European Rhapsody - Start London, Classic Group
Tour Overview
Embark on the "European Rhapsody - Start London, Classic Group" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of Europe. Begin in London, where you'll board the high-speed Eurostar to Amsterdam, exploring its iconic canals and Golden Age architecture. Traverse the scenic Rhine Valley to Wurzburg, and step back in time in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Discover Prague's rich history with a local expert, and savor traditional Czech pastries. In Budapest, enjoy a scenic dinner cruise along the Danube. Experience Vienna's imperial grandeur and indulge in its famous coffee culture. Conclude in Venice, where you'll witness the art of glassblowing and dine in the heart of this enchanting city. This tour offers a blend of cultural insights, authentic dining, and unique experiences across eight countries, ensuring an unforgettable European adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to London
Location: London
Accommodation: Park Plaza Victoria, London.
Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, London
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
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Day 2: London to Amsterdam
Location: London, Amsterdam
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Accommodation Name: Apollo, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet your Travel Director and transfer to London’s St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar for a rail journey via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel to Brussels. Board the coach and continue to Amsterdam. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests during a cruise, along some of the many quaint, tree-lined canals. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. Disembark and venture to a local restaurant for dinner.
Day 3: Rhine Valley to Würzburg
Location: Rhine Valley, Würzburg
Accommodation: Maritim Hotel Würzburg.
Accommodation Name: Maritim, Würzburg
Meals Included: Dinner
Relax with a scenic drive along the Rhine Valley to Würzburg. See the mighty Marienburg Fortress – the immense baroque palace of the Prince Bishops and one of the most important landmarks in Germany. On arrival, visit the imposing Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a Local Expert. Marvel at intricate decorations and lavish staterooms.
Day 4: Rothenburg and Golden Prague
Location: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Prague
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Prague.
Accommodation Name: Royal, Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most well-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Continue east to the Czech border, passing the town of Pilsen renowned for its beer, before reaching the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, perhaps take a river cruise through the heart of the city?
Day 5: Prague, City of a Hundred Spires
Location: Prague
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Prague.
Accommodation Name: Royal, Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Prague with Insight Choice. Choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join your Local Expert through the Jewish Quarter and hear about the history, traditions and legends of the Jewish people and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry. Then, the city is all yours to explore. Perhaps rummage through the renowned antique stores or shop for the finest Bohemian crystal?
Day 6: Through Bohemia to Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn, Budapest.
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn, Budapest
Meals Included: Dinner
Start the day with a journey through the beautiful forested countryside of Bohemia. Travel to Hungary, following the River Danube to Budapest. In the evening, join a Local Expert to enjoy a scenic dinner cruise, gliding past UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city’s spectacular night-time beauty earns it the nickname 'Pearl of the Danube’.
Day 7: Budapest, Queen of the Danube
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn, Budapest.
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn, Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive along the beautiful Andrassy Avenue to Heroes' Square. Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda and admire sweeping views from the Fisherman’s Bastion with a Local Expert. Stand atop Gellért Hill where the colossal Liberty Statue stands in front of the Citadella watching over the city. Marvel at extensive panoramic views as you look out over the famous river dividing Buda and Pest - the two sides linked by the mighty Chain Bridge and the elegant, newer Elizabeth Bridge.
Day 8: The Flavors of Budapest
Location: Budapest, Vienna
Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park.
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Plaza, Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning enjoy a tour of the Liszt Music Academy with a student, followed by an enchanting recital. The university was founded by the piano virtuoso and composer Franz Liszt in 1875. Continue your travels, past the Turul Monument, a large eagle statue overlooking the town of Tatabanya, to the Austrian border and through pleasant farming country to the imperial capital of Vienna.
Day 9: Vienna and the Habsburgs
Location: Vienna
Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park.
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Plaza, Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, there is the option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital's architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament building. Later, join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. Sit down for traditional coffee and cake and mingle with locals at a cozy café.
