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European Impressions

4.6/5 Based on 8 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
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 Trip Length
15 Days
 Trip Starts
Amsterdam
 Trip Finishes
Paris
15 Day European Impressions Itinerary (Costsaver)
Countries Explored: Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France
Trip Style
Panoramic
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
51
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
EIMP

Overview

Read 8 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Costsaver's 15 Day European Impressions. The birthplaces of arts, culture and history take centre stage on this 15 day discovery of Europe's Renaissance masterpieces. Create your own work of art as you delve into the diversity of Europe. From the spires of Cologne and Vienna's Baroque Opera House, to St. Peter's Basilica and the magnificent Doge's Palace in Venice, you’ll tick off all the iconic landmarks that have drawn visitors from across the globe for centuries.

Itinerary

The perfect introduction to Europe is none other than Amsterdam, the historic, yet edgy Dutch capital. There's time for a quick orientation through its UNESCO-listed historic centre, characterised by concentric belts of canals or Grachtengordel. Take to the waterways and join an Optional Experience canal cruise in a glass-topped boat. This is a mesmerising way to see this old-world capital and its iconic sights. Stay: Holiday Inn Express - North Riverside

You'll see the towering spires of Cologne Cathedral above the rest of the city skyline when you journey east into Germany. This imposing Gothic church is one of the largest in the world and is said to house the Shrine of the Three Kings. Head to Boppard next where you'll board your river cruise down the Rhine. Watch the soul-stirring scenery of the Rhine Valley unfold – quaint villages, terraced vineyards and medieval castles line your route. Arrive later at your hotel in the Rhineland where you'll join your travel companions for dinner. (B/D) Stay: NH Hirschberg

Ascend to the heavens, crossing the Fern Pass in the Tyrolean Alps. The scenery defies imagination and you'll arrive in Innsbruck in time to explore the city on your own. Wander through the Old Town and see the Hofburg Palace, St. Jakob's Cathedral and the Golden Roof, covered with over 2,657 fire-gilded tiles in the 16th century by Emperor Maximilian to mark his wedding. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store. (B/D) Stay: Alphotel

Hit all the right notes today as you visit two cities whose heritage are inextricably linked to music. Take a stroll through Salzburg's Mirabell Gardens, where the von Trapp children once sang ‘Do-Re-Mi' in ‘The Sound of Music'. See sights that featured in the life of Mozart then head to Vienna, where famous composers rose to musical fame. Don't resist the urge to join an optional Viennese concert of classical music and feel as inspired as the great masters of music once were to share their genius. (B) Stay: Senator

A free morning could see you discover why the streets of Vienna are paved with culture or consider a guided visit to Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, whose lasting legacy can be seen across their dynastic capital. Your Local Specialist will reveal all the sights of this imperial city later today. View the Parliament, the Vienna Opera House, the Hofburg and City Hall before enjoying some time on your own. You'll need no excuse to embrace the locals' love of the good life as you indulge in the city's kafee culture with a heavenly slice of Sachertorte to tame your chocoholic tendencies. (B)

From one elegant city to another, you'll continue through the Austrian Lake District and into Italy. Your final destination today is Venice, once a maritime powerhouse and republic, whose influences can be seen across the Eastern Mediterranean. The Winged Lion of St. Mark stands watch over the city and you'll see this enduring symbol of Venice over the next few days. You'll arrive just in time for an optional Gondola and Grand Canal cruise – grand palazzi, churches and ornate bridges lining your journey. (B) Stay: Best Western Plus Quid

Board your private launch and cruise to St. Mark's Square, the gateway to the city. Admire the ornate Doge's Palace, the Basilica of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs, whose bittersweet views once elicited sighs from prisoners who were unlikely to see their beloved city ever again. There's time on your own to explore the city before we witness the talents of master craftsmen during a visit to their glassblowing workshop, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Maybe join an Optional Experience to the vibrant rainbow-coloured façades of Burano Island, which beckon to resident fishermen seeking a safe beacon for their return journey home through the lagoon's thick fog. (B)

Tread in the footsteps of ancient Romans as you cross the fertile Po Plain and cross the Apennine mountains to Rome. The 'Eternal City' has captivated travellers for centuries and you'll not be disappointed. There's time to join an optional sightseeing tour of Rome's famous piazzas and fountains, including such highlights as Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.

Later join the group for dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Ergife Palace

There's no better way to see Rome than to dive right in, which is what you'll do when you meet your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that begins in Vatican City. The dome of St. Peter's Basilica looms over the expansive St. Peter's Square – the impressive backdrop for time spent learning about the world's smallest country. See Michelangelo's mournful Pietà up close and consider an Optional Experience that will reveal the artistry and heritage of the famous Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. Continue to Ancient Rome, to view the mighty Colosseum, followed by some time to explore on your own.

Later tonight, consider joining an optional dinner in a favourite local restaurant. (B)

No expense was spared to exalt the glory of Florence through art and architecture and you'll see first-hand how this city paved its way to a modern age. For the best panoramic shots of the city's skyline, head to Piazzale Michelangelo, then spend some time exploring on your own, squeezing in some of the landmarks that make Florence a Renaissance beauty. Perhaps, see Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery.

