European Encounters Vacations for 18 - 35 Year Old College
Students and Young Professionals
Overview
The European Encounter tour is perfect for those who want to see Europe but don't have months to
negotiate their way around the continent. You'll have the opportunity to take a bicycle tour of the Dutch
countryside, go white water rafting in Austria, take in a Parisian cabaret show and rub shoulders with the rich
and famous on the French Riviera...all in a little over two weeks!
Itinerary
Day 1
Your exciting European trip begins.
Day 2 Arrive
London Check-in to your hotel after 2pm then enjoy the day exploring London. Tonight, meet your Tour
Manager and fellow travellers for a pre-departure meeting.
Day 3 London to
Amsterdam Meet your 18-35 Crew and see the White Cliffs of Dover before travelling through Belgium and into
the Netherlands to Amsterdam. (D)
Day
4 Amsterdam Visit the cheese village of Edam on a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. Spend your free time
wandering along the canals, shopping or visiting famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne
Frank's House. (B)
Day 5 Amsterdam to Rhine
Valley We cross the German border and head for the stunning Rhine Valley. At St. Goar we take a Rhine
river cruise past vineyards, fairy-tale castles and the legendary Lorelei rock before learning how
beersteins are crafted. (B,D)
Day 6 Rhine Valley to
Lucerne
Our path takes us toward the towering Alps and vast serene lakes of Switzerland. A special treat
is our two night stopover in Europe's highest hotel on the top of Mt. Pilatus (weather conditions
permitting). Enjoy fabulous views from the cable car on your trip to the summit. (B,D)
Day
7 Lucerne Take the cable car down the mountain and be charmed by medieval Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge,
Lion Monument and opportunities to shop for local specialties - watches, chocolate and Swiss army knives.
(B,D)
Day 8 Lucerne to
Innsbruck Pause in Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein before crossing the border in to Austria. This afternoon
time to explore Innsbruck where you can visit the Royal Palace or view the famous 'Golden Roof'. (B,D)
Day 9 Innsbruck to
Venice Today we wind through the astonishing beauty of the Brenner Pass to cross the border into Italy.
It's a short boat ride to the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace and
the Bridge of Sighs. There's no better way to see Venice than from a gondola so why not join us for a ride
before treating yourself to a Venetian evening meal? (B)
Day 10 Venice to
Rome Past medieval hillside villages and through the Apennine Mountains, we travel south to the fabled
Seven Hills of Rome. Do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza
Navona. Later be delighted by your first glimpse of the Colosseum on our sightseeing tour. (B)
Day
11 Rome Ancient and modern Rome await your discovery. Why not take a guided tour of the Imperial Forum
and walk in the footsteps of Gladiators? In your free time explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel,
snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B,D)
Day 12 Rome to
Florence Our morning drive leads us to Florence, the Renaissance city set in the beautiful Tuscan Hills.
Learn about the Duomo, Giotto's Bell-Tower, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce as our local guide walks
us through the city. Free time to shop or visit one of the famous museums. (B)
Day 13 Florence to French
Riviera Our first stop this morning is Pisa where we see the world-famous Leaning Tower. Winding along
the beautiful coastline we reach France and the Riviera playground of the Côte d'Azur. (B,D)
Day 14 French
Riviera Rub shoulders with the rich and famous on the Nice promenade, shop for French fashion or laze the
day away on the sun-drenched beaches. Tonight we visit Monaco! Why not join us for an elegant meal, view
the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo? (B)
Day 15 French Riviera to Chateau de
Fontager We visit a French perfumery before our lunch stop in Avignon where you can view the Palace of the
Popes and the famous bridge. Then north along the Rhone Valley to the gastronomical capital of France,
Lyon. (B)
Day 16 Chateau de Fontager to Paris Today we stop at the magnificent Château Fontainebleau before venturing on to Paris, the 'City of
Lights'. What better introduction than with our sightseeing tour and your first glimpse of the Eiffel
Tower? (B,D)
Day
17 Paris Today's sightseeing includes some of the most celebrated icons of Europe. Perhaps take the
opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Tonight,
why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? (B)
Day 18 Paris to
London After breakfast, there will be a transfer for you to Charles de Gaulle Airport (estimated arrival
at 10:00 am) OR choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London with your Tour Manager and
Driver and extend your stay. (B)
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Dates & Prices Return to 18-35 Trips
You pick your payment amounts up to 45 days before departure.
Secure your spot for just $200
- Tour starts in London and ends in Paris
- Prices are twin share
- All tour prices are land only. Air is available on request
:If Dates are crossed out like such
October 15 then the trip is sold out:
| Date |
Price |
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Date |
Price |
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July 12 |
$2869 |
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July 14 |
$2869 |
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July 19 |
$2869 |
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July 21 |
$2869 |
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July 26 |
$2869 |
| August 9 |
$2675 |
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July 28 |
$2869 |
| August 18 |
$2675 |
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| August 25 |
$2675 |
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September 1 |
$2829 |
| October 6 |
$2829 |
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September 6 |
$2829 |
| October 13 |
$2695 |
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September 8 |
$2829 |
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September 15 |
$2829 |
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September 22 |
$2829 |
*Prices are not guaranted until time of booking
Important Trip Details
- Tour starts in London and ends in Paris
- Prices are twin share
- All tour prices are land only. Air is available on request
Highlights
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour
price!
