Majestic Europe

Day 01 BARCELONA

Arrival at Barcelona in the morning. Transfer from airport to hotel. Afternoon City Visit - Take the chance to see some of the highlights of Barcelona's art and architecture in this half day tour. We depart from the bus terminal and proceed firstly to Park Guell. Then we continue on past Gaudi's masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia and on to the monumental Bullring. We will also visit Santa Maria del Sar Cathedral before finishing with a tour of the Paseo de Gracia in which we view the Lleo Morera, Batllo, Ametller and Mila houses, the last one being better known as la Pedrera. [Duration : 3 hrs. 30 min. ; Start time : 15:30]

Day 02 BARCELONA-PARIS (overnight train)

Montserrat Morning Visit - Enjoy a visit to the Royal Basilica on Montserrat Mountain's Natural Park. Departing from the bus terminal, we drive past some of the province's picturesque little villages before reaching the outstanding Montserrat. Mountain, situated at an altitude of 1235 meters above sea level. Here we visit the Royal Basilica, where the famous Romanesque sculpture of Virgin Moreneta can be admired. On our way back from Montserrat we stop at the harbour, where we have the option to stay and visit the Aquarium, shops, restaurants and cinemas in this Maritime complex. All those remaining that do not wish to stay in the harbour area will continue back to the Pullmantur Terminal. [Duration - 5 hrs. ; Start time - 09:30] Overnight train to Paris [21:05 - 09:01].

Day 03 PARIS

Reach Paris in the morning. Afternoon free in Paris. Cruise and Illuminations of Paris - A combination of an evening cruise on the River Seine and a drive through Paris to see the highlights of the city. You will start your evening with a cruise on the River Seine which will introduce you to the main monuments of Paris. This will be followed by a magical and magnificent drive through Paris by night with its beautiful illuminated buildings where you will be delighted by the views of the Champs-Elysees, Arch of triumph, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Pyramid and many more. [Duration - 3 hrs. 15 mins. ; Start time - 19:30]

Day 04 PARIS

Paris L'Opentour - Enjoy the main sights of the French capital with this fantastic hop on hop off open top bus tour, valid for one day!

Day 05 PARIS

Free day in Paris. Optional one day tours: Excursion to Palace of Versailles (halfday 69 EUR), Versailles and Trianons (112 EUR), Loire Valley Castles (190 EUR), Reims + Champagne region day tour with wine tasting (111 EUR), Burgundy Region Wine Tour one day tour with wine tasting (145 EUR)

Day 06 MUNICH

Morning train from Paris to Munich [07:24 - 14:02]. Rest of afternoon free in Munich. (Optional) Munich At Night With Dinner At Hofbraeuhaus - Take a tour of the city by night and enjoy dinner and a show at the famous Hofbrauhaus. On this tour you will pass beautiful illuminated squares, monuments, fountains and buildings including, Konigsplatz, Odeonsplatz, Isartor, the Royal Palace and the Angel of freedom. In the famous Hofbraeuhaus you will be treated to a Bavarian-style evening with music, a show and dinner. After that you will pass through the former artist's quarter of Schwabing en route to the Olympic area where you will get to ascend the Olympic Tower to enjoy the marvellous view of the city by night. To end the evening you will have a drink at a nightclub with live music. Evening dress is not necessary and single travellers are welcome. [Duration - 4 hrs. 30 mins. ; Start time - 19:30 ; Operates only on Fri/Sat] COST : 65 Euro per person.

Day 07 MUNICH

Enjoy Munich in open air double-decker buses. Discover the highlights of the city with this comprehensive Hop on Hop off tour. The route invites you to discover the Palace of Nymphenburg, the former summer residence of the Bavarian Princes and Kings, with its beautiful and spacious gardens. To get an impression of modern Munich, you can visit the Olympic grounds where you will find other attractions like Sea Life, the BMW museum and the new BMW Car World. Enjoy a fantastic panoramic view from the top of the 290 meter high Olympic Tower. The tour continues to the former artist quarter of Schwabing where you may stroll along Leopold street. The frequent stopping points make this tour an unforgettable Munich experience

Day 08 VIENNA

Take a tour of the main sights within the city centre and visit the magnificently decorated rooms of Schonbrunn Palace. As we drive around the famous 'Ringstrasse', Vienna's main boulevard, we pass by the State Opera, the Museums of Fine Art and Natural History, the Parliament building, the Burgtheater (National Theatre), the City Hall and the University. We then drive along the Danube Canal and pass by Hundertwasser's 'Kunsthaus' and the Prater Park with its Giant Ferris Wheel. The highlight of this programme is the visit to Schonbrunn Palace where we take a tour of some of the most magnificently decorated rooms. We return to the city centre, passing by Belvedere Palace, where you will have the opportunity to end your tour, or you can choose to continue to the State Opera House, where the tour ends. [Duration : 3 hrs. ; Start time : 14:45]

