capital city of Athens with truly fascinating, ancient sightseeing in both Greece  Lunch and dinner
per itinerary
& Turkey. Then stir in gorgeous views and the blue waters of the Aegean – what vacation
 Ground transport
recipe could be better? via air conditioned
luxury coach
 English speaking
DAY 1 ~ ATHENS first visit will be to the island of Mykonos. assistant and guides
White-washed homes set very near the  Admission tickets
Morning arrival to Athens, as outlined in
water, tiny chapels and windmills are
Greece’s classical yet very itinerary
characteristic of this very beautiful,
cosmopolitan capital city. HIGHLIGHTS
Cycladic island. Despite the fact that at first
A local assistant will meet your group in the
terminal’s arrival hall and accompany it to
glance – Mykonos resembles a fishing  Guided walking
village, it’s actually one of the most tour of Hora
the hotel by private bus. Most hotels’
cosmopolitan Greek islands. Since the  Visit ancient
official check-in time is 2:00 pm; however, Ephesus, home to
1960s Mykonos has attracted many Turkey’s version of
if your group arrives before this – it is no
problem to store your baggage with the
international visitors, artists, celebrities and Pompeii and
travelers with an appetite for sandy believed to be the
reception staff. The rest of the day it at last home of the
beaches and nightclubs. While in Mykonos,
leisure for you to get situated and begin Virgin Mary
you can either explore the island on your  Explore Patmos,
exploring the ancient city of Athens.
own or participate in a guided walking tour home to the
Tonight there will be a group dinner in the
of Hora, the island's capital. Monastery of St.
hotel’s restaurant.
John
DAY 3 ~ CRUISE  Visit Crete, home
DAY 2 ~ CRUISE
of the ancient
Today you will stop in the
After breakfast and check- Minoan Civilization
seaside resort town of  Explore the
out, your group will travel
by private bus to Piraeus
Kusadasi, which is located dramatically
on Turkey's Aegean Coast. From here you beautiful, volcanic
Port to embark on a fantastic 4-night cruise island of Santorini
can take a shore excursion to Ephesus. This
on the sparkling, blue waters of the Aegean  Traditional Greek
ancient Greek city was widely known dinner with
Sea. The ports of call include the Greek
Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete
throughout the ancient world for its Bouzouki music and
Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven folk dancers in
(Heraklion), and Santorini as well as the Athens
Wonders of the Ancient World. While the
seaside resort town of Kusadasi on
origin of Ephesus is Greek, most of the
mainland Turkey. Breakfast and dinner will
ruins that you will see today are Roman,
be included on the ship each day.
and in terms of preservation – these ruins
After departing Piraeus Port, your group’s rival those of Italy’s Pompeii. Ephesus also
84
 85

has an interesting history with early excursion to the nearby Knossos excavations
Christians. It is believed that the Virgin is available this morning. Here you can see
Mary eventually settled here and lived until archaeological discoveries that reveal a very
her assumption. St. Paul also lived in advanced, 6000-year-old civilization.
Ephesus for two years. It is also believed Alternatively, you may prefer to visit to the
that St. John the Evangelist spent his last wine region of Peza - which lies south of the
years in the region around Ephesus. port city of Heraklion – and the quaint
market town of Archanes, a lovely place to
Later on today, the cruise ship will stop in
experience local cuisine and culture.
Patmos, a small Greek island in the Aegean
Sea. Patmos is believed to be the place Later this afternoon, you will arrive to what
where St. John wrote the text of the Book is arguably the best-known and most
of Revelation while in exile. The Monastery breathtaking of all of the Greek Islands:
of Saint John the Theologian, a UNESCO Santorini. Because of its volcanic origins, the
World Heritage Site, was constructed on island’s formation and in particular its
one of the island's highest points. It is caldera are dramatically beautiful and quite
home to many treasures including priceless rare. Santorini is interesting, historic and
icons and manuscripts; monks still reside in unimaginably picturesque. After Crete –
the monastery today. nowhere else has as interesting
archeological artifacts and ruins belonging to
DAY 4 ~ CRUISE
the ancient Minoan civilization. Many
Today the cruise ship will visitors also flock to scenic Santorini to taste
stop on the Greek island of its distinguished wines or to sunbathe on
Rhodes. Throughout the one of its many beautiful beaches - which
ancient world, Rhodes was well known for are home to transparent, azure waters and
its Colossus of Rhodes, which was a black, red or white sand depending on which
massive statue of the Greek Titan Helios; it beach you visit.
was one of the Seven Wonders of the
While in Santorini, you can relax in a local
Ancient World. During your stop in Rhodes,
café, swim or check out the many jewelry
a shore excursion will take place that will
boutiques. Should your group like to
include a guided tour of the Acropolis of
participate in a shore excursion, it could visit
Lindos and of Rhodes’ medieval Old Town,
the village of Oia – best known for its
which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
famous sunset views - or cruise around the
Should your group decide not to participate active crater of the nearby New Kameni
in the shore excursion, there is still plenty island, a fascinating place for fans.
to be enjoyed inside Rhodes’ historic city
DAY 6 ~ ATHENS
walls, which contain many boutiques,
street vendors, restaurants, coffee bars and After breakfast your group
art galleries. will disembark the cruise
ship in Piraeus and meet a
DAY 5 ~ CRUISE
local, English-speaking guide who will lead
This morning we arrive to your group on an exciting, half-day
the island of Crete, the sightseeing tour of Athens. See the most
largest and most rugged of famous sights including the monumental
the Greek islands. Crete was home of the gateway of Hadrian's Arch, the Pananthenaic
great Minoan Civilization, and the Stadium - the only major stadium in the
mythological home of Zeus. A shore world built entirely out of white marble -
85
 86

and the iconic Acropolis, a UNESCO World WHY TRAVEL WITH US ?

Heritage site that is home to the Parthenon,
the Theatre of Dionysus and the Temple of Whether it is taking a family trip to Paris, an
Athena Nike. educational group to Barcelona, or a church
group to Rome we can build an affordable,
A group lunch is planned during the tour,
European trip tailored to your interests. From
and afterwards your group will continue
single city itineraries to multiple cities and
sightseeing with a drive to the scenic Cape
countries, your travel agent will work with us
Sounion, a rocky promontory that houses
the ancient Temple of Poseidon, the god of to create custom tours for groups of 10 to
the sea. After visiting the 2400-year-old 500 people.
temple and having some time to explore
this scenic spot, the guide and driver will We Make It Easy - We provide a quick
accompany your group to the hotel in turnaround on custom quotes. Multi-city and
Why Should You Athens, where you will stay for the next two multi-country itineraries are our specialty. In

Encourage Your nights. The evening is at leisure. addition, we can help organize signup
deadlines, travel documents and payments.
Travel Agent to DAY 7 ~ ATHENS
Book Your Group After breakfast in the hotel,
Experience - Europe Express has managed
Through Us? enjoy the morning and
over 6,000 custom group trips since 1990.
afternoon at leisure in
We provide expert guides and high quality
Athens. Consider paying a visit to the New
travel products.
Ease of Use Acropolis Museum or to the Ancient Agora.
With tonight being your group’s last night in
Greece, a special evening has been planned Flexibility - We work with your travel agent
Experience which will begin with a scenic drive to the to create a tailor-made trip to accommodate
port city of Piraeus, where your group will your interests, booking whatever
enjoy ouzo with Greek appetizers in combination of travel services fit your plans
Flexibility Mikrolimano Harbor. Afterwards you will and budget, including airfare, hotels, rail,
return to Athens to visit its most-loved transfers, sightseeing and more.
neighborhood: Plaka. This historic area was
Peace of Mind built on top of the ancient city of Athens. Peace of Mind - Dedicated local ground
Here your group will visit a traditional Greek support means that there is always someone
taverna for an evening of local dishes, available to help you. Relax knowing that
Bouzouki music and Greek folk dances. your trip is backed by our commitment to
DAY 8 ~ ATHENS offer world-class quality of service.

After breakfast in the hotel, Contact your travel agent today for a
your group will check out customized itinerary and group quote!
and transfer by private bus
to the airport for its return flight to the USA.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

86
 87

Icelandic Odyssey
8 D A Y S / 7 N I G H T S — G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y — C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

This weeklong itinerary to Iceland was crafted to showcase the best of this Nordic pearl’s INCLUSIONS
cultural heritage. Your group will tour ancient Norse settlements, learn about Icelandic  Accommodations:
medieval Sagas, and visit amazing natural sites that have served as dazzling backdrops in Reykjavík 3 nights,
many Icelandic folktales. If you are seeking a true Icelandic cultural journey; black sandy Borgarnes area 1
night, Varmahlíð area
beaches, spectacular fjords, geothermal pools, rich farmlands and remote Highlands are
2 nights, Flúðir area 1
expecting you.
night

 Meals: Continental
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL IN Visiting these cultural attractions in breakfast daily.
REYKJAVIK Reykjavík will signal the start of your Lunch and dinner as
exciting quest to learn about the history of noted in itinerary
Welcome to Iceland! Upon
arrival to Keflavík Iceland! During the tour you will see  Air-conditioned,
International Airport, an assistant will meet Bessastaðir; the official residence of the private coaching
president of Iceland; the Icelandic
your group in the arrivals hall and  English-speaking
Parliament, City Hall, the Lutheran
accompany more it to the hotel in assistants and guides
Reykjavík by private coach. After checking Cathedral (Dómkirkjan), the Catholic
in, you can begin exploring the world’s Cathedral of Christ the King, and Reykjavík’s
HIGHLIGHTS
most northern capital city. Please note that colorful Old Harbor.
 Experience
should you arrive before the hotel’s official During the city tour of Reykjavík you will landscapes unlike
check-in time (generally 3:00 pm), you are also visit the futuristic Perlan to take anywhere else on
than welcome to store baggage with the advantage of the amazing, panoramic views Earth!
reception staff. it offers of the city. Your group will then go
 Visit the birthplace of
This evening your group will dine on the inside of Iceland’s most iconic church: Viking explorer Leif
nearby island of Viðey in a historic Hallgrímskirkja. The church’s design was Eriksson
meant to resemble lava flows, and its
restaurant. Located inside one of Iceland’s  Tour Thingvellir
oldest buildings (mid-18th century), the steeple has become a true landmark in
National Park, a
Viðey House was the first building in Reykjavík’s Old Town. Another exciting UNESCO World
Iceland to be made of stone. Surrounded inclusion on the tour is a visit to the Heritage Site
Settlement Exhibition, whose collection of
by beautiful landscapes, today  Visit the Icelandic
Viking artifacts dates back to 871 AD when
Viðeyjarstofa serves traditional, culinary Saga Centre in
specialties of Iceland. Reykjavík was first settled by Vikings from Hvolsvöllur
Norway. Your last stop today will be at the
DAY 2 ~ REYKJAVIK  Explore the
Culture House to see its impressive
geothermal
CITY SIGHTSEEING collection of Icelandic works of literature, Haukadalur Valley,
After breakfast in the hotel, including some of the medieval, calfskin home to the Great
Geysir
a local guide will lead your manuscripts of the Icelandic Sagas.
group on a sightseeing tour of Reykjavík by
The tour will finish up back at the hotel.
private coach.
Enjoy an evening at leisure in Reykjavík.
87
 88

DAY 3 ~ ÞINGVELLIR - group will have the opportunity to learn

KALDIDALUR - more about his life at the Icelandic
BORGARFJÖRÐUR Settlement Center in Borgarnes, which you
After breakfast and check- will visit before arriving to the hotel in
out, your group will travel east by private Borgarnes.
coach to Mosfellsdalur to visit After check-in and time to freshen up, your
Gljúfrasteinn, the home of Icelandic writer group will dine in Borgarnes.
Halldór Laxness. Laxness, who won the
DAY 4 ~ VARMAHLÍÐ
Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955, resided
here for more than fifty years, and today After breakfast and check-
his home is a state museum. out, your group will board
its private coach and drive
Your group will then travel to a true
north past fertile farmlands and along the
Icelandic treasure: Thingvellir National
picturesque Breiðafjörður Bay to the Viking
Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is
-era home at Eiriksstadir, located on West
an absolute must-do on a vacation to
Iceland’s scenic coast. This area is
Iceland for several reasons. It is home to
incredibly important in Nordic history as
the beautiful Þingvellir Lake, the largest
many Viking explorers set out west from
natural lake in the country. It is also the
this coast with the aim of discovering new
site of the incredible Almannagjá fault, and
and distant lands. The farm of Erik the Red,
visitors can actually walk along the Mid-
who founded the first permanent
Atlantic ridge, where the North American
settlement in Greenland, was located in
and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Lastly
Eiriksstadir, which was also the birthplace
Þingvellir National Park is home to the
of his son, Leif Eriksson, the Viking explorer
Althing; having been founded in 930 AD, it
who landed in North America almost 500
is one of the oldest national legislative
years before Christopher Columbus. While
assemblies in the world. After experiencing
in Eiriksstadir your group will learn about
the immense natural beauty of this historic
how the Vikings lived 1000 years ago in a
site, journey past the edges of the Icelandic
recreated, turf-covered Viking longhouse.
Highlands to the verdant valley of
You will also visit the nearby Leifssafn
Borgarfjörður.
Museum, which houses a Vinland exhibit
Your group will stop at the breathtaking on Leif Eriksson’s explorations, to see more
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and fascinating artifacts from the Viking Age.
then proceed to the village of Reykholt.
This enchanting, magical Dalabyggð region
This area is of much importance to those
is also highly connected to Icelandic
interested in Viking history and the
folklore. Countless tales of elves, ghosts
Icelandic sagas. Snorri Sturluson, an
and sorcerers inhabit the region, which has
Icelandic politician and medieval Saga
served as the setting in some of the ancient
author who was born in 1179, hailed from
Icelandic Sagas. Today your group will visit
Reykholt, and today your group will visit
the “elf colony” found on the rocky hill of
interesting historical sites connected to
Tungustapi. Also featured on today’s
Reykholt’s era of Viking settlement. You
sightseeing tour is the remarkable rock
will also see the ancient farm of Borg á
formation of Hvítserkur, which is located on
Mýrum, which was the birthplace of Egill
the picturesque Vatnsnes Peninsula. While
Skallagrímsson. Arguably Iceland’s most
enjoying the calmness, you may happen to
famous Viking poet, Skallagrímsson served
spot a seal or two, which frequently inhabit
as the protagonist in the Egils saga. Your
88
 89

the area. Before arriving to the hotel in the quite populated. As the herring population
village of Varmahlíð, your group will stop decreased, so did Siglufjörður’s. Today
and visit the small church of Þingeyri, which your group will visit the very interesting
is located on the site of the first monastery Herring Industry Museum, which houses
established in Iceland. tools of a bygone era that have been kept
in perfect working order.
After checking in and having time to
freshen up, your group will dine this The tour will finish up back at the hotel.
evening in Varmahlíð. After time to fresh up, your group will dine
in Varmahlíð.
DAY 5 ~ VARMAHLÍÐ -
SAUÐÁRKRÓKUR - DAY 6 ~ KJÖLUR -
HÓLAR - GEYSIR - GULLFOSS -
SIGLUFJÖRÐUR SKÁLHOLT

After breakfast in the hotel, today’s After breakfast, your group

sightseeing will commence with visits to will board its private coach and take the
the Glaumbær Regional History Museum Kjölur road through Iceland’s legendary
and to the historic Víðimýrarkirkja Church; Highlands. If you’re looking to escape the
an excellent representation of Icelandic chaos and stress of today’s world, this is a
architecture. Your group will then drive good place to do it! Most of Iceland’s
east to the small community of Hólar, rugged interior is pure wilderness. You’re
which has always been an important center not likely to see anyone, so just sit back and
of learning in Iceland. During the medieval enjoy the scenery.
era, Hólar was also important politically. During the drive you will stop to see the
While there your group will visit Hólar’s hot springs and geothermal pools of
archeological site as well as its pretty, Hveravellir. The drive will also take your
wooden church. group to the Haukadalur Valley, an
You will then drive north along the coast to otherworldly geothermal area that is home
the historic trading port of Hofsós, which to boiling mud pools and erupting hot
will give you unbeatable views of the springs including the Great Geysir and the
nearby Isle of Drangey, whose steep Strokkur geyser (which spouts 98 feet every
volcanic cliffs rise dramatically from the 10 minutes). Iceland’s beautiful Gullfoss
waters of the Skagafjörður fjord below. waterfall is located nearby, which your
According to the Icelandic sagas, Drangey is group will also stop to see.
where the great Icelandic outlaw, Grettir Before arriving to the hotel in the village of
the Strong, met his end in the 11th century. Flúðir, your group will visit the historical
The Icelandic Emigration Center, which you site of Skálholt. Much like Hólar, Skálholt
will visit, was created to shed light on the was an important religious and cultural
plight of Icelanders who emigrated to center in Iceland from the medieval era
North America. until the late 18th century. While there
Afterwards continue traveling north to your group will see Skálholt’s monastery,
Siglufjörður, a remote fishing village that cathedral, school and smithy; as well as the
sits snugly between mountain and fjord. bishop's office.
Siglufjörður was once the capital of the After checking in and having time to
herring industry in Iceland, and in its freshen up, your group will dine this
heyday during the first half of the 20th evening in Flúðir.
century, the town was prosperous and
89
 90

DAY 7 ~ REYKJAVÍK WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

After breakfast and check
-out, prepare yourself for Whether it is taking a family trip to Paris, an
one last day of amazing educational group to Barcelona, or a church
nature and Icelandic folklore. Today your group to Rome we can build an affordable,
group will explore the coast of South European trip tailored to your interests. From
Iceland, an area characterized by its black single city itineraries to multiple cities and
volcanic beaches, unusual rock formations, countries, your travel agent will work with us
volcanos, waterfalls and legends. As this to create custom tours for groups of 10 to
area provided the backdrop for one of the 500 people.
most-acclaimed works of medieval
We Make It Easy - We provide a quick
Icelandic literature, Njáls saga, your
turnaround on custom quotes. Multi-city and
sightseeing will kick off with a visit to the
multi-country itineraries are our specialty. In
Icelandic Saga Centre in the town of
Why Should You Hvolsvöllur to learn about the world of
addition, we can help organize signup
Encourage Your Norse mythology, arduous ocean voyages,
deadlines, travel documents and payments.

