 |
Europe Essence 10 Days |
 |
Visit: London - Brussels - Amsterdam - Cologne - Rhine River - Luxembourg - Paris
Tour Code: RTEUR10 |
|
| Detailed Itinerary |
|
Day
01 |
USA - London, UK |
| Our 10-days European vacation begins as we board our trans-Atlantic flight bound for London, the capital city of England. |
|
|
| Day 02 |
London
(D) |
| Upon our arrival in London, we start immediately our sightseeing tour with a visit to the State Apartments of Windsor Castle, one of the oldest continuously inhabited royal residence in the world and the weekend home of Queen Elizabeth. Windsor Castle, built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, is now the summer palace for the present Queen. We walk around the State Apartment and extensive rooms furnished with treasures from the royal collection including paintings, fine tapestries, porcelain, sculpture and armor. Later, we check in to our four-star hotel, Thistle Tower, located in the banks of the River Thames, next to the world famous Tower Bridge. We have a perfect opportunity to walk along the river and on the bridge. |
|
Hotel: Guoman Hotel or similar |
|
| Day 03 |
London
(B) |
| After breakfast, our sightseeing tour shows us the Tower of London. Founded nearly a millennium ago and expanded upon over the centuries since, the Tower of London had been a fortress, a royal residence and state prison where many of Englands' most famous prisoners had been confined and some were executed. We can also see the freightless ravens and the exhibition of the Crown Jewels. Continue our city drive of London by tour coach to the Parliament Building, the famous Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Ten Downing Street. Photo stops at Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace will be arranged. The rest of the day is free for us to further explore this historic city. If you desire, you may shop for some souvenir or simply sit in the cafe and enjoy the famous coffee. |
|
Hotel: Guoman Hotel or similar |
|
| Day 04 |
London - Eurostar Train - Brussels, Belgium - Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Canal Cruise
(B,D) |
| Transfer to Waterloo Station, take the Eurostar Train to Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. Enjoy the quiet and comfortable ride of the high-speed train. Upon arrival at Brussels, our tour features visits to the Grand Place,Flamboyant City Hall, Guild Houses, and legendary Manneken Pis Statue. Later, drive along the scenic country roads to Amsterdam, the capital city of The Netherlands, where we get a photo stop at the Dam Square and the landmarks, windmills. Also, we have a good opportunity to visit a famous diamond cutting and polishing factory. Since Amsterdam is world renowned for its diamond cutting techniques, we will get to see the one of a kind special designed diamonds. Also, a Canal Cruise is awaiting us to give us a detailed look of the city once we get there. Over night at our luxurious hotel which is located in the airport,very close to the shopping center. |
|
Hotel: Hilton Amsterdam Airport schiphol or similar |
|
| Day 05 |
Amsterdam - Cologne, Germany
(B,D) |
| In Amsterdam, the Red Light District is somewhat of an adult amusement park and often not taken too seriously by the hordes of tourist who frequent it. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Red Light District, is that it's actually quite pretty. The famous red window lights are striking against the quaint, old canal houses and even the fairy lights that line the bridges at night are colored red. Although it is generally considered to be a very safe area, care should still be taken when walking through the area. And travelers should note that there is a strict "No Photography" policy in that area. Bid farewell to Amsterdam, we continue on to Cologne for a visit to one of the world's tallest and biggest gothic cathedral, Cologne Cathedral. |
|
Hotel: Dorint Sofitel An Der Messe Koln or similar |
|
| Day 06 |
Cologne - Rhine River Cruise - Germany Pig Knuckle Lunch - Luxembourg, Luxembourg
(B,L) |
| After breakfast, we are off to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in the United Nations. On the way, take a scenic cruise on Rhine River. Relax up close and in comfort as you glide past charming villages, enchanting towns, impressive castles, thriving vineyards and exciting towns. The famous pig knuckle prepared in German style is served for lunch. After lunch, we continue on to Luxembourg. The size of Luxembourg is equivalent to the Rhode Island in the US; however, this country's military fortifications and financial systems are world famous. |
|
Hotel: Novotel Luxembourg or similar |
|
| Day 07 |
Luxembourg - Paris, France
(B) |
| Travel to Paris. After arrival in the afternoon, the rest of the day is free for leisure activities. If you desire, you may shop at the world famous Lafayette Department Store or pick an outdoor cafe to enjoy some France coffee. This evening, an optional tour of River Seine Cruise is offered. It will cover most of the enchanting sights of the city including Place Charles de Gaulle, and passing through many historical buildings. |
|
Hotel: Sofitel La Defense Grande Arche or similar |
|
| Day 08 |
Paris
(B,D) |
| A drive outside the city takes us to Versailles Palace, once the pride of France and the envy of many monarchs in Europe. Later, we visit the Louvre Museum to see some of the most famous works of art in its incomparable collection. A panoramic drive by the tour bus will also takes in all the famous landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, Place De La Concord, Champs Elysees, Arc De Triomphe, Les Invalides, and the Opera House. |
|
Hotel: Sofitel La Defense Grande Arche or similar |
|
| Day 09 |
Paris
(B) |
| Explore Paris at your own pace. Perhaps finish buying your last minutes presents for relatives and friends today. |
|
Hotel: Sofitel La Defense Grande Arche or similar |
|
| Day 10 |
Paris - USA
(B) |
| Transfer to the airport for the international flight back to the States. |
 |
|
|
|
