9D8N A JOURNEY THROUGH WESTERN EUROPE

Arrived at Frankfurt International Airport you will transfer to hotel for check in, free time on your own, overnight at Frankfurt *3/Similar.

Breakfast at hotel and check out process, the morning begins with a leisurely drive north-west from Frankfurt to Bonn, the capital of the former West Germany until reunification. The national government is now in Berlin, but Bonn retains a rich history that is well worth exploring. Discover the city’s secrets on an orientation stroll through its streets, walking past highlights such as the Rococo Fronted Town Hall and Ludwig Van Beethoven Haus, a museum celebrating the life of the much-loved composer. Then heading to Cologne, where you will go inside the city’s glorious Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Cologne further, to do local shopping or to simply relax with a suitably refreshing German brew. After lunch the day is rounded off with a drive in the Netherlands. Arrived at hotel for check in, overnight in Amsterdam *3/Similar.

Breakfast at hotel, a day of delights begins with a leisurely trip through the Dutch Countryside, where you will get to sample at close quarters some of the things that the Netherlands is traditionally famous for: clogs, cheese and windmills. Call in at the hugely popular model town of Zaanse Schans. Next, you will head from the quiet countryside to the cosmopolitan city as the journey takes you back to Amsterdam. After lunch, you will walk to one of the city’s grandest areas, Dam Square, where the Royal Palace is located and the King’s birthday celebration takes place. Then head to a well-known Diamond Factory, where you’ll see the unique cutting techniques that have been practised here since the 16th century, you can take an optional hour-long Pre-Dinner Canal Cruise, which is a great way to discover more about this unique European city. After dinner, you will enjoy your free time for shopping or further sightseeing. Back to hotel, overnight at Amsterdam *3/Similar.

Breakfast at hotel and check out process, after leaving Amsterdam in the morning you will head south across the border into Brussels, the Belgian capital and political centre of the European Union. On the way, the tour stops to see the distinctive Atomium Monument, a cell shaped structure of stainless-steel spheres and tubes built for the 1958 World’s Fair. In the centre of Brussels itself an orientation tour will call in at the exquisite Grand Place, as well as seeing the famous impish Manneken Pis Statue. After some free time, you can try some mouth watering Belgian delights. Then from Brussels we will head south again across the French border and on to the bright lights of Paris. Arrived at hotel for check in, overnight in Paris *3/Similar.

Breakfast at hotel, Paris is your oyster over the next two days as you enjoy guided tours around one of the world’s most celebrated cities. Your Parisian adventures get off to a spectacular start with a drive along the famous Champs Élysées to the Place de la Concorde, which played such a key part in the French Revolution. You will also get to see the iconic Arc de Triomphe here too, the imposing monument that sits near the western end of the avenue and commemorates the fallen of the revolution and Napoleonic wars. You will take in another significant historical building next as you head to L’Hôtel National des Invalides, where Napoleon’s tomb is located, followed by a stop at the most legendary of all Paris’s icons: the Eiffel Tower. Finally, you will travel on the coach out through the Parisian suburbs to the splendid Palace of Versailles, the vast regal château that was the residence of the royal family until the start of the revolution in 1789. Today the palace is another popular Parisian attraction. In the evening, you can enjoy one of our optional Paris evening shows. Back to Hotel, overnight at Paris *3/Similar.

Breakfast at hotel, in the morning, depart to the pier and take a Sightseeing Boat Cruise on the Seine River at your own expense, a great sightseeing option that offers splendid views of iconic Parisian landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and Pont Alexandre III. After lunch, we visit Louvre, one of the world’s greatest art museums. Here you will set your eyes upon some of history’s most famous masterpieces, including the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace (also called Nike of Samothrace), and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Optional for a guided gallery tour, which will enhance your experience and allow you to browse through hundreds of works in just a few hours. After the tour, participants will be taken to the heart of Paris for shopping. The remaining time is free for participants to explore on their own. Shopping enthusiasts can visit large department store Galeries Lafayette to purchase fashionable handbags, clothing, and French perfume. (In the evening, for those interested in going to a nightclub to enjoy a spectacular and

glamorous dance performance or to indulge in a French gourmet dinner, the tour leader will be happy to assist with the arrangements), after that we are back to hotel, overnight at Paris *3/Similar.

Breakfast at hotel and check out process, tour leaves from Paris for a delightful scenic journey through the rolling countryside of the Champagne region, famous for the sparkling white wine produced here. Enjoy seeing the historic attractions of provincial capital Reims, including the City’s Cathedral, a key national heritage site, where coronations of French kings took place from the 11th century onwards. History and tradition are equally evident in your next location, Luxembourg, the world’s only remaining Grand Duchy. After arriving in refined Luxembourg city, you will be introduced on foot to the main places of interest, including the Place de Constitution and Pont Adolphe, before having time for further exploration on your own. Head to the hotel for check in, overnight at Luxembourg *3/Similar

Breakfast at hotel and check out process, today we leave Luxembourg behind and head across another European border into Germany. The first stop is historic Trier, Germany’s oldest city and the birthplace of Karl Marx. You will have the chance to see from the outside the house where the influential philosopher was born, which now functions as the Karl Marx Haus Museum. Your walking tour then takes you into the centre of Trier. Trier is also known as ‘The Second Rome’ (Constantine served as an administrator here for 10 years), and significant legacies of the once-great empire remain today. After an exciting morning in Trier, you will drive on to Koblenz, famous as the location of the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers. The tour bus will travel along the banks of the Rhine River, offering breathtaking views on both sides. (If boat availability and schedule permit, a Rhine River cruise may be arranged during the summer). There will be a brief stop at the lively town of Rüdesheim, depending on road conditions at the time. In the afternoon, the tour will arrive in Frankfurt, Germany's largest financial city, where participants will visit the city's center, including Römerberg Square, St. Paul's Church, a symbol of freedom and democracy, and the bustling shopping streets.. Arrived at hotel and check in, overnight at Frankfurt *3/Similar.

Breakfast at hotel and check out process, free time on your own. Then you will transfer to Frankfurt International Airport. End of programme.