Spectacular Europe

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to a local international airport. 
• Roundtrip airfare from a local international airport to London, with return from Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Thirteen-night hotel accommodations
• Roundtrip transfers airport/hotel
• Meals: 13 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
• Sightseeing and admissions as stated in itinerary
• Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Services of a Costsaver Travel Director and Driver
• Gratuities for the Costsaver Travel Director, Driver and Local Guides
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager
   

Highlights

• London, England
• Calais, France
• Paris, France
• The Eiffel Tower
• The Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées
• Montmartre
• Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
• The Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church
• The Lion Monument
• Florence, Italy
• Rome, Italy
• Vatican City
• St. Peter's Basilica
• Venice, Italy
• St. Mark's Square
• Innsbruck, Austria
• Cologne, Germany
• Amsterdam, Netherlands

Itinerary

Thursday, July 24: Depart Central PA for Overnight Flight to London

Depart by motorcoach to a local International Airport for an overnight flight to London, England.

Friday, July 25: Arrive in London

Welcome to London! Keep it real on the vibrant streets of London, where old meets new and best of British icons jostle for your attention. Don't resist the urge to hit the streets straight out of the starting gate after checking in. There's something for everyone as you'll come to discover exploring the capital's culture, history and scenic spaces. Delve into London's royal heritage, stroll along the Thames or admire treasures from across the globe in one of its museums before retiring to your neighborhood 'local' for a pint or two.  Hotel: Ibis London Earls Court.

Saturday, July 26: London Free Day

What a treat! A full free day in London to explore as you wish. The British capital wears its diversity with pride - an epicenter attracting people from all over the world who are helping to shape its vibrant cosmopolitan spirit. Dive right in and visit the iconic sights and some hidden surprises, from the British Museum to the London Dungeon. When night falls, head to the bright lights of Soho or pop in to Brick Lane for a curry. You won't be left empty handed when it comes to grabbing a plate of what London is serving up. (Breakfast)

Sunday, July 27: London - Paris

London bids you safe travels as you continue south through the Kent countryside to Dover and then on by ferry to Calais. Next stop is Paris, another capital that doesn't hold back and doesn't expect you to either. Take a walk through its grand past, dynamic present and exciting future, from the maze of streets that once nurtured great artists in Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower. Hotel(s): Hampton by Hilton Paris Clichy/Ibis Paris Alésia Montparnasse 14éme. (Breakfast)

Monday, July 28: Paris 

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 savor some local specialties before considering a real highlight this evening - an optional dinner and cabaret performance (not included in the price of the tour). Hotel: Hampton by Hilton Clichy. (Breakfast)

Tuesday, July 29: Paris - Lucerne 

Journey through the idyllic French countryside before arriving in Lake Lucerne. You'll want to put the 'heart' of Switzerland in your pocket and take its history, culture and epic landscapes with you. Hotel(s): Ibis Kriens, Krone Sarnen. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday, July 30: Lucerne 

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 (not included in the price of the trip). Ascend Mount Pilatus by a cog-wheel railway then embark on a scenic lake cruise. Hotel(s): Ibis Kriens, SwissEver Zug. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Thursday, July 31: Lucerne - Florence

Your journey heads south 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 jewelry for which Florence is justifiably famous. Hotel: Grand Mediterraneo. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Friday, August 1: Florence - Rome

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. Linger in your favorite 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. Hotel: Raganelli. (Breakfast)

Saturday, August 2: Rome 

You could spend a lifetime exploring Rome and just scratch the surface, but with our 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 (not included in the price of the trip). 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.  (Breakfast)

Sunday, August 3: Rome - Venice

Journey on to Venice, which bewitches in all her Byzantine glory, softening even the hardest of hearts with her opulence.  Highlights include a cruise on a private launch to St. Mark's Square and views of the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. The talents of master craftsmen are the star of the show later as you visit their glassblowing workshop, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. . Hotel: Hotel San Giuliano. (Breakfast)

Monday, August 4: Venice - Munich - Innsbruck

Today you continue along the Inn Valley to the Austrian Tyrol and its capital, Innsbruck, where you can 'ooh and aah' at the impressive ski jump and view the famed Golden Roof, constructed from 2,657 copper tiles. Your next stop today is Munich where you can admire the Glockenspiel in the Marienplatz and the Hofbräuhaus. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.  Hotel: Bon Alpina. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Tuesday, August 5: Innsbruck - Cologne - Rhineland

Your first stop today is the main cultural center 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. Suitable inspired by its spires, you'll board a lazy river cruise down the Rhine past terraced vineyards and fairy-tale castles. Hotel: Achat Hotel Reilingen Walldorf. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday, August 6: Rhineland - Amsterdam

Your experience of a lifetime ends in the free-thinking capital of the Netherlands. Immerse yourself in Amsterdam's spirit as you soak up the buzz of the city's canals, gabled houses and festive squares. 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 (not included in the price of the tour). Hotel: Ibis Schiphol. (Breakfast)

Thursday, August 7: Depart Amsterdam

Say farewell to your European journey coming away with fond memories. Transfer to the Amsterdam Airport for your flight and transportation back to Central, PA. 

*Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without advanced notice and or compensation.

Activity Level: 3

This tour requires moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs, or on uneven surfaces, should be expected.  

General Information

Travel Documents

Original, signed Passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank Visa page for Visa Stamp(s) is required.  As of the printing of this brochure all guests are required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization for travel to the Schengen countries of Europe.  Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information.

As travel policies are rapidly changing as a result of COVID-19, the final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see you travel advisor for additional information.

Payment 

A deposit $200 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA  by May 12, 2025.

Cancellations Penalties 

Deposit date to day of departure $25 per person, plus..

From September 1, 2024 to May 25, 2025          $200 per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
From May 26  to July 8, 2025                              30% per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
From July 9 to July 16, 2025                                50% per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
From July 17 to July 23, 2025                              90% per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
After July 24, 2025                                               NON-REFUNDABLE

* Airfare is non-refundable after final payment. 

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat request cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel advisor. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Average temperatures in Europe in May are in the mid 70s.   Expect days in the mid-60s in the northern regions of Germany and The Netherlands with cooler mornings and evenings.  Pack for a variety of temperatures; layers are suggested. Daytime, casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. An umbrella is recommended.

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat.. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by the airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing needed assistance.

GRP1625

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