Travel Agent to and the Vikings’ desire to discover new and

Experience - Europe Express has managed
Book Your Group distant lands. over 6,000 custom group trips since 1990. We
Through Us? Continuing east your group will arrive to provide expert guides and high quality travel
the mighty waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and products.
Skógafoss, whose cliffs house nesting
Ease of Use Fulmars in the summertime. The last Flexibility - We work with your travel agent
natural attractions featured on today’s to create a tailor-made trip to accommodate
sightseeing tour include the magnificent your interests, booking whatever
Experience Reynisdrangar rock formations and the combination of travel services fit your plans
black sandy beaches that line the coastal and budget, including airfare, hotel, rail,
transfers, sightseeing and more.
Flexibility village of Vík. Afterwards your group will
travel west to Iceland’s capital city.
Peace Of Mind - Dedicated local ground
After checking in to the hotel in Reykjavík, support means that there is always someone
Peace of Mind the remainder of the day is free. Enjoy available to help you. Relax knowing that
your last evening in Iceland. your trip is backed by our commitment to
DAY 8 ~ DEPARTURE offer world-class quality of service.

After breakfast, your group Contact your travel agent today for a
will travel by private coach customized itinerary and group quote!
to Keflavík International
Airport for its return flight to the US.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

90
 91

Ireland, Northern Ireland

& Scotland
9 D A Y S / 8 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Experience the beauty of Northern Ireland alongside Ireland and Scotland. Despite the fact INCLUSIONS
that all three countries share a common, Celtic base – you’ll see that they all in fact have  2 nights each in
unique geographies, cultural traditions and histories. Within the Republic, this tour will base Letterkenny,
Belfast, and
your group in the cities of Galway and Letterkenny. In Northern Ireland, you’ll experience
Edinburgh
the capital city of Belfast, and in Scotland – you’ll be staying overnight in Glasgow and
 1 night each in
Edinburgh. These base cities will allow your group to experience the immense beauty and Galway and
Glasgow
 Breakfast daily
DAY 1 ~ GALWAY Belleek China Factory, arriving in
Letterkenny in the late afternoon.  Lunch and dinner
On arrival at Shannon per itinerary
Airport, you are met by DAY 3 ~  Ground transport
your friendly Irish driver- LETTERKENNY via air conditioned
guide and escorted to your waiting private luxury coach
This morning experience
coach, which will transfer you in style to  English speaking
the rich history of this assistant and guides
Galway. Our route to Galway is via the old
famous walled city on a walking tour with a
market town of Ennis and westward to the  Admission tickets as
local guide. View the Diamond and St. outlined in itinerary
mighty Cliffs of Moher, rising sheer above
Columb's Cathedral in the only European
the coast for almost five miles. We then HIGHLIGHTS
city with its walls still intact. This afternoon
continue along the coastline of County
we will drive onto the Inishowen Peninsula,  The Cliffs of Moher
Clare, through the charming villages of
the most northerly point of Ireland, for  Belleek China
Ballyvaughan and Kinvara on Galway Bay
some rugged and spectacular scenery. Factory Tour
and arrive at our hotel in the early
DAY 4 ~ BELFAST  Visit to the Giant's
afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon
Causeway
is free to relax after your flight. Today after a full Irish
 Old Bushmills
DAY 2 ~ breakfast we shall set off Whiskey Distillery
along the Antrim coast to Tour
LETTERKENNY
its best known feature: the Giant's  Panoramic
This morning, we are sightseeing tours of
Causeway. Often described as the "eighth
leaving Galway and Belfast, Glasgow
wonder of the world," we shall take the
traveling northward to the rugged and  Guide tour of
circular walk around the spectacular rock
beautiful county of Donegal! We travel Edinburgh Castle
formations. Whether the 40,000 hexagonal
through the market towns of County Mayo  Traditional Scottish
stone columns were formed by the cooling Banquet College,
and the village of Knock, Ireland's place of
of molten lava, as the scientific community Dublin
pilgrimage, through Sligo, stopping at the
holds, or were actually the creation of
shadow of Benbulben to visit Drumcliffe
legendary Irish giant Finn MacCool to reach
Churchyard where William Butler Yeats,
his lady love in Scotland, remains a subject
one of Ireland's finest poets, lies buried. On
of debate, but whichever view you hold, it
then through the coastal town of Bundoran
is impossible to be unmoved by the
and Ballyshannon where we shall visit the
magnificent panorama. Staying on the
91
 92

coastal road to Bushmills, we shall stop off DAY 7 ~ EDINBURGH

for a tipple at Old Bushmills Distillery, the
The "Bonnie, bonnie banks of
site of the world's oldest legal whiskey
Loch Lomond" is our first
distillery, established in 1608. Here we shall
stop today. With views of the
take a tour and follow the distilling process,
lake you will soon see for yourself what
with samples of its product and a gift shop.
makes this song so famous. We continue on
We continue into Belfast for our last two
into the highland towns of the Trossachs
nights in Northern Ireland.
where we will visit a Woolen Mill and
DAY 5 ~ BELFAST perhaps even see a Highland Cow. Our drive
continues past Stirling where there will be
After breakfast this
magnificent views of Wallace's Monument
morning we depart our
and Stirling Castle, before we continue into
hotel for a panoramic
Edinburgh for our last two nights. This
sightseeing tour of Belfast City. The
evening enjoy a traditional Scottish Banquet.
Why Should You birthplace of the Titanic and home to some
You will sample some haggis and enjoy
Encourage Your of the world's most famous faces, Belfast is
traditional bagpipe music, songs and
Travel Agent to rich in history and steeped in culture.
dancing.
Book Your Group Today it is as famous for its stylish shops,
gourmet restaurants and exciting nightlife DAY 8 ~ EDINBURGH
Through Us?
as it is for its troubled past. Some of the
This morning's tour takes us
notable sights we will see are Belfast City
along Princes Street with its
Hall, Linenhall Library, Stormont House,
Ease of Use Grand Opera House; St. Anne's Cathedral,
fine shops and through the
lovely Georgian squares and terraces of the
Ulster Museum and the Botanic Gardens.
new town. We continue along the historic
At the end of your tour you may wish to
Experience visit one of the city's fine art galleries or
Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse,
the official Scottish residence of Her Majesty
museums.
the Queen. Our tour concludes at Edinburgh
Flexibility DAY 6 ~ GLASGOW Castle where we can view the Scottish
Crown Jewels and take in the breathtaking
After breakfast this
views of the city from the castle ramparts.
Peace of Mind morning we will depart
Belfast for the Ferry Port DAY 9 ~ EDINBURGH
where we will catch the ferry to Stranraer
This morning after breakfast
in Scotland. Upon arrival we will have a
we will depart for the airport
short drive that will bring us through the
for the group to board its
countryside and into the vibrant city of
return flight to the US.
Glasgow. After checking in we will
commence on a panoramic tour of this
vibrant city, seeing many of its wonderful
sites.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

92
 93

Istanbul & Cappadocia

1 0 D A Y S / 9 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

INCLUSIONS
Explore the land where east meets west on this 10-day journey through Istanbul and the
unusual landscape of the fascinating Cappadocia region. In Istanbul you will discover colorful  6 night in Istanbul
bazaars and mosques decorated with exquisite mosaic designs, Oriental carpets and other  3 nights in
treasures. In Cappadocia, you will explore underground cave cities and ancient churches Cappadocia
 Breakfast daily
carved from natural rocks. This itinerary features island cruises, remarkable ancient ruins
 Lunch and dinner
and lovely countryside views. It is an excellent way to explore two very different sides of per itinerary
Turkey’s East-meets-West personality.  Ground transport
via air conditioned
luxury coach
DAY 1 ~ ISTANBUL converted into a mosque by the Ottomans  English speaking
assistant and guides
– and today survives as fantastic museum.
Welcome to Istanbul, the  Admission tickets
See the ancient Hippodrome, the former as outlined in
largest city in Turkey.
center for sports and political activities in itinerary
Formerly called
Constantinople, as well as the Obelisk of HIGHLIGHTS
Constantinople, Istanbul served as a former
Theodosius from Egypt, the Serpentine
capital of the Roman, Byzantine and
Column and the German Fountain. You will  Tour the
Ottoman Empires. Upon arrival to the magnificent Blue
also see Istanbul’s spectacular Blue
airport, a local assistant will meet your Mosque
Mosque, a magnificent 17th-century  Shop the fabulous
group in the terminal’s arrival call and
accompany it to the hotel by private coach.
mosque famous for its six minarets and for Grand Bazaar
the 25,000 blue Iznik tiles that decorate the  Visit the Egyptian
(While most hotels have official check-in
interior. Spice Market
times at 2:00 pm, if rooms are not ready -  Boat cruise
you and your fellow travelers are welcome Following a lunch break in the Old Town, between Europe
to store your bags with the reception staff). you will visit Topkapý Palace. This UNESCO and Asia viewing
palaces, mansions &
During this arrival day, feel free to get World Heritage Site was the official
villas
situated and begin exploring this fantastic residence of the Ottoman Sultans for four  Turkish Night
city. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner in the centuries. The last stop on today’s tour is experience of
hotel’s restaurant with your travel the Grand Bazaar, which is famous for its traditional food,
companions. music and folk
4,000 shops of precious handmade carpets,
groups
jewelry, leather and souvenirs. The tour  Explore Derinkuyu,
DAY 2 ~ ISTANBUL
will finish back at the hotel. Enjoy an the underground
After breakfast at the hotel, evening at leisure. city of Cappadocia
your group will meet a local  Visit the town of
guide in the lobby and DAY 3 ~ ISTANBUL Avanos, famous for
its earthenware
proceed on a full-day tour of Istanbul by After breakfast in the hotel, pottery
private coach. During the tour, you will see your group will meet a local
the truly splendid attractions of Istanbul. guide for a morning visit to
Visit St. Sophia, the magnificent Byzantine the Egyptian Spice Market, which was
Church that was pillaged by Crusaders, established in the 17th century. Afterwards

93
 94

you’ll enjoy a boat cruise between Europe DAY 5 ~ ISTANBUL

and Asia. As you cruise along - you’ll enjoy
After breakfast, your group
views of 19th and 20th-century wooden
will depart for a half-day
houses, modern villas, beautiful mansions
sightseeing tour during
and the former Ottoman Palaces of
which your group will see Istanbul’s ancient
Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi.
Theodosian Walls - which were
After a group lunch at a fish restaurant commissioned by the Emperor Theodosius
overlooking the Bosphorus Strait (which in the 5th century to protect the city of
separates Europe and Asia), your group will Constantinople – as well as the Valens
continue its tour with a drive to Çamlica Aqueduct, which was the major water
Hill, the highest point in Istanbul. It offers source to the Eastern capital of the Roman
magnificent panoramic views of Istanbul Empire in the late 4th century. You’ll also
and of the Bosphorus Strait. Also included see the beautiful Chora Church, a superb
on the tour is a visit to the small village of example of Byzantine Church. During the
Beylerbeyi to visit the 19th-century Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a
summer palace of the Ottoman Sultans. mosque, and today it is a secular museum.
Today it still contains the original furniture
Nearby your group will see the Palace of
and maintains a magnificent garden. The
Blachernae, which was once an imperial
tour will finish back at the hotel. Enjoy an
palace for the Byzantine emperors. The
evening at leisure.
tour will finish at the hotel, and you will
DAY 4 ~ ISTANBUL have free time this afternoon to explore
Istanbul before departing on for an evening
After breakfast in the hotel,
dinner show. Tonight’s dinner menu will
your group will meet a local
consist of traditional Turkish delicacies and
guide for a full-day
drinks, and the musical show will feature
excursion to the city of Bursa, which was
belly dancers, Turkish music and folk
the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.
groups from various areas. Transportation
Bursa is spectacularly situated at the foot
can be provided to and from the venue if
of Mount Uludag - which in the time of the
requested.
ancient Greeks was known as Mount
Olympus. To arrive here from Istanbul, your DAY 6 ~ ISTANBUL
group will catch the ferry across the Sea of
After breakfast, a local
Marmara to Yalova and then continue
guide will lead your group
driving south to Bursa.
on a full-day excursion to
Bursa has some impressive monuments the Prince Islands. During the tour you will
from the early Ottoman period. It is also a cruise across the Sea of Marmara to the
popular thermal springs center. Your group Prince Islands (once a pleasure island of
will have lunch in a traditional Turkish many Byzantine princes) the largest of the
restaurant before beginning the sightseeing islands and a very popular summer resort
tour, during which you will visit the Great because of its lovely, sandy beaches and
Mosque, the Silk Market, the Green pinewood trees. Your group will tour the
Mosque, the Tombs of Osman & Orhan and island in horse-drawn carriages before
the Muradiye Complex. Return to the hotel lunch. In the afternoon you'll have time at
in Istanbul in the late evening. leisure for exploring the beautiful harbor
area. Return to Istanbul in the afternoon.
Evening at leisure.
94
 95

DAY 7 ~ along this incredibly scenic valley and stop

CAPPADOCIA for lunch in a restaurant by the river. Our
After breakfast, your group last two sightseeing inclusions before
will transfer by private bus returning back to the hotel are a visit to the
to Istanbul Airport for its flight to Kayseri Yaprakhisar village and to the Selimiye
Airport. You’re traveling to the heart of Monastery. A group dinner is arranged in
Turkey. After a quick photo stop near the the hotel tonight.
majestic Mount Erciyes, your group will DAY 9 ~
begin visiting Cappadocia, a region of CAPPADOCIA
immense historic and cultural heritage in
After breakfast in the hotel,
Turkey. You’ll have free time to visit this
enjoy another full-day
region’s remarkable cave churches, many
guided tour of this incredibly unique region
of which contain incredibly well-preserved
of volcanic landscapes and “fairy
frescos. You’ll see the Karabas Kilise (The
chimneys.” You will begin by touring the
Black Head Church), Yilani Kilise (Church of
open-air museum of Göreme. This UNESCO
Why Should You
Snakes), Kubbeli Kilise (the Dome Church”)
World Heritage Site is famous for its Encourage Your
and the 12th-century Kirksehitler in the
unusual rock formations. During today’s Travel Agent to
village of Sahinefendi. Your tour will
sightseeing tour your group will visit rock- Book Your Group
continue with a visit to the historic Greek
carved churches that contain ancient Through Us?
village of Mustafapasa, which is home to
frescoes. After free time for lunch, your
traditional stone houses with carved
group will continue its tour by traveling to
facades. After free time for lunch, your
group will also see the region’s famed “fairy
the Zelve Valley, the earliest-settled and Ease of Use
last-abandoned monastic valley.
chimneys” in Urgup as well as Ortahisar
Castle before checking into tonight’s hotel. Afterwards you'll see the natural Citadel of
Uçhisar - the tallest point in the Cappadocia Experience
Evening at leisure.
region - before continuing on to the town
DAY 8 ~
of Avanos, which is famous for its
CAPPADOCIA Flexibility
earthenware pottery and ceramic trade
After breakfast your group’s that dates back to the Hittites. The tour
guided sightseeing in will finish up back at the hotel, and the Peace of Mind
Cappadocia will continue with a visit to evening is at leisure.
Pigeon Valley, an area spotted with many
DAY 10 ~
unusual caves. From here you’ll continue
CAPPADOCIA
to Derinkuyu, an underground city where
thousands of people took refuge - along Transfer to the airport for
with their livestock- from persecution your flight to Istanbul,
during the Byzantine period. See the connecting on to USA.
wondrous Ihlara Valley, a gorge cut into
volcanic rock than spans 10 miles. Walk

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

95
 96

London & Brussels

7 D A Y S / 6 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

This vacation itinerary allows your group to experience two distinctly different European INCLUSIONS

capital cities and their respective charms. As the capital city of England and the United  3 nights in London
Kingdom, London oozes culture, cosmopolitanism and fascinating history. Home to some of
the world’s best museums, a fantastic theatre scene, and beautiful city parks – some of  3 nights in Brussels

history’s best characters called London home – including Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock,  Breakfast daily
Queen Elizabeth I, Geoffrey Chaucer, John Keats, Lord Byron, Thomas Becket and Virginia
 Lunch and dinner
Wolff to name a few. As the capital of Belgium and the unofficial capital of the European per itinerary
Union, Brussels houses a remarkable mix of cultures. While the majority of its residents
speak French, visitors to Brussels will also encounter many Flemish (Dutch) speakers. And –  Ground transport via
air conditioned
due to Brussels’ international presence, you’ll hear a lot of English spoken here as well. Its luxury coach
terrific mix of cultures, rich heritage, excellent museums, green parks and exceptionally
 English speaking
tasty food are just a few reasons to spend some time enjoying Brussels. As part of this
assistant and guides

 Admission tickets as
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL IN display here since the 17th century. The outlined in itinerary
LONDON Tower was the site of the executions of
HIGHLIGHTS
Arrival to London, England. Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Margaret
Upon arrival meet a local Pole and many others. After the tour, the  Panoramic tour of
group will have free time for lunch. London’s top
guide in the terminal’s arrivals hall and
Consider fish & chips or a steak & kidney monuments
board a private coach for a panoramic city
tour of London’s best sites en route to the pie at a local pub. After lunch, the group  Guided tour of the
will walk down to the Tower Pier on the Tower of London +
hotel. See St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben,
River Thames. (This is how prisoners were guided tour of a
Parliament, Westminster Abbey, London museum
Buckingham Palace and more. Once the traditionally bought into the Tower) for a
cruise down to Westminster Pier. The  Cruise down the
tour finishes at the hotel, group members
private coach will pick the group up at the River Thames
will have free time to check in and fresh up
before dining together in the hotel this pier and return it to the hotel. The  Guided city tour of
remainder of the afternoon is free. London Brussels including
evening. brewery visit
has an excellent theatre scene, and this
DAY 2 ~ LONDON evening the group will attend a theatre  Excursions to Ghent
After breakfast in the hotel, performance. & Bruges
the group will travel by
DAY 3 ~ LONDON  Canal cruise in
private coach with a local Bruges
guide to the fascinating Tower of London After breakfast in the hotel,
for a guided tour. The Tower’s origins date the group will have a
back to the 11th century, and today it is an guided tour of one of
official UNESCO World Heritage Site. See London’s terrific museums. Choose for
the Crown Jewels, which have been on example between the Victoria & Albert

96
 97

Museum, the British Museum, DAY 5 ~ BRUSSELS

Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition, the
After breakfast in the hotel,
National Portrait Gallery or the Tate
the group has the morning
Modern. (Note: Group will need to decide
at leisure to explore
on selected museum before departing the
Brussels. This city has an amazing variety
US). Once the museum tour has finished,
of museums, churches, green parks. After
the group has free time to have lunch, shop
the group members have had lunch on
and relax. This afternoon your group will
their own, they will all reunite in the hotel
enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Your last
lobby for an afternoon excursion by private
evening in London is free.
coach to the historic city of Ghent. During
DAY 4 ~ BRUSSELS the walking tour, the group will see St.
Bavo's Cathedral, the gothic Cloth Hall and
After breakfast and check-
Belfry tower, Friday Market Square, Groot
out, the group will transfer
Kanonplein Square, and the streets of
by private coach to the
Graslei and Korenlei whose historic houses
station. Travel first class by train on the
line Ghent’s canals. After the tour, the
Eurostar to Brussels, the capital of Belgium.
group will return to the hotel in Brussels by
As the train pulls into the station, a local
private coach. A group dinner is not
guide will meet your group on the platform
scheduled tonight, so group members can
and lead it to the hotel by private coach.
go out and individually explore Brussels’
Even though the group’s rooms will most
superb foodie scene.
likely not be ready this early, group
members can store baggage with the DAY 6 ~ BRUSSELS
hotel’s reception staff before setting off on
After breakfast in the hotel,
an exciting city tour of Brussels. This is a
today the group will travel
city of contrasts. One district of Brussels is
by private coach to one of
home to major European organizations and
Belgium’s best loved cities, Bruges, the
governing bodies like the European
capital of West Flanders. The entire city
Commission, the European Parliament,
center of this Dutch-speaking city is a
NATO and many others. However, it also
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival
contains a very historic city center and
to Bruges, the group will meet a local guide
neighborhoods that have maintained
who will lead it on a walking tour of this
traditional architecture and a slower pace.
especially beautiful city, which is often
During the tour your group will visit one of
called the “Venice of the North.” In
Europe’s most beautiful squares, the Grand
addition to exploring its cobblestone
Place, which is home to the medieval Town
streets and medieval quarters, the group
Hall. The tour will finish also feature a tour
will take a boat cruise to experience
and tasting at the Cantillon Brewery, which
Bruges’ picturesque canals (note: the
has been brewing beer since the 1800s. As
cruises understandably do not operate
a country, in addition to chocolate -
during the winter months). During the visit
Belgium produces some of the finest beer
to Bruges, there will be free time for lunch
in the world. The tour will finish at the
and shopping before all group members
hotel where there will be time to check in
meet back up with the local guide who will
and fresh up before the group goes to a
accompany the group back to its private
local restaurant for dinner.
coach. After boarding the coach, the group
will return to the hotel in Brussels. After

97
 98

freshening up, the group will dine together WHY TRAVEL WITH US ?
in a local restaurant on its last evening in
delightful Brussels. Whether it is taking a family trip to Paris, an
educational group to Barcelona, or a church
DAY 7 ~ BRUSSELS
group to Rome we can build an affordable,
After breakfast and check- European trip tailored to your interests.
out, the group will travel to From single city itineraries to multiple cities
the airport for its return
and countries, your travel agent will work
flight to the US.
with us to create custom tours for groups of
10 to 500 people.

