Itinerary:
Day 1 USA - London (England)
Our 10 days vacation begins as we board our-trans Atlantic flight bound for London, the capital of England.
Day 2 Arrive London
We arrive London in the morning, and start immediately our sightseeing tour with a visit to the State Apartments of Windsor Castle, one of the oldest continuously inhabited royal residence in the world and the weekend home of Queen Elizabeth. Windsor Castle was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and now is the summer palace for the present Queen. We walk around the State Apartment and extensive rooms furnished with treasures from the royal collection including paintings, fine tapestries, porcelain, sculpture and armor. After lunch in Chinatown, continue our city tour of London via touring coach to the Parliament Building, the famous Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Ten Downing Street. Photo stops at Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace will be arranged. Tonight we accommodate at the 4-star. Thistle Tower, located in the banks of the River Thames, next to the Tower Bridge. We have a perfect opportunity to walk along the river and the bridge. (L)
Day 3 London
A walking tour shows us the Tower of London. Founded nearly a millennium ago and expanded upon over the centuries since, the Tower of London has been a fortress, a royal residence and state prison where many of Englandsˇ¦ most famous prisoners have been confined and some were executed. We will also see the flightless ravens and the exhibition of the Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is free for us to further explore this historic city. If you desire, you may visit some world famous museums. (B)
Day 4 London - Eurostar Train - Brussels (Belgium) - Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Early morning transfer to Waterloo Station, take the Eurostar Train to Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. Enjoy our lunch on the train. Upon arrival the tour features the Grand Place, Flamboyant City Hall, Guild Houses, and legendary Manneken Pis Statue. Later, drive along the scenic country roads to Amsterdam, the capital city of Netherlands, where we get to see the landmarks, windmills. Besides, a Canal Cruise is awaiting us to give us a detailed look of the city once we get there. (B, D)
Day 5 Amsterdam - Cologne(Germany)
Today, we have a good opportunity to visit a famous diamond cutting and polishing factory. Since Amsterdam is famous for its diamond cutting techniques, we will get to see the one of a kind special designed diamonds. After a photo stop at Dam Square, continue on to Cologne for a visit of one of the worldˇ¦s tallest and biggest gothic cathedral, Cologne Cathedral. (B, D)
Day 6 Cologne - Luxembourg
After breakfast, we are off to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in the United Nations. The size of the country is equivalent to the Rhode Island in the US; however, this countryˇ¦s military fortifications and financial systems are world famous. (B, D)
Day 7 Luxembourg - Paris (France)
Travel to Paris. Upon arrival in the afternoon, free time to shop at Lafayette Department Store. This evening, an optional tour of Paris is offered. It will include a boat ride cruising on River Seine, a ticket to the 2nd level of Eiffel Tower for a panoramic view of the beautiful city, Place Charles de Gaulle, and passing through many historical buildings.
Day 8 Paris
A drive outside the city takes us to Versailles Palace, once the pride of France and the envy of many monarchs in Europe. Later, we visit the Louvre Museum to see some of the most famous works of art in its incomparable collection. The rest day of the tour via bus takes in all the famous landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Place De La Concord, Champs Elysees, Arc De Triomphe, Les Invalides. (B, D)
Day 9 Paris
Explore Paris at your own pace. Perhaps you want to finish buying your last minutes presents for relatives today. (B)
Day 10 Paris - USA
Transfer to the airport for the international flight back to the States. (B)