Day 09 VIENNA

1) Belvedere Palace Combination Ticket - Enjoy your visit at the beautiful Belvedere Palace, which is one of the most important cultural highlights in Vienna and offers you a variety of culturally interesting sights. Take the chance and visit the Belvedere Palace, the palace at the heart of Vienna and which was the baroque summer residence of the renowned general and art connoisseur Prince Eugene. In the Upper Belvedere you find the world's largest Klimt collection with the famous golden pictures "The Kiss" and "Judith" which is a "must" for Klimt fans. In this magnificent palace you can stroll past Austrian art from the Middle Ages to Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. And from the Marble Hall there is an unforgettable view across the Baroque palace gardens to St. Stephen's Cathedral. At Prince Eugene's Lower Belvedere and Orangery, the museum stages superb temporary exhibitions with artworks from all over the world. Here you can also discover Prince Eugene's staterooms, the Hall of Grotesques and the sumptuous Golden Room, the Palace Stables and the Privy Garden. [From 10:00 to 17:30] COST : 13.50 Euro Per person. Includes - This combination ticket includes entrance to the Palace Upper Belvedere with the famous Klimt Collection, Lower Belvedere with the Prince Eugene's staterooms, Orangery, Privy Garden, the temporary exhibitions at the Lower Belvedere and the Augarten Comtemporary.
2) Combination Ticket For Zoo & Giant Ferris Wheel - Take the unique opportunity to visit the oldest Zoo in the world and have the best panoramic view of Vienna from 200ft high. The Zoo was founded in 1752 and it is the oldest existing zoo in the world. It is embedded into the baroque ambiance of the Palace Park of Schonbrunn and is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Zoo you will be able to see the many attractions including a pair of Giant Pandas, Koalas, giant Ant-eaters, African Elephants, Japanese Cranes and more than 400 species that can hardly be seen in any other Zoo in the world. The Giant Ferris Wheel - called "Riesenrad" by the Viennese - is the oldest still existing wheel in the whole world. Its famous silhouette can be seen from most parts of the city and it has become a trademark representing Vienna. From the top you have an great view of the Austrian capital, Vienna. [From 09:00 to 17:00] COST : 16.50 Euro per person. Includes - Admission ticket for the Zoo and for a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel.
3) Vienna Heurigen Express - The Heurigen Express is a great way to admire some of the most typical parts of Vienna and rest on a comfortable seat. You will pass by picturesque wine-growing villages, the romantic Vienna Woods, elegant villas owned by celebrities as well wine-growers' old houses. Take a look at Vienna's impressive panorama, you will also be able to see two houses where Ludvig van Beethoven used to live, while listening to the recorded commentary, via loud speakers, offered in several languages. Afterwards you may enjoy a typical Viennese Heurigen: this is the name for both the new wine and the taverns where this wine is served (not included in the price). The Viennese like to spend a pleasant time in the area where Heurigen is produced, so why don't you do the same? [From 12:00 to 18:00 every 1 hour] COST : 8 Euro per person Includes - Transportation by Heurigen Express train, recorded commentary by loudspeakers.

Day 10 SALZBURG

Morning train to Salzburg [07:20 - 09:59]. 24 Hours Salzburg Card - The Salzburg Card offers you free entrance to all attractions in Salzburg city like Mozart's Birthplace and Mozart's House, the Hellbrunn Castle and the Fortress Hohensalzburg, as well as free use of public transport throughout the city (except trains). With the Salzburg Card you also have many other advantages like several discounts for concerts in Salzburg, the Sound of Salzburg Show and also for other attractions in the vicinity of Salzburg. You will also receive a brochure with information as to what is included in your Salzburg Card and with open/close details of each sight.

Day 11 INNSBRUCK

In the morning sightseeing with Salzburg card continued. In the afternoon train to Innsbruck [14:02 - 16:06]. Remaining day free in Innsbruck.

Day 12 INNSBRUCK

This tour will take you to explore the fantastic and sparkling world of Swarovski. Aboard a fast and comfortable coach from central Innsbruck (30 minutes drive), you will be taken to the world famous Swarovski Crystal World, situated in Wattens. The water spouting Giant (a remarkable huge face sculptured on top of a rock) will amaze you with his sparkling eyes! Inside the Giant, a whole crystal world awaits you: the Chambers of Wonders containing the Planet of Crystals, the Crystal Dome, the Crystal Theatre, the Ice passage and the Floating Poem. They all witness the level of artistic perfection reached by Swarovski and their images will be etched on your mind forever.

