Europe Splendors
London, Brussels, Black Forest, Rhine Falls, Zurich, Lucerne, Mount Titlis, Venice, Pisa, Florence, Vatican City, Rome, Genova, Nice, Paris
Day 1
Arrive London
Day 2
London Folkestone / Dover Calais Brussels - Germany: Frankfurt / Mannheim area
Day 3
Germany: Frankfurt / Mannheim area - Black Forest Switzerland: Rhine Falls Zurich
Day 4
Switzerland: Lucerne - Mount Titlis
Day 5
Switzerland Italy: Venice - Venice / Padova area
Day 6
Italy: Venice / Padova area Pisa - Florence Arezzo area
Day 7
Italy: Arezzo area Rome Arezzo area
Day 8
Italy: Arezzo area - Genova Sanremo area
Day 9
Italy: Sanremo area France: Nice - Lyon area
Day 10
France: Lyon area Paris
Day 11
France: Paris Calais - Ferry Dover London
Day 12
London Check-out from Hotel
Day 1: Arrive London
Today, arrive at your Heathrow Airport / Wembley area hotel (transfer not included), and check-in (after 14:00 p.m.). In the afternoon, you will meet your Tour Manager and depart for a panoramic tour of London to see the main sights: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge. Later we visit the Swaminarayan Temple intricately designed and made of white Italian Carrara marble. Early evening return to your hotel. (Dinner)
Day 2: London Folkestone / Dover Calais Brussels - Germany: Frankfurt / Mannheim area
This morning, at the check-in point, you will meet your Tour Manager and join the coach for a leisurely drive from London to Folkestone or Dover, for the short channel crossing to Calais by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle or Ferry. On arrival, we proceed to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the seat of several European Union institutions including the European Commission and Parliament. Here we visit the Grand Place and see the Mannekin Pis statue. Continuing our drive, we reach our overnight stop and check-in at our hotel. (Breakfast only for passengers staying at London Hotel on Day 1, Dinner)
Day 3: Germany: Frankfurt / Mannheim area - Black Forest Switzerland: Rhine Falls - Zurich
Today, we depart after breakfast. Joining the autobahn we enter the enchanting Black Forest region, where you will marvel at the timeless serenity and unparalleled scenery around you. We visit a Cuckoo Clock outlet where you have time to shop for cuckoo clocks and other souvenirs. Continuing our drive, we pass through small idyllic villages before crossing the Swiss border. Our first stop in Switzerland is to visit the majestic Rhine Falls. We then proceed to the financial capital of Switzerland, Zurich for a short panoramic tour. Later we check-in at our hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Switzerland: Lucerne - Mount Titlis
This morning we visit the town of Lucerne to see the Chapel Bridge. Enjoy some free time or join the additional excursion - Lake Lucerne Cruise. We then drive through the Swiss alpine region and the winding mountain roads to the valley of Engelberg, where we begin our ascent to board the world‟s first revolving cable car, reaching the peak of 10,000 feet and the highest viewpoint in central Switzerland Mount Titlis (weather permitting). Visit the Glacier Grotto or enjoy a breathtaking panorama from the sun terrace. Later we begin our descent, passing the glaciers and thawing ice, which create majestic waterfalls. This evening we return to Lucerne to see the Lion Monument. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Switzerland Italy: Venice - Venice / Padova area
Early morning we depart for Italy. Driving south through the Gotthard tunnel, we pass spectacular scenery around the lake regions of Lugano and Como. Crossing the Italian border, we continue on the motorways, to Venice, the city of unparalleled beauty and romantic gondolas.
