Splendid Europe (Small Groups, End London, 14 Days)

Guide

Rome: During your orientation with you Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city. Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica. Maribor: Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture. Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture. Lucerne: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.

Meals

5 Dinner with Wine (DW) 12 Breakfast (B) Rome: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers at a uniquely Roman local restaurant. Venice: In St Marks Square at sunset, long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels, sip cocktails canal-side before dinner at a local restaurant. Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialities of coffee and Sachertorte. Lucerne: Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening and hand-pick your preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience. Amsterdam: Toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.

Transport

: Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available). : You may purchase arrival transfers from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports on arrival days, or when additional nights accommodation has been booked through Insight Vacations. If your departure flights are as per the itinerary end dates, departure transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way to the airport. Alternatively, please make your own way from/to the airport. : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

Others

Choose between two carefully selected activities Vienna: Listen to the musical masterpiece of Mozart, as you take to the floor in a Viennese Waltz dance lesson. Alternatively, visit a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialities of coffee and sachertorte. Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialities of coffee and Sachertorte. Vatican: Gain priority access into the Vatican Museums and admire the famous Bramante Staircase. Witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and view the splendid dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Vatican: Gain priority access into the Vatican Museums, see the Bramante Staircase and admire the Sistine Chapel. Vienna: Listen to the musical masterpiece of Mozart, as you take to the floor in a Viennese Waltz dance lesson. Alternatively, visit a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialities of coffee and sachertorte. Rhineland: The beautiful scenery of the Rhine River is punctuated by the many castles dotted along its banks. Delight in a private estate viewing of one of these Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments located along the Middle Rhine. Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. The workshop advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Venice: Stanserhorn: Embark on a spectacular journey to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn and appreciate unrivalled views of snow-capped peaks. Meet a Swiss ranger and learn about the local wildlife and flora over a conservation talk. Learn about the conservation of the local ecosystem and local fauna from a Swiss ranger. Hear about what it takes to preserve the wildlife throughout the year and in all weather. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land. Alternatively, walk along beautiful scenic pathways for a chance to see native animals like marmots. Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge. Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Expert reveals why this is the historic core of the city. You will also tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche. Salzburg: Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. Vaduz: Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains. Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit. Amsterdam: Cruise along the old waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.

Accommodation

3 nights stay at Veneto Palace Hotel, Rome 2 nights stay at Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice 1 night stay at Hotel Lev Ljubljana 2 nights stay at Hilton Vienna 1 night stay at AC Hotel Innsbruck 2 nights stay at Hotel Astoria, Lucerne 1 night stay at Maritim Hotel Königswinter 1 night stay at Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