Day 13 VENICE

Morning free in Innsbruck. Train to Venice [13:27 – 18:10]. Evening at will in Venice for gondola ride or shopping (on own)

Day 14 VENICE

A walking tour which offers a short historical and artistic introduction to the city of Venice. We begin with a description of St. Mark's Square, the political centre of the Venetian Republic. Then you will enter the Golden Basilica and visit the Ducal Palace, the residence of the Doges and the most important seat of government in the 'Serenissima', the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons. [Duration : 2 hrs. ; Start time: 09:10] Includes - Guide service, entrance to St. Mark's Basilica, entrance to the Ducal Palace, entrance to the Prisons, walk over the Bridge of Sighs, visit to a Glass Blowing Factory.
Half Day to Murano, Burano & Torcello (Afternoon)- Sail to Murano to see how the beautiful coloured glass is made, then on to the pretty islands of Burano and Torcello. After sailing past the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Public Gardens, the tip of Sant'Elena and the famous Lido beach resort, the boat arrives in Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Here we stop for around 40 minutes to visit to one of the factories. The second stop is at the picturesque island of Burano, famous not only for its lace but also for the fishermen's houses painted in bright colours. The stop will last about 30 minutes. Then after a short cruise, we reach Torcello, the earliest centre of civilization in the estuary. Only the Cathedral with its magnificent mosaics and the church of Santa Fosca remain as testimony of its former glory. The stop will be for about 30 minutes then we return to St.Mark's Square. [Duration - 3 hrs. 30 min. ; Start time - 14:15]

Day 15 FLORENCE

Train to Florence [08:40 - 10:05]. Visit of Florence (Afternoon) - Highlights of this tour include a visit to the Uffizi Gallery. We depart by coach for a brief excursion to Fiesole, a delightful town of Etruscan origin, positioned on the hill that dominates Florence and the Arno Valley. The tour continues to the historic centre for a visit to the Church of Santa Croce (outside view). A short walk through the historical streets in the heart of Florence brings you to the famous Piazza della Signoria, where you can admire the imposing Palazzo Vecchio (exterior) and the beautiful Loggia dei Lanzi. The tour will then take you to the famous Uffizi Gallery where it is possible to admire the superb paintings of the Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue and Masaccio. [Duration : 3 hrs. 30 min. ; Start time - 14:30]

Day 16 FLORENCE

Discover the 2 jewels of the Tuscan region. Upon arrival in Lucca, a pleasant walk will take you into the enchanting historical centre where you will have the chance to admire the amazing Piazza Anfiteatro, the Torre Giunigi, the San Marino Church and the typical antique dealers street. We then departure for Pisa, famous for its architectural masterpieces. Upon arrival in Pisa you will have free time for lunch (not included), then a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli, with the celebrated Leaning Tower (outside view), the Baptistery (outside view) and other important monuments. This is followed by a visit to the interior of the Cathedral. You will the be given some free time for your disposal before finishing the tour with a pleasant walk to Piazza dei Cavalieri. [Duration : 9 hrs. ; start time : 09:00] Operates on Mon/Tue/Thur/Sat

Day 17 ROME

Train to Rome in the morning [08:39 - 12:13]. Skip the Line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms Half Day Tour Visit all of the most important sights of Vatican City with this unique guided Vatican City Tour with the added advantage of avoiding the queue. Duration of tour: 3 hours
Avoid the lengthy queues and explore one of the world's most extensive art collections with an expert local guide on this fascinating tour of the Vatican. Your guide will share the stories and secrets contained within the Museums' walls, pleasures originally meant for the exclusive enjoyment of the Pope. Experience Michelangelo's famous Creation of Adam with you own eyes as you explore the Sistine Chapel and wander Raphael's Rooms. After taking in the Museums, be humbled by the imposing beauty of Saint Peter's Basilica, where you will encounter another of Michelangelo's masterpieces, La Pieta'. For a fascinating finish, you will stop to admire the magnificent Saint Peter's Square, as your guide points out Bernini's ingenious use of optical illusion.[Start time - 14:15]

Day 18 ROME

Open City Tour - or optional tours as folows. Enjoy Rome from an open top bus. The Rome open tour offers you the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful hop on - hop off experience, with an itinerary including stops at the most famous sites in Rome with 2 hours commentary in 8 languages. [From 08:30 - 17:00] Includes - Transportation by bus, recorded commentary. OPTIONAL SIGHTSEEING:
OPTION 1: Naples-Capri-Anacapri : Take a day out of Rome to visit Capri with its famous Blue Grotto and Anacapri. Duration of tour: 13 hours 30 mins. 145 EUR pp. Includes: Transportation by coach and jetfoil, guide service, entrance to the Blue Grotto in Capri, lunch, free time.
OPTION 2: Naples-Pompei
Enjoy a visit to Pompei to see the excavations of the tragic Roman city. Duration of tour: 14 hours 30 mins. 115 EUR pp Includes: Transportation by coach, visit to a Cameos Factory, lunch, entrance and guided tour to Pompei Excavations.

Day 19 ON FLIGHT

Transfer to airport.