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The Best of Europe with London 2013-2014

19 days with Cosmos   Rating: Budget

Book this Trip Now and Save!

  • Receive $200 per couple in air credit when you purchase a Europe tour and flights through Cosmos. Book by May 21, 2013. Click here for eligible departures.
  • Military members save $50 off the land price of select vacations when you book by December 31, 2013. Click here for eligible departures.

Offers subject to change or withdrawal, availability is limited. Some discounts are not combinable.


800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Itinerary
Click for Dates and Prices

Day 1 Arrive in London, England
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 2 London
A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (B)

Day 3 London–Brussels, Belgium–Amsterdam Area, Holland
Leave London in the early morning on your Eurostar train to Brussels. Meet your Tour Director and board your luxury coach for the drive to the Amsterdam area. (B)

Day 4 Amsterdam Area–Rhineland, Germany
Today, enjoy sightseeing in Amsterdam with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights. Later, a canal cruise to see the town from water level, then watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a diamond center. This afternoon, continue your journey to the scenic Rhineland for an overnight. (B,D)

Day 5 Rhineland–Heidelberg–Lucerne, Switzerland
Drive through the picturesque Rhineland this morning or, alternatively, take the optional Rhine River cruise and enjoy splendid scenery including the Lorelei rock. Next, drive into Germany’s oldest university town, Heidelberg, nicely located at the confluence of the Rivers Neckar and Rhine, for a short visit. In the afternoon, travel by way of the Autobahn into Switzerland for two overnights in Lucerne. (B)

Day 6 Lucerne
One of Switzerland’s finest cities, nestled amid its snowcapped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. The orientation includes the Lion Monument, erected in memory of the 800 Swiss Guards who defended Louis XVI and his wife at the wooden Chapel Bridge. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a cable-car ride to the 10,000-foot summit of Mount Titlis; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course, time to shop for that very Swiss watch. (B)

Day 7 Lucerne–Lugano–Verona, Italy–Venice Area
More wonderful Alpine scenery as you drive into the mountain ranges that surround the massive St. Gotthard. Once through its great tunnel, you’ll start your scenic descent into the warmer and sunnier ambiance of Canton Ticino. Stop in beautiful Lugano and take a stroll along the lakeside promenade. Then, cross into Italy and drive across the Po Valley to Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. See Juliet’s house and balcony, and stroll around the picturesque market square. Tonight you are in the Venice area. (B)

Day 8 Venice Area
Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and busy little piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride and is followed by some time to soak up the city’s unique atmosphere and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D)

Day 9 Venice Area–Assisi–Rome
An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po plain, then crossing the rolling Apennines. Stop in Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome. (B)

Day 10 Rome
The “Eternal City”—a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B)

Day 11 Rome–Pompeii–Neapolitan Riviera
South all the way today, with the volcano Vesuvius in the distance. First, a stop in Pompeii, where time stopped in 79 AD when the Vesuvius eruption totally destroyed it. On the included visit you can see the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. Just a few more miles for two overnights on the Neapolitan Riviera. (B)

Day 12 Neapolitan Riviera. Excursion to Capri
Cross the blue sea to Capri. This legendary island, surrounded by rose-tinted rocks, has incredibly beautiful coves of translucent blues and greens. The town, with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. An optional tour takes you around the island with its steep roads and panoramic views. (B,D)

Day 13 Neapolitan Riviera–Florence
An early start this morning for the journey north to Florence. Vistas of undulating hills, austere rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Arrive in Florence in the afternoon in time to enjoy its magnificent architectural and artistic treasures; the included walking sightseeing will take in most of the highlights. (B,D)

Day 14 Florence–Pisa–French Riviera, France
Stop in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles. Bypassing the great port of Genoa, you drive northwest, getting glimpses of the Italian and French Rivieras. The drive continues to descend to the shores of the Côte d’Azur for an overnight in this charming region. (B)

Day 15 French Riviera–Route Napoleon–Grenoble
A great itinerary today! Start the day with a visit to a typical Provence perfume workshop in Grasse, then follow in the footsteps of Napoleon as he escaped from exile in Elbe. Once he landed on the shores of the Côte d’Azur, he made his way to Paris via Grasse. Continue via Digne and Gap to Grenoble on the Route Napoleon. Overnight in Grenoble, now an alpine sports mecca and site of the 1968 Winter Olympic Games. (B,D)

