European Grandeur

Today marks the beginning of what will assumably be a great and memorable holiday our “Sailani’s – European Grandeur Tour”. We arrive at the London airport where, after immigration clearance, we will be escorted to our hotel (Check In at 1600 Hours) by our Sailani’s representative. We take some time to settle into our rooms and relax for a bit before heading to an Indian restaurant for dinner.

We have the day at leisure as we give sightseeing a miss for today to recover from the long flight. Overnight at London.

Note : Depending on the flight availability, you may arrive in Birmingham, Manchester, Gatwick, Heathrow or similar Airports.

Today, after continental breakfast we proceed for a guided city tour of London that takes us past all the memorable monuments and structures of the town including popular attractions such as the Hyde Park, the Piccadily Circus, the Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, River Thames, the Houses of Parliament, the Westminster Abbey, the Buckingham Palace (also witness the Change of Guard ceremony at the palace depending on operational technicalities), the London Bridge, the Tower Bridge, etc.

Next, yet another popular London attraction, the Tower of London. Beefeaters, ravens, crown jewels and horror tales- this UNESCO World Heritage Site has something to keep everyone entertained. Don’t miss the famous and one of the largest cut diamonds in the world Koh-i-Noor.

Next on our list is another popular London attraction, the London Eye. While the guided tour offers close-up views of the architectural monuments, the giant wheel that is the London Eye, offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the town and it’s monumental structures like the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin, the Shard, etc. and the adjoining River Thames. The 30-minute ride ensures that you get your feel of London’s cityscape while the climate-controlled capsules warrant a comfortable ride. Overnight at London.

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Today, after continental breakfast we proceed towards Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. It is notable for its long association with the English and later British royal family and for its architecture.

Next, we head to the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. With 14 interactive zones and over 300 life-like wax figures, you are sure to find yourself entrapped in the world of stardom.

Next, we visit he Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Mecca of Cricket. Tours of Lord’s give visitors the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at the Home of Cricket and explore some of the most famous sights in sport. Overnight at London

Note: On the few occasions when Lord’s Cricket ground is busy with matches, we will visit either Wimbledon or Wembley Stadium.

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Today, after continental breakfast we check out and make our way to Saint Pancras station and board our train, Euro Star to Paris. Enjoy the Europe’s fastest train ride that takes us past some of the most scenic stretches of UK and France to Paris Gare du Nord.

Renowned for its romantic charms, its multi-layered character and its monumental beauty, Paris is hardly the place to need an introduction.

Once in the French capital, we set about to explore this legendary town and what better place to begin our Paris expedition than the city’s most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower. What earns this wrought iron lattice tower all its popularity is the sheer magnanimity of the structure that is known for the humbling effects it has on mere mortals. Then there is the panoramic city view that you get while atop the tower which we shall be visiting up to the third level.

On our guided city tour of Paris we marvel at the architectural excellence of the city with structures such as the pyramid of the Louvre, Garnier’s Opera, the Place de la Concorde (the site of the infamous guillotine) the Champs Élysées (one of the most fashionable streets in the world), the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe, the Alexander Bridge and the Hotel des Invalides among others. Overnight at Paris.

Note: Due to stringent security checks at the Eiffel tower it may take up to 3-4 hours in the queue.

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Today, after continental breakfast we proceed to Disneyland, Paris. See your favourite characters come to life and jump into the exciting theme park rides at Disney Park or Discover the secrets behind the most magical scenes of Disney film and television at Walt Disney Studios.

OR

Visit the Louvre Museum, the world’s largest art museum with an extensive range of Greek and Roman sculptures, Egyptian antiques, painting and graphics by legendary artists and a lot more. Admire the Monalisa painting, one of the greatest treasures in Louvre Museum. Next visit the Palace of Versailles (now a museum) known to be one of the finest and plushest examples of Renaissance art in Paris. While the magnificent facade and the gigantic scale are proof enough of the grand lifestyle of the ancient French royals, the exotic decor and splendid artwork inside are further indicators of their refined aesthetic tastes. Overnight at Paris.

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Note:
* Guests will have a choice to select between Disneyland OR Versailles & Louvre; however, this confirmation should be done at the time of booking.
* Your park ticket gives you the option of entering either Disney Park or Walt Disney Studios (1 Day 1 Park).

Optional Activity: Choose to go on a recommendable ‘Grand Parisien Night’ trip that comprises of a cruise on the Seine River and an Illumination tour, both giving the real feel of the City of Lights. Additionally, you will also be attending the famous Lido Cabaret show.

Bidding adieu to the French capital we move on to the Belgian capital, Brussels, a city that, in itself, would appear as a contemporary art gallery.