This evening, there's a choice of Optional Experiences featuring traditional cuisine in exquisite Tuscan surrounds. (B) Stay: The Gate

Skirt the Italian Lake District, heading north this morning into Switzerland. You won't be able to tear your eyes from the soul-stirring scenery as you pass Lake Lugano and head over the snow-capped mountains that fringe the St. Gotthard route. This is the land of cowbells, cheese, chocolate and cable cars and you'll arrive in the Lucerne region just in time to experience it first-hand if you join an optional folklore and fondue evening. (B) Stay: Ibis Kriens

Take a step back in time when you join your Travel Director for an orientation tour, exploring the Old Town, the ancient wooden Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. The mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock commemorates the sacrifice made by the Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution. You'll have some time to explore the city your way, perhaps with some retail therapy. You could choose to ascend to the alpine heavens instead, joining an optional scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne, then travel by railway and cable car into the mountains for exhilarating views. (B/D)

It doesn't get more idyllic than the French countryside and you'll soak it all up as you continue through the vineyards of celebrated wine regions before arriving in Paris. The 'City of Lights' shines brightly this evening and it will sparkle even more should you choose to join an Optional Experience to cruise down the Seine and see the glittering skyline from the water. (B) Stay: Mercure La Défense

Hit Paris's grand boulevards on a city sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. See the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées then spend the rest of the day discovering the city on your terms.  Don't resist the urge to tread in the footsteps of Picasso and Dalí during an optional visit to Montmartre this afternoon, exploring its maze of streets and Artist's Square. There's time to shop for artwork and savour some local specialties before a real highlight this evening – an optional dinner and Can-Can cabaret performance. (B)

After breakfast say farewell to your fellow travellers. Find out more about your available transfers at costsavertour.com/transfers. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Amsterdam - See the historic city centre
  • Cologne - View the Gothic cathedral
  • Rhine Valley - Cruise the romantic Rhine
  • Innsbruck - View the Golden Roof and the  Hofburg Palace
  • Salzburg - Visit this charming city, the birthplace of Mozart
  • Vienna - See the Opera House, Hofburg, Parliament and Imperial Boulevards with your Local Specialist
  • Venice - Cruise by private boat to St. Mark's Square and visit a traditional glassblowing workshop
  • Rome - Visit St. Peter's Basilica, view the Colosseum and see the ancient sites with your Local Specialist
  • Florence - See Piazza Santa Croce and enjoy panoramic city views from Piazzale Michelangelo
  • Lugano - See this magnificent Swiss lake
  • Lucerne - Orientation includes the Lion Monument and the Old Town
  • Paris - View the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower on your sightseeing tour

  • 14 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Dinner (D)

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Trip Reviews (8) View All Most Recent 'European Impressions' Reviews

4.6
AVG. RATING 4.6 / 5
8 Reviews
5 Star
75%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
1 Star
Wonderful European Impressions 2 , VIC, Australia, Sep 2018
This was the first time booking with Global Journeys and we were very happy with the service. Madeline was great and we were very happy with her customer service, she was very quick to respond to any questions at all. We look froward to booking with Global Journeys again in the future. This was our 3rd trip with CostSaver and would recommend them.
It was very fast paced, We loved the trip 3 , NSW, Australia, May 2015
We loved the trip. It was very fast paced. Our tour guide John was excellent and very informative. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone that has not been to Europe before as a preview so they can decide if they'd like to go back and explore more. Great trip!
Amazing 4 , Australia, May 2014
Our coach tour was amazing - thank you Georgie for organizing this for us. We have now learned how it all 'works' and are keen to go again! We were blessed with an enthusiastic and energetic tour guide which without doubt enhanced the tour greatly. Every day was full of possibilities and fun! We'll never remember all the history and other information ...read more Brek shared with us en route but what we did hear made an enormous impact on our understanding / future memories and of course the enjoyment of the tour. His attention to detail was unbelievable and something we ourselves didn't expect. Everything was accepted as important and nothing was forgotten - what else could you ask for !! Our Italian coach driver was wonderful also - right on time for every occasion - always pleased to help and go the 'extra' when necessary. How he missed all the possible incidents with the traffic on the highways was amazing - he deserves a medal! We chose to do all the 'options' offered on the tour and that was great but the offside was that we ended up with very little spare time to just wander around and 'smell the roses' so to speak. However we were pleased that we did everything possible on this tour to make the most of the experiences in each country we visited. To recommend a trip with Trafalgar? Absolutely! We not only enjoyed the places we saw on our tour we were pleased with the whole plan and smooth organization of the tour throughout. It doesn't stop there either - we made many friends on the tour that we will no doubt communicate with and get to know more in the future. Thank you.
So glad we chose the bus tour, everything was done for us 1 , Australia, Jun 2013
The 15 day European Impressions bus tour was stress free and just right for us. We had considered doing the trip ourselves by hire car initially, but ever so glad we chose the bus tour. Everything was done for us. The only extra decisions we had to make was which optional excursions to take. We took all but 2 of them. Those two occasions that we opted ...read more out of the excursions allowed us some extra time to catch up on laundry and sleep. Our tour guide, Annereike, went the extra mile to give us the best possible experience. Our bus driver, Joris, was the best.
We would not hesitate to do it again with Trafalgar 0 , Australia, May 2012
We were very happy and things went according to plan. The guide was very experience and the information given was always interesting and relevant to our visits. The group we travelled with were very friendly and courteous and punctual (the majority were Australians). We would not hesitate to do it again with Trafalgar.
Great tour! 0 , Australia, Dec 2011
Great tour! Very experienced staff who made the trip very enjoyable.
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