Activities

Day 1 | Cross the English Channel to Paris

 Leaving the bright city lights of London behind us, we cross the English Channel by ferry from Dover to Calais, travelling across the World War I battlefields where so many brave souls lost their lives. We catch a glimpse of the Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge before arriving in Paris. Later, we join our Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception including dinner and drinks and an evening drive to embrace the energy of this vibrant city.

Meals: Welcome Reception

Hotel: Evergreen Laurel

Day 2 | Explore Paris’s Sights

Join a Local Specialist for a drive along the Champs- Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and view the Eiffel Tower. View Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Perhaps take in the views from the top of Montparnasse, stroll along the Seine admiring the exquisite work of street artists or consider attending  one of the city's famous colourful cabaret shows.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Evergreen Laurel

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Montparnasse and Seine Cruise - Today we'll take the fastest elevator in Europe to the Panoramic Observation Deck of Montparnasse Tower for unbeatable views of all of the city’s iconic monuments, including the Eiffel Tower. Then, we’ll enjoy a relaxing cruise on the River Seine, discovering the wonders of Paris as we go.

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In Paris, depending on availability, you will be offered one of the below two cabaret:

Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner - It’s world famous for a reason, and this is your chance to see the real-life inspiration behind the award-winning movie. This Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers with over 1,000 costumes to create a dazzling spectacle. You'll enjoy wine, dinner and Champagne during this unforgettable soirée at the original Parisian Cabaret!

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La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner - Set in the heart of Montmartre District and famous for the filming of ‘Emily in Paris’ plus host to numerous fashion events including Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin & Vivienne Westwood, Nouvelle Eve is a must! Celebrating 125 years as one of the most elegant revue theatres in Paris, you will enjoy a night of sumptuous surroundings, a la carte menu and a sparkling cabaret highlighting the spectacular French Cancan.

(Open Thursday April 27th until Sat Oct 21st) Code:10160

Day 3 | Journey to Bordeaux

Journey through France’s Loire Valley, stopping near Château de Villandry for a Be My Guest experience. Continue south through one of France's most renowned wine regions, arriving in Bordeaux, celebrated for its centuries-old trading heritage and extraordinary architecture. Spend the evening exploring its historical centre or amble along the Garonne and watch how the 18th-century Place de la Bourse glitters across the river at night.

Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest

Hotel: Mercure Centre Ville

Day 4 | Admire Elegant Biarritz and on to Pamplona

This morning, we delve into the heady days of La Belle Époque in the glitzy seaside resort of Biarritz, an elegant retreat for aristocrats for centuries. We continue to Pamplona, most famous for its annual Running of the Bulls Festival. Here you can choose to join an Optional walking tour with our Local Expert, tracing the steps of the 'running of the Bulls' and then savouring some Spanish Tapas and Sangria.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Tres Reyes

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Pamplona Discovery With Tapas And Sangria - Enjoy a walking tour of charming Pamplona with our Local Specialist. See the ancient walls with views over the city, explore the beautiful old town and the Cathedral before retracing the steps of the famous ‘Running of the Bulls’. Later, savour traditional Spanish tapas and sangria at Hemingway’s favourite watering hole, the most beautiful and historic café in town!

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Day 5 | Onwards to Madrid

Head to the heart of Spain and its lofty capital, Madrid. Dive Into Culture and enjoy an included visit to the Prado Museum and admire the works of Rubens,

Goya and El Greco. This afternoon join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the city's iconic landmarks. View the Royal Palace and the Cibeles Fountain.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Meliá Castilla

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Dinner and Discovery in Downtown Madrid - Join us this evening as we scratch beneath the surface of some lesser- known aspects of Madrid's city centre. Then, we'll settle in for dinner, along with musical entertainment and finish up with a spin around some of the wonderful squares and fountains of magical Madrid.