GUIDED VISIT TO THE COLOSSEUM With our local expert, step back in time to explore the glorious history of the Roman Empire. Admire the Arch of Constantine and tread in the footsteps of Gladiators and Roman Soldiers. Enjoy priority reserved entrance ahead of the crowds and once inside the mighty Colosseum hear tales of deadly gladiatorial combat and the mighty Roman Empire. Please note: This optional is subject to availability and involves reservations and entrance prepayments. If you decide to cancel this optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred. ADULT PRICE: EUR 53.00 PIAZZAS & FOUNTAINS With our local expert, let's take a "passeggiata" (stroll) to enjoy the backstreets and secrets of Pedestrian Rome. Be amazed at sights such as the fascinating Pantheon and the beauty of 17th-Century fountains and beautiful Piazzas. Come and enjoy the Rome of the Romans. ADULT PRICE: EUR 33.00 ROMAN DINNER PARTY AND TREVI FOUNTAIN Enjoy an evening of delicious Roman cuisine with drinks and great Italian ambiance. Then visit the beautifully-restored Trevi Fountain to toss a coin over your shoulder and assure your return to the eternal city. The fountain is a true wonder, a breathtaking jewel of water and stone that is nestled between the palaces of this historic city. Immortalized in Fellini’s ‘La Dolce Vita’. ADULT PRICE: EUR 61.00 ROME BY NIGHT - ILLUMINATIONS DRIVE Join your Travel Director for a classic journey through one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Rome by night is a vision with its ancient monuments, classical buildings, palaces and churches beautifully illuminated against the evening sky. A wonderful introduction to the Eternal City! ADULT PRICE: EUR 19.00 POMPEII AND THE BAY OF NAPLES We travel south to the famous Roman city of Pompeii, buried in 79 ad, by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Here we visit one the greatest archaeological sites in the world! Our local guide strolls us into a 2,000 year old town revealing fascinating discoveries preserved in time! Later a panoramic tour of the Bay of Naples with the dormant Volcano as a back drop. We then return to Rome passing the formidable Abbey of Montecassino, one of the greatest shrines of Christendom, and the site of the epic battle of 1944. ADULT PRICE: EUR 100.00 HIDDEN VENICE To only experience Venice's big set pieces -- St Mark's Square; the Rialto; the Grand Canal -- is to miss out on a hidden world full of surprises! Join a Local Expert for a fascinating walk through some of the lesser known quarters of Venice. The back lanes and ‘campi’, small squares, where tourists seldom tread are full of history and great places to sample local life. ADULT PRICE: EUR 34.00 BURANO EXCURSION & MEAL Leave the hustle of St Mark's Square behind on a delightful private cruise around the islands of the Venetian lagoon. Alight at the island of Burano, a photographer's paradise, famous for its candy coloured houses, artisan lace makers and leaning bell tower that would give Pisa a good run for its money. Enjoy a superb meal sampling the local specialities with wine included. An excursion not to be missed! ADULT PRICE: EUR 72.00 EXPERIENCE VENICE BY GONDOLA SERENADE Glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice’s dreamy, narrow waterways; full of character and colour. While your gondolier navigates the canals, you can take in the city’s elegant architecture. And they may even serenade you with an Italian classic. ADULT PRICE: EUR 44.00 EXCURSION TO LAKE BLED Drive through the pretty Slovenian countryside to the tranquil shores of Lake Bled. Surrounded by stunning views of the Julian Alps, an oarsman steers his traditional wooden 'pletna' across the turquoise glacial waters towards the tiny island that rises in the middle. Ascend the 99 stone steps to the pilgrimage church where the famous “wishing bell” has been ringing out since 1534. After making your wish, enjoy coffee and a delicious pastry by the lake, followed by some free time for unforgettable photo-ops! ADULT PRICE: EUR 56.00 DINNER IN A COUNTRY MANSION Cross the Danube, passing the famous Prater Park en route to one of Austria's most famous restaurants. Former patrons include Napoleon, the Emperor Franz Joseph, Liz Taylor and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Once through the door of this historic country mansion you're transported to a different world! Old memorabilia, autographed photos and other paraphernalia cover the ceilings, walls and even the rest rooms. Choose from traditional Austrian fare, enjoy unlimited drinks and be serenaded by musicians at your table. A fun-filled experience never to be forgotten! ADULT PRICE: EUR 63.00 VIENNA WOODS & HEURIGEN DINNER Escape central Vienna and drive out to the thickly forested hills which surround the city's western flank for a lively evening of food, wine and song. In a typical "Heuriger" village tavern, enjoy a wonderful dinner of authentic fare, complete with live Schrammelmusik and the famous full-bodied wines. ADULT PRICE: EUR 58.00 GALA VIENNESE CONCERT Enjoy a wonderful concert of Viennese Classical music performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers. During this special evening, enjoy a glass of champagne along with some of the most famous works by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. (On occasion dinner will be included EURO 103) ADULT PRICE: EUR 58.00 SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE AND GARDENS The Imperial Summer Palace of Schönbrunn offers an amazing journey through the centuries of Hapsburg rule. It is perfectly preserved and richly decorated with treasures from around the globe. Each room has a story to tell, so of course, you’ll have a Local Specialist to bring it to life and VIP entrance to make the most of your time. ADULT PRICE: EUR 47.00 THE SOUND OF MUSIC Move over Mozart! Salzburg's other claim to melodic fame is that it's the setting for story of the Von Trapp Family, made into one of the most successful musicals of all time. Do-re-minisce and relive scenes from 'The Sound of Music' at various sites around the city, including Maria’s Monastery and St Peter’s Cemetery. ADULT PRICE: EUR 29.00 EAGLE'S NEST & THE BAVARIAN ALPS In Berchtesgaden National Park drive past farmhouses and picturesque villages as we ascend the Obersalzberg. We transfer to special buses for the second leg of the journey: a spectacular road and great engineering feat blasted out of the mountain side. Finally we take an elevator up to the Eagle's Nest, intended as a mountain retreat for Hitler and his inner circle. Once at the top learn its fascinating history and take in the awe inspiring views of the surrounding mountain peaks! This optional is weather dependent and subject to seasonal closures, therefore it may not be available on all departures. ADULT PRICE: EUR 55.00 SWISS EVENING There's nothing better than convening with friends around a pot of bubbling fondue with a glass of chilled white wine and having a good yodel! Join us for a tasty Swiss meal in a typical restaurant. While you dine, enjoy a lively folklore show of flag throwing, yodelling, Alpenhorn blowing and other great Swiss entertainment. ADULT PRICE: CHF 99.00 LAKE LUCERNE CRUISE AND DRINKS Widely considered to be the loveliest of the mountain lakes, much of the shoreline of Lake Lucerne can only be fully appreciated from the water. Admire the spectacular homes of the fortunate few, privileged to live on its scenic shores, as we cruise gently by. Two drinks will be served during the trip. ADULT PRICE: CHF 49.00 CARRIAGES & COUNTRYSIDE In a typical rural community, meet local farmers for a delightful horse-drawn ride. Clip-clop your way through bright green pasture, where the angular spire of a traditional white church shoots skyward and rickety old wooden storehouses still dot the landscape. Call in at a local farm where a wonderful spread of homemade drinks and snacks is served. ADULT PRICE: CHF 67.00 IN THE VALLEY OF THE LORELEY The Rhine Valley exemplifies storybook Germany; a fairy-tale world of legends and robber-baron castles. Cruising the most castle-studded stretch of the romantic Rhine, we'll take in all of the regional beauty with its Castles, Vineyards and picturesque villages. A glass of local wine or beer is provided. ADULT PRICE: EUR 32.00

Insurance

Insurance is not included.