Itinerary

Euro Spectacular ’for singles’ (45 years & over)
Tour Dates
Start: End:	Paris, 17 May 2009 Athens, 08 June 2009
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Tour Operator:

Day 1 Sun 17 May - PARIS                   
Bonjour!   Welcome to Paris for a marvellous four night stay. Join your Tour Director and your travel companions this evening for a welcome drink and the start of your holiday.

Day 2 Mon 18 May - PARIS     
With a local guide today, we see Notre Dame Cathedral, the courtyard of the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, before driving along the elegant Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Next we ascend the Eiffel Tower before visiting Napoleon’s tomb in the Église du Dôme.  There is then free time at leisure in the afternoon.  Perhaps take an optional excursion to the charming house and gardens, of the greatest impressionist painter, Claude Monet, an inspiration for his famous waterlily paintings. Tonight we enjoy a highlight dinner together at a typical Parisian Bistro and round the evening off with a sparkling illuminations tour of the ‘city of light’.  (B)      

Day 3 Tue 19 May - PARIS                                                                                
Today we enjoy a visit to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, the imposing residence of Louis XIV reflects the extravagant lifestyle of the grandest court in history. Escorted by a local guide we see the Queen’s apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Gallery of Battles.   (B, HD)

Day 4 Wed 20 May - PARIS                                                        
Today is a day of leisure.  There is certainly no shortage of things to do and see in this great capital city!  Meet the enigmatic Mona Lisa in the Louvre, ascend the hill of Montemarte by mini-train for superb panoramic views.  Don’t miss the chance to go shopping in the famous department stores like Galleries Lafayette and Au Printemps, or the elegant designer boutiques of the Left Bank.  (B)

Day 5 Thu 21 May - DIJON                                                                                                                                        
We depart Paris and travel to the ancient capital of the Champagne region, Troyes, it’s magnificent centre of medieval buildings is appropriately shaped like a champagne cork.  We continue to Burgundy, famous for its fine wines, stopping in the famous wine village of Chablis to taste the local wines.  We continue to Dijon for an overnight stay. (B,D)
                                   
Day 6 Fri 22 May - LUCERNE    
After breakfast, we pass the Jura Mountains, and cross into Switzerland at Basel, situated on the Rhine River exactly where Switzerland, Germany and France touch noses.  In the historic centre, we see the awe-inspiring Munster, which dominates the landscape,  before ending the day in lovely Lucerne. (B,D)

Day 7 Sat 23 May - LUCERNE       
Today, we see the Chapel Bridge and the stirring Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss guards who died defending the King of France.  We then enjoy another highlight excursion, as we ascend Mount Pilatus by cog-wheel railway for 360 degrees views of the Swiss Alps. Later, back in Lucerne, we have some free time. (B)

Day  Sun 24 May - VENICE   
You pass gushing streams and soaring peaks as you pas through the Swiss Alps.  You travel through some of the richest farmland in Europe as you cross into northern Italy and travel to Romantic Venice, where we stay for two nights. (B, D)

Day 9 Mon 25 May - VENICE    
We take a private launch to St Mark’s Square to view the Bridge of Sighs, Doges’ Palace and the Basilica. Then relax and enjoy the atmosphere, as you cruise along the picturesque Venetian canals on a highlight gondola ride.   Later as night falls, why not enjoy a traditional Venetian dinner with music?    (B)

Day 10 Tue 26 May - FLORENCE      
Bid farewell to Venice and follow the highway past the university city of Bologna, into the wild Apennines and onto the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany, with its cypress clad hills and vineyards.  We travel to the fascinating Renaissance city of Florence, the Capital of Tuscany for a two night stay.  (B,D)

Day 11 Wed 27 May - FLORENCE    
With a local guide this morning, we visit Michelangelo’s original Statue of David in the Academy Gallery. Then we see the Cathedral, the ‘Gates of Paradise’, Piazza Signoria, and Santa Croce Church. There is free time to continue sightseeing. Perhaps discover more art treasures housed in the many museums and galleries, or spend some time shopping for leather and gold, or simply relax at an outdoor café with a glass of vino?  (B)

Day 12 Thu 28 May - ROME             
Today, we leave the beautiful Tuscan hills and take the “autostrada” south to Rome, the capital city of Italy, for a two night stay.   (B)

Day 13 Fri 29 May  - ROME   
With a local guide this morning, we visit the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums. Then see Michelangelo’s ‘Pieta’ inside St Peter’s Basilica. Then we cross the River Tiber to visit the massive Colosseum and look out over the Roman Forum. Later, there is time for some sightseeing at your own pace. Perhaps consider visiting the Catacombs or sip a cappuccino in the Piazza Navona, the ‘Living Room of Rome’? Tonight we visit the Spanish Steps before a Highlight Dinner including pasta, wine and entertainment.    (B,HD)

Day 14 Sat 30 May - SORRENTO     
We see the formidable Abbey of Monte Cassino which dominates the surrounding countryside from its mountain top before continuing on to Pompeii.  We enjoy a guided walk through the streets of this Roman resort buried by an eruption of the volcanic Mt Vesuvius in AD79.  A cliff-top drive leads us to Sorrento for our three night stay.   (B)

