European Grand 2012 – 14 days (SOTC NRI Tours)
Day 1: Arrive into Amsterdam Canal Cruise:
Welcome to Amsterdam. Check into the hotel on your own, anytime after 1500 hrs. Contact the SOT C Tour Manager at the number given on your Tour Information sheet. Later in the afternoon at 1630hrs, we take you on a canal cruise. Discover Amsterdam in a novel manner, the best way to see this captivating city. Enjoy the splendor of the 17th century canals, as you cruise through the most picturesque parts of Amsterdam. Overnight at hotel A4 Schipol or similar in Amsterdam.(D)
Day 2: Visit Madurodam Wooden Shoe Factory and Cheese Farm Photo stop at a Windmills
After a continental breakfast, we proceed to The Hague, political capital of The Netherlands. Here we visit Madurodam, Holland in miniature. Feel like a giant amidst models of palaces, canals, windmills, harbours, airports, and even doll-like figures in postures of daily activities. Later enjoy a demonstration on the art of making wooden shoes, at a shoe factory. Avail of the opportunity to shop for wooden shoes and other Dutch souvenirs. Also visit a cheese farm. We stop at one of the windmills – a symbol of the Netherlands, a splendid backdrop for a family photograph. Overnight at hotel A4 Schipol or similar in Amsterdam.(B, L, D)
Day 3: Cologne Cathedral Rhine Cruise:
After a continental breakfast, we check out and drive to Cologne, famous for Eau de Cologne. See the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. This 515 ft tall Gothic Cathedral, which took almost six centuries to build, can hold upto 40,000 people and is Germany’s most visited monument. Enjoy a McDonald’s lunch. We then proceed for a cruise on the river Rhine. We go past medieval castles atop riverside cliffs, vineyards and quaint towns with half-timbered houses. Overnight at hotel Park Inn or similar in Germany.(B, L, D)
Day 4: Visit Drubba in the Black Forest Majestic Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen Onto Switzerland:
After a continental breakfast, we check out of our hotel and drive to the Black forest of Germany, where at Drubba you can see a demonstration of how Cuckoo clocks are made. Buy one of the original Cuckoo clocks as a souvenir. Later, drive to Schaffhausen to see the mighty Rhine Falls, Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. Admire the thundering beauty of the falls. Thereafter, drive to the hotel and check in. Overnight at your hotel Terrace or similar in Switzerland.(B, L, D)
Day 5: Day Free Additional Suggested Excursion Jungfraujoch with Interlaken:
After a continental breakfast, the day is free for you to relax OR we suggest you take this opportunity to visit Jungfraujoch and picturesque Interlaken. Our scenic drive to Lauterbrunnen, from where we board a train to Jungfraujoch, the highest altitude railway station in Europe at 11,333 ft., takes us along lovely lakes and mountain passes. Marvel at the changes in the Alpine scenery as your charming cog-wheel train takes you on a unique journey. Experience the magic of the mountains at the Sphinx Terrace. See the breathtaking Jungfrau Peak and the awesome Aletsch Glacier. Also, visit the Ice Palace, where you see a beautiful display of sculptures made of ice, while being encased in ice yourself. Have a memorable encounter with eternal snow and ice at the Plateau. Enjoy a Indian vegetarian Lunch at Jungfraujoch. Do not forget to send a postcard to your friends and relatives from Europe’s highest altitude Post office with its own special postmark. Thereafter we proceed to Interlaken, one of Switzerland’s bestknown health and pleasure resorts. There’s time to relax at the many cafes or shop for Swiss watches, chocolates, memorabilia, etc. Later, return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel Terrace or similar in Switzerland.(B, D)
Day 6: Day Free Additional Suggested Excursion: Mt. Titlis with Ice-Flyer Ride and Lucerne:
