Day 1 Arrive Amsterdam

Welcome to the vibrant, artistic city of Amsterdam, famed for its canals, art museums, cobbled streets, and its bicycles! Airport transfers to your hotel depart at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:30, then your time is yours to explore this fascinating city. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delicious Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 Aalsmeer and Keukenhof

For the early risers experience the excitement at the very epicentre of the international flower trade! Each day, over 19 million flowers are sold at 'Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer', the world's largest flower auction. Witness all the action from a specially designed viewing gallery as traders bid against the clock for a mind-blowing assortment of blooms. A unique experience you'll remember forever!

Visit Keukenhof, hailed as the most beautiful spring garden in the world, and for a good reason – the sea of colours is breath-taking.  With tulips as the show stopper, expect to see a wide array of flowers including roses, lilies, daffodils and irises.  

Day 3 Amsterdam to Maastricht

Journey through the polder landscape. Along the way, visit a rustic cheese workshop to learn the secrets of the dairy industry and witness the ancient art of clog making.

Continue to the pretty town of Maastricht on the Dutch/Belgian border. Join your Local Expert for a guided visit of the city. The heart of the city is home to the beautiful Vrijthof square. This special square has become famous as the backdrop to the summer concerts including Andre Rieu, walk around Vrijthof square and take in the breath-taking panoramas.

Day 4 Medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Plunge back into the 16th century during your orientation as you walk through narrow cobbled streets lined with high-gabled houses to the market square, dominated by its Renaissance town hall. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure for further exploration on your own. Tonight enjoy an authentic dining experience at a local restaurant.

Day 5 Rothenburgh ob der Tauber your way

The day is yours to enjoy the medieval town at your leisure, perhaps visit one of the Christmas stores to purchase some decorations, visit Rothenburg Castle Gardens or perhaps take an excursion to Nuremberg.

Day 6 Rothenburg to Munich

Continue on the “Romantic Road”, meandering through river valleys and rolling countryside, heading for the Bavarian capital of Munich. An orientation on arrival gives you the chance to explore the Olympic Stadium, University, Victory Arch and the stunning Marienplatz. Soak up the sublime mix of traditional and enjoy the lakes, parks beer gardens and museums.

Day 7 The Dolomites

This morning we travel to Austria to visit the Alpine city of Innsbruck, set in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director as you walk the narrow streets of the Old Town, lined with medieval houses and arcades, to see the Golden Roof. Continue through the Italian Alps and some of the most spectacular scenery Europe has to offer, before arriving at the stunning town of Bolzano. Explore the streets and squares of this alpine town, with your Travel Director.

Day 8 Italian Lakes

Descending the Dolomites, head to the medieval walled town of Soave, in the Veneto region of Italy. This fascinating town is famed for its wine, and is situated at the foot of an impressive castle. During your visit take time to admire the intricate architecture of the churches and palaces, including the Palazzo di Giustizia, the 14th century law court and the residence of the Captains of Serenissima. Continue through picturesque scenery to the much-loved Italian Lakes District, and settle into your lakeside hotel for a two night stay in this stunning region.

Day 9 Isola Bella excursion

The Italian Lakes District, a favourite haunt for artists and travellers where a full day is set aside to relax and enjoy. Take a cruise to Isola Bella, the largest and most famous island, renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. There is a guided tour of this privately owned palace with free time to admire the gardens.

Day 10 Italian Lakes - Swiss Alps

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Como.  Nestles in the foothills of the Alps, this is a prime people-watching spot with Europe’s rich and famous. Travel across the border into Switzerland and ascend the Swiss Alps into Interlaken. Surrounded by the Alps and with the legendary view of the Jungfrau Mountain, the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, welcomes you in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. A place where tradition and modernity join hands: The hotel in the Bernese Oberland looks back on a 150-years of history – and still it moves with the times. 

Day 11 Grindelwald Valley

Marvel at the dramatic glacial views as you travel along Grindelwald Valley, and follow the sparkling Lutschine River to Lauterbrunnen. Enjoy your orientation of the village that takes its name from 'many fountains,' referring to the 72 waterfalls that are within the surrounding valley.

Day 12 Into Burgundy

This morning, we visit Chillon Castle, set on a rocky inlet on Lake Geneva, immortalised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. For nearly four centuries, this water fortress was the residence of the Counts of Savoy and an important stop for traders. We stop in the nearby resort town of Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards, with time for lunch before continuing to Burgundy and historic Dijon. Time permitting, enjoy a walking tour with your Travel Director through the medieval streets where you are sure to appreciate the wealth and elegance of the city’s architectural heritage.

Day 13 Versailles

Visit the Château de Versailles, one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th century French art. Visit the Château and the extensive gardens which in Louis XIV’s view were just as important as the Château itself. In glittering Paris tonight, perhaps see one of the world-famous cabaret shows for an evening of glamour?

Day 14 Paris & Monet's Garden

This morning, take a short trip to Giverny and visit the charming house and gardens where, the great Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, lived and worked from 1883 until his death in 1926. The stunning gardens were the inspiration for his famous water lilies paintings. Return to Paris where this afternoon is at leisure and, in the evening, enjoy a highlight dinner in true French style.

Day 15 The Garden of England

After crossing the channel to Britain this morning, continue to Sissinghurst, one of the best known and admired gardens in the world. Enjoy exquisite aromas and explosions of color in the many varied garden spaces of Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, split by stunning buildings, old pink brick walls and high clipped hedges. Then to your hotel in East Sussex for the night.

Day 16 Wisley Gardens to London

The Gardens of Wisley were gifted to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1903 and since then it has evolved into a world class garden. Explore the beautiful Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden and delight the senses with roses of all shapes, sizes, colors and fragrances. Stroll through the picturesque orchard, the huge cathedral like Glasshouse and the Exotic Garden. Continue to London, where the rest of the day and evening is at your leisure.

Day 17 Chelsea Flower Show

A transfer in the morning takes you to the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show. Bringing together the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world, lose yourself amongst the magnificent floral displays and model gardens. Enjoy elaborate displays featuring courtyard, city and roof gardens, and hear from the experts. This evening toast your travel companions at your Celebration Dinner   the perfect way to complete your memorable journey!

Day 18 Farewell London

After breakfast bid your Travel Director and fellow travel companions farewell, and transfer to London Heathrow Airport to meet your ongoing flight.

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