Cities Visited:
Visits to Heidelberg, Lucerne, Lugano, Verona, Assisi, Pisa, Avignon, Carcassonne, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Burgos, Orleans

This extensive vacation stretches through Central Europe from London to Rome, then along the Mediterranean to Spain and France to reach Paris. It is a harmonious combination of cities, history, culture and landscapes that make the Old Continent such an attractive area to discover. Start in London, making the most of the UK’s capital, then cross the Channel by ferry to join your motorcoach bound for Amsterdam where you enjoy a guided tour and a canal cruise. Follow the banks of the Rhine and visit romantic Heidelberg, then on to Switzerland for two overnights by the shores of Lake Lucerne surrounded by impressive alpine landscapes. Stop in sub-tropical Lugano and continue south into Italy, visiting Verona en route to the unique floating city of Venice with its St. Mark’s Square and Basilica and other historic buildings. Experience more Italian masterpieces in Assisi, St. Francis’ home; Rome with its Roman Forum and Colosseum; and Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance” with its incredible architecture and works of art. Head northwest to the mild climate of the French Riviera, visit Avignon, and overnight in Carcassonne, a splendid example of a medieval fortified city. In Spain, spend two nights each in Barcelona and Madrid and get to know the cities on the included guided sightseeing tours. North into Castille, stop in Burgos, then to Basque Country for an overnight in Bilbao before returning to the jewels of France: Bordeaux, Poitiers, Chateaux Country, Orleans, and the “City of Light,” Paris. The dazzling French capital is the ideal conclusion to this exciting European experience.