Day 15 Sun 31 May - SORRENTO       
There are plenty of photo opportunities today as you travel along Italy’s finest coastline, the Amalfi Coast.  Stop for a bird’s-eye view of the terraced houses of Positano before boarding minibuses to explore the heart of the town.  There’s time to be tempted by the boutique’s before heading back to Sorrento.  Tonight why not consider dining at one of Sorrento’s top restaurants?   (B)

Day 16 Mon 1 June - SORRENTO    
Today, we enjoy a tour to the Isle of Capri.  You arrive at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri Town by funicular railway.  There is time to browse in the elegant shops and enjoy the fabulous views?  After you return to Sorrento, you can swim, shop, explore or relax with a wine and watch the fashionable world pass by.   (B)

Day 17 Tue 2 June - OVERNIGHT FERRY
We cross the Apennines and head to Bari on the east coast.  We board a ferry for an overnight cruise to Greece.  Sleeping berths are included.  (B)

Day 18  Wed 3 June - ATHENS    
We disembark the ferry in Patras, and travel by coach to the ancient capital of Greece, Athens, where we will enjoy a two night stay.  (B)

Day 19 Thu 4 June - ATHENS  
Today begins with a sightseeing tour where we delve deep into the glorious history of Athens! We begin with a visit to the Acropolis, still dominating the frantic bustle of modern Athens with its serene presence. Next we admire the Parthenon, built to the honour of the goddess Athena and still amazing in its grace, despite the loss of the Egin Marbles and the ravages of Turkish occupation.  Then it’s on to see the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of the Wingless Victory and Hadrian’s Arch.  (B)

3 Night Greek Island Cruise: Day 20 - 23

Download Cruise Information Click on the links below. Cruise Itinerary Ship Specifications

Day 20 Fri 5 June  - CRUISE
We board our cruise ship today and set sail for the delightful island of Mykonos, with its dazzling sugarcube houses and white-washed windmills. Your cabin for your three night cruise will be a superior outside cabin with a porthole.  (B,L,D,S)

Day 21 Sat 6 June - CRUISE
Enjoy a full day on Rhodes, once the fortified headquarters of the crusaders and home to the Colossus of Rhodes. There is time to explore the Old City or stroll along the beautiful beaches.  Enjoy a Greek evening and dinner with entertainment while cruising.   (B,L,HD,S)

Day 22 Sun 7 June - CRUISE
Dock at the island of Patmos, where St John wrote the Book of Revelations in the celebrated Grotto of the Apocalypse.  We then sail on to the Turkish port of Kusadasi where you can visit the bazaar or perhaps take an excursion to the ancient ruins of Ephesus (shore excursions are bookable on board).   (B,L,D,S)

Day 23 Mon 8 June - DEPART ATHENS
Our wonderful cruise ends in Athens after breakfast.    (B)

Meal Key:     (B) =   Breakfast      (L) = Lunch    (D) = Hotel Dinner   (HD) = Highlight Dinner   (S) = Supper
Please note: If hotels are listed or provided prior to receiving your travel packs they are to be used as a guide only and are subject to change should circumstances dictate.
Please Note: We reserve the right to alter or deviate from the tour itinerary should circumstances dictate
and coach use is subject to EU Regulations

Included:

ACCOMMODATION    
Based on twin share in Superior Tourist Class or Moderate First Class hotels for 18 nights, 3 nights on a Greek cruise in a superior outside cabin with porthole and 1 night on an overnight Ferry with a sleeping berth. Please note that any hotels advised are to be used as a guide only and are subject to availability and change should circumstances dictate. A final hotel list will be provided prior to departure when travel packs are issued to participants.
 
SIGHTSEEING & MEALS            
Included as per the itinerary. Itinerary can be viewed on holiday website.

TOUR DIRECTOR        
Services of a professional English speaking Tour Director throughout. Local expert guides where required & as noted on the itinerary

TRANSPORTATION    
Exclusive use of air-conditioned coaches for group touring as per the itinerary.

PORTERAGE                
One piece of luggage per person, in and out of hotels as per the itinerary. Due to coach capacity the sum of the length, width and depth of the case should not exceed 160cm and weight should not exceed 20kg. Charges may be levied in the event these limits are exceeded and the promise to transport you may be invalidated.

SERVICE CHARGES
Tips to restaurants where a meal is included by itinerary. Service charges and local taxes on services as detailed by itinerary. (Except local airport and border taxes).

DOCUMENTATION
Approximately two weeks prior to departure from Australia, documentation will be issued to each participant,  including
International air tickets (if applicable), a tour itinerary, a full Hotel list, an Optional Excursion list, an information handbook, Iuggage labels & ticket wallet.

Note:
Every endeavour is made to ensure all services are included as per your quote request, however it is your responsibility to check all inclusions in the attached itinerary as any items not specified will incur supplementary charges.

Not in included:

• Gratuities to Tour director, Coach Drivers and local guides. 
  It should be remembered that tipping is standard tradition in Europe.. Tipping is at the passengers discretion however is recommended and as a measure of guidance we would advise that an average tip would be US$4.00 pp per day for a Tour Director, US$2.50 pp per day for a Driver & US$2.00 pp for or a local guide.
• International, domestic and internal Airfares
• Optional excursions, Travel Insurance, Visas and items of a personal nature.