We Make It Easy - We provide a quick

turnaround on custom quotes. Multi-city

Why Should You and multi-country itineraries are our spe-

cialty. In addition, we can help organize
Encourage Your
signup deadlines, travel documents and
Travel Agent to
payments.
Book Your Group
Through Us? Experience - Europe Express has managed
over 6,000 custom group trips since 1990.
We provide expert guides and high quality
Ease of Use travel products.

Flexibility - We work with your travel

Experience agent to create a tailor-made trip to ac-
commodate your interests, booking what-
ever combination of travel services fit your
Flexibility
plans and budget, including airfare, hotels,
rail, transfers, sightseeing and more.
Peace of Mind
Peace of Mind - Dedicated local ground
support means that there is always some-
one available to help you. Relax knowing
that your trip is backed by our commitment
to offer world-class quality of service.

Contact your travel agent today for a cus-

tomized itinerary and group quote!

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

98
 99

Northern Italy
1 1 D A Y S / 1 0 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

INCLUSIONS
This trip offers a lesser-known side of Italy where the focus is on fashion, food and
countryside. Investigate cutting-edge fashion in Milan, relax and marvel at the ethereal  3 nights in Milan
beauty of northern Italy's lake region, try your hand at cooking Northern Italian regional  3 nights in
dishes, stroll through the renowned coastline and villages of Cinque Terre and finally Northern Lakes
Region
concentrate on Parma's excellent prosciutto ham during a guided factory tour and food
 2 nights in Cinque
tasting.
Terre
 2 nights in Parma

DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE This afternoon is yours to soak up Milanese  Breakfast daily

MILAN culture. If you’re an art fan - consider  Lunch and dinner
paying a visit to the Church of Santa Maria per itinerary
Benvenuti a Milano, the
delle Grazie. This UNESCO World Heritage  Ground transport
financial and fashion capital via air conditioned
of Italy. Upon arrival your group will be Site houses Leonardo di Vinci’s 15th-
luxury coach
century mural The Last Supper.
met by a local guide in the terminal’s arrival  English speaking
Alternatively, you could visit the Pinacoteca
hall. You will then travel to the center of assistant and guides
di Brera, one of the finest art museums in
Milan to have a relaxing, panoramic  Admission tickets
sightseeing tour en route to your hotel This all of Italy. Inside you can see medieval & as outlined in
is a great way to get you’re an orientation renaissance masterpieces by Raphael, itinerary
of such a large city. After checking in, you Caravaggio Piero della Francesca.
HIGHLIGHTS
and your traveling companions are free History buffs should check out the Castello
 Wine and olive oil
until this evening’s welcome dinner in the Sforzesco, and opera lovers can visit the
tasting
hotel. museum of Milan’s La Scala Opera House.
 Prosciutto ham
Last but not least – shoppers can bargain
DAY 2 ~ MILAN factory tour
hunt for great designer deals in one of
After breakfast in the hotel,  Hiking trip in Italy's
Milan’s several discount outlets! lake region
meet a local guide in the
Dinner is on your own this evening.  Regional cooking
lobby who will lead your
class
group on a morning city tour of Europe's DAY 3 ~ COMO
 Farm stay in hills of
fashion capital by private bus. Milan is
After breakfast in the hotel, Parma
home to top designer flagship stores such
your group will check out  Exploring Cinque
as Armani, Versace, Prada and Gucci. This
and travel north by private terre
city is also extremely rich in history
bus. Enjoy this very scenic drive through
(particularly Medieval and Renaissance).
Italy's Lombardy region to the Italian Lakes
During your tour, you'll visit inside the
District. Writers from Hemingway to
largest Cathedral in Italy, the “Duomo di
Goethe have immortalized the ethereal
Milano,” which took almost 600 years to
beauty of this area - even their words
build.

99
 100

cannot seem to do it justice! how to prepare Northern Italian cuisine

and try to wait until the end of your
Today you’ll visit a 17th-century villa for a
demonstration before devouring this tasty
tasting of locally-produced wine and olive
feast.
oil before arriving to lovely Lake Como.
This is one of the many lakes that fan out Note: Regarding cooking classes, small
across Northern Italy - and a favorite haunt groups can generally include these quite
of the rich and famous. For some amazing easily on itineraries. Simply because of
views, ride the funicular high above the classroom space, larger groups should
town of Como or, if time permits, take a either divide into two smaller groups – or
ferry ride on the lake to one of several elect to have a cooking demonstration
other charming villages. instead (which is still very interesting).

Group dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. Depending on what time the cooking class
finishes, if your group has time this
DAY 4 ~ COMO
afternoon – we recommend visiting either
This is a day to get outside the town of Varenna or Menaggio with
and experience the your private bus. Evening is at leisure.
beautiful surroundings of
DAY 6 ~ SANTA
Italy's northern landscape. Following
MARGHERITA LIGURE
breakfast, strap on your walking shoes and
jump on your private bus with fellow After breakfast and check-
travelers for a transfer to a local hiking trail out, transfer south by
for gorgeous views of mountains unfolding private bus to the famed Cinque Terre
into low woodlands and sparkling region on Italy's Mediterranean coast. Your
lakeshore. first stop along this renowned stretch of
coastline is Genoa, the birthplace of
After soaking up the natural beauty and
Christopher Columbus. Here a local guide
fresh air, transfer to the town of Bellagio
will meet your group for a 2-hour tour of
where you have time on your own to enjoy
Genoa’s historic Old Town, which a
a well-deserved lunch at a local cafe. Many
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
consider this the most beautiful part of the
lake. After lunch spend the afternoon Afterwards there is free time for lunch and
exploring Bellagio before returning to shopping before your group re-boards the
Como by private bus with your group bus and continues to tonight’s hotel in
members. Dinner is on your own tonight. Santa Margherita Ligure, an old fashioned
seaside resort offering easy access to other
DAY 5 ~ COMO
Italian Riviera coastal villages.
After breakfast in the hotel,
DAY 7 ~ SANTA
today your group will learn
MARGHERITA LIGURE
all about Northern Italian
cuisine during a private cooking class in a After breakfast, today is all
local restaurant. Although you can find yours to discover the five
delicious Italian specialties like pizza and fishing villages that cling to the cliffs of the
lasagna all over the country, you will Cinque Terre coast and over the
discover there is a wide array of local Mediterranean Sea: Vernazza, Corniglia,
dishes worth sampling! Follow along as Manarola, Monterosso al Mare &
your chef-instructor shares the subtleties of Riomaggiore. Walking along the footpaths

100
 101

is the most rewarding way to get from is known as a culinary capital. Its parmesan
village to village. Alternatively, the train cheeses and hams (prosciutto di Parma) are
makes constant runs along that route and now appreciated all over the world.
there's a seasonal boat that strings the
After a break for lunch, your group will take
villages together. The area of the five
a guided tour of a Prosciutto ham factory.
villages and surrounding parks form a
See how this delicacy is processed and
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
packaged, and (obviously) taste testing will
Group dinner tonight in a local seafood also take place! Later this afternoon, enjoy
restaurant to try regional specialties. a few free hours in Parma. Appreciate its
art, architecture, and history by visiting one
DAY 8 ~ PARMA
of several museums or historical landmarks
After breakfast the first half around town.
of today is yours to relax by
Group dinner is included at the farm
the sea or take advantage
accommodation. Why Should You
of some last-minute sightseeing. Take a
Encourage Your
morning water taxi to Portofino. The Duke DAY 10 ~ MILAN
and Duchess of Windsor honeymooned at
Travel Agent to
After a week of truly
the Hotel Splendido, and years later Book Your Group
unique experiences (you’ve
Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth
come and seen a side of
Through Us?
Taylor there.
Italy that many tourists never see!), it is
Following your restorative stay on the time to travel back to Milan by private bus
coast, it's time to transfer by private bus to for one last day and night of celebration. Ease of Use
the Emilia Romagna region where your Your afternoon is free. Tonight your group
group will get to experience the agricultural will meet for a farewell dinner in a local
side of Italian life by staying on a farm in restaurant.
Experience
the hills just outside of Parma. After check
DAY 11 ~ MILAN
in and time to freshen up, tonight your
After breakfast in the hotel,
Flexibility
group will experience authentic, local
cuisine enhanced by the intimate your group will check out
and transfer by private bus
surroundings of your farm Peace of Mind
accommodations. to Malpensa Airport for its return flight to
the USA.
DAY 9 ~ PARMA
After breakfast, your group
will head to the center of
Parma for a walking tour of
its beautiful architecture. In addition to its
architecture and historic university, Parma

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

101
 102

Oktoberfest Breweries &

Rhine River
1 0 D A Y S / 9 N I G H T S — G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y — C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

This 10-day, 9-night tour will pair Germany’s rich beer culture with other memorable, INCLUSIONS
must-see attractions. You’ll begin in Bavaria during its world-famous Oktoberfest
celebrations, cross into the Czech Republic to see the “birthplace of beer,” enjoy exciting,  3 nights in Munich
 1 night each in
expert sightseeing in Germany’s historic cities, and cruise down the Rhine River to see
Plzen and Bamberg
Germany’s amazing castles and Riesling wine country. Join us on a tour that will tickle your  2 nights in
taste buds and leave you exclaiming “PROST!” Düsseldorf
 1 night each in
Cologne and
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL IN Wittelsbach family is one of the most Wiesbaden
MUNICH beautiful palaces in all of Europe.  Breakfast daily
Alternatively, en-route from the airport a  Lunch and dinner
Arrive in Munich, Bavaria’s
tour could be made of the Dachau per itinerary
political and cultural  Ground transport
capital. After exiting customs, meet your Concentration Camp and Memorial.
via air conditioned
local assistant in the terminal’s arrivals hall. Tonight join your fellow group members for private coach
Your group will then travel by private coach  English speaking
a welcome dinner of Bavarian specialties in
assistant and guides
to the hotel. (Even though your group will the hotel’s restaurant.  Admission tickets as
most likely arrive before the hotel’s check- outlined in itinerary
DAY 2 ~ MUNICH
in time, feel free to store your luggage with
the reception staff). There will be free time After breakfast in the hotel, HIGHLIGHTS
until this evening to begin exploring your group will enjoy a
half-day, guided tour of  Oktoberfest tent
Munich, a city famed for its beer culture.
reservations in
Consider checking out one of Munich’s 400 Munich. You will see this city’s best
Munich
biergartens, or pay a visit to the Paulaner attractions including St Peter’s Church,  City sightseeing
Brewery, which was established in the early which is the oldest church in Munich, as tours in Munich,
1600s by the Minim Friars; the brewery well as the open-air market, Bamberg,
Düsseldorf and
tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, Viktualienmarkt, and the medieval Isartor
Cologne
features a film that explains how Paulaner Gate. You will also visit Munich’s  Excursion to the
beers are brewed, and finishes up with a Marienplatz, which has served as the city’s Czech Republic to
traditional snack paired with one of their main square for almost 900 years. If your visit the “birthplace
of beer”
local brews. group arrives at 11:00 am, you’ll get to
 Visit the largest
enjoy the iconic Glockenspiel’s life-size beer museum in the
Note: If you and your fellow group
figurines perform high atop the New Town world
members arrive at the Munich Airport in  Sightseeing cruise
Hall (Rathaus). Your group’s tour will finish
the morning and decide to go ahead and along Rhine River’s
just before lunch, and the balance of the
immediately begin sightseeing before castles and
day is free for you to continue exploring vineyards
heading to the hotel, en-route from
Munich on your own. Keep in mind that
Munich’s Airport to the city center we
Munich is home to some of Europe’s very
recommend that your group stop and tour
best museums, so consider visiting the Alte
the Schloss Nymphenburg; this former
Pinakothek or the Deutsches Museum this
summer residence of Munich’s ruling
102
 103

afternoon. Alternatively, car fans could exports: Pilsner Urquell and Gambrinus.
visit Munich’s impressive BMW World. After the tour, which does include a tasting,
your group can continue to the nearby Beer
DAY 3 ~ MUNICH
Museum to continue its education on
OKTOBERFEST
Bohemian brews.
After breakfast in the hotel,
the world’s largest beer Tonight your group will feast on traditional
festival awaits your group. Your group has Czech dishes in the hotel’s restaurant.
day-time lunch reservations in one of the DAY 5 ~ BAMBERG
big tents at the Theresienwiese
After breakfast in the hotel,
fairgrounds, and based on your hotel’s
your group will travel west
exact location, your group might want to
by private coach back into
consider using public transportation as
Germany. Your first stop will be in the
driving in Munich can be quite difficult
lovely Bavarian town of Bayreuth, which is
during Oktoberfest. The lively festivities go
situated in the heart of the beer Franconia
late into the evening, so feel free to spend
region. Few other towns offer such a wide
the remainder of the day as you wish,
range of breweries and beers. While here
hopping around from tent to tent. Should
your group will take a walking tour to see
you decide that you’d like to escape the
the house where the great German
crowds, head to the Englischer Garten,
composer Richard Wagner lived, the
Munich’s vast public park, or visit one of
hexagonal castle tower, and much more.
the museums you weren’t able to make it
After some free time for lunch you will visit
to yesterday. (If you choose to visit Alte
the Maisel Brewery and Cooperage
Pinakothek, one of the most important art
Museum, the largest beer museum in the
museums in Europe, you’ll want to allow at
world. Discover first-hand the traditional
least two hours to view its masterpieces or
fine art of brewing in an interactive
four hours if you are a serious art
experience. Visit the machine room, the
enthusiast).
brewing rooms and the museum’s
DAY 4 ~ PLZEN collection of more than 3,300 beer glasses
After breakfast in the hotel, and jugs. The tour will finish in the old
your group will travel bottling plant with a complimentary glass
northeast by private coach of Maisel’s.
to the “birthplace of beer,” Plzen, Czech Afterwards your group will re-board its
Republic. During the drive you can enjoy private coach and travel a short distance
the countryside views and rest up from west to the city of Bamberg. Located on
yesterday’s festivities. Founded in 1295, the River Regnitz and renowned for its
this largely industrial city is the rachbier (smoked beer), Bamberg is a true
administrative center of western Bohemia. Bavarian gem. As one of the few cities that
After centuries of microbreweries trying to survived the bombings of World War II,
create the perfect beer, they decided to Bamberg is rife with historical and cultural
work together and collectively came up heritage, which led to its historic city center
with a superior brew through what is being named an official UNESCO World
known as the “Pilsner brewing method”. Heritage Site. After checking into the hotel,
This afternoon your group will have a one- enjoy an evening at leisure to explore
hour tour of the Pilsner Breweries, which Bamberg’s wonderful taverns, breweries
produce two of the Czech Republic’s best and pubs.
103
 104