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Day 6 | Discover Magical Madrid

This morning, perhaps take to the waters of Retiro Park, visit the Mercado de San Miguel to indulge in the delicious flavours of Spain, or join an Optional Experience to the imperial city of Toledo. Enjoy free time this afternoon in the city that King Charles III sought to 'beautify' so that it could justifiably claim its place as one of Europe's most gracious capitals. Join your fellow travellers for dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Meliá Castilla

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Spectacular Toledo: Spain's Ancient Capital - With our Local Specialist, we'll visit the ancient capital of Spain, which sits above the River Tagus and is home to the nation's principal cathedral. We'll earn about Moorish and Jewish cultures, and how the area is famed for the production of Damascene work: intricate inlaid gold jewellery and craftwork. We'll also visit El Greco's masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, in St Thomas' church.

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Day 7 | Off to Barcelona

Driving towards Catalonia and the shores of the Mediterranean, we pass Guadalajara and the Gorges of Jalón and Aragón en route to vibrant Barcelona, where we will spend the next two nights delving into the intoxicating charm of this cultural and artistic powerhouse.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: INNSiDE Barcelona Apolo by Melia

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Dinner And Nighttime City Panorama - Your evening in buzzing Barcelona begins with a delicious Catalonian-style dinner, complemented by drinks and good company. After dinner, we’ll take you up to Montjuïc for spectacular nighttime views of the city.

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Day 8 | Uncover Colourful Barcelona

Join a Local Specialist today and delight in the whimsical world of Gaudí, whose characteristic Art Nouveau architecture is dotted throughout the city. See his unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, before spending the rest of the day embracing the energy of Barcelona. Pay tribute to Columbus and his brave exploration of the New World, wander down to La Barceloneta for some tasty tapas treats, or ramble up Las Ramblas watching street performers entertain crowds. This evening, you could choose to witness Spanish passion, power and drama unfold at an unforgettable foot-stomping flamenco evening including a delicious Spanish buffet.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: INNSiDE Barcelona Apolo by Melia

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Mystical Montserrat - Today, with our Local Specialist, take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. While there, visit the Benedictine monastery to view the famed Black Madonna. At the daily farmer 's market, perhaps sample and purchase their homemade cheeses, honeys, and other local specialties.

Code:10053

Flamenco Spectacular With Dinner - Come and experience the passion and spirit of Spain at a spectacular flamenco evening. This modern interpretation of Spain's most famous entertainment is one of the best shows in town, and we’ve even included dinner and drinks.

Code:10096

Day 9 | Journey Along the French Riviera

From the rugged Costa Brava to the stylish shores of the French Riviera, we travel through the South of France, stopping to Dive Into Culture during a guided visit to Fragonard Perfumery where we’ll learn how fragrances are crafted. Later, we arrive in the glamorous French Riviera, home to the famous Cannes Film Festival.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Montaigne & Spa

Day 10 | Enjoy French Riviera Your Way

Tread in the footsteps of showbiz royalty, savouring a full day at leisure in the French Riviera. Admire the irresistible backdrop of the Mediterranean and Estérel Hills or consider joining an Optional Experience to the medieval hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, renowned for its museums and galleries.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Montaigne & Spa

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Nice - Your sublime day on the Riviera starts with a lovely drive to the town of Saint-Paul-de- Vence with your Local Specialist. See why this medieval, walled city lured the likes of Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall. Then, because no visit to the Riviera is complete without it, we'll continue to glorious Nice to enjoy the city, its old town and its colourful provençal markets.