Included
- Amsterdam: Visit a fishing and cheese village; Bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside;
Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house; See the city by night
- Rhine Valley: Scenic River Cruise (summer departures only); See the Lorelei
Rock
- Lucerne: See the Wooden Chapel Bridge; Scenic Alpine drive; Cable car or cog railway
ride up Mount Pilatus (subject to weather conditions)
- Liechtenstein: Visit the capital Vaduz
- Innsbruck: See the Golden Roof, Royal Palace & Olympic Ski Jump
- Brenner Pass: Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles
- Venice: Private motorboat to the historic islands; See Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs
and the Doges' Palace; Murano glass-blowing demonstration
- Rome: See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman
Forum
- Vatican City: See St. Peter's Basilica
- Florence: Walking tour with a local guide; See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's
Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria; Florentine leather craft demonstration
- Pisa: See the Leaning Tower
- French Riviera: Visit a French Perfumery; Scenic Drive along the Riviera coast; Visit
Monaco & see the Royal Palace; Visit a Monte Carlo casino; Visit Nice and enjoy the beach
- Avignon: Visit Avignon & see the Papal Palace
- Lyon: Visit the old town
- Burgundy: See the Chablis & Burgundy vineyards; See Fontainebleau
Château
- Paris: Evening Tour of Illuminations; See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre,
the Champs Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral
Accommodations
- 16 nights in superior tourist class hotels
- Accommodation based on your choice of twin or triple-share with private
facilities
- 15 Continental breakfasts (B) and 8 three course dinners (D) as per itinerary
- Hotel tips, local taxes and service charges
- Experienced, professional Tour Manager and Driver
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
- Ferry transport as per itinerary
Optional Excursions
Amsterdam
- Sea Palace Restaurant
- This unique floating restaurant is built in the typical pagoda style of Chinese palaces.
Located in the heart of Amsterdam it's the perfect place for you to join us for a typical Dutch 'rice
table' which consists of a variety of main dishes accompanied with rice.
- Canal Cruise
- A cruise on Amsterdam's world-famous canals is the perfect way to see this wonderful city.
You'll pass many famous sights including Dutch gabled houses, the Anne Frank house, churches and the
Red Light District. The included beer, wine, soft-drinks and snacks will make your evening
complete.
St. Goar
- Wine Tasting
- A chance to sample and learn about some of the most famous wines of the Rhine region of
Germany. There's also the opportunity to purchase some of your favourites! Don't leave your tasting
glass behind - it's yours to keep.
Lucerne
- Swiss Fondue Lunch & Folklore Show
- If you've ever wanted to try authentic Fondue in Switzerland then this is the perfect
opportunity! Enjoy a three-course lunch including cheese Fondue, traditional rösti potatoes and Swiss
Bratwurst while listening to the sounds of Alpine horns, yodelling and cow bells. Our chosen venue is
a warm Swiss Inn located in the centre of beautiful Lucerne.
- Cruise to Mt. Pilatus
- Cruise on the lake from Lucerne to the cog rail for Mt Pilatus, enjoying the majestic beauty
of the wooded mountains and picturesque villages reflecting in the tranquil waters.
Austrian Tyrol
- White Water Rafting
- Experience the thrills of white water rafting in the most picturesque setting imaginable!
You'll travel through rapids in the company of your tour mates and a highly professional rafting
team. Full equipment (including safety helmets and wet suits) is included in the cost (white water
rafting is normally available from May to September).
Venice
- Gondola Ride
- No trip to Venice is complete without a ride on the canals in a world-famous gondola. Take
in the sights, savour every minute and treasure this truly memorable Venetian experience.
- Venetian Restaurant
- Our chosen venue guarantees a warm and friendly welcome in true Venetian fashion. You'll
enjoy a superb selection of local specialities and some local wine, making it an unforgettable
evening in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Rome
- Guided Imperial Tour
- Join a local guide for an excursion back in time. You'll wander across the cobbled stones of
the Roman Forum, marvel at the Colosseum and learn why the glory of Imperial Rome still stands out in
the history of western culture. Price includes entry into Forum and Colosseum.
Florence
- Souvenir Group Photo
- A photo of you and all of your new friends is the perfect souvenir from your tour. The photo
will be taken with a panorama of Florence in the background or in one of the city's famous
piazzas.
- Tuscan Evening
- 'La Certosa' is a charming 16th Century building set in the scenic Tuscan hills. It's the
venue for our truly traditional Tuscan evening. Begin with a cocktail and an excellent antipasta
buffet. Next is delicious freshly made pasta and a wonderfully aromatic main course - all washed down
with some local Chianti wine. Entertainment is also on tonight's menu with a pianist to set the mood
and an opera singer to serenade you. A truly special evening.
- Space Electronic Disco
- A chance to dance the night away at Florence's largest night-spot. Your first drink is
included in the price and will get you started for an evening of fun. Enjoy the great music and maybe
take the opportunity to show off your karaoke skill.
Monaco
- Monaco Restaurant
- Tonight's restaurant is located two minutes walk from the Royal Palace - the official
residence of the Grimaldi family. Dine in style and enjoy a typically French, four course meal with
wine in this glamourous location.
Paris
- Nouvelle Eve Dinner and Show
- Enjoy an evening at Nouvelle Eve, one of the top cabaret shows in Paris. Situated near
Montmartre, the show is an extravaganza of dancers, exquisite costumes and comedy acts. The sumptuous
three-course meal and drinks (including champagne during the show), along with one of the most
dazzling 'French Can Can' dances around will mean this is a truly unforgettable
evening!
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