We head to the iconic Grand Place, known to be Europe’s most beautiful and buzzing square. This exquisite market square is the main tourist attraction of the city that has often left sightseers awestruck, thanks to the historic architectural marvels from the eras of Baroque, Gothic and Louis XIV that give the place and eclectic character. Visit Mannekin Pis, one of the famous statues and fountain, a mascot and the hero of many incredible tales.

We then move to yet another attraction of the city, the Train World. “We are not just a train museum, we are a train opera,” says the official website of the museum. And frankly, it lives up to what it says. The models displayed at the museum form a beautiful narrative that journeys through the past into the present and then onto the future of trains.

A quick photo stop at the single most unique Belgian structure, The Atomium. Originally built in 1958 for the Brussels’ World Fair, the structure was retained, thanks to its architectural brilliance. Overnight at Netherlands.

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We dedicate today to the beauty of flat landscapes with canals and tulip fields and windmills and a lot more as we make a day trip to the Netherlands.

Witnessing the nations signature tulip beauty, we visit the Keukenhof Garden on the outskirts of Lisse. Also known as the Garden of Europe, this is the largest public garden in the world. (Upto 10th May)

(After 10th May), We head to what’s probably the most unique park in the world, the Madurodam Miniature Park. The park, literally speaking, is the whole of Netherlands at a glance. The park houses miniature versions of several Dutch architectural landmarks, traditional Dutch houses, canals, parks, windmills, verdant fields and a lot more.

Visit the Cheese Farm and Clog Shoes Factory. Take a Photo Stop at Traditional Windmill.

We spend some free time at the busiest town centre, Dam Square or simply, The Dam. From memorable monuments and statues to souvenir shops and restaurants to that of scores of pigeons and buskers, The Dam is a true reflection of the city’s character.

Amsterdam is known for its spectacular canal circuit. Here, we get on a glass-topped cruise to navigate through this picturesque town with its regal mansions and houseboats and bridges via its impressive canal ring, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site in itself. Overnight at Netherlands.
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Note: The Keukenhof Gardens will be off limits post May 10, 2019. Thereafter, the tour will include a visit to the Madurodam Miniature Park that exhibits the replicas of the most famous buildings in the country.

Today, we embrace ourselves to be inspired by the scenic natural beauty and cityscapes of Germany. First stop: Cologne! Here we head straight for the building that dominates the skyline of this German Town… The Cologne Cathedral, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We then proceed to Boppard from where we embark on a cruise to St. Goar cruising on the Rhine River. The cruise allows you to witness the charm of medieval ages with a striking stamp of German history. Apart from the fortress and other architectural attractions, the cruise also offers some of the most splendid views of the Rhine Valley.

We then continue to drive along the mesmerizing German views to Heidelberg.
Heidelberg Altstadt comes as a welcome change with its rich cultural and architectural heritage that the city has retained since the 18th century.

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Good bye Germany! Swiss lands, here we come!

Enjoy the panoramic stretches of meadows, mountains, fields and rivers to keep our minds and bodies refreshed. After breakfast today, we leave for Switzerland making a pit stop in the Black Forest where we get to witness a demonstration of the traditional cuckoo clock at Drubba.

Next, we move on to Switzerland along the picturesque road with the mountainous forest as a backdrop and arrive at the Rhine Fall, the largest waterfall in Europe. we take a boat ride to this spectacular fall.

Next, we enjoy an orientation tour of Zurich moving past the city’s fanciest shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse. We continue to marvel at the town’s artistic expertise as we pass the elegant copper spire of the Fraumunster found in the 9th Century with its impressive stained-glass windows. We then pause for a quick photo stop at the Zurich Lake. Overnight at Central Switzerland.

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Today enjoy one of the most memorable experiences of your Europe tour. Cable car rides including the world’s first rotating cable car, the Rotair – to the top of Mt. Titlis at 3,020 metres. Enjoy thrilling Ice Flyer ride. Do not forget to visit the “Cliff Walk” a suspension bridge along the cliff of Mt. Titlis.

Later orientation tour of Lucerne: Lion Monument, Kapell Brucke with some free time to shop for famous Swiss watches, knives and chocolates. Enjoy a Cruise on scenic Lake Lucerne. Overnight at Central Switzerland.

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After several aesthetic cityscapes, today we finally unravel the joy of being on “Top of the world” or literally, the “Top of Europe” as, we make our way to the winter wonderland, the Jungfraujoch on the eastern extent of the Bernese Alps. What makes this eternal Iceland a quintessential Swiss travel destination is the fact that the enthralling experience begins from the moment you board the cogwheel train which ascends you to Europe’s highest station, Jungfraujoch (at 3454m), with breathtaking views of bright ice and dark tunnels.

