14 DAYS EUROPEAN TOUR  - ENGLISH / MANDARIN SPEAKING TOUR MANAGER

TOURFARE  Adt Euro: 1369 / Child Triple 1299 / Sgl Sup 519

After breakfast, prepare yourself for a treat, to the Pancake Country of the Dutch. Holland and her capital Amsterdam. We visit the canal-laced city of Amsterdam, why not board an informative cruise on a glass-domed boat, a short cruise alongside the 16-17 century merchant houses and homes is the best way to soak in the atmosphere that is uniquely Dutch. At Gassan, we see how raw stones are polished into sparkling gems, the skills on which so much of the prosperity of Holland depends on. In a local handicraft factory, discover where have all the 3 million pairs of wooden shoes gone, perhaps purchase one for yourself. Of course, we do not miss the charm of the countryside where the Windmills still work. An exhilarating day ending back at Wavre hotel.

Day 3 Wavre / Luxembourg / Heidelberg / Rhine area - ( Breakfast / Dinner )

Depart after breakfast for the next country on the list. Luxembourg is a Grand - duchy, an independent country with a population of about 400,000 and an area of 2586 sq. km. In the early afternoon, we visit the city. It occupies a dramatic and commanding site on a high bluff above the narrow valleys of the Aklzette and the Petrusse. Because of its strategic location it was for many centuries one of the strongest fortresses in Europe, with ramparts and casemates lining the rim of the precipitous cliffs. Here it offers a fine view of over the city. Stroll along the Rue Notre Dame and the Hotel de Ville, to Place Guillaume with many churches and also the Biblio Nationale and Cathedral. Continue to Germany, the Student Prince city of Heidelberg, where time is spent on the Hauptstrasse for window browsing and to enjoy the Student City. Not far above the valley of the Neckar, is the 13C old red sandstone castle and its huge balcony.

Day 4 Rhine Falls /  Lucerne Lake area. -  (Breakfast / Dinner)

Down south we go, in to the Garden Country of Europe - Switzerland. Our stop at the canton of Schauffhausen allows us to witness the spectacular Rhine Falls. There is an opportunity if weather is permitting, for boat trip to the middle of the Falls with a short climb to the top,  or simply steer near to the cascade where the splashing of water and its mist create a sensational feel. The village of Flulen, by lake side of Lucerne is our home for the next two nights. Situated in the middle of the Canton of Uri, amidst the grandeur of the Alps and the Vierwaldstattersee. Regardless of the time in the year, visitors are in for treats of charm and beauty; Be it in Spring, where life begins to spring from the hills slopes in green, summer is all to glorious a kaleidoscope, so is the Autumnal season when the hills turn golden, the Winter will too be inviting, basking in scintillating sunshine above the blanket of white snow.

Day 5 Lucerne Lake / Schwyz scenic route / Lake Zurich / Liechtenstein / Vaduz  -  (Breakfast / Dinner)

The Lake Lucerne area and its township is a perfect example of what Switzerland is all about. As we drive along the shores, laced with weeping willows, graceful swans and mandarin ducks, beckoning sirens from pleasure boats, are here to capture your heart and to slow down your pace for a second look. Follow your tour manager, stroll into the old town, visit the Lion Monument commemorating the bravery of Swiss Guards; the Old wall with its 11 watch towers; the Kappell Bridge and the beauty of its Rococo Churches. There are numerous Swiss watches show halls; chocolate shops to spend a good few hours. You will have an opportunity to visit the famous Mt. Titlis on the world's first revolving jumbo cable car, a ride to its summit at 10000 feet above sea level is exhilarating, ask your tour manager about it today. Continue towards the region of Schwys. Soon entering a different picture postcard setting of the country. There are rustic farms and vast orchards dotting the hills at each turn of the coach, the crystal clear brooks running over the cobble stones; the puff of smoke from farm kitchens, laughter of playful children mixed up with the cow bells, are all but part of the delightful sights. Crossing the mighty Rhine, we enter yet another tiny Principality of Liechtenstein, the Country with only a dozen police work force, indicates its social harmony and security. Walk along the main street of Vaduz, its capital, you must not miss the castle perching on top of the hill where the Royal Family still resides. There is the coin and stamp museum, one of the main income of this country where each month a new set is distributed around the world for collectors and enthusiast. Return in the evening for dinner in hotel.

