Netherlands-Amsterdam
This is the starting point of the European vistas tour from Tour Radar Expat explore travels. Myself with two of my niece's wanted to experience this whirlwind tour of Europe covering 7 countries in 8 days!
After arriving in Amsterdam, met the tour leader at the hotel and settled in. Thereafter we all head in to the centre of Amsterdam to experience the wonders of this fascinating city with an Amsterdam canal dinner cruise. This is the best way to be introduced to Amsterdam, acuity of beautiful 17th century architecture, and a charm all its own. Watching the city drift past as we sail by, and listening to the interesting insights of the city from our tour leader. The evening was ours to explore the canals some more, head to Dam square and even wander through Amsterdam's iconic Red light District!
Experiences
Amsterdam Canal cruise. Sailing along Amsterdam's stunning canals at twilight and enjoyed a delicious pizza of our choice as we cruise. Explored Dam square and Red light district.
Stay
Hampton by Hilton Schiphol airport
Amsterdam- Rhine Valley, Germany
This morning we started by visiting an oldest windmill and cheese and clog making factory. We looked at a cheese making demonstration, revealing how cheese has been made in the traditional way in these parts for many years. Following that, we also saw a demo of the most quirky of Dutch footwear choices, the clog and saw how these traditional shoes are carved. Stopped at one of the oldest windmill for a photo click and appreciated the iconic scenery of the Netherlands.
Continuing on to the Rhine valley, we boarded a Rhine valley river boat to cruise the Rhine River. With the highest concentration of mediaeval castles in all of Europe, this a memorable trip, especially with all the vineyards, cliff faces and mediaeval German towns! One the cruise is over, we visited a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting. As the harvest was good during that season, we got to try elswein(ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine that is produced in very small quantities as it can only be harvested when the temperature falls below freezing. We also got to taste red wine and white wine.
Experiences
River cruise- cruise down the Rhine valley to see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles.
Rhine valley wine tasting - visit a local wine merchants in one of famous wine growing regions and sample several types of delicious German wine.
Stay
Ibis Bonn
Ulm-Innsbruck,Austria
Today, we're off to Innsbruck, Austria, taking a comfort stop in Ulm on the way. Ulm, a historic German city is famous not only as the birthplace of Albert Einstein, but also for having the tallest church steeple in the world!
Innsbruck is one of the few places in the world that really can lay claim to having something for everyone. Thanks to the close proximity of the soaring Nordkette Alps, which had a beautiful view. This city has fascinating historical heritage (courtesy of the legacy of the Habsburgs), and vibrant modern attractions too. We got some free time to explore the city bit more.
Experiences
Visit Ulm. Enjoy a comfort stop in this German city, Einstein's birthplace and having a tallest church steeple in the world.
Free time in Innsbruck. Enjoy some free time in the historic city. Visit the old town square or take the cable car to the peak of Nordkette.
Stay
AlpinPark Hotel Innsbruck
Innsbruck-Verona-Vennice,Italy
Leaving Innsbruck behind us, we journey onward to the enchanting city of Venice, stopping along the way in Verona. The setting for the most famous love story of all time, Romeo and Juliet, one can seek out the balcony where Romeo reportedly wooed his lover.
The timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces (more per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth) of Venice make it truly unique. This is a city that will capture your heart and imagination. There's no shortage of incredible food and culture either. We started our stay in Venice with an orientation tour by our tour leader. Covered St. marks square, the famous Rialto Bridge and the beautiful narrow alleyway. Our tour leader also organised a traditional gondola ride along the canals as well as a water taxi. The evening is ours to explore this unforgettable city.
Experiences
Comfort stop in Verona. Make the most of your time by strolling around this famous town, visit Juliet house and take some beautiful pictures in and around.
Walking tour of Venice. Take in the incredible architecture of this legendary city and get to see few famous landmarks in person. From the Rialto Bridge to St. Mark's square, it's all here in the city with more artistic masterpieces per square km than anywhere else on earth.
Venice-Lucrene-Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
We're on our way back into Alpine territory once again today as we continue on to Lucerne. Renowned as one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, this is one place you'll definitely want to have your camera at the ready! All the ingredients for the quintessentially picturesque Swiss experience are here - a cobalt lake and we'll preserved old town complete with waterfront promenades, covered bridges and perfect plazas is surrounded by the natural skyscrapers of the Swiss Alps. It's really no wonder that Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner savoured the stunning views that Lucerne has to offer. We got some free time to explore the city before we jump back on the coach to head back to our hotel.
Experiences
Lake Lucerne panoramic cruise
Free time in Lucerne to enjoy this picturesque Alpine city. From the beautiful Chapel bridge lined with flowers to the cobalt blue lake and we'll preserved old town, Lucerne is feast for the eyes.
Stay
Holiday Inn Express Luzern - Kriens
Lake Lucerne-Burgundy, France
Before we travel onwards to Burgandy, we had morning to enjoy more of the Lucerne region. We went for an excursion to Mount Pilatus by taking world's steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad. It was a magical ride travelling up through lush meadows carpeted with Alpine flowers, past sparkling mountain streams and fascinating rock faces - the mount Pilatus truly offers that unique Alpine experience. We then left Switzerland behind and head west into France.
If Paris is the place for romance, then Burgundy is the place for two other things the French and France are well known for : great food and wine. We stayed in the capital of Burgundy, Dijon. A place of tremendous wealth and power and one of the great European centres of art, learning and science, there is plenty to do in Dijon. This is also the place to soak up history with excellent museums and fabulous Renaissance architecture helping to make this one of the most memorable parts of the entire tour.
Experiences
Excursion to Mount Pilatus in Cogwheel Railway
Burgundy, one of the most famous wine regions of France.
Stay
Ibis Dijon Clemenceau
Burgandy-Paris, France
The city of lights Paris is our next stop, as we take in the home of some of the world's most cultural landmarks, museums, galleries, boutiques and more. On arrival, we went on a driving tour of the French capital to see some of the city's most treasured landmarks, including the Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. After the driving tour, we took a cruise along the river Seine, sailing passed sights including the Eiffel Tower and Louvre by enjoying a traditional French baguette lunch onboard. The afternoon is then ours to explore the French capital further.
Experiences
Driving tour : Paris is probably the most sought-after destination in all of Europe, and it's easy to see why. From ancient time to modern, Paris has a wealth of stories to tell.
Seine River Cruise : Sail down the Seine with an included commentary introducing to the sights we will see on the banks including the Louvre museum, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.
Stay
Ibis la Defense
Brussels, Belgium - Amsterdam
It's the last leg of our journey already! On our way back to the Dutch capital we stop in Brussels for a comfort stop and the chance to explore the Belgian capital. There are so many places to see around, the famous town square, typical Belgian fare, countless varieties of beer, famous chocolates and many more. We took a photo stop at the incredible Atomium. Originally built for the 1958 world's Fair, this unique structure makes for a truly incredible selfie opportunity. After this stop, we continued on to Amsterdam, where our tour officially ended.
The best part of the last day is unforgettable. We had our breakfast in Paris, lunch at Begium and dinner at Amsterdam.
Experiences
Comfort stop in Brussels: Opportunity to see the famous town square, sample the local cuisine and take a photo of the Atomium.
