Globus
OFFER ID 1566410
Like the world’s most beloved tapestries hanging in Europe’s most famous museums, this 14-day tour of Europe intertwines stunning scenery, centuries-old culture, and the timeless stories of several captivating countries to present an unforgettable experience. From the canals of Amsterdam to the casinos of Monte Carlo, we’ve stitched together an exciting array of sights and scenes to truly capture the big picture of Europe. In addition to the stunning imagery of the castle-dotted Rhine Valley, the snow-dusted Swiss Alps, and the olive-clad Tuscan hills, you’ll be introduced to the artful subjects who help tell the tales of time-the woodcarvers of the Black Forest, the glassblowers of Venice, and the beer makers from Rhineland. A perfectly woven itinerary of fascinating cities, charming countryside, and creative cuisine, this multi-country tour threads together the most memorable sights and experiences of Europe.
13 nights from $4,399 per person
European Tapestry
Day 1 ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLANDWelcome to Amsterdam! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
AMSTERDAM-WOODEN-SHOES.jpg
Day 2 AMSTERDAM Holland Days AMSTERDAM Take a guided canal cruise and visit a Diamond Centre, followed by free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE See the most fascinating views of Amsterdam on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”
AMSTERDAM-CANAL.jpg
Day 3 AMSTERDAM–HEIDELBERG, GERMANY–RHINELAND Tradition on Tap in Heidelberg RHINE RIVER Enjoy a scenic cruise.
HEIDELBERG See the red-walled castle ruins. [LF] Enjoy a beer at the Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg. (B,D)
348 mi / 560 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Lift a glass of German beer in Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg brauhaus. Enjoy the famous tastes of Germany in this elegant and rustic beer house where hospitality is served in the heart of the brewery, along with legendary beers – both traditional and modern.
HEIDELBERG.jpg
Day 4 RHINELAND–BLACK FOREST–RHINE FALLS, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE With Cherries on Top BLACK FOREST [LF] Enjoy a traditional woodcarving demonstration followed by Kaffee und Schwarzwaldkuchen (coffee and Black Forest Cake).
RHINE FALLS Take pictures of the waterfalls before continuing to Lucerne.
LUCERNE Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
211 mi / 340 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Visit the House of Black Forest Clocks, a family producer of cuckoo clock and meet Mr Herr, a skilled woodcarver. His creations are made with linden wood sourced directly from the famous Black Forest region in Germany. Watch the artisans at work turning blocks of wood into exquisite designs. An age old art that is passed on through generations. Afterwards indulge your sweet tooth with coffee and Black Forest Cake.
BLACK-FOREST-CLOCK.jpg
Day 5 LUCERNE–VADUZ, LIECHTENSTEIN–INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA Lion Hearts in Lucerne LUCERNE A walking tour includes the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge.
VADUZ Take an orientation walk with free time to explore.
INNSBRUCK Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof. (B,D)
205 mi / 330 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Lion Monument in Lucerne is a moving commemoration of the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution. As one of Switzerland’s most iconic monuments, more than a million visitors stand before this touching tribute each year. One such visitor, Mark Twain, described the sculpture of a mortally wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."
LUCERNE-BRIDGE.jpg
Day 6 INNSBRUCK–VENICE, ITALYBenvenuti a Venezia VENICE Take a scenic private boat ride, followed by an orientation walk, including St. Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs, and a glassblowing demonstration. [LF] Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
261 mi / 420 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Savor the tastes and traditions of the Italian cuisine and make fun memories with your friends and family around the table. Nothing makes it more special than sharing good food with the ones we love the most and Italians know this more than anyone else in the world. Buon appetito!
VENICE-GONDOLA.jpg
Day 7 VENICE–ROMETuscan Treasures VENICE Depart for a scenic drive across the Apennine Hills and through vine- and olive-clad Tuscany en route to Rome. (B)
354 mi / 570 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS If all roads lead to Rome, we choose the hilly landscapes of the Appennine Mountains, which stretch hundreds of kilometers from the north to the south of Italy. This “wild heart of Italy” is a natural masterpiece full of brilliant character. A real joy for the hearth and soul.
TUSCANY-SCENIC.jpg
Day 8 ROMEWhen In Rome ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time this afternoon.* (B)
* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.
ROME-COLOSSEUM.jpg
Day 9 ROME–FLORENCEFine Art in Firenze FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts. See Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze Gates of Paradise, and Signoria Square. Free time this afternoon. (B)
193 mi / 310 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent. Home to a wealth of Renaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
FLORENCE-DUOMO-THROUGH-WINDOW.jpg
Day 10 FLORENCE–PISA–FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCE A Tilted Tower & Table Games PISA Stop for a photo opportunity near the Leaning Tower en route to the French Riviera. (B)
280 mi / 450 km
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE With an optional excursion to the glittering lights of Monte Carlo have attracted high-rolling gamblers for decades for its glamour and high-stake games. Explore the nightlife, restaurants, or roulette tables in this iconic city of princes and princesses on the French Riviera.
PISA-LEANING-TOWER.jpg
Day 11 FRENCH RIVIERA–NICE–LYON French Connections NICE Drive along the Promenade des Anglais.
LYON Take a walking tour of the Old Town with free time to browse before dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
311 mi / 500 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Stroll the Old Town and marvel at its hidden gardens and terracotta rooftops of Renaissance-era mansions, offering a view from the lovely lanes of this legendary culinary capital of France.
LYON.jpg
Day 12 LYON–PARIS Bountiful Burgundy LYON Depart for a scenic drive through Burgundy with its vineyards and chateaux en route to Paris. (B)
292 mi / 470 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES Between Lyon and Paris is a world where the celebrated tastes, traditions, and timeless natural beauty reign in the breathtaking landscapes and vineyards of Burgundy. French treasures from escargot to Pinot are produced here, as well as Chardonnay and, of course, the beautiful Burgundy wines. A drive through bountiful Burgundy is brimming with the wonderful tastes and French castles found along the way.
