Mega European 2012

Itinerary

Day 1 London to Paris, France (option also to join in Paris)

We begin our journey crossing the English Channel to Paris where we set out on our city lights tour. (D)

 

Day 2 Paris

Today, enjoy free time to explore Paris, before our Paris Gourmet Picnic beside the Eiffel Tower. An optional Seine River cruise or cabaret is a great way finish to the day. (B,D)

 

Days 3-4 Paris to Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Gorgeous scenery today as we head to the Swiss Alps and the village of Lauterbrunnen. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)

 

Day 5 Swiss Alps to Avignon, France

Avignon, the walled city and former papal home is our next stop. (B,L)

 

Days 6-7 Avignon to Barcelona, Spain

On to fabulous Barcelona via Pont du Gard where fashion, art and culture all mix together in this funky city. (B,D) (B)

 

Days 8-9 Barcelona to the French Riviera, France

Time for a spot of celebrity spotting, followed by a swim in the Mediterranean and a visit to Monaco. (B,D) (B)

 

Day 10 French Riviera to Venice, Italy

Stop off in Verona to view Juliet’s balcony before arriving in the incredible city of canals, Venice. (B,D)

 

Day 11 Venice

A vaporetto ride on the fascinating Grand Canal and a walking tour unveils such treasures as St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. (B,D)

 

Day 12 Venice to Florence

A stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa is first up, before arriving in Florence. (B,L,D)

 

Day 13 Florence

A local Italian guide reveals the sights of Florence to us. (B)

 

Day 14 Florence to Rome

Next, it’s on to Rome via Orvieto and our walking tour, packed with all the history you’ll want. (B)

 

Day 15 Rome

The day is ours to take in such attractions as the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain as well as the Vatican City and it’s definitely worth checking out the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. (B,D)

 

Day 16 Rome to Greece (overnight ferry)

Today, we head through the Italian countryside to meet our overnight ferry to Greece! (B,L)

 

Days 17-19 Flotilla Sailing in Greece

Enjoy three great days sailing on the Ionian Sea, where swimming, eating and sunbathing will take up your time. (B,L,D) (B,L) (B,L,D)

 

Day 20 Plataria to Athens

Off the boats and on to Athens, the Greek capital to see the ancient ruins and the modern architecture. (B,D)

 

Days 21-22 Athens to Mykonos

Get prepared for 2 nights to explore one of the world’s most famous islands. Stunning scenery, great beaches, and legendary nightlife. (B,D) (B)

 

Day 23 Mykonos to Athens

We catch the ferry back to Athens for one more night. (B)

 

Day 24 Athens to Meteora

Heading north to Meteora, we visit the network of cliff top monasteries dating back to the 14th century. (B,D)

 

Day 25 Meteora to Kavalla

Today we travel to the northern Greek coastal town of Kavalla. (B,L,D)

 

Day 26 Kavalla to Gallipoli, Turkey

We journey across to the Gallipoli Peninsula A beautiful location with a deeply tragic history. (B,D) 

 

Day 27 Gallipoli to Istanbul

A short drive takes us to Istanbul, a bustling city straddling two continents. (B,D)

 

Days 28-29 Istanbul

Our local guide shows us the city attractions, with free time to haggle in the Grand Bazaar or check out the stunning Blue Mosque. (B) (B)

 

Day 30 Istanbul to Sofia, Bulgaria

Once we arrive in Sofia, our local guide shows us all the sights. (B,L)

 

Day 31 Sofia to Belgrade, Serbia

Taking in the incredible old town, our orientation tour acquaints us with the Serbian capital. (B)

 

Day 32 Belgrade to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

To Sarajevo today and a city that is now heroically rebuilding itself. (B,D)

 

Day 33 Sarajevo to Dubrovnik, Croatia

Today we’ head to Dubrovnik via the city of Mostar. (B,D)

 

Day 34 Dubrovnik

Enjoy a free day to explore beautiful Dubrovnik. The old fortified city has remained largely unchanged for centuries. (B)

 

Day 35 Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes

Heading north along the stunning Dalmatian Coast, we stop at the old walled city of Zadar en-route to Plitvice Lakes. (B,D)

 

Day 36 Plitvice Lakes

The day is ours to spend in the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, a World Heritage Site. (B,L)

 

Day 37 Plitvice Lakes to Budapest, Hungary

Buda and Pest are located on each side of the mighty Danube, our home for two nights. (B,D)

 

Day 38 Budapest

Today we have an orientation tour which gives us an insight into the history and charm of Budapest. (B)

 

Day 39 Budapest to Vienna, Austria via Bratislava, Slovakia

On to charming Vienna, home to opera, apple strudel and Mozart. (B,D)

 

Day 40 Vienna

Time to explore Vienna. The impressive Hofburg Palace, the Opera House and the Schonbrunn Palace all await. (B)

 

Day 41 Vienna to Krakow, Poland

Today, we make a sobering visit to the former concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau. Then to Krakow, once the capital city of Poland. (B,L,D)

 

Day 42 Krakow

Today is ours to choose from tours of the Jewish Quarter to visiting salt mines used since the 13th century. (B)

 

Day 43 Krakow to Prague, Czech Republic

Our next city, Prague, is one of our favourites. Our walking tour amongst the cobblestone streets is a great introduction to this charming city (B,L,D)

 

Day 44 Prague

Explore Prague during the day before trying one of the many delicious Czech restaurants in the evening. (B)

 

Day 45 Prague to Berlin, Germany

Historic Dresden breaks our journey as we head to Berlin, one of Europe’s most happening cities. (B,D)

 

Day 46 Berlin

After our city tour including Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, the city is ours to explore. (B)

 

Day 47 Berlin to Amsterdam, Netherlands

To Amsterdam today, famous for its canals, bicycles and liberal lifestyle. (B,L)

 

Day 48 Amsterdam

Our bicycle tour is a great way to discover Amsterdam. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner followed by an optional canal cruise. (B,D)

 

Day 49 Amsterdam to London

Back to London via Brugge. (B)