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Day 11 | Explore Monaco and Pisa on the way to Florence

Travel along the sophisticated Cote d'Azur to the Principality of Monaco, where you'll see the Royal Palace and the cathedral where Princess Grace is buried. Cross into Italy and pass Genoa, the birthplace of Columbus, before arriving in Pisa to admire its Leaning Tower and Baptistery, the largest in Italy. This evening we arrive in the Renaissance city of Florence.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Grand Mediterraneo

Day 12 | Discover Florence

Join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour of one of the cultural capitals of the world. Enjoy views of the marble Duomo, the Baptistery with its famous bronze doors, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Visit Piazza della Signoria, once the political hub of the city, and in your free time perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Tuscan hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as Italy’s Medieval Manhattan. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore Florence your way, but you’ll be tempted to head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best views of the cityscape as the sun begins to set over magical Florence

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Grand Mediterraneo

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Visit To San Gimignano - Join us for a panoramic drive to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano. Magnificently preserved from the Middle Ages, this little town, known as the 'Medieval Manhattan', is one of the most beautiful in Italy - a true gem. You'll also be treated to a delicious local gelato.

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You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences** depending on availability:

Dinner in the Tuscan Hills -

This evening we'll take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers' markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.

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Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli - Through the Chianti hills, we'll drive past vineyards to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince'. After a welcome drink and a visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa's own vines.

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Day 13 | All Roads Lead to Rome

Italy’s ‘Eternal City’ beckons and we head south to Rome stopping in Passignano Sul Trasimeno to admire its beautifully preserved centre tucked within a circuit of medieval walls. Arriving in Rome you’ll have an evening to enjoy a Regional Dinner with your fellow travellers.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Barceló Aran Mantegna

Day 14 | Uncover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

Join a Local Specialist to delve into the centre of Christianity - the Vatican City. Visit St. Peter 's Basilica, then cross the Tiber for views of the mighty Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once home to exhilarating chariot races. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city's history and culture that span almost two millennia.

Admire the Spanish Steps, shop up a storm on the Via del Corso or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome. After an afternoon of sightseeing on your terms, complement your day with  an optional experience this evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Barceló Aran Mantegna

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Inside The Vatican & Roman Forum - We skip the lines at the Vatican Museums for a tour with our Local Specialist that shows not just remarkable works of art collected and commissioned over the history of the Papacy, but also Michelangelo’s extraordinary ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Later, we will walk in the footsteps of Julius Caesar and hear fascinating tales of the might of the Roman Empire on a guided visit through the ancient streets of the Roman Forum.

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You will be offered one of the following three optional experiences depending on availability:

Piazzas and Fountains - Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.

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Roman Delights with Dinner - Tonight, relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine, soaking up Rome's unique atmosphere in a characteristic trattoria with drinks and music.

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Roman Evening with Dinner - Spend a light-hearted evening with us in Rome. Relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine with drinks and music. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a drive and provide a glimpse into how Romans enjoy their city.

Code:10071

Day 15 | Onwards to Venice

We journey across the Tuscan countryside bound for Venice. The city’s canals and bridges beckon, but not before we Connect With Locals at lunch amidst the olive groves and vineyards of Tuscany for a Be My Guest experience that will linger long after you’ve left. Arriving in Venice, you’ll have to explore Lido Island your way. Go in search of a lively piazza where a refreshing Campari Spritz awaits.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Viktoria Palace Lido

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Gondolas & the Grand Canal - On arrival in Venice, a private boat will be waiting to take you to St Mark's Square, where you’ll enjoy a gondola ride while being serenaded by local musicians. Later, private water taxis will take you along Venice's Grand Canal, where you’ll admire the magnificent palazzos and Rialto Bridge.

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Day 16 | Cruise the Canals of Venice

Witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassmaking during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at one of the city’s last remaining studios. You’ll watch spellbound as the master craftsmen shape the molten glass the same way their forefathers once  did to create the delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world. Inspired by the talent and skill of these glassblowers, you’ll want to buy a souvenir to remind you of this very special experience. Next, take to the water and cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Join your Travel Director to see the iconic and unexpected highlights of the city - the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile with its five bells. Cross the Rialto bridge, enjoy a sunset over the Grand Canal or ascend the Campanile for panoramic views.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Viktoria Palace Lido

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks - This afternoon, discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You'll enjoy a delicious meal, with a selection of drinks, on the fisherman's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a photographer 's paradise.