 Day 6 Lucerne Lake / Innsbruck /  Vicenza area  -  (Breakfast)

The ascending of the Alps from Brenner to St. Anton is another day of delightful journey. At the other end of the mountain passes, we are in Austria and the capital of the Tyrol Province. Innsbruck. Surrounded by the awe inspiring Alpine mountains, often snowcapped in Spring, Innsbruck is indeed a jewel in its own accord. The city hosted two winter Olympic games and has since never ceased to improve her status. Stop by the old centre this morning, to marvel at the 3500 pieces of gilded copper plates, also known as " the golden roof ", it is an impressive sight. There is also the Arch de Triumph ; the Hofkirche mausoleum, the Hofburg Royal Palace built by Maria Theresa and a host of splendid Baroque buildings. Drive through the region of Tryol, at the famous Austrian Europa Bridge, we recall the tragic incident to those who risked lives to create this highest viaduct in Europe some 50 years ago. In the evening, we passby the city of Romeo and Juliet - the historic city of fair Verona and settle down in the old city of Vicenza.

Day 7 Verona / Venice / Rovigo  -  (Breakfast / Dinner)

The romantic Venice is all yours this morning. At Troncetto, take one of the ferries to cruise along the grand canal. Get off either at St. Mark Square or to Rialto Bridge, made popular by the play from William Shakespeare " the Merchant of Venice ". Though one may not find as many unscrupulous merchants around nowadays but the merchandise that are displayed along the maze like allies are most tempting indeed. Visit the Laguna glass blowing factory and you will see why the art of Glass sculpture is still so much alive in Venice. Orientation walk with your tour manager, not forgetting the St. Mark's square, with the Winged Lion and statue of St. Mark, not too far from the petite Bridge of Sigh. Return to hotel after a wonderful day in the Water city. All too soon, we bid farewell and in to township of Rovigo.

Day 8 Rovigo / Florence / Rome  - (Breakfast )

Once along the Highway of the Sun, we speed southwards, towards the great PO plain and the Garden of Italy - Tuscany. The abundant of orchards, spreading as far as the eyes could see, one often fills with amazement on such extensive farming project. In the early Autumnal sun, the golden apples and pears, peaches and plums, apricots and nectarines, with the grapes, are all ready for the factories, canneries and the distilleries, it is almost as mind boggling to comprehend the task to harvest them. Yet the Italians did it year after year. Florence's great historical and artistic treasure is exhibited not only in her monuments, her churches; her manor houses, but also in her water and her air. In fact the entire city exudes intoxicating artistic aroma that only by living here forever is the only solution to satisfy the real connoisseur of antiquity. We have a panoramic view of this open air museum from the great balcony of Michaelangelo hill before heading for the handicraft market, by Peruzzi leather factory before setting off for another great city - the eternal Rome.

     
Day 9   Rome Fullday - (Breakfast / Chinese Dinner )

Europe’s earliest powers - the illustrious Roman Empire. Rome tour is conducted totally on foot, do prepare yourself as we leisurely comb the cobble stone old quarters. Visit the ancient Roman Amphitheatre - the Colosseum, the Presidential Palace on Quirinal Hill, followed by the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Venezia, Circus Maximus and the Monument of Victor Emanuell II, regarded as the Father of Modern United Italy. Walk through S. Peter’s Square and the Vatican City, the smallest sovereign state in the world. In the evening a return to your hotel for a well deserved rest.

