Highlights of Europe - Start Amsterdam, End Paris, Classic Group, Summer
Highlights of Europe - Start Amsterdam, End Paris, Classic Group, Summer
Amsterdam
Heidelberg, Germany
Innsbruck, Austria
St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
View over Lake Maggiore, Italy
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
$6365
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Europe's most iconic destinations with the "Highlights of Europe" tour, starting in Amsterdam and concluding in Paris. This classic group tour takes you through the enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures of Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France. Experience the charm of Amsterdam's canals, the grandeur of Heidelberg Castle, and the picturesque beauty of Innsbruck. Delight in a private cruise to Venice's St. Mark's Square, explore the historic Colosseum in Rome, and marvel at Florence's architectural wonders. Ascend Mount Stanserhorn for breathtaking views and indulge in Parisian culinary delights with a local food lover. With luxurious accommodations and authentic dining experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, culture, and relaxation. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Amsterdam, enjoy a day of leisure. Join your Travel Director for dinner. Mingle and get to know your fellow travelers as you cruise along some of the many quaint, tree-lined canals, to explore the heart of the Old City, before enjoying a pleasant evening of dinner and wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: The Rhine Valley and Heidelberg
Location: Rhine Valley, Heidelberg
Accommodation Name: Marriott, Heidelberg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a scenic drive through the Rhine Valley to see quaint villages, hilltop castles and hear the legend of the Lorelei Rock. Follow the Neckar River to Heidelberg and visit Heidelberg Castle with a Local Expert.
Day 3: Mountain-ringed Innsbruck
Location: Innsbruck
Accommodation Name: AC, Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast
Skirt the northern Black Forest and head towards the rolling Bavarian Alps. Stop beneath the royal castles of Hohenschwangau and King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein, rumored to have inspired Walt Disney's iconic castle. Once over the Austrian border, continue to the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. See the architectural jewels of the city, including the Imperial Palace, Golden Roof and the 14th-century houses of the Old Town.
Day 4: Across the Dolomites to Venice
Location: Dolomites, Venice
Accommodation Name: Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice
Meals Included: Dinner
Continue your journey, crossing the Italian border and on through the Dolomites. Amongst the hills of Conegliano Veneto, stop at a local family winery in Veneto to discover the art of prosecco production. Savor a tasting of these luxurious sparkling wines. Continue to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. In the evening, enjoy a dinner with wine.
Day 5: The Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop. Take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where the city's former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St. Mark's Basilica. Admire the Doge's Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. With the rest of the day free, why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Day 6: The Eternal City of Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals Included: Dinner
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Head into the Apennine Mountains and venture through the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria. Follow the course of the Tiber to the Eternal City of Rome. Italian culture is deeply rooted in hospitality with food, friends and family being central to everyday life. For dinner, you’re invited into the home of a Roman local to experience Italian hospitality at its best.
Day 7: Papal and Imperial Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
During your two-night stay, join a Local Expert for a tour of the priceless art housed in the Vatican Museums and the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. Then explore St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Cross the River Tiber to see the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum. Enjoy a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Gaze in awe at the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening's experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini.
Day 8: The Chianti Hills to Florence
Location: Chianti Hills, Florence
Accommodation Name: NH Firenze, Florence
Meals Included: Dinner
Drive to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. A Local Expert will accompany you to the Duomo where the Gates of Paradise adorn the baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city, lined with fountains and statues it acts as a virtual open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. A leisurely afternoon gives you time to shop for quality goods, like gold and leather, which Florence is famous for. Alternatively, there is the option to visit the Accademia Gallery with an art historian to see Michelangelo's famed masterpiece, 'David.' In the evening, savor an authentic meal at a local trattoria in the heart of Florence.
Day 9: Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation Name: Simplon, Baveno
Meals Included: Dinner
This Summer version of this tour will overnight in Baveno. Travel past Milan, the capital of Lombardy, as you journey north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favorite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery combines with luxuriant subtropical vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake. Perhaps choose to take a cruise to the lovely Isola Bella for a guided tour of the incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens? Later, the choice is yours for your Dine-Around Evening. Enjoy your preferred dining experience from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, each offering their own unique cuisine and ambience.
