Grand Tour of Europe with Disneyland, Paris from SOTC

Day - 1 - Arrive in London

Welcome to London - the vibrant capital of England. We begin our ‘Grand Tour of Europe’ as we board the coach and drive to the hotel for check-in. After the long journey, you can freshen up and relax in your hotel room. Overnight at your hotel in London.

Day - 2 - London - Madame Tussauds Wax Museum - London Eye

After a continental breakfast, we proceed for a guided panoramic tour of London. See the Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square, the statue of Eros at Piccadilly Circus, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the symbolic Tower Bridge, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace with Changing of the Guards (If Operational).

Next, we proceed on a guided tour of one of the most famous sporting venues in the world - Lord’s. (Tours are subject to cancellation at very short notice. Restrictions apply surrounding match and event days.) We take you to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the world’s largest exhibition of waxworks. The celebrity list includes over 400 stunning, life-like figures that never fail to entice the visitors. Later proceed to visit the British Airways London Eye by the river Thames. Hold your breath as you take a thrilling ride on one of the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. Enjoy magnificent views of the city of London. Overnight at your hotel in London.

Day - 3 - Onto Paris

After a continental breakfast, we check out and say goodbye to London and proceed to Folkestone to board the Eurotunnel train to Calais. On reaching Calais, we drive to Paris and check into the hotel.
The evening is free OR we suggest a ‘Grand Evening in Paris’ that includes great entertainment at the Paradis Latin show with Indian dinner at the show.

See the finest combination of beauty, rhythm and gaiety. Experience the charm of striking ballets, shimmering costumes and talented dance troupes. After the show, we take you on an Illumination tour of Paris. See the famous landmarks of Paris - the city of lights, magically lit up. A perfect end to this beautiful evening. Overnight at your hotel in Paris.

Day - 4 - Disneyland, Paris OR Versailles Palace - Eiffel Tower - Level III

After a continental breakfast, you have a choice to visit Eurodisney OR Visit Versailles Palace & Louvre Museum. For the fun-loving and adventurous, we take you for an exciting trip to Disneyland, Paris. Enter a magical world of fantasy and fairy tales. Get charmed by Cinderella’s castle. Meet all your favourite Disney characters in Main Street USA. Take an exciting roller coaster ride down the Thunder Mountain.

Visit Fantasyland and meet Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Peter Pan and Snow White. Get thrilled by the legends of Aladdin and Indiana Jones at Adventureland. Ride a space shuttle to the moon at Discoveryland. Later, we proceed to visit Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris, where a bird’s eye view from the 3rd level will leave you breathless. Overnight at your hotel in Paris.

Day - 5 - Guided City Tour of Paris - Brussels

After a continental breakfast, we check out of the hotel and proceed for a guided panoramic city tour. Experience Paris in all its charm, glamour and glory. See Place de la Concorde, the majestic Arc de Triomphe, the fashionable Champs Elysees and the magnificent Opera House. We then proceed to Paris Nord Station to board the high-speed Thalys train. You will be thrilled to experience the scenic train journey at a top speed of 300 km per hour into the heart of Brussels.

On arrival, we proceed for an orientation tour. See the adorable Manneken Pis Statue, a charming fountain of a little boy, today the symbol of Brussels, the beautiful Grand Place, the Town Hall, Municipal Museum and St.Micahael’s Cathedral. Next, we stop at the Atomium, a structure representing the concept of an iron molecule enlarged 165 billion times. Overnight at your hotel in Belgium/Netherlands.

Day - 6 - Keukenhof or Madurodam - Amsterdam

After a continental breakfast, we drive to Lisse to visit the Keukenhof Gardens (only until mid- May), the famed National Flower Exhibition. Like the million visitors that journey here annually, you will be spellbound at the sight of beautiful displays of over seven million Tulips, Daffodils, Narcissi and other flowers. After mid-may, we drive to The Hague - political capital of the Netherlands and residence of the Queen.

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. Avail of the opportunity to shop for wooden shoes and other Dutch souvenirs. We stop at one of the windmills - a symbol of the Netherlands, a splendid backdrop for a family photograph. Discover Amsterdam in a novel manner as we take you on a cruise along its 17th-century canals - the best way to see this captivating city. Overnight at your hotel in Belgium/Netherlands.

Day - 7 - Magnificent Cologne Cathedral

After a continental breakfast, we check out and drive to Cologne, famous for Eau de Cologne, where we see the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. This 515 feet tall gothic Cathedral took six centuries to build and is Germany’s most visited monument.

Next, we proceed for a cruise on the river Rhine. Enjoy the cruise as it takes you through the most romantic part of Rhine river, past the medieval castles, vineyards and quaint little towns. Overnight at your hotel in Germany.

