Enchanting Europe (HM) - 2013

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13 days from London to Paris

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The Lion Monument or the Lion of Lucerne, is a sculpture in Lucerne, Switzerland

Vacation Overview

Experience two of Europe’s most famous high-speed trains: the Eurostar train from London to Brussels and the high-speed TGV train from Strasbourg to Paris. Guided sightseeing is included in London, Vienna, Salzburg, and Paris, with included visits to St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, the Strauss House in Vienna, Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, a ride to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and more. Also stay in Amsterdam, where an included canal cruise is the best way to see the 17th-century capital of Holland; in Germany’s Koblenz with a romantic Rhine River cruise; in Munich, where dinner at the famous Ratskeller restaurant gives you a chance to try out traditional Bavarian fare; in Innsbruck, Tyrol’s capital, where a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Alps is included; in picture-book Lucerne, with time to climb a mountain or attend a folklore party; and in the Black Forest, where you will learn all about the cuckoo clock and taste traditional Black Forest Cake. Scenic drives along the Rhine River, past the Salzkammergut area, and through the Alps make this vacation an unforgettable experience.

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Save $100 per person on select 2013 popular European departures.*

Receive a $200 per couple air credit on all 2013 Globus air-inclusive Europe vacations.*

*Book a 2013 Globus air-inclusive Europe (excluding Jordan) vacation to receive the $100 per person air credit. Must be booked, under deposit and discount applied between January 9 and June 25, 2013 for travel between January 9 and December 31, 2013. Not applicable on instant purchase air. Applies to coach class only. Air must be purchased through Globus in conjunction with a Europe tour. Air credit will apply to the per person air price and is non-transferable. Offers not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. An additional $300 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with a land vacation. Once airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive price is guaranteed. Globus reserves the right to ticket passengers upon receipt of full land and air deposit; Any subsequent changes and/or revisions to airline reservations at your request after receipt of full land deposit are subject to revision fees and/or airline-imposed change or cancellation fees. These fees are a minimum of $300, and in some instances may be up to 100% of the ticket price. In addition, promotional discounts do not carry forward on changed air bookings. However, promotions in effect at the time of the change will apply. Total air price includes all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking. Air price, air tax and security fees are non-commissionable. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. For the most current airline-imposed baggage fees, please check the following website, www.iflybags.com. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

Similar Vacations that may interest you:

Extend Your Vacation in London (HML)

LONDON
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and see the Changing of the Guard, if held

LONDON–BRUSSELS
By high-speed Eurostar train

AMSTERDAM
Canal cruise

RHINE CRUISE

MUNICH
Orientation, visit Marienplatz; dinner at local restaurant

SALZBURG
Guided walking tour, visit Mirabell Gardens and St. Peter’s Churchyard

VIENNA
Guided sightseeing, visit Strauss’ House

INNSBRUCK
Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof; Tyrolean horse-drawn carriage ride and a drink at a café

VADUZ
Stop in the capital of Liechtenstein

LUCERNE
Walking tour including the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge

BLACK FOREST
Learn about cuckoo clocks, enjoy a traditional dinner with local specialties and Black Forest Cake

STRASBOURG–PARIS
By high-speed TGV train (first-class)

PARIS
Guided sightseeing, ascend the Eiffel Tower

Headsets throughout the tour on the Continent

NOTE:

In the rare event that the Eurostar train or the TGV train is unavailable, alternative services will be provided.

DAY 1Arrive in London, England

Welcome to London! Uniformed Globus Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Ride the iconic double decker bus in London

The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel

Marvel at the architecture on Londons infamous Big Ben

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DAY 2London

Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. Time in the afternoon for independent activities. Optional excursions are available to the Tower of London and to Windsor Castle. Maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (Breakfast)

Westminster Abbey – the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English monarchs

Overlooking The Houses of Parliament along the north bank of the Thames River

Changing of the Guard

"Changing the Guard dates to Henry VII (reigned 1485-1509) and was designed to show military discipline as well as ceremony. The tall bearskin hats were introduced in the 18th century to make the soldiers look taller and thus more frightening, and they were adopted for ceremonial use in 1832. The ceremony we know today started in the late 1800s and involves real soldiers who fulfill all military duties, guarding the Queen being just part of their service."