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Day 17 | On the Road to Vienna

A scenic drive from Italy to Austria takes us through the Carnic Alps to the imperial capital of Vienna, where we'll spend the next two nights exploring a city famous for its musical heritage and elegance.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Renaissance Wien

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Viennese Dinner with Musical Entertainment - Enjoy dinner in an atmospheric Viennese restaurant, with drinks and traditional musical entertainment included. A unique experience in one of Europe’s most elegant cities.

Code:10072

Day 18 | Explore Vibrant Vienna

Join your Local Specialist this morning to explore the sights, including views of the famous Opera House, Stadtpark, Parliament, Imperial Boulevards and Hofburg Palace, once home to the powerful Habsburg Dynasty.

Spend the rest of the day delving into Vienna's cosy coffee culture, perhaps visit the exquisite Schönbrunn Palace or discover the harmonies of the world's music capital, enjoying one of the city's many musical performances.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Renaissance Wien

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens - The Imperial Summer Palace of Schönbrunn offers an amazing journey through the centuries of Habsburg rule. It is perfectly preserved and richly decorated with treasures from around the globe. Each room has a story to tell, so of course, you’ll have a Local Specialist to bring it to life and to make the most of your time.

Code:10055

You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences** depending on availability:

Dinner And Viennese Concert - A wonderful evening of all things Viennese! We'll enjoy a superb dinner with drinks, followed by a concert of Viennese classical music. With your 'A Class' tickets, you will experience works by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed in a classic, sumptuous setting and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice during the concert. Please note: on occasion, a small gift will be offered in place of a glass of sparkling wine.

Code:10123

Viennese Concert - You’ll enjoy a wonderful concert of Viennese classical music including some of the most famous works of Strauss and Mozart, performed by some of the most highly acclaimed soloists and dancers in Austria. You’ll receive 'A Class' tickets and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice during the interval. Please note: on occasion a small gift will be offered in place of a glass of sparkling wine.

Code:10068

Day 19 | Journey to Prague

Leave the song of Vienna behind, bound for Prague, the Golden City of a Hundred Spires. Traversing the lush landscapes of Slovakia, we arrive in the capital, Bratislava, with its eclectic Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco architecture. There’s time for an orientation with your Travel Director and lunch, perhaps an opportunity to sample the local bryndzové halušky potato dumplings.

Arriving in Prague this afternoon, you’ll want to get right into the heart of this fairy-tale city.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Prague.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Beautiful Prague by Night - Join our Local Specialist for an evening introduction to this fairy-tale city on private transport and with a little strolling. Gaze at the panoramic views of the city of a hundred spires while our Local Specialist brings the magic of the Charles Bridge alive. Enjoy a drink in a quaint restaurant as a musician entertains and discover parts of Prague that we have not seen yet.

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Day 20 | Discover Prague’s Sights

Join your Local Specialist this morning to explore the jewels of Prague’s Castle District and Old Town. You’ll stroll around the Old Town Square and see the 15th- century Astronomical Clock with its mesmerising Walk of the Apostles. Spend your afternoon exploring Prague your way, tracking down the city’s quirky side, from its famous wall of peace to one of the world’s narrowest streets at just 50cm wide. Don’t forget to stop and sample a steaming street food favourite, Trdelník.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Prague.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Scenic Vltava Cruise with Lunch - Take a relaxing cruise on the beautiful River Vltava and we’ll tell you about the legends, myths, culture and hidden secrets of this enchanting city. During the cruise you’ll enjoy a lunch of local specialities.