Our tour starts with a boat ride to St. Mark‟s Square the most elegant square in the world, to see the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges Palace and Basilica di San Marco. Later enjoy a romantic Gondola ride - gliding through serene waters, against the stunning backdrop of Baroque buildings is an experience you won‟t soon forget. Late evening check-in at our hotel for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Italy: Venice / Padova area Pisa - Florence Arezzo area
Today we depart for Pisa. Watch the amazing scenery change as we cross the Appennines and the gentle hilly countryside of Tuscany to reach Pisa, where we visit the Field of Miracles. Here you can marvel at the marble Cathedral in the Pisan - Romanesque style, the Baptistery, and one of the wonders of the world, the legendary Leaning Tower. Leaving Pisa, we continue on the motorways to Florence. On arrival in the city of the Medicis, we will visit Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy one of the best views of this renaissance city across the River Arno. You then have some free time to wander around this city, where traffic is banned from the historic centre, admiring its timeless beauty. Later we continue our journey and check-in at our hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Italy: Arezzo area Rome Arezzo area
Passing sunlit valleys of the Chianti wine country and ancient fortresses perched high on the hills, we reach the „Eternal City‟. On arrival, we meet our local guide and proceed to the Vatican City, where we will visit St. Peter‟s Basilica and Square, a renaissance masterpiece. In the afternoon, we take in the ancient sights of Rome - Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, which was the political centre of the Roman Empire, Colosseum (photo stop), Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, and the spectacular Trevi Fountain, where you may make a wish. Late evening return to our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Important Note: Due to restrictions on coaches for entering many parts of Rome, much of the tour may be done on foot or by local buses.
Day 8: Italy: Arezzo area - Genova Sanremo area
Today we depart for Genova, Italy's leading port, with a long history of maritime power. After a short panoramic tour, you have some free time at the hub of Genova, Piazza De Ferrari, with its splashing fountain surrounded by grand buildings, and with the busiest streets radiating from it in all directions. Continuing our journey, we drive past spectacular scenery along the Ligurian Sea and arrive at the Italian Riviera region, and early evening we check into our hotel. After dinner, you may either rest in your hotel or join the additional excursion Monte Carlo by Night Tour. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Italy: Sanremo area France: Nice - Lyon area
This morning, we visit a French Perfumery to see a demonstration of how French perfumes are made. Later we visit Nice, where you have some free time at the Promenade des Anglais, a sea-front avenue, where you can take a leisurely stroll. Proceeding, we drive through the Provence of Cezanne and Van Gogh onto the Lyon area where we check into our hotel for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: France: Lyon area - Paris
Today we depart for Paris, one of the most exciting and popular cities of Europe, renowned for its fashion, perfumes, and of course the most talked about French wines. On arrival in Paris, we will enjoy an amazing cruise (*) on the River Seine - admire the spectacular facades from your covered boat. After dinner you may either rest in your hotel or join the additional excursion - Evening in Paris Tour. On our tour we will see the main sights illuminated. Later, why not joinus for an exciting optional Lido Paris Cabaret Show. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: France: Paris Calais - Ferry Dover London
This morning we visit the third floor (**) of the Eiffel Tower to witness a spectacular view of the city. Later, proceed on a short panoramic tour of Paris to see the main sights (outside view) of this beautiful city: Hôtel des Invalides, Arc de Triomphe, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Opéra National de Paris and the Louvre Museum. Early afternoon we depart and journey north for Calais to board the ferry for the return channel crossing. On arrival at Dover port, we proceed to London, where the tour ends, and it is time to say farewell to all the friends you have made on tour. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 12: London Check-out from Hotel
This morning check-out of the Hotel (before 11:00 a.m.) and proceed for your flight / home, on your own. The Tour ends. (Breakfast only for passengers staying at London Hotel on Day 11)
Note (*): Please note that the River Seine Cruise may be operated on either Day 10 or Day 11 as per convenience.
Note (**): Please note that the visit to the Eiffel Tower may be operated on either Day 10 or Day 11 as per convenience. The reservation for the visit to the Eiffel Tower is subject to availability, and could be up to the 2nd Floor or 3rd Floor.
Punctuality
The Coach Drivers are bound by restrictions concerning maximum driving hours per day and per week, and the itineraries are planned having regard to the same. It is therefore, essential that the itineraries, schedules and timings are strictly adhered to by the passengers so as to ensure that all the services can be duly provided. If passengers miss any service due to lateness, there would be no refund for the same.