Tower of London

"Since its founding in the 11th century, the Tower of London has served many roles: impregnable fortress, royal residence, armory, treasury, home of the famed Crown Jewels, and a prison for those who offended the monarchy. To this day it is guarded by the “Beefeaters,” a name that likely originates from when Tower guards were paid part of their salary with chunks of beef, a practice that continued until the 1800s."

Houses of Parliament

"Big Ben may be the most famous feature of the Houses of Parliament, but equally impressive is the hammerbeam ceiling of Westminster Hall. The Hall dates back to 1097 and, at that time, the roof was supported by pillars. During the reign of King Richard II (14th century), however, it was replaced by the hammerbeam roof seen today. This roof – its beauty and sustainability – is even more impressive when you know its history. It was built with beams made from trees that were ancient at the time, reputedly acorns, dating back to the 6th century (or earlier). If only these walls (beams, rather) could talk!"

Buckingham Palace

"Amid the splendor of modern cities it’s hard to imagine what places looked like before they became what we know today. In a previous incarnation, the ground where Buckingham Palace now stands was a mulberry garden cultivated by King James I as food for silkworms. The silk industry he hoped to nurture never materialized, and eventually a roadhouse was built there, followed in due course by the Blake House, Goring House and Arlington House.Originally known as the Buckingham House, built as a townhouse by the Duke of Buckingham in 1709, the estate was acquired by King George III in 1762."

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DAY 3London–Brussels, Belgium–Amsterdam, Holland

Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and head for the railway station to board the high-speed EUROSTAR TRAIN to Brussels, Belgium. From here, a comfortable drive will bring you to Amsterdam, Holland’s 700-year-old capital. Tonight is your chance to join the locals during an optional dinner with local specialties at one of Amsterdam’s lively restaurants, followed by an evening walk through Old Amsterdam. (Breakfast)

Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age

View the magnificent Gothic and Baroque architecture on the Grand Place in Brussels

Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands

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DAY 4Amsterdam–Koblenz, Germany

Enjoy a CANAL CRUISE aboard a glass-roofed launch, which is the best way to get a good impression of how this city was built and how much still remains from the Golden Age. Depart for Koblenz, the German city where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers come together. An optional excursion to impressive Marksburg Castle, with spectacular views of the Rhine River, is available. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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DAY 5Koblenz–Munich

Start with a romantic RHINE CRUISE along the most scenic part of the Rhine River past castle-crested cliffs, terraced vineyards, and trim, half-timbered towns. Continue to Munich, capital of Bavaria, and see the Olympic Park and the 1,000-foot-high Television Tower. Also visit MARIENPLATZ with its New and Old Town Halls, where a special dinner with local specialties, like Frittatensuppe (pancake soup), and wine awaits you at the famous Ratskeller restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)

A Short Wine Guide

"Historically, Germany’s wine has suffered with an “inferiority complex” fueled by the reputation of wine powerhouses France and Italy. And in modern times, they’ve tacked of “how to compete with a Bordeaux or a Chianti” by improving quality, while keep prices reasonable. Finally, German vintners are starting to reap the rewards. The world famous Riesling region, centered on the Rhine and its tributaries and in eastern Germany near Dresden, is the biggest success story to come out of Germany’s 13 wine growing regions. White grapes form 80 percent of the harvest, but reds are on the rise, as well as the general reputation of German wines."

