European Sampler (HD2027)

Day 1:
ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Welcome to Amsterdam! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2:
AMSTERDAM Holland Days This morning, meet your Local Guide for a fascinating introduction to Amsterdam. At the pier board a glass-topped boat to admire Amsterdam from a different perspective as you cruise along the elegant, UNESCO-listed grachten (canals). See the most captivating views of “Golden Age” homes, landmark buildings, and charming bridges. Later, visit a Diamond Center to learn why Amsterdam is often called the “diamond capital of the world.” Free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE There 's nowhere quite like Amsterdam! A vibrant city with an impressive artistic heritage, and a fascinating infrastructure. The city is built on about 11 million wooden poles and criss-crossed by over 165 canals. In addition, it boasts a vast network of cycle lanes frequented by the city 's 881 000 bicycles, Amsterdam is so bike-friendly that the bicycles outnumber the residents!

Day 3:
AMSTERDAM-HEIDELBERG, GERMANY Tradition on Tap in Heidelberg Drive across the border into Germany. A real treat awaits with a scenic cruise on the River Rhine, one of Europe 's most important rivers, flowing through six countries. Admire castles, vineyards, and charming villages as you sail down the river. On disembarkation, continue your journey to Heidelberg. Take photos of the red-walled castle ruins and [LF] enjoy dinner with a beer at the Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg restaurant. (B,D)
329 mi / 530 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Lift a glass of German beer in Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg brauhaus. Enjoy the famous tastes of Germany in this elegant and rustic beer house where hospitality is served in the heart of the brewery, along with legendary beers - both traditional and modern.

Day 4:
HEIDELBERG-BLACK FOREST-RHINE FALLS, SWITZERLAND-LUCERNE With Cherries on Top This morning head to the Black Forest to enjoy some local traditions. Watch a traditional woodcarving demonstration followed by a delicious helping of Kaffee und Schwarzwaldkuchen (coffee and Black Forest Cake). Later, drive over the border into Switzerland and stop to admire the breathtaking Rhine Falls. Continue to Lucerne and join a walking tour to see the city highlights including the [LF] Bourbaki Panorama, the Lion Monument and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). (B,D)
230 mi / 370 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURAL GEM A monumental panorama, a piece of European cultural heritage, and a symbol of Switzerland 's humanitarian tradition - the Bourbaki Panorama brings together a multitude of stories. It commemorates the internment of 87000 soldiers of the French Bourbaki army, who fled Switzerland in the harsh winter of 1871. Painted by the artist Edouard Castres who personally witnessed the internment as a Red Cross worker and put his feelings on display in a most impressive way in 1881. A true journey back to the time in which Switzerland and its self-image were formed in the service of humanity, tolerance, and human rights.

Day 5:
LUCERNE Sweet Sights of Switzerland A whole day to do as you please. Explore more on your own and get better acquainted with this alpine gem or join an optional excursion up one of the mighty mountains that surround it. (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE What better way to spend this free day than with an excursion to the top of Mt Pilatus? Ascend via the world 's steepest cogwheel railway passing the exquisite alpine meadows and dramatic rock formations. Take in spectacular views of central Switzerland. Feel on top of the world because you are! Send a yodel across the Swiss peaks in the tradition of mountaineers of old.

Day 6:
LUCERNE-BEAUNE, FRANCE Spend your day your way in Beaune Leave Switzerland behind as you enter France. En-route to Beaune, enjoy a scenic drive through Burgundy with its vineyards and châteaux. Explore more of Beaune with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.


Free time this evening. (B)
236 mi / 380 km

Day 7:
BEAUNE-VERSAILLES-PARIS Château of Kings & Queens Prepare to be amazed by the opulence when you stop at the Palace of Versailles en route to Paris. Explore the elegant Baroque gardens on your own before meeting your Local Guide or a walk through some of the palace 's incredible rooms including the State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. Arrive in Paris later this afternoon giving you plenty of time to get acquainted with this iconic city. * (B)
208 mi / 335 km

* For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS SLEPT HERE When it comes to the Palace of Versailles, opulent is an understatement! This converted hunting lodge boasts 2300 rooms adorned in 17th century gilded French décor. Kings, Queens, and Emperors have called it home! Now a world- famous museum that promises its visitors a breathtaking experience.

Day 8:
PARIS C 'est Magnifique in the City of Light This morning, your guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive and a scenic cruise on the River Seine with incredible views of celebrated landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore more independently or join an optional excursion. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. * (B,D)

*For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tempting shops of the Champs-Élysées to the irresistible charms of a corner café, your hearts are set on sharing France 's captivating City of Light any time you please.

Day 9:
PARIS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)