DAY 6 ~ DÜSSELDORF to this fantastic art capital on the Rhine

River, your group will drop its bags off at
After an early breakfast in
the hotel and begin an exciting sightseeing
the hotel, this morning your
tour during which you’ll see impressive
group will leave the
attractions including Cologne’s gothic
Franconia region and continue traveling
Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
west by private coach to the 2,000 year-old
After a break for lunch, the touring will
town of Koblenz. Situated on the banks of
continue into the afternoon with a visit to
both the Rhine and the Mosel rivers, this
the topnotch Museum Ludwig, home to a
charming town has an abundance of marvelous collection of modern art,
cultural monuments and historical including works from Andy Warhol, Roy
buildings. Enjoy free time for lunch, where Lichtenstein and the largest Picasso
you can dine in a traditional weinstube (a collection in Europe. The tour will finish at
wine tavern) or seek out a strausswirtschaft the hotel in the afternoon. After check-in,
(a winery or wine grower’s cottage, where the evening is free for you and your group
you can sample homemade wines). After members to explore Cologne. Be sure to
lunch your group will have a bit of free time try kölsch, a local brew favorite in Cologne.
to explore Koblenz on its own before re-
boarding the coach and traveling north to DAY 9 ~ RHINE RIVER
the hotel in Düsseldorf, your home for the CRUISE
next two nights. After breakfast in the hotel,
your group will embark on a
Tonight your group will feast on traditional
very memorable last day in Germany.
German dishes in a local pub.
Today’s cruise down the Rhine River will
DAY 7 ~ DÜSSELDORF likely be the highlight of your trip. You’ll
After breakfast in the hotel, travel by private coach along the Rhine to
your group will enjoy a the picturesque town of St. Goarshausen
guided tour of Düsseldorf’s for embarkation. This amazing stretch of
Old Town with its narrow lanes, old the Rhine is prime wine country, home to
churches, quaint breweries and historic some of Germany’s best Riesling wines.
pubs. You will also learn all about the city’s Known as the Rhine Gorge, it was made an
rich history of brewing beer, with a official UNESCO World Heritage Site for its
particular emphasis on Altbier, a dark, remarkable natural beauty and cultural
semisweet lager that originated in heritage. Your group will cruise for three
Düsseldorf. As part of the guided tour, hours down the Rhine to Rüdesheim, one
your group will also go inside the local Alt of the prettiest winemaking towns in all of
Breweries to learn about the brewing Germany. During your leisurely sightseeing
process and to sample the local brews. cruise, you will see dramatic landscapes
dotted with medieval castles and charming
Spend the evening exploring Düsseldorf on
wine towns.
your own.
(Note that most cruises don’t operate in
DAY 8 ~ COLOGNE
winter. The timetables also vary daily.
After breakfast in the hotel, Depending on the cruise time specifically
your group will check out confirmed for your group, you may decide
and travel south by private to eat an early lunch in St. Goarshausen
coach to splendidly historic Cologne, before the cruise, to organize a group lunch
Germany’s fourth-largest city. Upon arrival
104
 105

on the boat itself, or to eat a late lunch WHY TRAVEL WITH US ?

after the cruise has finished in Rüdesheim).
Whether it is taking a family trip to Paris, an
Upon arrival to Rüdesheim, you and your
educational group to Barcelona, or a church
fellow group members will have time to
group to Rome we can build an affordable,
look around, shop, and take photos before
European trip tailored to your interests. From
re-boarding the coach to travel to the
single city itineraries to multiple cities and
nearby city of Wiesbaden, one of the oldest
spa towns in Europe. Its proximity to the countries, your travel agent will work with us
airport will ensure a smooth departure to create custom tours for groups of 10 to 500
tomorrow morning. Upon arrival to people.
Wiesbaden, your group will check in, have
time to freshen up and then head out on We Make It Easy - We provide a quick
foot to a nearby local restaurant for a turnaround on custom quotes. Multi-city and
farewell dinner. multi-country itineraries are our specialty. In
Why Should You
addition, we can help organize signup
DAY 10 ~ WIESBADEN
deadlines, travel documents and payments.
Encourage Your
After breakfast and Travel Agent to
check-out, your group will
Experience - Europe Express has managed Book Your Group
board its private coach and
over 6,000 custom group trips since 1990. We Through Us?
drive a short distance to Frankfurt Airport
provide expert guides and high quality travel
for its return flight to the USA or Canada.
products.
Ease of Use
Flexibility - We work with your travel agent
to create a tailor-made trip to
accommodate your interests, booking
Experience
whatever combination of travel services fit
your plans and budget, including airfare, Flexibility
hotels, rail, transfers, sightseeing and more.

Peace of Mind - Dedicated local ground Peace of Mind

support means that there is always someone
available to help you. Relax knowing that your
trip is backed by our commitment to offer
world-class quality of service.

Contact your travel agent today for a

customized itinerary and group quote!

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

105
 106

Portuguese Adventure
1 2 D A Y S / 1 1 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

INCLUSIONS
Spend 12 days experiencing the beauty and fascinating history of Portugal. This
comprehensive itinerary will show you the very best of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.  5 nights in Lisbon
Beginning and finishing in the ancient capital city of Lisbon, you will go back to the times of  1 nights in Fatima
 2 nights in Porto
the Romans, through the era of the Moorish kingdom - and into Portugal’s very exciting Age
 3 nights in Algarve
of Discovery. Aside from the castles, cathedrals and monasteries, during the tour there will  Breakfast daily
be time to relax, to shop and to visit local markets, and you’ll have two full days of leisure in  Lunch and dinner
the Algarve Region to enjoy Portugal’s beautiful, turquoise beaches. Last but not least – per itinerary
 Ground transport
via air conditioned
luxury coach
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE have existed on this hill for thousands of
 English speaking
LISBON years, the castle that you will visit today assistant and guides
Arrival to Lisbon, Portugal’s was erected by the Moors – including the  Admission tickets
castle’s famous walls. After the Christian as outlined in
enduring capital city. Upon
“Re-conquest,” the castle became a royal itinerary
arrival, a local guide will meet your group in
palace for the monarchy. HIGHLIGHTS
the airport’s arrival hall. As your hotel
rooms will not be ready for check-in until Today many fishermen and women live in  2 city sightseeing
the afternoon (and in attempt to help you this quarter, which lies on the hill between tours in Lisbon
defeat any pangs of jetlag), the guide will  Fado dinner show
the ancient Castle of St. George and the
 Day trip to
then lead your group on a relaxing tour to Tejo River. It offers visitors charming spectacularly
begin discovering wonderful Lisbon, which lanes, beautiful squares and quite a few beautiful town of
is one of the oldest cities in all of Europe. remarkable views of the city including the Sintra
Miradouro de Santa Luzia and the Largo das  See the tomb of
Your sightseeing tour today, which will be Prince Henry the
on bus and on foot, will include free time Portas do Sol. The 12th-century Cathdral of Navigator
for lunch. You will explore Lisbon’s oldest Lisbon is also located inside the Alfama.  Tour the university
This area is also a terrific spot to experience town of Coimbra
district: the Alfama. Before the Christian
“Fado” – a traditional, melancholic folk  Explore Porto’s
“Re-Conquest” of Iberia, most of Portugal local Port wine
music, and you’ll find many fado bars and
and Spain (with the exception of the very cellars
northern kingdoms) formed part of a great restaurants in the area. The tour will finish  Full day in the
Moorish kingdom. This area that you will at your hotel, where after check-in you are Duoro Valley
free to relax and freshen up before Region
visit today, the Alfama, was the city of
tonight’s group dinner in the hotel’s  3 nights on
Lisbon during the Moorish era. (History Portugal’s famed
note: even before the Moors arrived to restaurant. Algarve Coast
Lisbon - Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, DAY 2 ~ LISBON
Carthaginians, Romans and Visigoths had
After breakfast in the hotel,
already left their mark here). During your
meet your local guide for a
tour, your group will go inside the ancient
morning walking tour of the
Castle of St. George. While fortifications
heart of Lisbon. During the tour your guide
106
 107

will take you through the Baixa district remarkably well-preserved structure with
(historic, financial center), the center and stunning decorative tiles – and the 19th-
the Chiado neighborhood (elegant century Romanticist National Palace of
shopping area). You will see historic Pena, which was the summer palace of the
squares like the Praça do Comércio, Rossio former Portuguese royal family. In addition
and Praça dos Restauradores as well as to touring both palaces, you’ll also have
major avenues including Rua Augusta and time to wander Sintra’s lovely shops and
the Avenida da Liberdade. At the end of cobblestone streets before returning to
the walking tour, everyone will have free Lisbon in the afternoon. You will return to
time to have lunch before boarding a Lisbon by traveling along the Estoril and
private bus and traveling to Lisbon’s suburb Cascais Coastline with views of the Atlantic
of Belém where you will experience Ocean.
Lisbon’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
This evening all group members will meet
the Jerónimos Monastery, a superb
in the hotel lobby and proceed to a Fado
example of Manueline (late-Gothic)
restaurant for a dinner show (transport
architecture, and the Torre de Belém, a
included). On you last evening in Lisbon,
stunning 16th century monument that was
enjoy traditional dishes from Lisbon paired
commissioned to honor Portugal’s
with the soulful, folk music that has
remarkable feats of exploration during the
become one of Portugal’s best exports.
Age of Discovery. The tour will finish back
at the hotel, and the evening is at leisure. DAY 5 ~ FATIMA
After breakfast in the hotel,
DAY 3 ~ LISBON
your group will check out
After breakfast in the hotel,
and travel north by private
enjoy a free day in Lisbon!
bus to the walled city of Obidos, home to
You can revisit an area that
some of the finest Portuguese medieval
caught your eye, shop, or visit the city’s
architecture that you will see on this trip.
lively Ribeira Nova food market. If you’re
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Obidos
interested in continuing your sightseeing –
followed by free for lunch time before
we recommend visiting one (or all) of the
continuing north to the town of Alcobaça.
following museums: the National Coach
Alcobaça is home to one of medieval
Museum, the Calouste Gulbenkian
Portugal’s most important monasteries.
Museum or the National Museum of
The Gothic monastery, which is a UNESCO
Ancient Art. One last suggestion would be
World Heritage Site, is over 800 years old.
to visit Oceanario de Lisboa, the largest
Inside you will find the tombs of many past
aquarium in Europe.
Kings and Queens of Portugal – including
DAY 4 ~ LISBON Pedro I.

After breakfast in the hotel, You will then continue to the nearby town
meet a local guide in the of Batalha, which is home to another must-
lobby and prepare yourself see UNESCO World Heritage Site: the
for a real treat. Today you’ll travel to one Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory. It
of Portugal’s most beautiful, picture- took over a century to build this Gothic,
perfect towns: Sintra. This historic town, Manueline structure. Inside you will see
which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is beautiful examples of filigree detailing and
home to the Sintra National Palace – a stained-glass windows – as well as the

107
 108

tomb of Prince Henry the Navigator, a valley of the Douro River. This area is also a
major promoter of Portugal’s maritime UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its
discoveries. From here, you’ll drive to historical and cultural value. People have
tonight’s destination – the town of Fátima, been producing wine off here for over 2000
which is best known as a Catholic years, and even today much of the
pilgrimage site because of its Marian winemaking is done by family-run
apparitions. Upon arrival to the hotel, your businesses. While most people associate
group will check in and have time to this wine region with Portugal’s most
freshen up before a group dinner in the famous wine - Port (a fortified wine, sweet,
hotel. often served with dessert), the region also
produces table wines – many of a very high
DAY 6 ~ PORTO
quality. In fact, on the 2013 edition of Wine
After breakfast in the hotel, Spectator’s Top 100 List, this region had
your group should check two wines featured.
out and travel north to city
Your excursion today will include a visit to
of Coimbra. This lovely city’s claim-to-fame
the lovely Mateus Manor House, an 18th
is its extremely historic university, which is
century Baroque estate with formal
one of the oldest in all of Europe. The
gardens. While touring the house and
university sits on the highest hill
grounds you will see the house’s famous
overlooking the houses on the banks of the
“water mirror” that resides in front of the
Mondego River. Upon arrival you will tour
house, a fascinating library as well as lovely
the university’s Baroque Library, which is
collection of paintings, china and silver.
considered one of the most beautiful in
After touring the house and gardens,
Europe. Walk through the medieval area
continue your sightseeing tour with a visit
passing the Old Cathedral and the Church
to a local winery where you will learn about
of Santa Cruz. Afterwards, your group will
the process of winemaking. In the
continue traveling north to tonight’s
afternoon your group will return to Porto,
destination: Porto (also known as
and the rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy
“Oporto”). A city best known for its
your last evening in the north of Portugal.
production of port wine, the entire city
center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. DAY 8 ~ FARO
Upon arrival you will have free time to have
After breakfast in the hotel,
lunch and to explore some of Porto’s
group members should
famous Port wine cellars. Afterwards, a
check out and board the
local guide will give your group a late-
private bus to Porto’s Train Station. You
afternoon walking tour of Porto’s historic
will board then board the Alfa Pendular, a
center before the group transfers to the
high-speed train that will transport you
hotel for check-in. Tonight you are free to
from the north of Portugal to the very
enjoy Porto on your own.
south in less than six hours. While on this
DAY 7 ~ PORTO very comfortable train you will enjoy lovely
views of practically the whole length of the
After breakfast in the hotel,
country. Your destination is the stunning,
meet a local guide in the
turquoise coastline of the Algarve region
lobby for a full-day
where you’ll spend your next three nights.
excursion by private bus to the Douro wine
Upon arrival to the station in Faro, a private
region, which located in the picturesque

108
 109

coach will transfer your group to the hotel DAY 12 ~ LISBON

for check in. In the evening, a group dinner
After breakfast in the hotel,
has been organized in the hotel’s restaurant.
your group will check out and
This is the most visited part of Portugal, and transfer by private bus to
once you see its beautiful beaches, you will Lisbon Airport for its return flight to the USA.
understand why. This area is also home to a
very interesting history. Many of Portuguese WHY TRAVEL WITH US ?
star explorers – like Vasco de Gama –
departed on their historic voyages from the Whether it is taking a family trip to Paris, an
Algarve. The area also contains ancient educational group to Barcelona, or a church
group to Rome we can build an affordable,
Roman ruins and the remains of historic
European trip tailored to your interests. From
Moorish castles. However – since you’ve just
single city itineraries to multiple cities and
had a busy week of sightseeing, we’re going countries, your travel agent will work with us
to suggest you relax and enjoy the pristine to create custom tours for groups of 10 to Why Should You
beaches while in the Algarve. Have lunch in 500 people. Encourage Your
small fishing villages, swim in amazingly blue
We Make It Easy - We provide a quick
Travel Agent to
waters, visit local markets, shop, or play a
round of golf in this most scenic and turnaround on custom quotes. Multi-city and Book Your Group
paradisal regions of Portugal.
multi-country itineraries are our specialty. In Through Us?
addition, we can help organize signup
DAY 9 &10 ~ FARO deadlines, travel documents and payments.

After breakfast in the hotel,

Experience - Europe Express has managed Ease of Use
you have a free day to enjoy over 6,000 custom group trips since 1990.
the pristine beaches and We provide expert guides and high quality
quaint villages of the Algarve coastline. (And travel products. Experience
if you’re not a big beach fan, no worries – we
can organize interesting sightseeing and Flexibility - We work with your travel agent
transportation in the area for you).
to create a tailor-made trip to accommodate Flexibility
your interests, booking whatever
DAY 11 ~ LISBON combination of travel services fit your plans

After breakfast in the hotel,

and budget, including airfare, hotels, rail, Peace of Mind
transfers, sightseeing and more.
your group will check out and
board its private bus to Peace of Mind - Dedicated local ground
return to Lisbon for your final evening in support means that there is always someone
Portugal. Upon arrival to Lisbon, check into available to help you. Relax knowing that
the hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon your trip is backed by our commitment to
at leisure in Lisbon. This evening your group offer world-class quality of service.
will have a final dinner together in a local
Contact your travel agent today for a
restaurant. customized itinerary and group quote!

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

109
 110

Scandinavian Capitals
8 D A Y S / 7 N I G H T S — G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y — C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Treat yourself to a relaxing yet fascinating trip to Scandinavia’s dazzling capital cities. You INCLUSIONS
will be amazed at how very much one can see in just eight days! Guided sightseeing tours  Accommodations:
are included in Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki, but there is also free time built Copenhagen 1 night,
in the schedule for you and your fellow travelers to explore on your own. Excellent overnight aboard ship 2
overnight cruises make for a truly convenient and comfortable way of exploring these nights, Oslo 1 night,
historic cities. If you have always dreamt of visiting a Nordic world of scenic waterways, Stockholm 2 nights,
Helsinki 1 night
Viking heritage, Norse sagas, royal palaces and incredible architecture, this is the itinerary
for you!  Meals: Continental
breakfast daily, lunch
and dinner as noted in
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE IN The tour will finish at your Copenhagen itinerary
COPENHAGEN hotel, where your group can check in and
then have the remainder of the day to  Air-conditioned, private
Welcome to Scandinavia! coaching
Upon arrival to continue discovering this beautiful city.
(Please note that should your group arrive  English-speaking
Copenhagen, Denmark’s beautiful capital
before the hotel’s official check-in time, assistants and guides
city, a local guide will meet your group in
which is generally 3:00 pm, you are more  Admission tickets as
the airport arrivals hall and immediately
than welcome to store your baggage with outlined in the itinerary
lead it on a panoramic city tour of
the hotel staff so that you can immediately
Copenhagen. See the main sights of the  One-way Baltic cruises:
head out and enjoy exploring Copenhagen.)
Danish capital beginning with a drive down Copenhagen to Oslo,
Hans Christian Andersen Boulevard, which DAY 2 ~ Stockholm to Helsinki
runs past the Tivoli Gardens, a world COPENHAGEN -
HIGHLIGHTS
famous amusement park. Cross the OSLO
picturesque canal and drive past  See the world’s best-
Enjoy a full morning at
Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the preserved Viking ships
leisure in Copenhagen (breakfast is
Danish Parliament. Pass the beautiful,  Guided sightseeing
included at the hotel). This would be a
historic Stock Exchange and see Kongens tours of Copenhagen,
great opportunity to visit Tivoli Gardens, to
Nytorv (King’s New Square) with its Royal Oslo, Stockholm and
tour one of the city’s historical palaces or Helsinki
Theater. Continue to Nyhavn, a street well
to simply explore Copenhagen’s trendy
known for the variety of its nightlife, and  Cruise the North Sea
design boutiques and antique stores. If you
then see Amalienborg Palace, the Danish and the Baltic Sea
intend to set out early and maximize your
Royal Family’s winter residence. Your tour  See the Little Mermaid
time, you may want to consider checking
will then take you to one of the most statue based on Hans
out and storing your baggage downstairs so
famous sights in Copenhagen: the Little Christian Andersen’s
that you don’t have to return specifically to
Mermaid statue, located in Copenhagen’s fairytale
check out.
lovely harbor. As part of the tour you will
also see Rosenborg Castle, which was built This afternoon your entire group will
in the Dutch-Renaissance style by the transfer to Copenhagen’s port (by private
Danish King Christian IV as a summer coach) for your overnight cruise to Oslo,
residence. Norway.
110
 111