After a continental breakfast, the day is free OR we proceed on an exciting full day excursion to Mt. Titlis and Lucerne. We begin the tour with a visit to Mount Titlis, which at 10,000 ft is the highest peak in central Switzerland. As you journey to Mt. Titlis through a series of three different cable car rides, you will be amazed as the scenery changes from green meadows and scenic lakes to snow clad mountains. See over 200 cable cars sporting different flags. Lookout for cable car number 73 that carries the Indian flag! The last leg of the ascent will be in the world’s first rotating cable car called the ‘Titlis Rotair’. At Mt. Titlis you have free time to play and enjoy in the snow, visit the Ice Cave or just relax at the restaurant. At the Terrace on top of the Mt. Titlis summit station, weather permitting, you could take an unforgettable ride on the “Ice Flyer” an enclosed ski lift that travels only a few meters over the Titlis Glacier. You have an opportunity to click a picture dressed in a Swiss Costume at the Nostalgie Photo studio, a perfect family memento. Enjoy a Indian vegetarian Lunch at Mt.Titlis. We later proceed for an orientation tour of Lucerne, one of the six most frequently visited cities in the World. See the Lion Monument, ‘Lowendenkmal’ hewn from a limestone cliff to commemorate the bravery and loyalty of Swiss Guards. You may take a stroll across the Kappelbrucke – the world’s oldest covered wooden bridge, originally built in 1333 over the Reuss river, which leads you to the 17th Century Jesuit Church. You also have free time at Schwanenplatz to shop for Swiss army knives, chocolates, watches, souvenirs, etc. Overnight at hotel Terrace or similar in Switzerland.(B, D)
Day 7: Onto Venice Orientation Tour of Venice:
After a continental breakfast, we check out and proceed to Venice, an archipelago of 118 islands, 150 canals and 400 bridges. On arrival, we drive over Mussolini’s Bridge of Liberty and then take a boat ride over the Giudecca canal to St. Mark’s Square, the very heart of Venice. Here see the historic Ducal Palace, the infamous prison, the Bridge of Sighs, the exquisite Clock Tower and the baroque splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica. We then visit the Murano Glass factory where a master craftsman will demonstrate the art of creating the famous Venetian blown glass. Do not miss this opportunity to buy souvenirs at specially discounted prices. We return to St. Mark’s Square, the most photographed Square in the world and soak in the unique atmosphere of this charming city. Overnight at hotel B4 or similar in Venice.(B, PL, D)
Day 8: Onto Florence Guided City Tour of Florence Onto Rome:
After a continental breakfast, we check out and continue our Italian journey towards Florence, the enchanting art capital of Italy. On your guided city tour of Florence, the birth place of the Renaissance, see the impressive Duomo, Signoria Square, the imposing 14th century Palazzo Vecchio Tower and Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most distinctive bridge on the Arno River. From Florence, we continue our journey to Rome, the capital of Italy. Overnight at hotel Holiday Inn Parco de Medici or similar in Rome.(B, L, D)
Day 9: Vatican Museum with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Cathedral Guided City Tour of Rome Colosseum from Inside:
After a continental breakfast, we take you to the world-renowned Vatican museum with Sistine Chapel, built between 1475 and 1483, in the time of Pope Sixtus IV. The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous churches in the Western World. It has many beautiful frescoes, which depict the history of the universe, God and humanity. Do not miss the beautiful ceiling and also “The Last Judgement” painted on the altar by the renowned artist Michelangelo. Proceed to the Vatican, world’s smallest nation and the seat of Christianity. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest Cathedral, which will amaze you with its size, beauty and splendour. Later on your Guided City tour of Rome see Piazza Venezia, see the colossal Victor Emmanuel II Monument, built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Italian reunification. Relive the thrills of historic Rome as you view the ancient Roman & Imperial Forums. Visit the gigantic Colosseum from inside the symbol of Rome. It is said that when the Colosseum falls, Rome will fall and the world will follow. Also see the famous Trevi Fountain – a roman legend assures your return to Rome if you throw a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain. Overnight at hotel Holiday Inn Parco de Medici or similar in Rome.(B, L, D)
Day 10: Visit to a Winery Leaning Tower of Pisa:
After a continental breakfast, we check out and say ‘Arrividerci Roma’ and drive towards Pisa. En-Route we visit a Winery in the Tuscany region Later, we drive to Pisa. On arrival, visit the “Field of Miracles”, wherein stands the grand Romanesque Pisan styled marble Cathedral. See the Baptistery and the bell tower, known throughout the world as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Remember to take a photograph of your family against this wonder of the world. Overnight at hotel My One Galilei or similar in Pisa.(B, PL, D)
Day 11: Onto Geneva Orientation Tour of Geneva:
After a continental breakfast, we check out and proceed to Geneva. Enjoy the journey as the scenery changes from the Italian to the Swiss Alps. En-route, enjoy a local lunch. On arrival, we take you on an orientation tour of Geneva. At the Ariana Park, see the Palais des Nations, the European arm of the UNO and the International Red Cross. Drive over the famous Mont Blanc Bridge with the River Rhone on one side and Lake Geneva on the other. Remember to take pictures of your family at the Floral Clock, a symbol of Geneva and the Jet D’Eau, the World’s tallest fountain shooting upto 145 meters. Overnight at hotel Chavannes De Bogis or similar in Switzerland.(B, L, D)
Day 12: Onto Paris Additional Suggested Excursion: ‘Grand Evening in Paris’ – Paradis Latin show with Indian Dinner and an Illumination Tour:
After a continental breakfast, we check out and journey through France towards Paris – the fashion capital of the world. Enjoy the view as the scenery changes to French countryside. En-route, enjoy a local lunch. On arrival, check into the hotel. The evening is free for you to relax OR we suggest you treat yourself to a ‘Grand Evening in Paris’ – an exciting package that combines Paradis Latin with Indian dinner at the show and an illumination tour of Paris. We have in store for you the finest and most dazzling combination of beauty, rhythm and gaiety at Paradis Latin. Built in 1889 and partially designed by Gustave Eiffel, the Paradis Latin is perhaps the most Parisian of the great cabarets, both exciting and romantic. Experience the magic and charm of its elegant surroundings, striking ballets, shimmering costumes and talented dance troupes. After the show, see the famous landmarks magically lit-up on your illumination tour of Paris – the city of lights. Overnight at hotel Best Western CDG or similar in Paris.(B, L)
Day 13: Eiffel Tower – Level II Guided City Tour of Paris Fragonard Perfume Museum Visit Louvre Museum River Seine Cruise:
After a continental breakfast, we take you to Eiffel Tower – level II, from where a bird’s eye view will leave you breathless. On a city tour of Paris conducted by a local guide. Enjoy Paris in all her charm, glamour and glory. See the Obelisk at Place de la Concorde, the largest and the loveliest of the Parisian squares and the majestic Arc de Triomphe. Also see the Champs Elysees, arguably the most well known avenue in the world, the magnificent Opera, the striking Town Hall and the National Assembly, the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. See the dome of the Invalides and the famous Ritz Hotel at Vendome Square. We also take you to the famous Fragonard Perfume Museum. Seize this opportunity to buy a wide range of original and classic Fragonard perfume. Later, visit the renowned ‘Louvre’, world’s most visited art museum, a historic monument, and a national museum of France. See the world famous painting of Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci which has fascinated the world with her smile. We then proceed for a cruise on River Seine. You will be enchanted as you pass by many of the Parisian monuments, including the Alexander III Bridge, the Orsay Museum, the National Assembly and Paris’ own Statue of Liberty. Overnight at hotel Best Western CDG or similar in Paris.(B, L, D)
Day 14: Return Home with Wonderful Memories:
After a continental breakfast, we say ‘Au Revoir’ to Paris. Your ‘European Grand’ Tour ends as you check out of the hotel in Paris. Its time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. We would like you to spare a few minutes of your time to write and tell us how you enjoyed your tour and any suggestions you may have for the future. We hope you take back many happy memories of your SOT C World Famous Tour.(B)
Your Sightseeing Includes:
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Enjoy Continental Breakfast Everyday:
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For booking call ITS Holidays Dubai: +9714 3351135, or email: outbound@itstravel-dubai.com
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