"Munich, Germany's Secret Capital"

"Munich is the only German metropolis that seems to have everything – wealth, beauty, prominence, fame. Some even call it Germany’s “secret capital.” Unlike Berlin, which some dub “architecturally challenged,” Munich bursts with historical buildings reconstructed after the devastation of World War II. Its grand Residenz, the former home of Bavarian kings, dominates the city center, which also boasts the flamboyant, gilded Cuvillié Theater. Nearby, the neo-gothic Neues Rathaus gives a medieval touch to the Marienplatz, the heart of Munich. "

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DAY 6Munich–Salzburg, Austria–Vienna

Follow the Bavarian Alps into Austria and arrive in Salzburg. Join your Local Guide for a walk through the historic center. Admire exquisite MIRABELL GARDENS, the Great Festival Hall, ST. PETER’S CHURCHYARD, the monumental Domplatz, and Mozart’s birthplace in the charming Getreidegasse. Then continue past the lovely Salzkammergut Lake District, and catch glimpses of Mondsee, where Maria married Von Trapp in the Parish Church in the The Sound of Music movie. Arrive in Vienna, proud capital of Austria. (Breakfast)

Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire

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DAY 7Vienna

Guided sightseeing features the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, a stop at Hofburg Palace, and a visit to STRAUSS’ HOUSE. To make the most of your stay, choose from our optional excursions to magnificent Schönbrunn Palace or to Grinzing for a taste of Heurigen wine. (Breakfast)

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DAY 8Vienna–Innsbruck

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Danube Valley and enter the Tyrolean Alps. In Innsbruck take a pleasant stroll through quaint medieval lanes to Emperor Maximilian’s GOLDEN ROOF. Highlight of the day is a spectacular HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDE including a drink at a local café. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Enjoy some time exploring the beautiful Innsbruck

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DAY 9Innsbruck–Vaduz, Lichtenstein–Lucerne, Switzerland

Follow the River Inn on the comfortable highway through the Arlberg area, famous for Austria’s ski resorts like Lech and Zürs, to Vaduz, capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein. Time to buy your stamps or other souvenirs before continuing to picture-book Lucerne in Switzerland. During your walking tour, admire Thorwaldsen’s emotional LION MONUMENT, dedicated to the fallen Swiss Guards who protected the Royal House of France during the French Revolution, and the ornate patrician houses lining the cobblestone streets of the walled Old Town. Then, cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit Church. Afterwards, shop for Swiss watches and chocolate. Tonight is your chance to join the Swiss Folklore dinner with yodeling and alphorn blowing. (Breakfast)

Lion Monument

“The Lion of Lucerne” (Lowendenkmal) is a compelling statue in the north section of Old Town dedicated to the 42 members of the Swiss Guard who were assigned to protect Louis the XVI, Maria Antoinette and their family at the Royal Palace. When the Tuileries was stormed on August 10, 1792 by rioting Parisians at the start of the French Revolution, the king ordered the soldiers to lay down their arms. They were subsequently slaughtered by the crowd and the royal family was captured. Louis had made a big mistake. In 1821 Danish sculpture Berthel Thorwaldsen finished the sculpture, a 30-foot likeness of a wounded and dying lion with a broken lance in its heart and his paw resting atop the fleur-de-lys shield of the Bourbon king. The Latin inscription translated “To the bravery and fidelity of the Swiss.”

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DAY 10Lucerne–Black Forest, Germany

Exciting optional activities to choose from: climb a mountain by cable car or take a cruise on the fjord-like lake. Then, re-enter Germany into the lush valleys and pine-clad hills of the Black Forest. Enjoy a warm welcome by the Drubba family at Hofgut Sternen hotel and learn all about the cuckoo clock, for which the area is famous. Of course, you will have a special dessert after dinner: the traditional Black Forest Cake. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The Black Forest in southwestern Germany

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DAY 11Black Forest–Strasbourg, France–Paris

Cross the border into the Alsace region and arrive in Strasbourg, seat of the European Parliament, where you will board the high-speed TGV TRAIN to Paris. Optional excursions are available to the magnificent Louvre Museum, and tonight to try out local dishes at one of Paris’ fine restaurants, followed by an illumination drive to explore the “City of Light.” (Breakfast)