Code:10063

Day 21 | Off to Munich

You may be tempted to stay in this enchanting city, but Munich promises its own adventures. First stop today however is the UNESCO-listed town of Regensburg with its beautifully preserved medieval centre. Spend some time getting lost in centuries of history, perhaps sampling some of the local Regensburger Wurst. Then it’s time to continue to the Bavarian capital of Munich, where we'll see the Glockenspiel and Marienplatz on an orientation with our Travel Director. The afternoon is free to explore before we have dinner at our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Leonardo City Olympiapark

Day 22 | Uncover Liechtenstein and Lucerne

We leave Germany for Switzerland, stopping in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. We continue to Lucerne, our home for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Grand Europe

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences** depending on availability:

Swiss Folklore Spectacle with a Delicious Dinner - Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant. While enjoying dinner, you can also join in a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included.

Code:10109

Swiss Dinner by the Lake - Tonight, we'll enjoy a delicious Swiss meal that includes the famous Swiss cheese fondue in a typical local restaurant. Its lakeside location and well-placed terrace will ensure a relaxing evening enjoying the hearty Swiss menu. Two drinks are included.

Code:10069

Day 23 | Uncover Lucerne’s Treasures

Pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending King Louis XVI in the French Revolution and see the famous mournful Lion Monument. Walk along the wooden Chapel Bridge and marvel at its decorative ceilings. Then spend the rest of the day admiring the colourful façades of the Old Town or join an Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Grand Europe

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Mount Stanserhorn And Lake Cruise - Take a scenic cruise with us across Lake Lucerne to Stans, and one of Switzerland's oldest mountain railways. Travelling by funicular and the world's first Cabrio cable car, we'll reach 1900m (6300ft), where you’ll have free time to admire the stunning Alpine scenery.

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• On certain departures, this optional may be operated in reverse, ending with the It may also be operated without the cruise for Code:10078

Swiss Countryside & Carriages - A chance to get to know the Swiss, you’ll meet local farmers and enjoy a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Soak up the stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a local homestead where you’ll savour local drinks and snacks.

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• Children must be accompanied by an

Day 24 | Enjoy a Scenic Cruise in the Rhineland

View the ruins of Heidelberg Castle perched above the Neckar River and board a relaxing cruise down the mighty Rhine from St. Goar to Boppard – fantasy castles and hillside vineyards line your scenic journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Diehls Hotel Koblenz

Day 25 | Onwards to Cologne and Amsterdam

Admire the tall twin Gothic spires of the Cologne Cathedral this morning, before crossing into the Netherlands and on to Amsterdam where we spend the next two nights. Sit under the leafy canopy at Leidseplein indulging in Dutch beer and kroketten, hire a bike and hit the city’s tree-lined streets or bask in the warm glow and gezelligheid of one of the city's renowned bruin cafés.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Corendon City

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences** depending on availability:

Dinner in a Historic Dutch House - Join us for a delicious meal of Dutch specialities, including drinks, in the elegant surroundings of this historic house.

Code:10068

Monnickendam Dinner & Dutch Countryside - A beautiful countryside drive brings us to historic Monnickendam, the small fishing village that was formerly a major Dutch port. A walk along the wonderful streets and past lovely gabled houses brings us to the town’s former cheese weigh-house, now an atmospheric restaurant, for a delicious three- course dinner with wine, beer and soft drinks.

Code:10068

Day 26 | Explore Amsterdam

Enjoy an orientation of Amsterdam and spend the rest  of the day exploring the city on foot, by bike or tram. Consider delving into the tragic story of Anne Frank, admire the works of Van Gogh or people-watch in Vondelpark. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your travel companions on board a glass-top boat. Cruise through the city's canals looking up at the centuries-old gabled façades for which Amsterdam is so famous.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Corendon City

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Dutch Villages And Farms - Come with us on a trip to the reclaimed polderlands around the former Zuider Zee. You’ll experience a visit to a cheese farm and wooden shoe maker, then continue on to the picturesque fishing village of Volendam with its wooden houses, locals dressed in traditional costume and old harbour.

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Day 27 | Farewell Amsterdam

After breakfast, it’s time to say a fond farewell to your fellow travellers and Travel Director as you return home with wonderful memories.

Meals: Breakfast