Day 16 Grenoble–Beaune–Paris
Enjoy the very heart of the Burgundy wine-growing region, making a stop in lovely Beaune, surrounded by some of the world’s finest vineyards. Time to see the famous Hotel-Dieu Hospital. Continue northwards directly to Paris for two overnights. (B)

Day 17 Paris
Paris is a world-class city that probably has more familiar landmarks than almost any other city in the world. This morning, see them during the including city tour. View the famous Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, and much more with a Local Guide. In the afternoon, feel like a French aristocrat as you join the optional walking tour through the immense Palace of Versailles. This evening, why not join an optional welcome dinner? (B)

Day 18 Paris–London, England
Relax on your Eurostar journey back to London (B)

Day 19 London
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Map
800-680-2858 800-680-2858 All This Included
This tour begins in London with two overnights and free time to see the major landmarks. Then, cross the English Channel by Eurostar train (except where specified) to Brussels and continue by motorcoach to Amsterdam. Travel along the banks of the legendary Rhine River to Germany and stop in Heidelberg before crossing into Switzerland. In Lucerne, marvel at the famous Lion Monument. Drive through the St. Gotthard Tunnel to the shores of Lake Lugano, and pause in Verona to see Juliet’s balcony. In Venice, enjoy a canal boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and see the Bridge of Sighs, Doges’ Palace, and the Basilica. Visit Assisi and St. Francis’ Basilica, then head for Rome, the “Eternal City,” for a visit to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Travel south to the archaeological site of Pompeii, destroyed in 79 AD by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Enjoy two overnights on the Riviera, with a boat trip to the glamorous Isle of Capri. Travel north for time in Tuscany, Florence, and in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower. Finally, cross into France for a taste of Provence, continuing to the alpine town of Grenoble for an overnight. Stop in Burgundy’s Beaune on the way to Paris, the “City of Light,” for two overnights. Return to London by Eurostar train (except where specified) for a final overnight and the end of your wonderful journey.
  • Buffet breakfasts; 5 dinners
  • On the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Eurostar train London-Brussels; canal transfer boat in Venice; boat transfer to Capri
  • Headsets throughout the tour
  • Host service in London. Local Guides for city sightseeing in Amsterdam, Rome, Pompeii, Florence, Paris. Professional Tour Director while touring
800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Highlights
  • Visits to Heidelberg, Lucerne, Lugano, Verona, Venice, Assisi, Sorrento, Capri, Pisa, Beaune 
  • Rhineland, Italian & French Rivieras, Route Napoleon, Swiss Alps
800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Accommodations
London: Novotel London West (F)
Amsterdam Area: NH Airport (F) at Schiphol or Grand (F) at Amstelveen or Inntel (F) at Zaandam
Rhineland: Stadtwald (F) at Cologne or Zum Anker (ST) at Andernach or Ramada (F) at Bruehl or Holiday Inn (F) at Cologne-Bonn Airport
Lucerne: Luzernerhof (F)
Venice Area: Poppi (F) at Mira or All Seasons (ST) at Mestre
Rome: Residenza Parco Tirreno (F) or Princess (F) or Cristoforo Colombo (F)
Neopolitan Riviera: Central Park (ST) at Massalubrense or Tirrenia (ST)
Florence: Italiana Hotel and Resort (F)
French Riviera: Park Inn (F) at Nice or Quality (ST) at Menton
Grenoble: Europole (ST)
Paris: Kyriad (ST) at Bercy or Quality (ST) at Orleans

To see our key for hotel ratings, click here.

800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Notes
  • No triple room reduction.
  • Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in London if Cosmos issues the air tickets.
  • March 21 Departure - Easter in Rome.
  • December 16 Departure - Christmas lunch in Rome and New Year in Paris.
  • 2014 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification. Details will be available in September 2013.
  • When planning your trip, allow one extra day before tour date for travel between the USA and Europe.
  • Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.
800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Terms and Conditions

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.