DFDS Seaways: ship sets sail at northern shore of Lake Vänern. The city
approximately 5:00 pm. Check in generally humorously refers to itself as the “city of
starts at 3:00 pm. (Note: the group’s cabin sunshine” due to the number of sunlight
and berth requests must be specified at the hours it has annually. After a break here
time of booking.) for lunch on your own, continue traveling
through the Swedish countryside, passing
DAY 3 ~ ARRIVAL TO
the towns of Örebro and Eskilstuna, before
OSLO - SIGHTSEEING
reaching Stockholm. Upon arrival your
This morning your group coach driver will take your group straight to
will wake up in Norway. the hotel to check-in. Enjoy an evening at
The time of arrival of your cruise from leisure in Stockholm.
Copenhagen to Oslo is roughly 9:45 am. A
DAY 5 ~
local guide will meet your group at the pier
SIGHTSEEING IN
and lead it on an exciting, 3-hour city tour
STOCKHOLM
of Oslo by private coach. During your
panoramic tour you will see Oslo’s absolute After breakfast in the hotel,
best attractions including the medieval a local guide will meet your group in the
Akershus Fortress, the City Hall from the lobby and lead it on a fantastic, 3-hour city
1950s, the Royal Palace, Parliament and the tour of Stockholm. Discover a city like no
National Theatre. Then continue west of other; a city whose well-preserved
the city center and visit the Vigeland medieval buildings stand alongside modern
Sculpture Park, a famous park that truly has architecture; a city built upon 14 islands
no equal. The park is home to over 200 and surrounded by an archipelago of
stone, bronze and cast-iron figural 24,000 islands! You will soon see that
sculptures made by the Norwegian artist when in Stockholm, you are never far from
Gustav Vigeland. Afterwards your beautiful views. Your sightseeing tour of
sightseeing will continue as your guide Stockholm will begin with a visit to the
takes you to the Bygdøy peninsula, which is Stockholm City Hall, where the Nobel Prize
located just outside the city center. Here receptions are held every year. The City
your group will tour the Viking Ship Hall is one of Sweden's foremost buildings
Museum, which houses the world’s best- built in the National Romantic architectural
preserved Viking vessels! The tour will style. See the famous Blue Hall whose
finish at your hotel in Oslo. After checking walls are decorated with pieces of gold and
in, feel free to relax or continue exploring stained-glass mosaics. Afterwards continue
the many sightseeing attractions of Oslo. sightseeing by taking a giant step back in
time as you stroll through Gamla Stan;
DAY 4 ~ OSLO -
Stockholm’s Old Town is home to cobbled
STOCKHOLM
alleys, narrow streets, houses, shops and
After breakfast and check- soaring church spires.
out, your group will depart
You will then continue by coach to the
Oslo by private coach and travel east to
impressive Vasa Museum. This outstanding
Sweden. Your eventual destination is
museum, which houses eight exhibitions, is
Stockholm, Sweden’s dazzling capital city,
one of Sweden’s most popular tourist
but along the way you will pass several
attractions because of its beautifully-
lovely spots. After crossing the Norwegian
preserved wooden warship that sank in
Border, you will head for the Swedish city
Stockholm Harbor during her ill-fated
of Karlstad, which is located on the
111
 112

maiden voyage in 1628. The sightseeing pier and lead it on an exciting, 3-hour city
tour will finish up back at the hotel, and tour of Helsinki by private coach. During
you and your fellow travelers will have the your panoramic tour, you will see Helsinki’s
remainder of the day to explore Stockholm best attractions. Begin by driving past the
on your own. city’s busy harbor and shipyards and down
the coastal road by Embassy Park, seeing
DAY 6 ~ STOCKHOLM
the colorful open-air market en-route. You
- HELSINKI
will see Senate Square, home to an elegant
Enjoy a full morning at Lutheran Cathedral, as well as Esplanadi, a
leisure in Stockholm. This popular shopping avenue where many
would be a great opportunity to visit one of designer shops are located. The tour will
Stockholm’s museums or art galleries also take your group down Mannerheim
(there are over a hundred museums in Street (Helsinki’s main street), to see the
Stockholm), do a bit of shopping on impressive Parliament building, the
Why Should You Kungsgatan (literally “King’s Street), return National Museum and Finlandia Hall; Alvar
Encourage Your to the Old Town (Gamla Stan), or take a Aalto designed this beautiful concert hall
Travel Agent to stroll along the harbor. There are also and convention center. Afterwards see the
Book Your Group many beautiful parks in Stockholm if you Olympic Stadium Helsinki constructed for
Through Us? prefer to spend the morning getting some its hosting of the 1952 Olympic Games, and
fresh air. If you intend to set out early and then view the new Opera House, which was
maximize your time, you may want to completed in 1993. During your
consider checking out and storing your
Ease of Use baggage downstairs so that you don’t have
sightseeing tour of Helsinki you will also see
the unique Rock Church (Temppeliaukio)
to return specifically to check out. which was built out of solid rock and
Experience This afternoon your entire group will capped with a copper dome.
transfer to Stockholm’s port (by private The tour will finish at your hotel in Helsiki.
coach) for your overnight cruise to Helsinki, After checking in, feel free to relax or
Flexibility Finland. continue exploring the many sightseeing
attractions of Helsinki.
Tallinksilja: ship sets sail at approximately
Peace of Mind 5:00 pm. Check in generally starts at 3:30
DAY 8 ~ DEPARTURE
pm.
FROM HELSINKI
DAY 7 ~ SIGHTSEEING After breakfast and check-
IN HELSINKI out, your group will travel
by private coach to Helsinki Airport for its
This morning your group
departure flight to the US or Canada.
will wake up in Finland. The
time of arrival of your cruise from
Stockholm to Helsinki is roughly 10:00 am.
A local guide will meet your group at the

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

112
 113

Southern Finland
5 D A Y S / 4 N I G H T S — G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y — C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

With the vast majority of Finland’s population residing in its southern regions, it is no INCLUSIONS
surprise that many of its best historic and cultural sights can also be found there. This
 Accommodations:
itinerary was designed to show you a glimpse of Finland’s past and present in just four Helsinki 2 nights,
nights. If your group has always dreamt of traveling to Finland, choose this itinerary for a Turku 1 night,
relaxing, interesting dose of Nordic charm! Tampere 1 night

 Meals: Continental
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL IN DAY 2 ~ HELSINKI - breakfast daily, lunch
HELSINKI PORVOO EXCURSION and dinner as noted in
itinerary
Upon arrival to Helsinki- After breakfast in the hotel,
 Air-conditioned,
Vantaa Airport, a local you and your fellow
private coaching
guide will meet your group in the terminal’s travelers will set out by private coach on a
arrivals hall and then lead it on a city guided excursion to one of Finland’s most  English-speaking
sightseeing tour of Helsinki. Finland’s interesting medieval destinations. The assistants and guides
beautiful capital city is home to an drive will take you northeast along the
interesting blend of historical attractions, Finnish coast to the town of Porvoo. HIGHLIGHTS
modern architecture and design, and Having been founded in the 14th century,
 Panoramic sightseeing
unspoiled natural landscapes. Its Porvoo is the second oldest town in tours of Helsinki,
spectacular seaside location is further Finland, and even before it was officially Turku and Tampere
enhanced by the fact that an alluring chain founded, traders were already established
 Walking tour of
of islands surrounds it. During your there in the 1200s. Upon arrival your group
Porvoo’s medieval
panoramic city tour of Helsinki by private will have a panoramic driving tour of Old Town
coach, the guide will tell your group about today’s city of Porvoo, which will be
 Visit the “Church of
the history of Finland and explain what followed by a guided walking tour of Old
the Rock”
everyday life is like in Helsinki today. You Porvoo, whose present population only
will see Helsinki’s best monuments counts roughly 700 people. Porvoo’s Old  See Turku’s 13th-
including the Senate Square, the Town truly is a historical gem, and your century castle
Presidential Palace, City Hall, and the Opera guide will show you its historic,  Tampere Cathedral
House. You will also visit inside characteristic wooden warehouses, which
Temppeliaukio Kirkko, (Temple Square may soon become an official UNESCO
Church), which is one of Helsinki’s most World Heritage Site.
popular attractions. Known as the “Church
During the tour you will have some free
of the Rock,” this Lutheran church was
time for lunch before going inside the
actually carved out of the natural bedrock.
highlight of any visit to Porvoo: its 15th-
The tour will end at the hotel, where your century cathedral. The Porvoo Cathedral is
group will check in and then have some the third-most-visited church in Finland,
free time before tonight’s welcome dinner and parts of the structure actually date
in the hotel’s restaurant. back to the 13th century. After visiting
inside, enjoy
113some time on your own to
 114

continue exploring Porvoo before rejoining towards the end of the 18th century,
your group and returning to the hotel in Tampere’s population today numbers
Helsinki. Once you arrive, the remainder of 200,000. The city’s geographical position is
the day is at leisure. quite spectacular; it lies on a narrow strip
of land that runs between Lake Näsijärvi
DAY 3 ~ HELSINKI -
and Lake Pyhäjärvi. Tampere is known for
TURKU
being a center of industry, education and
After breakfast and check- culture in Southern Finland. Upon arrival
out, your group will board enjoy a guided panoramic tour of Tampere
its private coach and travel west along the with an inside visit included to the Tampere
coast to a city commonly called Finland’s Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko), a superb
most charming town: Turku. Located at the example of the Nordic National Romantic
mouth of the Aurajoki River, Turku is style of architecture.
Finland’s oldest city, and it was the
Why Should You country’s most powerful one for many
The tour will finish at your hotel, where
your group will check in and then have time
Encourage Your centuries until the Russians relocated the
to freshen up before tonight’s farewell
Travel Agent to Finnish capital from Turku to Helsinki in the
dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.
Book Your Group 19th century. Today Turku is something of a
Through Us? cultural (and business) capital in Finland. DAY 5 ~ TAMPERE -
Visitors travel to Turku for its great variety HELSINKI -
of cultural offerings, the lively ambience DEPARTURE
along its riverbanks, and for the convenient
Ease of Use access to Turku’s nearby islands.
After breakfast and check-
out, your group will board its private coach
Upon arrival to the hotel in Turku, your and travel to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport for its
Experience group will have free time for lunch before return flight to the US or Canada. (Note:
setting out on an afternoon city tour, the drive to the airport will take
during which you will see Turku’s best approximately 2h15min). Should your
Flexibility sights including the 13th-century Turku group have an afternoon flight, there
Castle, one of the finest examples of should be no problem arriving in time.
Finland’s national heritage. The tour will However, groups with early-morning
Peace of Mind conclude back at the hotel, and you will departure flights should consider including
have the evening at leisure in Turku. an additional night in Helsinki to make sure
it has sufficient time to reach the airport on
DAY 4 ~ TURKU - its departure day.
TAMPERE
After breakfast and check-
out, your group will travel
northeast by private coach to Finland’s
largest inland city: Tampere. Founded

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

114
 115

Swiss Alps & Italian

8
Lake District
D A Y S / 7 N I G H T S — G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y — C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

This 7-night itinerary kicks off with an unforgettable rail journey through the heart of the INCLUSIONS
Swiss Alps on the legendary Bernina Express. After enjoying incredible views of glaciers,  Accommodations:
dramatic mountain passes, verdant valleys, pristine lakes, and magnificently-constructed Chur 1 night, Lugano
bridges, your group will arrive to the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland for a healthy dose 2 nights, Como 3
of Mediterranean temperatures, interesting sightseeing, and relaxation on Lake Lugano. nights, Milan 1 night

From there you will continue into Italy and spend three nights on the shores of Lake Como  Meals: Continental
before finishing up in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. breakfast daily, lunch
and dinner as noted
in itinerary
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE day is free for you to relax and continue
 Air-conditioned,
ZURICH - CHUR exploring Chur on your own. For dining
private coaching
Welcome to Switzerland! suggestions, please feel free to ask your
guide.  English-speaking
Upon arrival a local
assistants and guides
assistant will meet your group inside the DAY 2 ~ CHUR -
arrivals hall and accompany it to the train BERNINA EXPRESS - HIGHLIGHTS
station inside Zurich Airport. Your group LUGANO
 Guided tour of Chur,
will then travel by train to the city of Chur,
After breakfast, check-out, the oldest town in
the journey should take roughly 90
and a short walk to the Chur rail station; Switzerland
minutes. As the oldest city in Switzerland,
prepare yourself for what surely will be the  Discover Alpine
it is believed that Chur was already
highlight of your entire trip to Switzerland. landscapes on the
inhabited over 5,000 years ago; long before
Today your group will take the legendary Bernina Express, a
the Romans established the city in 15 B.C.
Bernina Express scenic train, traveling UNESCO World
Not only is Chur’s Old Town like something Heritage Site
south through breathtaking Alpine scenery.
out of a storybook, but the Alpine scenery
You are about to enter a stretch of  Free time to explore
that surrounds it is indescribably beautiful.
unbelievably picturesque land graced with Lake Lugano and its
Upon arrival to the rail station in Chur, a glaciers, lakes, tunnels, viaducts, valleys beautiful environs
local guide will meet your group on the and incredible mountain bridges. And as  Enjoy winetasting and
platform and accompany it to the hotel in you relax during your 4-hour, picture- a cooking class near
Chur where your group can either check-in perfect journey from Chur through St. Lake Como
(presuming rooms are available as official Moritz and Poschiavo to Tirano, your views  Visit Bellagio after an
check-in times are generally 3:00 pm) or will gradually change from mountain- invigorating day of
store baggage with the hotel staff. You will capped glaciers to palm tree lined lakes. hiking
then set off on an exciting, 90-minute This historic railway and the surrounding
walking tour of Chur’s Old Town during  Panoramic sightseeing
landscapes constitute an official UNESCO
tour and free time in
which your group will see the Bishop's World Heritage Site. Milan
Court, the 800-year old Cathedral, St.
Martin's Church, and the Town Hall. After After the panoramic train ride of your life,
the tour has finished, the remainder of the your group will take a scenic bus ride from

115
 116

Tirano along the shores of Lake Como to in Lugano. Possible villages to consider
the Swiss town of Lugano, which is located visiting include Ponte Capriasca, Tesserete,
on beautiful Lake Lugano. Lugano is the Colla, Sonvico, Dino and Ponte di Valle.
largest city in Ticino, the Italian-speaking And should you prefer to stay and simply
part of Switzerland. Despite its small size relax in Lugano, there is plenty of shopping
(just a tad smaller than a combined New to be had; check out Via Nassa if interested.
Hampshire and Vermont), Switzerland has No matter what you decide to do today,
four official languages: German, French, you really cannot err as the entire area is
Italian and Romansh. During your stay in beautiful, invigorating and relaxing!
Lugano, you will undoubtedly notice not
DAY 4 ~ LUGANO -
only linguistic differences from the
MORCOTE - COMO
northern part of Switzerland but also
After breakfast and check-
cultural and gastronomic differences.
out, your group will travel a
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel in short distance south along the shores of
Lugano and enjoy the evening at leisure in Lake Lugano to the village of Morcote,
“Mediterranean” Switzerland. which is often called the “Pearl of Lugano”
DAY 3 ~ LUGANO - because of its truly spectacular lakefront
MORNING TOUR - position and baroque architecture. You will
FREE AFTERNOON & have a couple of hours to wander through
EVENING Morcote. Consider visiting the historic
church of Santa Maria del Sasso, which
After breakfast in the hotel, your group will
dates back to the 13th century, Scherrer
set out on a morning sightseeing tour of
Park, and the Chapel of Sant'Antonio Abata.
Lugano, a city which is home to pleasant
After time for lunch, your group will re-
Mediterranean temperatures, superb
board its coach and cross over the border
natural beauty, pretty architecture and
into Italy. Your destination is the nearby
tasty Italian cuisine. The tour will feature
city of Como, which is located on Lake
the city’s lovely Parco Civico, which lines
Como (part of Italy’s famed Lake District).
Lake Lugano; the Church of St. Mary of the
Writers from Hemingway to Goethe have
Angels, which is known for its 16th-century
immortalized the ethereal beauty of this
frescoes by Bernardino Luini; and the St.
area, and even their words cannot seem to
Lawrence Cathedral.
do it justice!
Your guided tour of Lugano will finish just
Before arriving to Como, your group will
before lunchtime. At its conclusion, the
visit a villa for a tasting of locally-produced
remainder of the day is free for you to
wine and olive oil. After checking in to the
explore Lugano on your own. For group
hotel in Como, take some time to relax and
members interested in spending the
freshen up before tonight’s group dinner.
afternoon on Lake Lugano, it is a paradise
for water sports fans. Windsurfing, water DAY 5 ~ LAKE COMO
skiing, sailing, scuba diving, and swimming
Today your group will
are all popular water sports in the area.
spend the day exploring
Another fantastic option is to rent a bicycle
Lake Como and the pretty
and explore the tiny villages in Lugano’s
villages that surround it. While it is
vicinity. This area is home to more biking
certainly true that Lake Como (much like
paths than anywhere else in Switzerland. It
Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore and Lake
is easy to rent a bike at the railway station
116
 117

Garda) is a favorite retreat for the rich and elect to have a cooking demonstration
famous, it is also a paradise for nature instead (which is still very interesting).
lovers. This is a day to get outside and Depending on what time the cooking class
experience the beautiful surroundings of finishes, if your group has time this
Italy's northern landscape! afternoon; we recommend visiting either
Following breakfast, strap on your walking the town of Varenna or Menaggio with
shoes and travel by private coach to an your private bus. Alternatively, if you
area of beautiful hiking trails. You are in for prefer to hang around and relax in Como,
some truly gorgeous views of mountains you could always ride the funicular to the
unfolding into low woodlands and sparkling village of Brunate for some amazing views
lakeshore. of Lake Como.