Day - 8 - Visit the Mercedes Museum - Swarovski Crystal World - Innsbruck - Tyrolean Folklore Show

After a continental breakfast, we check out and drive to Stuttgart. On arrival, we visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum which will captivate you by the unique past, present and future of mobility. We then begin our scenic journey to Austria.

On arrival visit the Swarovski Crystals Museum, the amazing Crystal World Complex at Wattens. Here you have an opportunity to shop for the famous Swarovski crystals. Next on your orientation tour of Innsbruck, capital of the Tyrol province, see the Goldenes Dachl - the Golden roof, an ornate Gothic balcony, 17th Century fountain with the equestrian statue of King Leopold V, St. Anne’s Column and the Heiblinghaus, a building resembling a wedding cake.

In the evening, we take you for a Tyrolean Folklore Show. Catch the spirit of Tyrol during an evening of traditional local entertainment. You’ll enjoy everything from authentic folk music and accompanying instruments to Tyrolean dancing, “shoe slapping,” songs and yodelling-all in traditional dress. You’ll find your own toes tapping along with the fun! Overnight at your hotel in Innsbruck.

Day - 9 - Day Trip to Salzburg - Kehlsteinhaus - Eagle’s Nest

After a continental breakfast, we drive to Salzburg. On arrival proceed on a guided walking city tour of Salzburg. See the birthplace of the legendary Mozart, the Mirabell Palace with its landscaped gardens and the Cathedral in the old town. Stroll along the Aldstadt, which was recently granted World Heritage Status by UNESCO. Next, we visit a Salt mine. You also get to know about mining history and techniques - after all, salt is an indispensable part of our lives. Later, we visit Eagle’s Nest - Hitler’s Retreat. We then return to Innsbruck. Overnight at your hotel in Innsbruck.

Day - 10 - Venice

After a continental breakfast, we check out and proceed to Venice, an archipelago of 118 islands, 150 canals and 400 bridges. 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 splendour 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 your hotel in Venice/Padova.

Day - 11 - Florence - Rome

After a continental breakfast, we check out and continue our Italian journey towards Florence, the enchanting renaissance city. On arrival, we proceed on a guided walking tour of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and 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. We then drive to Rome, the capital of Italy. Experience the breathtaking views of the Apennine mountain range that span across the length of Italy. Overnight at your hotel in Rome.

Day - 12 - Naples - Blue Grotto or Anacapri

After a continental breakfast, we proceed on an exciting day trip to Naples and Capri. Arriving in Naples, you will board a jet boat for the 45-minute crossing to Capri known as the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’. After your arrival at Marina Grande, the port of Capri, you will be boarding a motorboat (weather permitting) to reach the Blue Grotto, where sunlight passes into an underwater cavity and shines through the seawater, creating a magical blue reflection that illuminates the cavern OR you’ll board a minibus for a scenic drive to Anacapri, 918 feet (280 meters) above sea level. You will be amazed to see wonderful views of the Bay of Naples. You’ll then return to Marina Grande and board the jet boat transfer to Naples and return to Rome. Overnight at your hotel in Rome.

Day - 13 - City Tour of Rome

After a continental breakfast, we check out and 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. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest Cathedral, which will amaze you with its size, beauty and splendour.

Next 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. Later, we visit the gigantic Colosseum - the symbol of Rome from inside. It is said that when the Colosseum falls, Rome will fall and the world will follow. We also visit the famous Trevi Fountain - a roman legend assures your return to Rome if you throw a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain. Later, drive to Florence. Overnight at your hotel in Florence.

Day - 14 - Pisa - Switzerland

After a continental breakfast, we check out and drive towards 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.

Enjoy a Pizza and Pasta lunch. Later we drive to Switzerland a country known for its spectacular mountain scenery, sparkling lakes and folklore traditions. Enjoy the journey as the scenery changes from the Italian to the Swiss alps. Overnight at your hotel in Switzerland.

Day - 15 - Jungfraujoch - Interlaken

After a continental breakfast, the day is free to relax in the hotel OR we suggest a visit to 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. On top of Jungfraujoch, you have free time to explore the modern complex. 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. We then serve you an Indian vegetarian lunch at the Top of Europe. Thereafter we proceed to Interlaken, one of Switzerland’s best-known health and pleasure resorts. Overnight at your hotel in Switzerland.

Day - 16 - Suggested Excursion: Mt. Titlis - 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 Mt. 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, 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. 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. You have free time at Schwanenplatz to shop for Swiss army knives, chocolates, watches, souvenirs, etc. Overnight at your hotel in Switzerland.

Day - 17 - Return Home with Wonderful Memories

After a continental breakfast, we check out and drive to the airport for your flight back home. 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.