View of Strasbourg, situated on the banks of the Rhine River

Louvre

Today, a thick pane of bullet-proof security glass keeps artlovers a safe distance from the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, Wife of Francesco Giacondo,” known in French as “La Joconde” and English as the “Mona Lisa.” But back in 1911, it was simply hung on the walls of the Musée du Louvre like any other canvas. That was until a former museum employee named Vincenzo Perrugia strolled into the gallery before opening hours on August 21, noticed the room was empty, took down the Mona Lisa and walked out of the Louvre with it under a painting smock. When the loss was finally noticed, the police were mystified. For two years, the whereabouts of the masterpiece was unknown, while French detectives made various wild guesses. (It had been stolen by the Germans. By anarchists. By evil geniuses. By lunatics.) They actually arrested the country’s top art critic, Guillame Apollinaire, then let him free. Then, out of the blue in 1913, an Italian art dealer in Florence was contacted by a man calling himself “Leonardo” who claimed to have the Mona Lisa and wanted to see it hang in the Uffizi, Italy’s top art museum. Although he found it hard to believe that the thief could be so reckless, the dealer tipped off the police and agreed to meet the strange Leonardo in a Milan hotel room. There, the nondescript fellow opened his suitcase, emptied out his socks and underwear, opened up a false bottom in the case to reveal the Mona Lisa – and was immediately arrested.

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DAY 12Paris

Discover the world capital of chic and style with a Local Guide and admire its most famous sights: the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and more. For a bird’s-eye view, take the elevator up to the second floor of Paris’ most famous landmark: the EIFFEL TOWER. To make the most of your stay, join an optional excursion to the lavish baroque Palace of Versailles, and for tonight, maybe a lively cabaret dinner show, the best way to say, “Au revoir, Paris?” (Breakfast)

The Arc de Triomphe standing in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle

French Fashion

There’s more than one way to conquer the world. The flabby, charismatic “Sun King,” Louis XIV, knew that he could impress the French people with his insanely lavish royal lifestyle, but he also wanted to make his mark on Europe. Throughout his 55 year rule in the 17th Century, he campaigned vigorously to establish Paris as the continent’s capital of style, promoting its gourmet food and wine, haute couture, cutting-edge perfumes, opulent furnishings and exquisite jewelry. Every new innovation required Louis’ personal imprimatur, making him the world’s first fashion dictator. Author Joan DeJean claimed in “The Essence of Style” that Louis’ devotion to elegance has shaped the culture of indulgence today – “Without the Sun King’s program for defining France as the land of luxury in glamour, there would never have been a Stork Club, a Bergdorf Goodman, a Chez Panisse or a Christophe of Beverly Hills.”

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DAY 13Paris

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

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Transportation

High-speed Eurostar train; motorcoach with free Wi-Fi; canal cruise in Amsterdam; Rhine River cruise; horse-drawn carriage ride in Innsbruck; high-speed first-class TGV train

LONDON Hilton London Metropole (SF)
AMSTERDAM NH Amsterdam Centre (SF)
KOBLENZ Mercure (F)
MUNICH Holiday Inn Munich City Centre (F)
VIENNA Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier (F)
INNSBRUCK Grauer Bauer (F)
LUCERNE Grand Hotel Europe (F)
BLACK FOREST Best Western Hofgut Sternen (F) at Breitnau
PARIS Mövenpick (SF) at Neuilly sur Seine

Full buffet breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners, including a special dinner with wine in Munich

Four Ways Globus Eliminates the Hassles

VIP Access
Skip the lines and get special treatment at the must-see attractions.

Perfect Hotels
We’ve done the work to find just the right hotels in just the right locations.

Tour Directors
Take your heads out of the guidebook and let expert guides make every destination fascinating.

Transportation
Leave the navigating to us – and just sit back and enjoy the ride.

View Offer

Save $100 per person on select 2013 popular European departures.*

Receive a $200 per couple air credit on all 2013 Globus air-inclusive Europe vacations.*

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on the Enchanting Europe:

Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
Historic Centre of Vienna
Paris Banks of the Seine
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam

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