After soaking up the natural beauty and Your last evening on the lake is yours to
fresh air, transfer to the town of Bellagio enjoy as you see fit.
where you have time on your own to enjoy
DAY 7 ~ COMO -
a well-deserved lunch at a local cafe. Many
MILAN
consider this the most beautiful part of the
After breakfast and check-
lake. After lunch spend the afternoon
out, your group will travel south to Milan,
exploring Bellagio before returning to
the financial and fashion capital of Italy.
Como by private coach with your group
Upon arrival to the city center, a local guide
members. (Alternatively, should someone
will meet your group and lead it on a 2-
want to leave earlier or stay longer, there
hour panoramic tour of Milan. Afterwards,
are ferry boats that run across the lake as
the afternoon is yours to soak up Milanese
well as public buses).
culture. If you are an art fan; consider
Enjoy an evening at leisure in Como. paying a visit to the Church of Santa Maria
DAY 6 ~ COMO - delle Grazie. This UNESCO World Heritage
COOKING CLASS Site houses Leonardo di Vinci’s 15th-
century mural The Last Supper.
After breakfast in the hotel,
Alternatively, you could visit the Pinacoteca
today your group will learn
di Brera, one of the finest art museums in
all about Northern Italian cuisine during a
all of Italy. Inside you can see medieval and
private cooking class in a local restaurant.
renaissance masterpieces by Raphael,
Although you can find delicious Italian
Caravaggio and Piero della Francesca.
specialties like pizza and lasagna all over
History buffs should check out the Castello
the country, you will discover there is a
Sforzesco, and opera lovers can visit the
wide array of local dishes worth sampling!
museum of Milan’s La Scala Opera House.
Follow along as your chef-instructor shares
Last but not least, shoppers can bargain
the subtleties of how to prepare Northern
hunt for great designer deals in one of
Italian cuisine, and try to wait until the end
Milan’s discount outlets!
of your demonstration before devouring
this tasty feast. By early evening, all group members will
meet in a pre-designated meeting point in
Note: Regarding cooking classes, small
Milan and board its private coach to travel
groups can generally include these quite
to the hotel near Milan’s Malpensa Airport.
easily on itineraries. Simply because of
Upon arrival to the hotel, your group will
classroom space, larger groups should
check in and have time to freshen up
either divide into two smaller groups; or
before tonight’s farewell dinner in the
117
 118

hotel’s restaurant. Enjoy your last meal in WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
Italy.
Whether it is taking a family trip to Paris, an
DAY 8 ~ MILAN
educational group to Barcelona, or a church
After breakfast and check- group to Rome we can build an affordable,
out, take the hotel’s shuttle European trip tailored to your interests.
bus to Milan’s Malpensa From single city itineraries to multiple cities
Airport for your return flight to the USA or and countries, your travel agent will work
Canada. (Note: The suggestion to stay with us to create custom tours for groups
nearer Milan’s Malpensa Airport comes of 10 to 500 people.
from the fact that the airport is located 30
miles from the city center; and that traffic We Make It Easy - We provide a quick
in Milan is notoriously bad. That being turnaround on custom quotes. Multi-city
said, if your group has a late-morning flight and multi-country itineraries are our
Why Should You and prefers to spend its last night in the specialty. In addition, we can help organize
Encourage Your city center of Milan, this can certainly be signup deadlines, travel documents and
Travel Agent to arranged). payments.
Book Your Group
Experience - Europe Express has
Through Us? managed over 6,000 custom group trips
since 1990. We provide expert guides and
high quality travel products.
Ease of Use
Flexibility - We work with your travel
agent to create a tailor-made trip to
Experience accommodate your interests, booking
whatever combination of travel services fit
your plans and budget, including airfare,
Flexibility hotel, rail, transfers, sightseeing and more.

Peace Of Mind - Dedicated local ground

support means that there is always
Peace of Mind
someone available to help you. Relax
knowing that your trip is backed by our
commitment to offer world-class quality of
service.

Contact your travel agent today for a

customized itinerary and group quote.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

118
 119

The Best of Central &

Southern Spain
1 4 D A Y S / 1 3 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

INCLUSIONS
Spend two weeks visiting some of the most beautiful and interesting areas in Spain. This
itinerary packs a punch in terms of history and culture – but it also has down time, moments  6 nights in Madrid
for relaxation, sunning on the beach and listening to flamenco. It features large capital cities,  1 night each in
seaside towns and historic villages. While visiting four diverse regions of Spain - Castile and Cordoba, Granada,
and Seville
León, Castile–La Mancha, the Community of Madrid and Andalusia – you will visit no fewer
 2 nights each in
than eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Alhambra Palace, the Roman Malaga and Cadiz
Aqueduct in Segovia and the Old Town of historic Toledo.  Breakfast daily
 Lunch and dinner
per itinerary
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE welcome dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.  Ground transport
via air conditioned
MADRID
DAY 2 ~ MADRID luxury coach
Arrival to Madrid, Spain’s  English speaking
After breakfast in the hotel, assistant and guides
cultural capital city. Upon
meet your local guide in the  Admission tickets
arrival to Barajas Airport, your group will be
lobby and prepare yourself as outlined in
met by a local guide in the arrivals hall of itinerary
for a real treat: a visit to the historic city of
the terminal. As hotel rooms will not be
Toledo. (note: Toledo is one of those HIGHLIGHTS
ready until 2:00 pm, the guide will take
incredibly picturesque, medieval cities with
your group on a panoramic sightseeing tour  Sightseeing tours of
cobblestones and hills – so please wear Madrid, Seville,
by bus before dropping the group off at the
comfy shoes today). Many moons ago, Cordoba, Granada
hotel. This is the perfect way to get an and Cadiz
Toledo was actually the capital of Spain.
orientation of Madrid, which as can be
This was from the time of the collapse of  Day trips to Avila,
expected – is a large capital city with lots to San Lorenzo de El
the Roman Empire when the Visigoths Escorial, Toledo
see!
showed up (4th century AD) to the time and Segovia
On the panoramic tour you will see the when the Moors invaded the Iberian  Travel on Spain’s
exterior of the baroque Royal Palace, which Peninsula (8th century). Because of its convenient high-
speed trains
was constructed in the 18th century and historic and cultural value, Toledo’s Old
 Visit Granada’s
contains over 3000 rooms - as well as the Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Alhambra Palace
nearby Plaza de Oriente, Teatro Real and historical heritage is unparalleled. Perhaps  Experience Spain’s
Almudena Cathedral. You will also see the most interesting aspect of its history Costa del Sol
spectacular Plaza Mayor square. (During (which goes back to the Romans) is during  Attend a flamenco
show in Andalusia
the days of the Inquisition, many a heretic the Middle Ages when Christians, Jews and  See Spain’s oldest
was burned at the stake here). You’ll also Muslims coexisted quite peacefully and bullring
see the always bustling Porta del Sol and lived in flourishing, cultural communities.
the lovely Paseo del Prado boulevard, Toledo has also had some pretty famous
home to the world-renown Museo del citizens including the painter, El Greco.
Prado. The tour will finish up at the hotel. While here your guide will take you inside
Check in and relax before having a group Toledo’s Cathedral, which is one of the best

119
 120

examples of Gothic architecture in the monument, called “The Valley of the

world; the House & Museum of El Greco, Fallen” which was commissioned under
which is located in the old Jewish Quarter; Franco and remains a stark reminder of the
and the 14th-century Synagogue del Spanish Civil War. After the guided tour of
Tránsito, a remarkable building that once El Escorial, enjoy some free time for lunch
served Toledo’s pre-Inquisition Jewish before continuing your daytrip to Avila.
community.
Avila is a walled city whose medieval walls
During the tour, there will be a lunch break were constructed in the 11th century. The
(on own). In the mid-afternoon, your group walls are some of the finest in all of Europe
will return to the hotel in Madrid. The and surround the Old Town’s remarkably
remainder of the day is at leisure. For well-preserved Romanesque churches,
those group members that want to relax Gothic palaces and the city’s 11th-century
but not necessarily in the hotel- consider Cathedral. It’s no surprise that Avila’s Old
spending the remainder of the afternoon in Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Madrid’s beautiful Retiro Park. It’s also a place of religious importance as it
was the birthplace of Saint Teresa, who was
DAY 3 ~ MADRID
born in Avila in 1515. Your group will have
After breakfast in the hotel, a 2-hour walking tour of Avila before
you have a full day to returning to Madrid. Upon arrival back to
yourself to explore Madrid. the hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Consider visiting the Reina Sofia Museum
DAY 5 ~ MADRID
or the Prado Museum. While they are both
superb and definitely merit a visit, their After breakfast in the hotel,
collections are different. The Reina Sofia today is your final daytrip
Museum contains artwork by modern from Madrid. Meet your
painters (Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and guide in the lobby for an excursion to
Pablo Picasso – including his masterpiece Segovia, an ancient city that lies north of
Guernica) while the Prado Museum Madrid, in the region of Castile and León. It
contains masterpieces by traditional, was inhabited by indigenous Iberians long
Spanish painters like Diego Velázquez (yes, before the Romans arrived to settle there.
inside is his famous Las Meninas), Goya, During the Middle Ages, Segovia was an
Murillo and El Greco. interesting, multicultural city with a strong
trade industry, and Queen Isabella I herself
DAY 4 ~ MADRID
was crowned here in the 15th century.
After breakfast in the hotel, Today you will visit its Old Town and its
meet your local guide for a incredible aqueduct, both of which form a
full-day excursion to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Romans
the towns of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and finished building the Aqueduct of Segovia
Avila. In San Lorenzo de El Escorial, you will during the 2nd century. Today it is still
visit its famous monastery, which was remarkably intact. While in Segovia, your
commission by King Phillip II in the 16th group will also visit the dramatically
century. This massive structure stands as stunning Alcazar (Royal Palace), which is
an outstanding example of Renaissance almost 1000 years old - and the Cathedral
architecture and is a UNESCO World of Segovia, a superb example of 16th-
Heritage Site. While in San Lorenzo de El century, Gothic architecture. (There will be
Escorial, you will also see the controversial free time for lunch during today’s
120
 121

excursion). Your group will return to philosophers, writers and scientists of its
Madrid in the late afternoon and will have age. Unsurprisingly, its Old Town is a
the remainder of the day at leisure. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your group
will begin its guided tour walking through
DAY 6 ~ CORDOBA
Córdoba’s ancient quarters. A group lunch
After breakfast in the hotel, will be provided in a local restaurant during
all group members will the tour – and after lunch the group will
check out and transfer by continue the guided tour with a visit inside
private bus to the train station, where it Córdoba’s crowning achievement: its
will board the very convenient, high-speed Mosque–Cathedral. The tour will finish at
train to the city of Córdoba. Your next the hotel where group members can check
week will be spent in one of Spain’s most in, relax and spend the rest of the evening
beloved regions: Andalusia. Travelers and visiting Córdoba’s mesmerizing Old Town.
locals alike love slower-paced, flamenco-
DAY 7 ~ GRANADA
loving, sherry-producing Andalusia. Its
mudejar architecture, whitewashed After breakfast in the hotel,
villages, fantastic beaches and friendly your group will check out
locals represent a glimpse of what this and transfer by private bus
region has to offer. Out of all of Spain, this to Granada. Upon arrival to the hotel,
is the area that has been most influenced group members will store their baggage
by its Moorish past. The Moors lived in with hotel’s reception staff and go off in
what we today know as Spain for 800 years. search of a quick lunch before reuniting for
In fact the name Andalusia comes from the this afternoon’s sightseeing tour of the
name of the Muslim Kingdom “Al-Andalus.” Alhambra Castle Complex (a UNESCO
Many of the cities that you visit on this World Heritage Site).
itinerary were all heavily impacted by the
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada
Moorish culture – Toledo, Seville, Cadiz,
Mountains, as soon as you arrive to
Granada, Córdoba, Malaga. Despite the
Granada, you’ll feel that you have gone
fact that the Catholic Kings (Ferdinand &
much higher in altitude – and you have.
Isabella) kicked the remaining Moors out of
Compared to other parts of Andalusia,
Spain in 1492 – you will still evidence of the
Granada - while only being an hour from
highly sophisticated, multicultural and
the Mediterranean Coast – is much greener
scholarly Muslim culture that once existed
and cooler than other cities. Another
in Andalusia.
practical aspect (due to its higher altitude)
As you will arrive to Córdoba in late is that Granada strategically offers its
morning - when your hotel rooms will not residents a pretty great view when about to
yet be ready for check-in – your group will be attacked. All these reasons contributed
meet a guide and set off on a walking tour to why the Muslim sultans decided to build
of this truly fascinating city. 1000 years their magnificent Alhambra citadel here in
ago, not only was Córdoba the capital of the 9th century, which you’ll tour this
the entire Muslim kingdom of Iberia, it was afternoon. Granada was the last Muslim
also one of the most advanced, cultured city in all of Spain to fall to the Catholic
and economic cities in all of Europe. It was Kings, Ferdinand & Isabella, in 1492. (Yes,
a city of universities, bath houses, the same year that they financially backed
incredible mosques and libraries. Córdoba Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the
was home to some of the greatest “East” and led the raging Inquisition; it was
121
 122

a busy year for the Spanish monarchs). Spain. After visiting inside the bulling, enjoy
Their Christian “Re-conquest” finished here a couple hours of free time to have lunch
in Granada, just in front of the city’s and explore Ronda’s scenic Old Town
legendary Alhambra Palace, whose beauty before re-boarding the bus to travel to
we will not attempt to describe here. We tonight’s destination: the coastal city of
will say though that your jaw is sure to drop Cadiz. En route to Cadiz, you will pass by
a few times while inside. After the visit, the many vineyards and the town of Jerez de la
group will return to the hotel and have free Frontera. This is “jerez” country! (Or as we
time to relax and have dinner before say in English “sherry.” Why not try a glass
tonight’s flamenco show. this evening?) Upon arrival to the hotel in
Cadiz, check in and enjoy some free time
DAY 8 ~ MALAGA
before tonight’s group dinner.
After breakfast in the hotel,
DAY 11 ~ CADIZ
group members can check
out, store their baggage After breakfast in the hotel,
with the reception staff and explore meet your local guide for a
Granada on their own. We recommend morning sightseeing tour of
wandering the Albaicín, the city’s historic the wonderful city of Cadiz. Unusually
Muslim quarter. After lunch (on own) all located on a small stretch of land and
group members should arrive back to the surrounded by sea – Cadiz is one of
hotel to pick up their baggage and board Europe’s oldest cities. Originally founded by
the bus to drive south to Spain’s sunny the Phoenicians, the strategically-located
Costa del Sol. You’re heading for Málaga, port city of Cadiz has played host to Greeks,
the seaside birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Romans, Visigoths, Moors – and even the
Upon arrival to the hotel, the group will English Royal Navy. In addition to its world-
check in and have the rest of the evening at renown Carnival celebrations, Cadiz is
leisure to enjoy Málaga’s night scene. particularly known for its lovely squares
(plazas), which your guide will include on
DAY 9 ~ MALAGA
this morning’s tour. After the walking tour
After breakfast in the hotel, has finished - enjoy the rest of the day to
enjoy a full day on your continue sightseeing, shop or relax on the
own in Málaga. While we beach.
strongly recommend visiting the Picasso
DAY 12 ~ SEVILLE
Museum – we also like spending the day on
the beach; this is after all a pretty great After breakfast in the hotel,
stretch of Mediterranean coastline! Beach the group will check out
suggestions: try La Malagueta or El Palo. and travel north by private
coach to Seville, Andalusia’s colorful capital
DAY 10 ~ CADIZ
city. Seville has great architecture,
After breakfast in the hotel, flamenco and sightseeing – and the
the group will check out ambience couldn’t be any better. In any
and travel west by private old neighborhood bar you’re liable to see
coach to the beautiful, mountain town of local sevillanos passing around a guitar,
Ronda. Ronda’s history dates back to the playing flamenco melodies as everyday
Romans, but upon arrival- your group will patrons sing along. Don’t pass Seville off as
meet a local guide for a guided tour of the all fun and drinks though. This former
town’s Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in
122
 123

Roman city is oozing with cultural heritage; DAY 13 ~ MADRID

in fact - its Old Town contains no fewer After breakfast in the hotel,
than three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. until the early afternoon you
As your group will arrive mid-morning to are free to enjoy Seville as
Seville - before your hotel rooms are ready you please. (As check-out is at midday, if
for check-in - upon arrival store your bags you don’t want to return to the hotel until
with the hotel staff and meet your local the exact meeting time, the most
guide for a terrific sightseeing tour (walking convenient option would be to go ahead,
& bus), during which free time will be given check out and store your baggage with the
for lunch. On the tour, you will go inside hotel’s reception staff). This morning art
tour two of the aforementioned UNESCO lovers may wish to check out the Museo
World Heritage Sites: the 14th century- Provincial de Bellas Artes de Sevilla.
Alcázar palace complex and the Cathedral. By early afternoon all group members
The Alcázar palace, which is still used today should return to the hotel, pick up their Why Should You
by the Spanish royal family, is a superb bags and board the bus to transfer to Encourage Your
example of mudejar architecture, and you Seville’s train station for their return high- Travel Agent to
will see similarities between this stunning
palace and the Alhambra palace in
speed rail journey to Madrid. Upon arrival Book Your Group
Granada. While the alcázar’s rooms are out
to the station in Madrid, a local assistant
Through Us?
will meet your group and accompany it to
-of-this-world, perhaps the most beautiful the hotel by private coach. By now, you are
part of your visit will be inside its gardens. quite familiar with Spain’s capital city – so
After the palace visit and a quick walk, your we’ll leave you to it! Enjoy your final
Ease of Use
group will then visit Seville’s magnificent, evening in Spain!
15th-century Cathedral (the largest Gothic
building in the world). Inside are the DAY 14 ~ MADRID Experience
presumed remains of Christopher After breakfast in the hotel,
Columbus. all group members should
Flexibility
The sightseeing tour will finish back at the check out and transfer to
hotel in the afternoon, when group Madrid’s Barajas Airport by private bus for
members can check-in, relax and freshen
their departure flight back to the USA. Peace of Mind
up. This evening, everyone will meet back
in the lobby and head to Seville’s Barrio de
Santa Cruz with a local guide. Enjoy a one-
hour, pre-dinner-warm-up walking tour of
this medieval, Jewish neighborhood. The
guide will leave your group at a
neighborhood restaurant for its final
evening in Andalusia.