Day 10: Lake Wörthersee to Venice
Location: Lake Wörthersee, Venice
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals Included: Dinner
This day's route takes you past quiet villages, through Styria's forested mountains and into the Carinthian Lake District. Continue past Europe's warmest lake, the Wörthersee, to cross into Italy near Tarvisio. Then follow mountain valleys and cascading streams down to the Veneto Plain en route to the unique city of Venice. Arrive by private boat to your hotel. In the late afternoon and early evening, sip a cocktail on the corner of Piazza San Marco, whilst you are serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians. Afterwards, stroll past the Doges Palace and the famous 'Bridge of Sighs' to a local restaurant in the heart of the San Marco 'sestieri' for a magical dinner.
Day 11: The Magic of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. Visit St. Mark's Square, dominated by its magnificent basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower. Also in the square stands the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace which is connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts center. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Day 12: Arrivederci Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: on
Meals Included: Breakfast
Alas, you must bid farewell to this enchanting city. Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport.
What's Included
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Choose Your Activity
Choose between two carefully selected activities to tailor your travel experience.
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Expert Local Guides
Benefit from the knowledge of Local Experts as you explore cities like Prague, Budapest, and Venice.
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Luxury Transportation
Travel in comfort with luxury air-conditioned coaches, offering double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Tips are included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
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Luggage Handling
Enjoy the convenience of having your bags carried for you and delivered to your hotel room.
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Insight Flourishes
Experience local specialties representing the destination, courtesy of your Travel Director.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Airport Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights coincide with the itinerary start and end dates.
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Unique Experiences
From a scenic dinner cruise in Budapest to sipping cocktails by the canals in Venice, enjoy unique dining experiences.
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Cultural Insights
Gain deeper understanding through cultural experiences like glassblowing in Venice.
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
Flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended for all travelers but is not included in the tour price.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered. Guests will have the opportunity to explore local dining options at their own expense.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities mentioned are not included in the tour price and may incur an additional cost.
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Personal Expenses
Expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and other personal items are not included.
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Visa Fees
Any required visas or entry fees for travel are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with luxury air-conditioned coaches offering double the standard legroom, and enjoy a high-speed Eurostar train journey from London to Brussels via the Channel Tunnel.
Accommodation
Stay at carefully selected hotels, including the Thistle Marble Arch in London, Apollo in Amsterdam, Maritim in Wurzburg, Royal in Prague, Hilton Garden Inn in Budapest, Hilton Vienna Park in Vienna, and Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio in Venice.
Dining Summary
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Budapest: Enjoy a tour of the Liszt Music Academy with a student, followed by an enchanting recital. Producing incredible musical talent, the university was founded by piano virtuoso and composer Franz Liszt in 1875.
- Vienna: Be pampered with traditional coffee and cake. An experience like no other, this cozy café provides companionship, and promotes well-being and support for the community, in addition to crafting delicious treats.
Summary
- See Amsterdam • Alte Mainbruckem and Marienburg Fortress in Wurzburg • Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber • Old Town Square, St Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle • Váci Utca and Gellért Hill in Budapest • Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche in Vienna • St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace in Venice.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the European Rhapsody tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as a scenic dinner cruise in Budapest, witnessing the ancient skill of glassblowing in Venice, and a tour of the Liszt Music Academy in Budapest with a student, followed by a recital.
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What are the dining options available during the tour?
The tour includes 11 breakfasts and 4 dinners with wine. Some of the dining experiences include a dinner of modern European cuisine in Amsterdam, a scenic dinner cruise in Budapest, and a Venetian Celebration Dinner in Venice.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides luxury transportation with air-conditioned coaches that offer double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Additionally, there is a high-speed Eurostar train journey from London to Brussels.
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Are there any cultural insights provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers cultural insights such as exploring the Jewish Quarter in Prague with a Local Expert, and learning about the history and traditions of glassblowing in Venice.
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What is the Make Travel Matter experience in Venice?
In Venice, the Make Travel Matter experience involves witnessing the skill of glassblowers at a traditional arts center, supporting the survival of this traditional craft and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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What are some of the sightseeing highlights included in the tour?
Sightseeing highlights include a cruise along Amsterdam's canals, visiting the Marienburg Fortress in Würzburg, exploring the Old Town of Buda in Budapest, and seeing St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace in Venice.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
European Rhapsody - Start London, Classic Group
12 Days Starting in London, England and ending in Venice, Italy
Visiting: London, Amsterdam, Rhine Valley, Würzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Lake Wörthersee, Venice ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
T912MZN20
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians