Highlights of Europe

     6  countries (October 10 – 18, 2015)

Fully-escorted from Los Angeles by Jane Stark

USD 2998 per person based on twin-sharing

 (Guaranteed share room)

• Duration     :   9 Days / 8 nights
• Description :   Get acquainted with the elegant landmarks and picturesque scenery of Amsterdam, the Rhine Valley, Lucerne and Paris. Discover fun and friendly Amsterdam with its beautiful canals. Admire the scenic Black forest as you travel through to the spectacular Rhine Falls. Stroll through Lucerne's medieval old town nestled in the Swiss Alps. As your tour comes to an end, see the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe before you leave.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1   (10OCT)   DEPART LOS ANGELES
Depart Los Angeles for your flight to London. Enjoy the flight services.
Overnight flight to London.

Day 2   (11OCT)   ARRIVE LONDON

Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.

After checking into your Trafalgar hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure. See the sights, visit a museum or go shopping – the list is endless and the choice is yours!
Hotel: Ibis Earls Court

Day 3   (12OCT)   LONDON – AMSTERDAM
This morning see the White Cliffs of Dover as you cross the channel to continental Europe. Travel through Belgium and into The Netherlands where you will pass by windmills en-route to the lively city of Amsterdam. During your orientation see the Mint Tower and Dam Square. Perhaps take the opportunity to explore the city further on a canal cruise in a glass-covered boat to enjoy views of the historic gabled houses.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Ibis Amsterdam Airport

Day 4   (13OCT)   AMSTERDAM – RHINE CRUISE – RHINELAND
This morning, after breakfast, travel eastwards through the Dutch countryside passing by Utrecht, both a provincial capital and the largest university city of The Netherlands, and Arnhem, renowned for the battle fought here during the Second World War which was recounted in the film ‘A Bridge Too Far'. Then cross into Germany and travel via Bonn, the former capital of West Germany when the country was divided, to the picturesque Rhine Valley. Here you embark on a cruise at Boppard which glides past medieval castles and steeply terraced vineyards which produce the well-known high quality Rhine wines. You disembark at St. Goar and then have views of the Lorelei Rock and learn about the legends associated with this stretch of the river. Finally continue southwards to your hotel where you dine tonight.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Ramada Neustadt

Day 5  (14OCT)   RHINELAND – HEIDELBERG – BLACK FOREST – RHINE FALLS – LUCERNE REGION (2 NIGHTS)
Travel this morning to Heidelberg, the oldest university city in Germany. Learn about the riotous life of past students and enjoy views of the sandstone castle from the charming Old Town. Continue south, through the Black Forest region which is bordered by the Rhine Valley to the west and south. This beautiful area is renowned for wood carving, the creation of the original cuckoo clock, and speciality cuisine which includes delicacies such as smoked ham and Black Forest Cake. Cross the border into Switzerland before stopping to admire the impressive Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen. Travel to central Switzerland and enter the scenic region of Lake Lucerne, your home for the next two nights. Later this evening, perhaps enjoy the fun and yodelling at a Swiss Folklore Show after enjoying dinner at your hotel.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Paxmontana Jugendstil/Postillon Buochs

Day 6  (15OCT)  LUCERNE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME
This morning your orientation tour around this medieval city highlights the poignant Lion Monument, built in memory of Louis XVI's courageous Swiss Guards who tried to defend the Palace of the Tuileries in Paris during the French Revolution, the wooden Chapel Bridge across the River Reuss and the onion domed Jesuit Church. Later, perhaps enjoy an exhilarating excursion to the top of one of the surrounding mountains or explore the squares and towers of the quaint old city? Alternatively, there is plenty of opportunity for shopping, whether it be Swiss watches, jewellery or the wide range of deliciously flavoured chocolate.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 7    (16OCT)  LUCERNE REGION – PARIS (2 NIGHTS)
Today head north and cross the Rhine River for the final time in the city of Basel as you leave Switzerland and enter France. Pass by Belfort and the remains of the Maginot Line, a vast fortification built after the First World War, which ended in 1918, to protect the French – German border. Then cross through part of the renowned wine producing Burgundy region with views of the extensive vineyards. Continue past the rolling fertile farmland of the Auxerre region before the approach to the capital city of Paris. Gradually the excitement mounts as you begin to enter the outskirts of this splendid city. Tonight perhaps take the opportunity to get to know Paris on a stunning tour of Paris by Night optional experience?
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Courtyard Marriott Arcueil

Day 8  (17OCT)   PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
This morning, your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide introduces you to this exquisitely planned city with views of the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Later there is time to maybe visit the vast Louvre Museum and this evening, why not sample Paris nightlife at a cabaret show?
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 9  (18OCT)   PARIS – LOS ANGELES
This morning after breakfast, there is a transfer to the airport for your return flight back to Los Angeles.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

                                                        ***End  of  Tour***



Inclusions

Airline ticket on economy class
• Roundtrip airfare with tax and fuel surcharge  (Los Angeles – London //Paris – Los Angeles)

Sightseeing Highlights
• DoverSee the white cliffs.
• AmsterdamOrientation includes the Mint Tower and Dam Square.
• Rhine ValleyCruise the Romantic Rhine.
• HeidelbergEnjoy views of the castle from the old town.
• Black ForestSee this picturesque region.
• SchaffhausenView the mighty Rhine Falls.
• LucerneOrientation including a visit to the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge.
• ParisView the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower on your sightseeing tour with your Local Guide.

Dining
• 1 full breakfast
• 6 buffet breakfasts
• 3 three course dinners

Travel Highlights
• Ferry from Dover to Calais.
• A stylish wallet, travel documents and map.
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• Hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities.
• Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and an on-board restroom.
• Pick-up in London if you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel booked through Trafalgar or from the London Reception Centre.
• A London airport shuttle service is available. Conditions apply.
• The services of a professional Travel Director throughout your journey.
• The services of a Trafalgar Local Host if you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.
• Audio Headsets provided throughout your trip to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.

Airport Transfers
• For full details on transfers, your tour escort will guide you



EXCLUDES:
• Travel insurance
• Optional Tours
• Visa Fees (note: US passport holders does not require visas)
• Any personal expense that is not indicated in the above inclusions.

REMARKS:
• A USD 300 non-refundable deposit is required upon booking
• Monthly payment is available  (Final Payment on May 31, 2015)
• USA passport holders –no visa needed