Day 10   Rome / Pisa / Monaco / Nice  - (Breakfast / Lunch )

Reluctantly leaving Rome, but ahead of you, is yet another treasures of Italy. The famous Pisa and her leaning Tower. The old world wonder, the religious centre of this city owns three amazing monuments, completely decorated with white marble from the Carrara quarries, are certainly breadth stopping. This work of art is not only exhibited on its exquisite exterior, we beckon you to explore the Baptistery as well as the Cathedral, you will be overwhelmed with awe by the intricacy of stone works. We then follow the coast line of the Italian Riviera, travelling through the holiday resort of Cinqueterre, made up of five isolated islands where inter-link only by way of boats, to the resort of the rich Italians at Portofino and Rapallo before we come in to the Principality of Monaco. A small independent state that is enclave within France. Brief stop shows you the Royal Palace and if lucky, you get a glimpse of the Royal Yacht by the harbour. In deed it is a totally different feel from Italy here, where the apparel is nothing but chic. This evening, enjoy the cool breeze as you sip your cafe or enjoy an ice cream along the promenade of English, this is Nice, and it is nice.

Day 11    Nice / Lyon  - ( Breakfast )

Depart late today, so that you can enjoy more of the relax atmosphere in this Queen of the French Riviera. There are loads of things to do, from window shopping to pebble picking on the beach, and of course those lovely ladies are all out basking in the sun, totally oblivious to your presence. In the late morning, we head north through Provence and townships of Salon; Orange; Arles; Avignon and alongside the mighty river Rhone all the way in to the 2nd largest city of France - Lyon.

Day 12   Paris  - ( Breakfast / Dinner )                                       
Our trusty coach and tour manager are both ready to show you first hand this afternoon, the most glamorous cities in the world. The tour reveals the splendour and historical events of the jewel city. We see Notre Dame, one of the most beautiful churches in the world and a masterpiece of medieval art. The Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde, Trocadero Gardens, the Opera House and the Grande Dame of Paris - Eiffel. In the later part of the day, why not hop on the Bateaux Mouche, for a cruise on the river belt of Paris - Rive Seine ? Paris is a city of lights, it is indeed a city that never sleeps, so why should you?

Day 13   Paris Lourve and Versailles  - (Breakfast / Chinese Dinner)

A day free for more Tour of Paris with various major sights on your own. Our coach will drop you off in two places: the Lourve in the morning followed by Versailles in the afternoon. This allows those who are keen in Arts and Sightseeing to make the best of the time in Paris. Entrances are not included. Those who are shoppers, why now shopping till you drop in the numerous duty free stores , or simply take it easy for the day.

Louvre museum visitors: The museum is open daily, except Tuesdays and certain public holidays, from am to 6pm. Evening openings until 9.45pm on Mondays ("short tour") and Wednesdays. The Louvre museum, the World's largest museum, proudly houses Art from the Oriental and Islamic background; Egyptian, Greek; Etruscans and Roman Antiquities; Sculptures in marble, stone, bronze and wood; and of course more than 6 000 European paintings includes the world famous "Mona Lisa". This section has collection dating from the end of the XIIIth century to the mid XIXth century, in a wide variety of genres and formats, from miniatures to monumental canvases, and offering encyclopedic diversity.

Palace of Versailles visitor: In the afternoon you are free to do your own activity or continue with our complementary coach service (Sunday only), to stop outside the Golden Gate at Versailles for your own visiting pleasure. Entrance fee payable at the gate (close on Monday). Versailles first built in 1623, by Louis XIII - father of Louis XIV as his 'hunting lodge. The king liked it so much that he soon had it enlarged. Today, we could view the splendour of about 20 apartments, such as the Queen's Bedchamber , The Hall of Mirrors; The king's 'Grand Apartment, the War and Peace room, the Chapel and more. This optional visit will express the extravagant lifestyle of the French court at its height. Entrance fee pay on the spot at the gate.

(For those who chose to remain in Paris for own shopping, the coach will pick you later in the evening before dinner)

 Day 14 Paris / Calais / London  - ( Continental Breakfast )

All too soon, as we board our P/O ferry back to the good ole English soil where your tour ends upon arrival in to London.

Note: Those who plan to stay extra nights in Paris can book with us when they registered for this tour. We have special rate for twin or single room at the Paris group hotel.