European Experience End Paris with Oberammergau

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive London
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.' wrote author and poet Samuel Johnson in 1738. You'll come to discover this yourself as you enjoy a free day to take in all of London's delights. Begin your journey in this multicultural capital, which truly is all things to all people. Expect a bit of pomp and ceremony, from high tea and pageantry to popular young royals and cutting-edge fashion. London provides a rich introduction to Europe and sets the tone for the rest of your memorable trip.

Day 2: London free day
Dive right into London's busy streets on your full free day dedicated to discovering the city's many surprises. Head to Trafalgar Square watching people and pigeons mingling under the gaze of Lord Nelson. Take time out for a pint and some fish and chips in one of the city's locals or watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. You could choose to board the London Eye for a 360-degree view of the city and London's lifeblood - the Thames.

Day 3: London - Amsterdam (1 Night)
Sit back, relax and take in the sights as you begin your journey to one of Europe's friendliest city, Amsterdam. Catch a glimpse of the famous White Cliffs of Dover when you board your ferry to Calais, then drive through the landscapes of Belgium and the Netherlands keeping a keen eye out for the characteristic Dutch windmills which extend their massive sails in what seems to be a warm embrace. There's no better way to see the capital than from its waterways, so choose an Optional Experience in a glass-topped boat winding through Amsterdam's historic canal ring.

Day 4: Amsterdam - Cologne - Rhineland (1 Night)
Your first stop today is the main cultural centre of the Rhineland and home to the impressive Cologne Cathedral which looms high above the city 's skyline. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and one of the country 's most-visited landmarks. Suitably inspired by its spires, you 'll board a lazy river cruise down the Rhine past terraced vineyards and fairy-tale castles.

Day 5: Rhineland - Oberammergau (Passion Play Performance) (1 Night)
This morning travel to the picturesque town of Oberammergau where the Passion Play will be performed. This afternoon, take your premium seats for this unique and moving performance. Dine at a local restaurant this evening before experiencing the captivating second half of this unique event as night falls.

Day 6: Oberammergau - Venice (Marghera) (1 Night)
Enjoy an exhilarating journey via the Brenner Pass - one of the principal alpine highways - to Italy. In the Byzantine city of Venice, cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square. Marvel at St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. Visit a traditional glassblowing workshop and see a demonstration, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, then spend time discovering the delights of Venice. You might like to take a romantic ride in a gondola.

Day 7: Venice - Rome (2 Nights)
Cross the Veneto plain into Tuscany, travelling through Umbria to Lazio and eventually the 'Eternal City'. If Rome was a person, she would be confident, alluring and complex. You 'll get to know her, and her quirks, over the next two days as you continue to explore Italy. You 'll find reminders of an ancient world, a holy empire and the Renaissance around every turn. You could choose to join a Local Specialist for an optional guided stroll through Rome 's piazzas. Linger in your favourite square, or perhaps enjoy a scoop or three of the local gelato and soak up the effervescent energy of a city that knows how to enjoy life.

Day 8: Rome sightseeing and free time
You could spend a lifetime exploring Rome and just scratch the surface, but with your Local Specialist on hand you 'll dive right into the city 's heart and soul. Head to Vatican City to watch the pigeons and people tread on holy ground, then visit St. Peter 's Basilica and see Michelangelo 's priceless 'Pietà'. Skip the long queues and choose an Optional Experience to the Vatican Museums. Continue your tour across the Tiber to the Colosseum and other ancient sites, following in the footsteps of Julius Caesar. The rest of the day is yours to explore Rome your way. Consider an optional local dinner followed by a scenic tour of the city by night.

Day 9: Rome - Florence (1 Night)
Life mimics art in the idyllic Umbrian and Tuscan landscapes you 've seen in countless films, photographs and works of art. Experience it yourself as your journey heads north to the Renaissance city of Florence. Soak up every detail as you admire the city skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo. There 's time to explore Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Giotto's Bell Tower or shop for the bespoke Italian leather goods and fine gold jewellery for which Florence is justifiably famous. You could choose instead to join an Optional Experience revealing the Renaissance heritage of a city which attracted artists, physicists, astronomers and philosophers like Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo.

Day 10: Florence - Lucerne Region (2 Nights)
There 's no better backdrop than the Apennines as you wind your way north past Milan and the Swiss border. Press your nose to the window, drinking in the beauty of the St. Gotthard Pass in the Swiss Alps, then continue to Lake Lucerne. You 'll want to put the 'heart' of Switzerland in your pocket and take its history, culture and epic landscapes with you, but for now be contented with an Optional Experience that will see you dive into Swiss folklore and food - fondue anyone?

Day 11: Lucerne orientation and free time
Turn the page to a land of fairy-tale landscapes and medieval history. You have a full day to see the sights and explore Lucerne, starting with a morning orientation including the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church. No visit to Lucerne is complete without a visit to the Lion Monument, built to commemorate the brave Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution. You may be tempted to do some souvenir shopping, but an Optional Experience into the mountains will be hard to resist. Ascend Mount Pilatus by a cog-wheel railway then embark on a scenic lake cruise.

Day 12: Lucerne Region - Paris (2 Nights)
It doesn 't get more idyllic than the French countryside and you 'll soak it all up as you continue through the vineyards of celebrated wine regions before arriving in Paris. The 'City of Lights' shines brightly this evening and it will sparkle even more should you choose to join an Optional Experience to cruise down the Seine, seeing the glittering skyline from the water.

Day 13: Paris sightseeing and free time
Audrey Hepburn described it best when she said: 'Paris is always a good idea.' We 're sure you 'll agree. Hit its grand boulevards on a city sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. See the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées then spend the rest of the day discovering the city on your terms. Don 't resist the urge to tread in the footsteps of Picasso and Dalí and visit Montmartre this afternoon, exploring its maze of streets and Artist 's Square. There 's time to shop for artwork and savour some local specialties before considering a real highlight this evening - an optional dinner and cabaret performance.

Day 14: Depart Paris
Say farewell to your Travel Director and travelling companions at the end of an amazing holiday. Find out more about your free airport transfer at costsavertour.com/freetransfers. Your coach returns from Paris to London, you are welcome to use this complimentary transfer.