After the ice-cold adventure, we descend to something more soothing and more colourful, the city of Interlaken. We begin our orientation tour of this beautiful town that is cradled cosily between the Lakes of Brienz and Thun. Overnight at Central Switzerland

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Today, after breakfast, we wave goodbye to Switzerland and proceed to Austria via Liechtenstein.

Enjoy a Mini Train Ride at Vaduz. The Mini Train takes us to the historical part of old Vaduz, past the Vaduz vineyards, to stop below the famous Red House which is an ideal spot to take a picture of the panoramic view of Vaduz Castle, and continues through the magnificent, green countryside around Vaduz.

Take our expedition further to yet another country that’s effortlessly balanced between architectural marvels and natural landscapes… Austria.

We visit the renowned museum, Swarovski Crystal Worlds where a fairy tale world of shimmering crystal awaits.

Next, visit the beautiful city of Innsbruck. Settled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, the mountains make for a dramatic backdrop for the city while the pastel-hued houses lining the banks of the green-watered River Inn add to the city’s aesthetic beauty. We begin the orientation tour wandering past The Golden Roof or the Goldenes Dachl- an ornate Gothic balcony erected by Emperor Maximilian I in the 15th century, the Imperial Church and the Hofburg or the Imperial Palace. Overnight at Innsbruck or similar.

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Gondola Ride

Though the scenic scenes of Switzerland and Austria aren’t something you ever tire of, it’s now time to plunge into the world of art and religious history as we make our way into Italy. If you ever fancied time travel, today would be the closest you come to living up to your fantasy as we head for the City of Canals, Venice. With its appearance virtually unchanged for the last 600 years, Venice is more a city out of a typical fairy-tale than a modern-day metropolis.

Drive to Italy; Arrive at the pier and board a private boat to Venice – Visit St. Mark’s square. See the Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Campanile and Bridge of Sighs. Visit the Murano Glass Showroom for a glass making a demonstration. Enjoy a gondola ride through the smaller canals. Overnight at Padova or similar.

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It’s kind of an unwritten mandate that you ought to see the architectural marvel that is The Leaning Tower in Pisa while touring through Italy. We visit to Pisa’s wondrous Square of Miracles with its exemplary Pisan-Romanesque architectural structures- the Baptistery, the Cathedral and the leaning Bell Tower, the characteristic tilt of which is what marks this Square as unique.

Drive to Florence and proceed for a guided city tour: See the Duomo, the Campanile, The Baptistery with its Gates to the Paradise, Piazza Della Signoria. Overnight at Arezzo or similar.

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There couldn’t have been a better way to end our Europe exploration than a city of absolute ancient beauty and a mysterious opulence about it… Rome. After breakfast today, we drive to Rome enjoying the awe-inspiring landscapes and a comfort stop on the way.

Once in Rome, we head to the smallest nation in the world that’s nestled within the very heart of Rome, The Vatican City. Call it home of the Pope or the Roman Catholic headquarters, the fact remains that you don’t really have to be a follower of either to appreciate the enormous beauty that scapes this tiny nation.

Visit the Vatican Museum, world’s largest museum complex that houses priceless treasures in the form of paintings, sculptures, tapestries and a variety of other depictions of Renaissance art. Next up is the Sistine Chapel famous for the Michelangelo ceiling. One look and you’ll know that this artistic masterpiece is worth all the buzz. And the last gem to be discovered at the Vatican City also happens to be one of the world’s largest churches, St. Peter’s Basilica, which houses the tomb of St. Peters under the high altar.

Hereon begins our guided city tour of the astounding ancient beauty that is the city of Rome. Be it the drive past the mighty triumphal Arch of Constantine or past the Circus Maxima- the biggest stadium in ancient Rome- or the drive through Piazza Venezia- a busy hub of the city- one can’t help but marvel over the sheer grandiose of Roman architecture. Further reminders of the same come our way as we pass by the Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Forum.

Our tour ends at the city’s most iconic pieces of art, the Trevi Fountain. which simply put is a dreamy and magical sight. What adds to the ethereal vibe of this magnanimous structure are the great examples of Baroque art- the sea-god Neptune, winged horses and allegorical figures. Overnight in Rome

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Note:
* On days when the Vatican Museum is not open for visitors, the Roman Forum OR the Colosseum will be visited.
* Due to Rome city regulations, certain roads may be off limits for long distance coaches.
This may result in the Rome sightseeing being done partly by foot / public transport.
*Sleeveless clothing, Shorts, Miniskirts and Hats / Caps are not allowed in Vatican.

And just like that our fabulous journey of our “Sailani’s – European Grandeur Tour” comes to an end, sooner than we would have liked. With our bags neatly packed and our souvenirs all stacked up, with wonderful memories of the trip and renewed plans of another visit, we head to the airport to board our flight back home.

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Note : Please note that this tour may run with an altered flow due to operational constraints.