Baggage
Due to limited luggage storage space in the coach, passengers are requested to limit their baggage to one medium sized suitcase - the sum of the 3 dimensions (length + breadth + height) must not exceed 62 inches or 158 centimetres and the weight should not exceed 23 kgs. In addition to this medium sized suitcase, you are allowed one small piece of hand luggage per person, weighing up to a maximum of 7 kgs. This can be either a ladies handbag or small rucksack or laptop bag and must be able to fit into the inside-rack of the coach, or underneath your seat. Trolley bags are not allowed as hand luggage.
Meals
Continental breakfasts are provided on our Tours, and are served at the Hotels. Please consult your Tour Manager with regard to daily breakfast timings. We provide authentic Indian dinners (and lunches on some tours) on pre-set fixed buffet menu on our Europe coach tours. The meal plan is indicated at the bottom of the daily itinerary. Lunches on some tours will be served in pre-selected picnic areas where they may be no seating arrangements. On some days, cold packed lunches may also be served. We, however, reserve the right to change the meal arrangement, where circumstances compel us to do so. On certain tours, we will provide pre-set Continental dinners at the hotel / restaurant as mentioned by the itinerary.
Children
We welcome children of all ages through entire program of holidays and tours. European legislation requires that all infants must be allocated a seat on Coaches. An additional fee is payable for this and details of this are set out in this brochure or are available from any of our Reservations Team. Child / Infant booster seats are not provided so / the Coach Company, and we advise you to carry your own.
Milk and baby food cannot be provided by the hotels or restaurants, and passengers accompanied by young children / infants are advised to carry ready baby milk cartons or baby milk formula on tour. Kindly note that not all hotels provide a kettle so if hot water is required for warming milk etc. in the hotel then it is advisable to carry a bottle warmer / kettle.
Manual pushchairs can be kept in the baggage lockers of the coach. Please advise our Reservations Team at the time of booking if you intend to carry a pushchair for your child / infant.
Shopping on Ferry
Purchases can be made on board the ferry from the shop, both on the outbound and return journeys. Kindly seek advice from the authorities for legal allowances
Foreign Currency and Expenses
My Holiday Craze advises passengers to exchange any spending money before they commence their tour. Passengers may also change money on the ferry, however not all passengers will cross the channel via ferry. While on tour, it is not possible for the tour manager to arrange for a passenger to exchange money, and not all places of interest will have ATM machines or accept credit / debit cards. All passengers will need to carry a small amount of local currency for their personal expenses, such as,refreshments, lunches, and traveling aids. This is generally GB £20.00 or € 25.00 or US $30.00 per person per day. Passengers are also advised to keep some Euro change while on tour as the same may be needed to pay for toilets in many parts of Europe.
Clothing & Personal Items
Since European weather conditions vary throughout the season, it is advisable for all passengers to be well prepared for all types of weather conditions. We strongly recommend passengers to allow for both cold and warm climate.
We recommend that you carry warm clothing like a sweater / pullover, shawl, warm socks, warm jacket, stockings, gloves, thermal wear and sensible walking shoes. In case you wish to visit the Cabaret Show in Paris, please carry formal wear for the same.
Please also carry your toiletries, medicines with doctor's prescription, sunglasses, umbrella, and universal electric plug pin.
Electrical Appliances
Electrical currents vary in the United Kingdom, on the continent of Europe and also in different countries throughout the world. Some newer appliances have dual voltage, but if not, we suggest you carry a converter for your electric shaver, travelling iron and other small appliances to prevent damage. Additionally, plugs / outlets differ everywhere, so you will need a universal electrical travel adaptor to use your appliances.
Service Fees & Tipping
Service Fees / Tips are customary in all parts of the world for services rendered (Coach Driver, Tour Manager, Mobile Kitchen Chefs, etc.) The service fees for the Tour Manager and Coach Driver are included in the tour cost. Should you wish to also offer a tip to the Caravan Staff, please do so at the end of your holiday in an envelope. The envelope may be handed over to the Tour Manager or the Caravan Staff.