Winter Getaway 2010 - 2011

Itinerary

Day 1 London to Paris, France

We cross the English Channel and head for magical Paris, where this evening we take in all the splendour on a "City Lights" tour. The Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde and of course the iconic Eiffel Tower await us! (D)

Day 2 Paris

A free day to explore France’s grand capital! Wander through the Louvre, stroll the Champs Élysées or visit the Notre Dame. Round off a memorable day with a delicious included dinner, perhaps followed by an optional cabaret show or cruise on the River Seine. (B,D)

Day 3 Paris to Swiss Alps

We depart Paris and head to stunning Switzerland and the gorgeous village of Lauterbrunnen, set in a majestic valley flanked by the famous Jungfrau mountain. (B,D)

Day 4 Swiss Alps

A relaxing day to enjoy the eye-catching Swiss countryside. Take an optional train ride to the summit of Jungfrau and enjoy the spectacular views en route to the ‘Top of Europe’! (B,D)

Day 5 Swiss Alps to Florence, Italy

Onwards to Italy! First up Pisa and the amazing Leaning Tower before we head to Florence, a city dripping in artistic wonder. This remarkable city is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and has been described as an ‘outdoor museum’. (B,D)

Day 6 Florence

Explore gorgeous Florence with a local guide, taking in the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo and Santa Croce, and hear tales of luminaries such as Leonardo and Michelangelo who made the city so famous. Afterwards, why not check out the excellent shopping and maybe even the superb wine to be found here! (B)

Day 7 Florence to Rome, Italy

We stop at the quaint hilltop city of Orvieto en route to the ‘Eternal City’. Rome boasts the incredible Colosseum, opulent Trevi Fountain and romantic Spanish Steps amongst a ‘Pantheon’ of famous monuments, all of which can be taken in on our walking tour! (B,D)

Day 8 Rome

Today we have the chance to visit Vatican City, where an optional guided tour takes in the treasures of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with its frescoes by Michelangelo. The day is then free to sightsee, shop, wine and dine in this most fashionable city. (B)

Day 9 Rome to Venice, Italy

We travel north through Tuscany,stopping on the way to visit Verona, where Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet played out their tragic love affair. During the afternoon we travel on to enchanting Venice. (B,D)

Day 10 Venice

Venice is a collection of islands, linked by bridges and serviced by a network of canals – a truly unique place. See St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge as we explore the city. Enjoy a demonstration of traditional Venetian lace-making and maybe take a gondola ride on the famous waters of the Grand Canal! (B)

Day 11 Venice to Salzburg, Austria

We head north to Austria and the beauty of charming Salzburg, famous for being the home of Mozart. The Old Town boasts some fantastic Baroque architecture & the nearby hills may just ring out with the ‘Sound of Music’! (B,D)

Day 12 Salzburg to Prague

A sombre but important start to the day as we visit the former concentration camp of Mauthausen, where we have the chance to pay our respect to victims of the Holocaust. We then head to the Czech Republic and its majestic capital, Prague, where a walking tour with our Topdeck Trip Leader takes in Gothic masterpieces such as the Castle District, the Tyn Church and Charles Bridge. (B,D)

Day 13 Prague

Today is ours to explore Prague. Perhaps wander the cobbled streets of the Castle District, take in a traditional marionette puppet show or explore the fascinating Jewish Quarter. Prague also boasts many incredible restaurants and some of the finest beer ever created! (B)

Day 14 Prague to Berlin, Germany

First stop is the 800 year old city of Dresden, before heading on to Germany’s incredible capital, Berlin. Divided for many years, it is now one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. A driving tour takes in sights such as the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate and remaining parts of the Berlin Wall. (B,D)

Day 15 Berlin

A free day to explore this historic city, stacked with amazing museums, fantastic shopping, great eateries, not to mention a world class zoo! It also has some of the best nightlife in Europe, so what better excuse to enjoy a night out in this happening city. (B)

Day 16 Berlin to Amsterdam

We depart for the Netherlands and the famously liberal city of Amsterdam. This evening we can visit the heart of the city, Dam Square, and even walk around the famous Red Light District! (B)

Day 17 Amsterdam

This morning we can see the city as the locals do on an included, Topdeck exclusive bicycle tour. Later on, why not see a different side of Amsterdam by taking an optional canal cruise following our farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 18 Amsterdam to London

Leaving Amsterdam, we travel to historic Brugge in Belgium before we head towards Calais for our return journey to London. (B)