Day 10: The Alps and onto Lucerne Relaxed Start
Location: Mount Stanserhorn, Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, enjoy your last moments among the charming Italian Lake District before your travels continue across the Swiss border. Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Take in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Continue to lakeside Lucerne where the afternoon is at your leisure. You may choose to enjoy a cruise on Lake Lucerne with its dramatic vistas.
Day 11: Lakeside Lucerne Relaxed Start
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
The emotive Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff, is a memorial dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution, which is a source of great pride to the people of Lucerne. See this beautiful work before strolling across the Chapel Bridge to see the ornate Jesuit Church. With the day free, there is plenty of time for shopping for delectable chocolate and glamorous Swiss watches in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers?
Day 12: Sights and delights of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the rural French country side of Alsace and Burgundy regions, famous for their vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. With the evening free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Why not visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows?
Day 13: The Food and Flavors of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals Included: Dinner
Today you can enjoy an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join an avid food lover as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole. Delight in French cuisine and delicious wine.
Day 14: Au Revoir Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to your traveling companions as your journey comes to an end. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Paris, including a walk through a car-free, pedestrianized neighborhood and a food lover's tour sampling local treats.
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Top Rated Highlights
Experience top-rated highlights such as a cruise along Amsterdam's waterways, a visit to Heidelberg Castle, and a tour of Innsbruck's Old Town.
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Make Travel Matter
Participate in experiences that support sustainable development goals, such as a glassblowing workshop in Venice and a solar-powered cable car ride to Mount Stanserhorn.
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Transport
Travel through scenic landscapes such as the Apennine Mountains and Tuscany, with transport provided to various destinations including Rome and Paris.
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Additional Included Highlights
Enjoy personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi on the coach and in hotels.
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Insight Experiences
Gain exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome during an after-hours visit.
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Well-being
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned coach, featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a cruise to the island of Burano and a visit to the Accademia Gallery in Florence are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers are only included if arrival and departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. Transfers outside these times are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through scenic landscapes such as the Apennine Mountains and Tuscany, with transport provided to various destinations including Rome and Paris. Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned coach, featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
Accommodation
Stay at the Hilton Amsterdam in the elegant Old South district, the Marriott Hotel Heidelberg in the heart of Heidelberg, and the AC Hotel Innsbruck in the Alps. Experience the Hotel Indigo Venice - Sant'Elena, Room 007 Select in Rome, NH Firenze in Florence, Hotel Simplon in Baveno, and Hotel Astoria in Lucerne. Conclude at Le Méridien Etoile in Paris, near the Champs Élysées. ...more ...less
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then 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 from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
Well-being
- 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.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique experiences such as a private cruise to St. Mark's Square in Venice, a glassblowing workshop in Venice, and an after-hours visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome. Additionally, you will journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a solar-powered cable car and enjoy a prosecco tasting in Veneto. ...more ...less
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Are there any special dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several authentic dining experiences such as a Welcome Dinner in Amsterdam, a home-cooked meal in Rome, and dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole in Paris. There is also a prosecco tasting in Veneto and a Dine-Around Evening in Lake Maggiore where you can choose from a selection of local restaurants. ...more ...less
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What kind of transport is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transport through scenic landscapes such as the Apennine Mountains and Tuscany. You will travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned coach, which features double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coach is sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards. ...more ...less
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Paris?
In Paris, you will see the impressive Eiffel Tower, explore the banks of the Seine, visit the Place de la Concorde, and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. You can also choose to explore the Montorgueil district or join a food lover to sample local treats. The tour also includes a walk through Paris with a local food lover, sampling treats from patisseries, boulangeries, and chocolatiers. ...more ...less
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as the Hilton Amsterdam, Marriott Hotel Heidelberg, AC Hotel Innsbruck, Hotel Indigo Venice - Sant'Elena, Room 007 Select in Rome, NH Firenze in Florence, Hotel Simplon in Baveno, and Hotel Astoria in Lucerne. Each hotel is selected for its location and comfort, providing a peaceful sanctuary or modern comforts depending on the city. ...more ...less
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Highlights of Europe - Start Amsterdam, End Paris, Classic Group, Summer
14 Days Starting in Amsterdam, Netherlands and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Amsterdam, Rhine Valley, Heidelberg, Innsbruck, Dolomites, Venice, Rome, Chianti Hills, Florence, Lake Maggiore, Mount Stanserhorn, Lucerne, Paris ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E933ZN120
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