BURGUNDY-VINEYARD.jpg
Day 13 PARISC’est Magnifique in the City of Light PARIS Hop on you private electric coach for a guided tour of the city of Paris. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tempting shops of the Champs-Élysées to the irresistible charms of a corner café, your hearts are set on sharing France’s captivating City of Light any time you please.
PARIS-EIFFEL-TOWER.jpg
Day 14 PARISSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
PARIS-SKYLINE.jpg
VilleFranche Shore Excursion - Discovery of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominativer board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes.
HIGHLIGHTS
Grasse Rising from the hills above the Mediterranean is the city of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, surrounded by the charming Provencal landscape and villages of the Pays de Grasse, the regional name for this breathtaking and tranquil countryside. This 17th and 18th century town is large and extremely interesting, with tiny streets that wind between the buildings, up and down ancient steps, passing through arched tunnels and sometimes opening out onto large squares.
Cannes was nothing more than an unimportant fishing village 150 years ago. Since then it has become an elegant city known round the world and attracts an international clientele.
Antibes is the proper name of this ancient town, but it's commonly referred to as Trompe l'Oeil wall mural at Juan Antibes - Juan-les-Pins.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a full day excursion by private motor-boat to explore the Lagoon Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice lies in the centre of a vast lagoon that stretches for about 30 miles from north to south, studded by numerous small islands, mostly deserted. This amazing environment is what drove the Venetians to establish their city here, a perfectly secure and inaccessible little world. Enjoy the beauty of a ride across the waters of the lagoon; visit the island of Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years and where you can see the age-old techniques of glass blowing still in use today.
Continue to Torcello, to see the breathtaking mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta, the oldest building on the lagoon. After a leisurely lunch (payable locally) you reach the island of Burano, a quaint and colourful fisherman island famous for its lace and charming architecture.
Highlights:
The story of Murano and Burano
Hop on a private boat and start sailing through the Venice lagoon! This unique tour will let you discover the authentic side of Venice by exploring two famous islands – Murano and Burano. First stop, Murano – an epicenter of the most sophisticated glass production in the world. “Il vetro di Murano”, the glass of Murano, is a special type of glass made for decades. You will visit one of the traditional factories and take part in a glass-blowing demonstration. Pretty exclusive, don’t you think?
Your next stop is Burano – a small, fishermen’s island, famous for its heritage of lace embroidery that it’s still today made by hand only. It is often mentioned as one of the prettiest towns in Italy and also one of the most unique thanks to two characteristics: its canals and its colorful houses that make the island a real rainbow of colors! This tour will surely let you remember the Venice Lagoon forever.
Highlights:
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
Are you ready to start this tour with a private boat cruise down the most spectacular “boulevard” in the world? Yes, we are talking about The Canal Grande, Venice’s main artery. Just hop on your private boat and enjoy the scenic views of all the marvelous palaces and side alley’s canals. Sit back and relax while you absorb the breath-taking beauty and uniqueness of Venice. After the ride, the guide will take you through Calli, Callette, Ponti, Campi and Campielli. You will reach Rialto bridge, that was the only way to cross the great Canal on foot, for centuries. You can indulge in great experience of the famous local market filled with interesting products and learn more about the area that was once a significant place for trading goods.
Highlights:
unique sightseeing experience
Personal guide
Tour Duration: up to 4h
Tour can operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Easy
Inclusions:
No line entrance tickets for Doge’s Palace and St. Mark Basilic
Not Included:
Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours
Meet your driver at the Port in Amsterdam for a private transfer to the city centre where your guide is waiting to meet you for a walking tour of this beautiful city. Begin at Dam Square, bordered by the Royal Palace and enjoy wonderful views of the canals and gabled houses of the mercantile quarter before visiting the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*. After your tour, transfer in the comfort of your own private vehicle back to your ship.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours
Spend the day exploring Amsterdam in the hands of your expert guide. You are met at the port and transferred to Dam Square where your morning’s walking tour includes the notable Royal Palace. Admire the views of the canals and the gabled houses of the Canal Ring district, where you will visit the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*.
After lunch explore the beautifully-restored Rijksmuseum, to admire the stunning collection of masterpieces from the seventeenth-century Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without seeing the delightful Van Gogh Museum, home to many of his famous works as well as those of other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours
You are met at Amsterdam port for a full-day excursion outside of the city. Head south into the countryside for a photo opportunity at the impressive Three Sisters Windmills in Stompwijk. As over a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, windmills were initially designed to pump vast amount of water out, thus protecting land from flooding. Today, these silent giants draw many visitors every year for their charming appearances.
From here, you travel on to Delft, world-renowned for its famous blue and white pottery and one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Take in the town’s architectural gems and charming ambience, which are best appreciated by walking along its small canals with their graceful humpbacked bridges.
Following this, enjoy a privately-guided tour at the Royal Delft Experience, where a painter shares the passion behind the production of this stunning 17th-century earthenware during a special demonstration.
After lunch at leisure, you continue to the Hague, the home of the Dutch Royal Family and the administrative capital of the Netherlands; walk the Inner court past the Government buildings and take the opportunity for a photo stop at the International Court of Justice. You may like to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of paintings, including Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens and Van Dyck, or you may choose to visit the Panorama Mesdag, which hosts the Panorama, one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (subject to opening times).
On your return journey, stop at Scheveningen beach for some spectacular views before continuing back. (8 hours, driver and guide)
Highlights:
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.
Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.
Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.
Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.
Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.
Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.
The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.
Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.
Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.
St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.