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

123
 124

The Best of England & Wales

1 0 D A Y S / 9 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

This tour covers the breadth of England and Wales including impressive castles, fairytale INCLUSIONS

cottages, porcelain factories, iconic monuments and more. In between visits to a historic  2 nights each in
university, the birthplace of Shakespeare and impressive museums, you will delight in the Cardiff, Colwyn Bay
Area, Stratford-
scenic views of Wales and the English countryside. upon-Avon, and
London
 1 night in Bath
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE the world. Today those very docks have
LONDON been transformed into a dazzling  Breakfast daily
waterfront complex of restaurants & visitor
Upon arrival to London,  Lunch and dinner
your group will clear attractions. per itinerary
customs and meet its tour director in the DAY 3 ~ CARDIFF  Ground transport
arrivals hall. From here the group will head via air conditioned
This morning after
out for England's West Country by private luxury coach
breakfast we will set out to
coach. Travel through quaint towns with  English speaking
explore some of Cardiff's
thatched roofs and red, bricked cottages to assistant and guides
history at magnificent Cardiff Castle.
Salisbury where we will visit mysterious
Situated in the very heart of the capital,  Admission tickets
Stonehenge. More than 4,000 years ago, as outlined in
alongside city-center shopping and the
the people of the Neolithic period decided itinerary
magnificent Bute Park, the castle's fairytale
to build a massive monument using earth
-like towers conceal an elaborate and
and stones, placing it high on Salisbury
splendid interior. Contained within its
Plain. Marvel at this work of primeval
mighty walls is a history spanning nearly
architecture. We continue on to the historic
2,000 years, dating from the coming of the
City of Bath. First settled by the Celts
Romans in the first century AD. The balance
(legend has it that they discovered the hot
of the day you are free to explore on your
springs' medical qualities) and later
own. You will never be at a loss for
occupied by the Romans, Bath became a
something interesting to see or do in and
fashionable resort during the Victorian Era.
around Cardiff: arts, heritage, sports, family
DAY 2 ~ CARDIFF attractions and much more are within easy
This morning after reach. With Cardiff's proximity to the coast
breakfast we will first visit and the mountains, the city truly has
the magnificent Roman something for everyone. The city's arts
Baths. We then head to Cardiff, the capital facilities are exceptional, with the National
of beautiful Wales. As one of Europe's Museum and Gallery housing the second
youngest capitals, Cardiff has a progressive largest Impressionist collection after Paris.
and confident personality to match. A Cardiff's Bay has been transformed into a
century ago, it was the busiest coal port in stunning waterfront with a wealth of
attractions, leisure facilities and its own

124
 125

Visitor Center 'The Tube' full of this town before you are free to explore.
information. This evening enjoy a Welsh With 2,000 years of history, this is one of
Banquet at Cardiff Castle. Europe's top heritage cities - and it is easy
to see why! Chester boasts a complete
DAY 4 ~ COLWYN
circuit of walls, sections of which date back
BAY
to Roman times, as well as a Norman
This morning after cathedral. The famous Rows, unique two-
breakfast we will be tiered galleries built in the traditional black
HIGHLIGHTS heading to north Wales and the Colwyn Bay and white 'magpie' style, contain a wide
area. Our first stop of the day is range of shops selling goods from antiques
 Investigate
mysterious Portmeirion, the fascinating Italianate to high fashion. In fact the city is one of the
Stonehenge fantasy village created by Sir Clough top retail centers in the UK, boasting large
 Learn the history of Williams-Ellis, and home to the Portmeirion branches of national stores and attractive
the Roman Baths
pottery. Here, the Tour Director will offer shopping malls. Our route then brings us
 View the large
Impressionist an optional exciting ride on one of Wales' through the bustling heartland of England
collection at the Great Little Trains from Minffordd to and by the towns of Stafford and Stoke-on-
National Museum Blaenau Ffestiniog. This narrow-gauge Trent, both famous for their fine porcelain
and Gallery in steam railway takes you back in time while
Wales and china. Here we will stop to explore the
 Attend a Welsh enjoying some of the stunning scenery of creative delights of the famous Wedgwood
Banquet the Snowdonia National Park. Factory. At Wedgwood we shall tour the
 Admire the scenery working factory and see the processes that
of Snowdonia DAY 5 ~ COLWYN
BAY go into creating a Wedgewood piece. There
National Park
 Visit 'the Potteries,' is also time for shopping not just for Jasper,
This morning we head to
and area famous for but also Black Basalt, Queensware and
fine porcelain and the Isle of Anglesey where
others. We continue on to Stratford where
china we will visit the village most commonly
we will spend the next two nights.
 Learn the process known as Llanfairpwllgwyngyll. The longer
of making a piece of name of the town is officially the longest DAY 7 ~ STRATFORD-
China on the
recognized place name in the UK and one UPON-AVON
Wedgwood Factory
Tour of the longest in the world standing at 58 Today after breakfast we
 Attend a letters in length (51 in the Welsh alphabet). will explore Stratford-upon-
performance by the Visit the train station and have your picture Avon, the birthplace of William
Royal Shakespeare
taken with the station sign or visit the Shakespeare. Set in the beautiful, rural
Company
 Visit historic nearby Visitors Center. While in Anglesey Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of
Oxford University, keep a close eye on the locals as this is now the River Avon, it is one of the most historic
also a site of the the home of HRH Prince William and the destinations in the United Kingdom. The
Harry Potter films
Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Katherine. house has been owned by the Shakespeare
 Visit the largest
inhabited castle in We will then head to Conwy where we will family from the time of Shakespeare's
the world, Windsor visit Conwy Castle, a masterpiece of father, John Shakespeare. Today it is
Castle medieval military architecture. Walk along owned by The Shakespeare Birthplace
 Full-day tour of walls that are over 700 years old.
London's most Trust. The house holds 400 treasures in 8
famous sites DAY 6 ~ STRATFORD- rooms, including documents, portraits,
including UPON-AVON pictures and old coins. This afternoon we
Parliament, Big Ben will enjoy a tour of the Cotswolds, enjoying
and the Tower of This morning after
London the charm, stunning scenery and charming
breakfast we will head to
towns and villages that this area has to
Chester. Upon arrival we will have a tour of
125
 126

offer. After an early dinner we will attend a Westminster Abbey, where the Kings and
performance at the Royal Shakespeare Queens of England are crowned,
Company Theatre. Parliament and Big Ben, Trafalgar Square,
Piccadilly the traditional "Heart of London,"
DAY 8 ~ LONDON
and the massive Tower of London. Inside a
This morning we head history of intrigue, injustice, treason and
south to London. Our first torture lingers at every turn. Anne Boleyn
stop is Oxford, which is was executed at the Tower, and tradition
situated on the River Thames and best says the Little Princes (Edward V and his
known for its university. Founded in the brother, the Duke of York) were murdered
12th century, Oxford University is one of inside as well. The Jewel House with its
the oldest universities in England. It priceless treasures of the Royal Regalia and
dominates the life and culture of the city. the Yeoman Warders (also known as
The University is divided into many Beefeaters) in their Tudor uniform, provide
Why Should You different colleges with the most famous a contrast to the grim, yet fascinating
Encourage Your colleges being Balliol, Trinity and Christ interior of The Tower of London. This
Travel Agent to Church. Each one maintains its own style evening you are free to explore the
Book Your Group and features beautiful architecture. The multitude of restaurants and bars in this
Through Us? great hall at Christ Church was used as a cosmopolitan city, where every taste under
location for the Hogwarts School of Magic the sun is catered for.
in the Harry Potter films. We board our
DAY 10 ~ LONDON
coach again and head south to Windsor
Ease of Use Castle, the residence of Her Majesty the After breakfast, we bid
Queen, and the largest inhabited castle in farewell to England and
Wales as we board our
Experience the world. View the guard change, the
fantastic Doll's House and St George's coach for transfer to Heathrow Airport
Chapel where many Kings and Queens are where group members will board flights to
Flexibility buried. The lavish staterooms are of return to the US.
breathtaking elegance and beauty. After a
busy day we arrive in London and check
Peace of Mind into our hotel for our last two nights.

DAY 9 ~ LONDON
This morning after a full
breakfast, we board our
coach for a full-day tour of
this exciting city. We will see such historic
sites as Buckingham Palace, the colorful
pageantry of the Changing of the Guard,

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

126
 127

The Best of Moscow &

St. Petersburg
1 1 D A Y S / 1 0 N I G H T S — G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y — C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s two largest cities. At different points in time, they
INCLUSIONS
both have served as Russia’s capital. They both contain fascinating historical attractions,
theatres and some of the world’s best art museums. That being said, Moscow and St.  5 nights in each Moscow
and St. Petersburg
Petersburg couldn’t be more different, and by spending time in both of these wonderful  Breakfast daily
cities, it will give you a terrific understand of Russia, the world’s largest country.  Lunch and dinner per
itinerary
The first half of your trip to Russia will be spent in Moscow, today’s cosmopolitan,  Ground transport via
energetic capital city. While here you will begin to learn about Russia’s intriguing history air conditioned private
with a visit to the Kremlin and the Red Square. You will also visit medieval Russian coach
Orthodox monasteries, see where some of Russia’s best writers once called home, and  Admission tickets and
sightseeing as outlined
attend a performance of Russian ballet. The second half of your trip will be spent in St. in itinerary
Petersburg. Creating this “Venice of the North” was the dream of Peter the Great, and
even today the city retains an air of its aristocratic, imperial past. This is the intellectual HIGHLIGHTS

and cultural capital of Russia, and while here you will explore its picturesque canals,  Guided visits of four
historic palaces and tour its world-famous art galleries. UNESCO World
Heritage Sites: the
Kolomenskoye Estate,
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL IN the airport to the city center we the Kremlin, the Trinity
Monastery of St.
MOSCOW recommend that your group stop and tour
Sergius, and the
Arrive in Moscow, Russia’s the Kolomenskoye Estate, an official historical center of St.
UNESCO World Heritage Site; this splendid Petersburg
political capital and largest  Tour the Tolstoy House
city. After exiting customs, meet your former royal park estate is a treasure-trove
Museum
professional tour escort in the terminal’s of historic buildings (including the  Attend an opera, ballet
arrivals hall. He or she will accompany your magnificent 16th century Church of the or classical music
Ascension) constructed in Moscow’s concert in Moscow
group throughout its Russian adventure.  Take a traditional
Travel by private coach to the hotel. beautiful countryside. Russian tea
(Should your group arrive before the  Canal dinner cruise in
Tonight join your fellow group members for
St. Petersburg
hotel’s official check-in time, it is welcome a welcome dinner of local Muscovite  Guided visits to three of
to store luggage with the hotel’s reception specialties in the hotel’s restaurant. Russia’s best art
staff). There will be free time until this museums: the
DAY 2 ~ HISTORIC Tretyakov Gallery, The
evening to begin exploring Moscow on your
AND POLITICAL Russian Museum and
own. Over the next few days you and your State Hermitage
MOSCOW, THE
fellow group members will discover that Museum
KREMLIN  Visit to Peter the
Moscow is home to many fantastic sights
Great’s Imperial
well worth visiting. After breakfast in the hotel, your group will
Summer Palace
enjoy a full-day guided tour (combination
Note: If you and your fellow group private coach & walking) of Moscow’s
members arrive to one of Moscow’s extremely-historic and fascinating fortified
airports in the morning and decide to go citadel complex, best known as the
ahead and immediately begin sightseeing Kremlin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site
before heading to the hotel, en-route from has been inhabited for over 2000 years and
127
 128

its architecture is nothing short of Served from the old-fashioned Russian

magnificent. Some of Russia’s most samovar, tea (along with vodka) is a staple
interesting moments in history took place beverage in Russia and is usually served
on these grounds, and even today Russia’s with meat or fruit-filled pies and pancakes.
president has his offices inside the Kremlin. To round off your artistic tour of Moscow,
this evening your group will attend a
Your guided tour will take you past the
classical music concert, opera or ballet
complex’s historic walls, towers and
performance in one of Moscow’s famed
cathedrals. Then depending on the date of
theatres.
your visit and availability, your group will
also go inside either the fantastic Armory DAY 4 ~ MOSCOW
Museum or the Diamond Fund. After a
After breakfast in the hotel,
break for lunch on your own, your
you have a full day at leisure
sightseeing tour will continue with a visit
to catch up on all the
inside Moscow’s iconic Saint Basil's
sightseeing you haven’t made it to thus far.
Cathedral, which was commissioned by
Your tour escort will be on hand in the
Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century, set in
breakfast room to make suggestions.
Moscow’s famed Red Square (which is also
Depending on your interests, we’ll leave
the site of Lenin’s Mausoleum).
several suggestions for you to consider:
Your group’s tour will finish back at the
1. Check out Moscow’s famed metro
hotel in the late afternoon, and the evening
stations; you won’t see any quite this
is free for you to continue exploring
beautiful anywhere else in the world. The
Moscow on your own.
Circle Line is a good place to start, but if
DAY 3 ~ ARTISTIC you only make it to one, make it the
AND LITERARY Mayakovskaya stop.
MOSCOW
2. Shop in Moscow’s Izmailovsky Market.
After breakfast in the hotel,
3. Go for a stroll in Moscow’s lovely
your group will continue its sightseeing in
Patriarch's Ponds neighborhood
Moscow with a look at its cultural, artistic
(Patriarshiye Prudy).
and literary attractions. A local guide will
first take your group (by private coach) to 4. Continue your Russian literary pursuits
visit one of Europe’s great art museums: with visits to the Chekhov House Museum
the Tretyakov Gallery; its impressive or the Pushkin Apartment Museum.
collection contains Russian works that span
5. Are you interested in learning about the
a millennium. Afterwards your tour will
former Soviet Union’s competitive space
continue with a visit to the Tolstoy House
program? If so, check out the Museum of
Museum. Leo Tolstoy, the author of War
Cosmonautics.
and Peace, Anna Karenina, and The Death
of Ivan Ilyich, is widely considered to be 6. Enjoy a relaxing spa day at the
one of the greatest novelists of the 19th Sandunovsky Baths.
century; now you will tour the house where DAY 5 ~ SERGIEV
he lived with his family, which has largely POSAD ON “THE
been kept in its original state. GOLDEN RING”
This afternoon, before returning to the After breakfast in the hotel,
hotel, your group will also enjoy a meet your local guide for a full-day
traditional tea in a local hotel or restaurant. excursion by private coach to the historic
128
 129

city of Sergiev Posad, which is known for important monuments including the grand
housing the Trinity Monastery of St. Palace Square as well as St. Petersburg’s
Sergius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. impressive Russian Orthodox churches like
This 14th century monastery is the most the Church of the Savior on the Spilled
important site in the Russian Orthodox Blood, Kazan Cathedral and St. Isaac’s
Church. You will tour this impressive, Cathedral. As part of the tour, your group
spiritual, and historical site (including its will go inside the State Hermitage Museum,
Museum of History and Art) before located inside the grandiose, baroque
returning to Moscow in the afternoon. Winter Palace.

The remainder of your afternoon is free in This was the residence of Russia’s
Moscow, and tonight you and your fellow emperors and empresses from the imperial
travelers will dine together in the hotel’s House of Romanov from 1732 until 1881.
restaurant. Conceived by Peter the Great, it was
constructed into the lavishly-grand style
DAY 6 ~ ST.
that we see today by his daughter, the
PETERSBURG
Empress Elizabeth. Ultimately though, it
After breakfast in the hotel, was Catherine the Great’s extensive art
your group will travel by patronage that grew into today’s
private coach to rail station and board a impressive Hermitage Museum, one
train to the beautiful city of St. Petersburg, Europe’s finest art museums. During your
the completed vision of Peter the Great guided tour, you will see that the palace
and cultural capital of Russia. The train and the artwork are both treasures in their
journey will take approximately four hours. own right. Magnificent, ornate and
Upon arrival to St. Petersburg, your group enormous, the Winter Palace serves as a
will travel to the hotel to check-in. symbol of St. Petersburg’s imperial past.
(Depending on your hotel’s location,
appropriate logistical arrangements for After a busy day of sightseeing, this evening
your group will be suggested). your group can relax with an evening
dinner cruise through the city’s picturesque
Upon arrival to the hotel, enjoy some free canals. (May through October only)
time to get your bearings and begin
exploring this fantastic city. Your tour DAY 8 ~ ST.
escort can make suggestions but for a start, PETERSBURG
consider taking a stroll down elegant After breakfast in the hotel,
Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg’s main your group will travel over
avenue. Tonight you and your traveling to Hare's Island, located just across the
companions will dine together in the Winter Palace, for a morning tour of Peter
hotel’s restaurant. & Paul Fortress. After traveling extensively
through Western Europe, this is where
DAY 7 ~ ST.
Peter the Great originally intended to build
PETERSBURG
his new northern capital. Inside the
After breakfast in the hotel, fortress your group will hear the daily
your group will enjoy a full- cannon blast at midday, walk along the
day guided tour of St. Petersburg, whose fortress’ walls and go inside the Peter and
entire historical center is an official Paul Cathedral. Inside the Cathedral are
UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site. The the remains of Russia’s tsars, tsarinas,
tour will show you the city’s most emperors and empresses from the times of
129
 130

Peter the Great until the last Romanov group members will travel to Peterhof,
ruler, Czar Nicholas II, was killed by the Peter the Great’s grandiose imperial
Bolsheviks in 1918. summer palace. It is said that he was
inspired by France’s Versailles Palace when
After your visit to the fortress, there will be
he commissioned Peterhof. While here you
free time for lunch followed by a guided
will tour the Great Palace and Marly Palace
tour of the Memorial Museum of the
as well as have time to explore the park’s
Leningrad Siege (1941-1944), which
spectacular grounds, which are filled with
remembers the victims of the Nazi siege
beautiful fountains and gardens. If your
that lasted almost 900 days and killed over
group is traveling in the warmer summer
one million civilians in St. Petersburg due to
months, the best way to reach Peterhof is
starvation and freezing temperatures.
by taking a short hydrofoil along the shores
The tour will finish back at the hotel by mid of the Baltic Sea; otherwise, it is possible to
-afternoon. This evening your group could arrive by bus or train.
Why Should You consider attending the ballet or opera
Upon arriving back to the hotel, enjoy some
inside St. Petersburg’s famed Mariinsky
Encourage Your free time to relax and freshen up before
Theater.
Travel Agent to tonight’s farewell dinner in a local
Book Your Group DAY 9 ~ ST. restaurant.
PETERSBURG
Through Us? DAY 11 ~ ST.
After breakfast in the hotel, PETERSBURG
this morning your group will
After breakfast and check-
Ease of Use have a guided tour of the Russian Museum.
out, your group will board
Housing an incredible collection of Russian
its private coach and drive a short distance
masterpieces from the 12th century to the
to St. Petersburg’s Airport for its return
Experience 20th century, this is one of the most
flight to the USA or Canada.
important art museums in the world. After
your guided tour has finished, you and your
Flexibility fellow group members are free to enjoy the
rest of the day on you own. Literary fans
can consider paying a visit to the
Peace of Mind Dostoyevsky House Museum, and those
wanting to do a bit of shopping might want
to check out knock-off Fabergé eggs or
Lomonosov porcelain.

DAY 10 ~ PETERHOF
After breakfast in the hotel,
on your last full day in
Russia, you and your fellow

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

130
 131

The Best of Normandy,

Brittany & Loire Valley
1 3 D A Y S / 1 2 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

France abounds in cultural and historical heritage. Simply put – there is so much to see! You INCLUSIONS
could spend two months here and not see the half of it. For that reason, it’s best to tackle a
few regions you’ve always dreamed of visiting. This itinerary will show you the very best of  3 nights each in
Paris and Caen
Paris, Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley. You will begin your journey in “the City of
Light,” as the energetic, cosmopolitan capital city of Paris is affectionately called. Paris is the  2 nights each in
city of fashion, Napoleon’s tomb and 3rd century Roman baths. From here you will continue Pontorson and
Tours
north to Normandy, where you will experience its medieval past and traditional cuisine - as
well as pay respect to the soldiers who bravely fought in the WWII’s Normandy Invasion.  1 night in Rouen
Afterwards you will travel south into the heart of France to experience the rich, historical  1 night near Paris
heritage of Brittany as well as the out-of-this-world castles of the Loire Valley Region. While CDG Airport
 Breakfast daily
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE Louis David’s The Coronation of Napoleon  Lunch and dinner
PARIS as well as works by Titian, Raphael, per itinerary
Arrival to Paris, France’s Rembrandt, Caravaggio and many more.  Ground transport
fashionable, dynamic – and After the museum visit, the group will be via air conditioned
very historic capital city. Upon arrival meet dropped off in the Latin Quarter. After luxury coach
your local guide in the terminal’s arrival hall time for lunch on own, the group will have  English speaking
for a panoramic city tour of Paris’ best a 90-minute walking tour of the historic assistant and guides
heart of Paris. Here in the 5th
attractions by private bus en route to the  Admission tickets
hotel. See the Arc de Triomphe, the arrondissement, this Parisian neighborhood as outlined in
Champs-Elysées, Notre Dame, the Hôtel was happening during the Roman times on itinerary
Invalides, the Louvre and the River Seine. through the Middle Ages right up to the
During the tour your group will also ascend present. See the Boulevard St-Michel, the
either the Eiffel Tower or the Sorbonne, the Caveau de la Huchette jazz
Montparnasse Tower to appreciate the club, the very narrow Rue du Chat-qui-
spectacular view of Paris in all her glory. Pêche and the Church of St-Étienne-du-
The tour will finish at the hotel. After check Mont. Once the walking tour has finished,
-in and time to freshen up, walk to a nearby the group will be dropped back at the
local restaurant for a Parisian group dinner. hotel. The evening is free to enjoy Paris.

DAY 2 ~ PARIS DAY 3 ~ PARIS

After breakfast in the hotel, After breakfast in the hotel,

your group will meet its the group will travel to the
local guide in the lobby for Palace of Versailles for a
a guided tour of the world renowned half-day excursion. Constructed primarily
Louvre Museum, the most visited museum in the 17th century, this magnificent royal
in the world. See Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona palace was home to Marie Antoinette and
Lisa, the Nike of Samothrace and Jacques- Louis XIV (the Sun King). The group will
131
 132

tour the chateau including the Grands feature sights connected to the American
Appartements, the Chapel and the Hall of troops who bravely fought in the Allied
Mirrors. Afterwards, there will be time to invasion of Normandy exactly 70 years ago.
explore the palace’s superb gardens before You will visit Pointe du Hoc, the Utah Beach
returning to Paris. The afternoon is free. All Museum, as well as Sainte Mere Eglise.
group members should be back in the hotel After touring Omaha Beach, you will honor
by the early evening for a sightseeing cruise fallen soldiers in the American Cemetery &
on the River Seine. After embarking at the Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer before
HIGHLIGHTS
base of the Eiffel Tower, see the Cathedral arriving to Caen this evening. Upon arrival
 Guided city tours of of Notre Dame, Ile de la Cite and the river’s to Caen, check in and enjoy dinner in the
the Louvre Museum beautiful bridges. Once the cruise has hotel’s restaurant.
and the Palace of finished, the group will proceed to a local
Versailles DAY 6 ~ CAEN
restaurant for dinner.
 Walking tour in
After breakfast in the hotel,
Paris’ historic Latin DAY 4 ~ ROUEN
Quarter meet a local guide in the
 Seine River After breakfast in the hotel, lobby for an exciting
sightseeing cruise your group will check out “William the Conqueror” tour by private
 Admission inside and travel northwest by bus. Today’s tour will take you back in time
the Eiffel Tower or
the Montparnasse private bus. Your first stop will be in the to the 11th century to learn about one of
Tower. city of Giverny to visit the spectacular history’s most influential characters:
 Guided tour of home and gardens of Impressionist painter, William the Conqueror, the first of the
Claude Monet’s Claude Monet. His renowned Water Lilies Norman Kings of England. You will visit his
stunning home in
series was based on the home’s beautiful birthplace at Falaise Castle as well as see
Giverny
 Walking tour of gardens. After the visit you will continue Bayeux’s famous tapestry, which illustrate
medieval Rouen, traveling northwest to the very historic city events leading up to his conquest of
where Joan of Arc of Rouen. Upon arrival to your hotel, group England. Today’s tour also includes visit
was burned at the
members will store their baggage with the inside the Abbey of Saint-Étienne, where
stake
 Explore the harbor reception staff and immediately enjoy William was buried. It is considered one of
town of Honfleur, a some free time for lunch. Afterwards, the finest examples of Romanesque
source of you’ll have a guided walking tour of Rouen, architecture in Normandy. The tour will
inspiration for finish back at the hotel in Caen, and the
which is the historic capital of Normandy.
many Impressionist
painters It was one Europe’s most booming cities remainder of the day is at leisure.
 View the famous during the Middle Ages. During your tour
DAY 7 ~ CAEN
tapestry of Bayeux you’ll go inside one of Rouen’s most
 Norman Food & important monuments, the city’s Notre After breakfast in the hotel,
Drink day meet a local guide and start
Dame Cathedral, which inspired Claude
 Full day dedicated
Monet in his painting series. your engines for “Norman
to the soldiers of
the D-Day Invasion Food & Drink Day.” Today you will visit the
The walking tour will finish back at the
 Tour the UNESCO beautiful countryside of Le Pays d'Auge,
World Heritage hotel, and you have the evening at leisure which will highlight gastronomic specialties
Sites of Mont-St- to enjoy Rouen. of Normandy. This region is famous for its
Michel and the
Chartres Cathedral DAY 5 ~ CAEN apple production and dairy farming;
 Visit the incredible, particularly famous are its cheeses such as
After breakfast in the hotel,
Renaissance Loire Camembert. Enjoy a tasting with local
Valley castles your group will check out
Norman cheeses, breads and cider, another
and travel west by private
well-known product from this region. After
bus. Today’s comprehensive tour will
the tasting, travel to Honfleur to have a
132
 133

brief tour of this charming port village. Your next few days here will be spent
Afterwards your group will continue down visiting the fairy-tale castles and charming
the coastal road to the seaside resort small towns that define this beautiful
village of Deauville for shopping and free region. In order to reach the Loire Valley,
time before returning to Caen. Free this morning will be spent relaxing,
evening in Caen. snoozing and reading on the bus until you
reach the lovely town of Brézé. Upon
DAY 8 ~ PONTORSON
arrival, enjoy some time to stretch your
After an early breakfast in legs and to have some lunch on your own
the hotel, your group will before having a guided tour of the
check out and travel south magnificent Château de Brézé. Afterwards
to the breathtaking island of Mont-St- your group will re-board the bus and travel
Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (It to tonight’s hotel destination: the lovely
might become necessary to take a shuttle town of Tours. En route there will be a
bus to access the island. Also there are photo stop of the Château d'Ussé, which is
many steps to climb, so please wear often referred to as the "Sleeping Beauty
comfortable shoes). After a guided tour of Castle." Upon arrival to the hotel in Tours,
the historic Benedictine Abbey that graces check in and enjoy some time to relax or
this tidal island, you will continue to the freshen up before tonight’s group dinner in
beautiful, medieval walled town of the hotel’s restaurant.
Fougères. Here you can enjoy free time for
DAY 11 ~ TOURS
lunch, shopping and wandering on your
own before traveling to the hotel in nearby After breakfast in the hotel,
Pontorson. Upon arrival to the hotel, your board your private bus and
group will check in and enjoy time to relax head out for a relaxing day
and fresh up before tonight’s group dinner. touring two of the best Loire Valley castles:
the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and the
DAY 9 ~ PONTORSON
Château de Chenonceau. Both of these
After breakfast in the hotel, historic castles are true masterpieces of
your group will meet a local Renaissance architecture. Your group will
guide in the lobby and have a guided tour in each of the castles,
travel west by private bus to the charming, and in between visits the bus driver will
walled port city of St-Malo, which make a stop for everyone to have a relaxing
originated as a medieval fishing village. lunch. The tour will finish back up at the
During the guided tour, you will walk along hotel in Tours, and the remainder of the
the ramparts as well as tour the Chateau de day is free to explore Tours.
St-Malo, which houses the city’s History
DAY 12 ~ PARIS CDG
Museum. You’ll also go inside the
AIRPORT
Cathedral of St-Vincent. After the tour
you’ll have free time for shopping before After breakfast in the hotel,
returning to the hotel. your group will check out
and travel by private bus to beautiful town
DAY 10 ~ TOURS
of Bloise, home to the Château de Blois.
After breakfast in the hotel, This Renaissance edifice was in fact a royal
your group will check out palace to many of France’s kings during the
and travel southeast to the Renaissance. Enjoy a guided tour of the
beautiful lands of the Loire River Valley. castle, and then take some time to visit the
133
 134

town of Bloise. WHY TRAVEL WITH US ?

Afterwards proceed to the town of Chartres,
Whether it is taking a family trip to Paris, an
best known for its famous Cathedral Notre-
educational group to Barcelona, or a church
Dame de Chartres. This UNESCO World
group to Rome we can build an affordable,
Heritage Site is considered a masterpiece of
French, Gothic architecture. Its stained-glass European trip tailored to your interests. From
is truly unmatched anywhere else in the single city itineraries to multiple cities and
world. Enjoy a guided tour of the interior, countries, your travel agent will work with us
and then take some time to visits the to create custom tours for groups of 10 to
surrounding gardens. Afterwards, you will 500 people.
continue north to the hotel near Charles de
Gaulle Airport. Since most US-bound flights We Make It Easy - We provide a quick
generally depart CDG Airport very early in the turnaround on custom quotes. Multi-city and
Why Should You morning, we suggest overnighting near the multi-country itineraries are our specialty. In
Encourage Your airport. It will make for a more relaxing addition, we can help organize signup
morning on your departure day. After check-
Travel Agent to deadlines, travel documents and payments.
in and time to freshen up, you and your
Book Your Group traveling companions will have a final dinner
Through Us? Experience - Europe Express has managed
together in France in the hotel’s restaurant. over 6,000 custom group trips since 1990.
DAY 13 ~ PARIS CDG We provide expert guides and high quality
AIRPORT travel products.
Ease of Use
After breakfast in the hotel,
catch your hotel’s shuttle to Flexibility - We work with your travel agent
Experience the nearby Charles de Gaulle Airport and to create a tailor-made trip to accommodate
have a safe departure flight back to the USA. your interests, booking whatever
combination of travel services fit your plans
Flexibility and budget, including airfare, hotels, rail,
transfers, sightseeing and more.

Peace of Mind
Peace of Mind - Dedicated local ground
support means that there is always someone
available to help you. Relax knowing that
your trip is backed by our commitment to
offer world-class quality of service.

Contact your travel agent today for a

customized itinerary and group quote!

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

134
 135

The Netherlands Tour

8 D A Y S / 7 N I G H T S – G R O U P T R A V E L
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y - C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

This vacation itinerary allows your group to fully appreciate the many facets of The INCLUSIONS
Netherlands: 17th century canals, floating flower markets and a spectacular countryside
 4 nights in
dotted with windmills. Experience WWII history, Delft pottery - and the world’s best tulip
Amsterdam
gardens. This itinerary bases your group in two distinctly different Dutch cities: the capital
 3 nights in The
city of Amsterdam and the Hague, the official home to the Dutch government and the Dutch
Hague
monarchs. Whether you like historic or modern, rural or urban, Edam or Gouda- this
 Breakfast daily
itinerary offers the best of all.
 Lunch and dinner
per itinerary
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL IN heart of Amsterdam. See the Royal Palace,  Ground transport via
AMSTERDAM which was originally constructed as the air conditioned
Town Hall. Pass the Mint Tower, with its luxury coach
Arrive in Amsterdam, the
clock and bells that still seem to echo  English speaking
capital of the Netherlands. assistant and guides
Amsterdam’s Golden Age. Also of particular
After exiting customs, meet your local  Admission tickets as
interest is the 16th-century Weeping
assistant in the terminal’s arrivals hall. Your outlined in itinerary
Tower, which according to legend derived
group will then travel by private coach to
its name from the sailors’ wives who used HIGHLIGHTS
the hotel. Even though your group will
to bid their husbands an emotional farewell
arrive before the hotel’s check-in time, feel  City tour of
from here. Your group will pass the Floating Amsterdam with a
free to store your luggage with the
reception staff. There will be free time
Flower Market on Singel Canal, which is a canal cruise
until this evening to begin exploring
stunning mass of flowers strung along the  Guided tours of the
canal on permanently-moored barges. Anne Frank House,
Amsterdam. Tonight join your fellow group
After free time for lunch, the tour will Rijksmuseum and
members for a welcome dinner of Dutch the Van Gogh
continue with a fun boat tour of
specialties in the hotel’s restaurant. Museum
Amsterdam. This is undoubtedly the best
 Tour Keukenhof
DAY 2 ~ AMSTERDAM way to appreciate this city of canals. From Gardens’ seventy-
After breakfast in the hotel, here, the group will have a guided tour nine acres of tulips,
your group will meet a local inside one of Amsterdam’s best museums: daffodils and
hyacinths in Lisse
guide in the lobby for an The Van Gogh Museum. The tour will finish
back at the hotel or in the city center if  Factory tour of Delft
exciting, full-day tour of this scenic city.
pottery
(Depending on your hotel’s location, the preferred. The evening is free to relax and
 Excursions to
tour may be entirely on foot or partially on dine in one of the city’s local restaurants.
Rotterdam, Haarlem
foot/by private coach). Approximately 800 DAY 3 ~ AMSTERDAM and Volendam
years ago, the Amstel River was dammed,  City tour of The
After breakfast in the hotel
giving the town its name. Where medieval Hague
your group will depart on
fishing boats once docked, your group will
an excursion of windmills,
see 17th century houses, street performers
wooden clogs and cheeses. The first stop
and some of the city’s most luxurious
today will be in Zaanse Schans, a
stores. Here in Dam Square lies the historic
135
 136

neighborhood in the town of Zaandam, to create dazzling patches of color. Blooms

admire its collection of historic windmills here - at their peak- have a short but
and its traditional craft shops. Afterwards, glorious season. The park is said to be the
the group will proceed east to the lovely greatest flower show on earth, and it's
fishing village of Volendam. A stop at a Holland's annual spring gift to the world.
traditional cheese farm will take place (Note: Keukenhof is only open from March
before returning to Amsterdam, where the to May. For groups traveling outside of that
group will have the rest of the day at time, a guided tour of the city of Leiden is
leisure. Group members could consider recommended). After touring either
taking a tour of the Heineken Experience to Keukenhof Gardens or Leiden, the coach
learn more about one of the Netherlands’ will proceed south to The Hague, our base
best exports. Alternatively for those city for the next three nights. The Hague is
wanting to relax, consider heading to one home to the Dutch monarchy (three royal
of Amsterdam’s many parks. palaces are located here), Parliament and
the Supreme Court. On an international
DAY 4 ~ AMSTERDAM
level, The Hague is home to the majority of
After breakfast in the hotel, the foreign embassies, the International
the group will proceed to Court of Justice and the International
the Anne Frank House, Criminal Court. Upon arrival, group
where eight people from three separate members will check in and have free time
families lived together in near total silence to freshen up before dining together in the
for more than two years during World War hotel.
II. It was here that Anne wrote her famous
diary as a way to deal with the boredom DAY 6 ~ THE HAGUE
and her youthful jumble of thoughts, which After breakfast in the hotel,
had as much to do with personal the group will begin with a
relationships as with the war and the Nazi guided tour of The Hague
terror raging outside her hiding place. with admission included inside the 13th
Afterwards, the group will have lunch century Knights’ Hall. Today a political
together in a traditional, Dutch pancake building, this beautiful structure was
restaurant. This afternoon the group will originally constructed as a castle for Dutch
continue its sightseeing with a guided tour nobility. After free time for lunch, the
of the impressive Rijksmuseum, home to group will proceed to the lovely city of
masterpieces of Holland’s Golden Age, Delft, which is famous as home to the
including some of Rembrandt’s best works. handcrafted, blue & white pottery. Your
group will have a guided tour of the factory
DAY 5 ~ THE HAGUE
and free time afterwards to explore Delft
After breakfast & checkout, before returning to the hotel in the late
the group will travel west afternoon. The evening is free to enjoy The
to the lovely city Haarlem, Hague.
where it will have a walking tour followed
by free time for lunch. (Groups interested DAY 7 ~ HAGUE
could tour the Corrie ten Boom Museum After breakfast the group
while in Haarlem). Afterwards, continue will travel to the
south to the city of Lisse to tour the Netherlands’ second largest
legendary Keukenhof Gardens where vast city, Rotterdam, which contains one of the
numbers of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths largest ports in the world. Full of
136
 137

wonderfully modern architecture and WHY TRAVEL WITH US ?

beautiful city planning, the group will have
a guided city tour. See the spectacular Whether it is taking a family trip to Paris, an
gardens of the Arboretum Trompenburg as educational group to Barcelona, or a church
well as the Museumpark, the Nationale group to Rome we can build an affordable,
Nederlanden, the World Trade Center, the European trip tailored to your interests.
Cube Houses – and the Erasmusbrug & From single city itineraries to multiple cities
Nieuwe Willemsbrug bridges. There will be and countries, your travel agent will work
time for lunch on own and shopping before with us to create custom tours for groups of
returning to The Hague. Farewell group 10 to 500 people.
dinner in a local restaurant.

DAY 8 ~ THE HAGUE We Make It Easy - We provide a quick

turnaround on custom quotes. Multi-city
After an early breakfast,
the group will drive by
and multi-country itineraries are our spe-
Why Should You
cialty. In addition, we can help organize
private coach to Schiphol Encourage Your
signup deadlines, travel documents and
Airport for its return departure flight to the Travel Agent to
payments.
USA. Book Your Group
Experience - Europe Express has managed Through Us?
over 6,000 custom group trips since 1990.
We provide expert guides and high quality
travel products. Ease of Use

Flexibility - We work with your travel

agent to create a tailor-made trip to ac- Experience
commodate your interests, booking what-
ever combination of travel services fit your
Flexibility
plans and budget, including airfare, hotels,
rail, transfers, sightseeing and more.
Peace of Mind
Peace of Mind - Dedicated local ground
support means that there is always some-
one available to help you. Relax knowing
that your trip is backed by our commitment
to offer world-class quality of service.

Contact your travel agent today for a cus-

tomized itinerary and group quote!

For information and reservations, please see your professional travel agent

137
138

138