EUROPE UNPLUGGED 2008 - 22 DAYS
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (Fri, Aug 8). Depart London, catch the ferry from Dover to Calais. Once on board our Topdeck coach we make our way to Paris. This evening we head into "The City of Lights" for a spectacular night light tour. The tour takes us past the Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower.
DAY 2 PARIS (Sat, Aug 9). Explore the sights of Paris at own pace - Notre Dame Cathedral, the Georges Pompidou Centre, the Louvre or the Musee D'Orsay. Spend the morning on a bicycle tour around this spectacular city. Wander through the shops on Rue de Rivoli or spend the afternoon in a sidewalk cafe. After picnic dinner under the shadows of the Eiffel Tower, take an Seine River cruise or see the cabaret show in Paris at the famous ‘Paradis Latin’.
DAY 3 PARIS TO LAUTERBRUNNEN, SWITZERLAND (Sun, Aug 10). This morning we depart Paris and travel through the French countryside to Switzerland. We head on to Lauterbrunnen, a village at the base of the Jungfrau and Schilthorn mountains.
DAY 4 LAUTERBRUNNEN (Mon, Aug 11). Take a train ride up through the Jungfrau Mountain to the top of Europe. View the amazing ice palace, try glacial skiing (weather permitting) or Husky sleigh rides (subject to seasonal openings). There are mountain walks available, take a mountain bike on one of the tracks, or visit the Trummelbach Waterfalls.
DAY 5 LAUTERBRUNNEN TO AVIGNON, FRANCE (Tue, Aug 12). Today, drive back through the heart of France to Avignon in the wine-growing region of the Rhone Valley. This evening we take a walk into the old town centre past the Palace of the Popes and the Pont St Benezet (immortalised in the nursery rhyme).
DAY 6 AVIGNON TO FRENCH RIVIERA (Wed, Aug 13). Today we drive through the heart of France to Avignon in the wine-growing region of the Rhone Valley. This afternoon it’s off to the beaches of the French Riviera. Tonight we head into Monaco where the gambling tables of Monte Carlo await us.
DAY 7 FRENCH RIVIERA (Thurs, Aug 14). Today we have a free day to visit Nice, capital of the Riviera. Stroll the Promenades, go Roller Blading, or lay by the Mediterranean.
DAY 8 FRENCH RIVIERA TO FLORENCE, ITALY (Fri, Aug 15). This morning we travel via the historic city of Pisa, with plenty of time to see the famous Leaning Tower, before heading to our campsite overlooking the historic centre of Florence.
DAY 9 FLORENCE TO ROME (Sat, Aug 16). During our morning walking tour of Florence city, see the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery and Santa Croce. Visit to a leather demonstration as well as a visit to Walter's Gold and Silver shop. After lunch, it’s on to Rome, the Eternal City and home of the Vatican City, St Peter's Cathedral, and the Colosseum. The walking tour takes us to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Ancient Roman Forum, the massive Victor Emmanuel Monument and the Colosseum.
DAY 10 ROME (Sun, Aug 17). Use the free day to explore the Palatine hill area (the ancient commercial and political heart of Rome) or go shopping in trendy fashion boutiques. There are plenty of bars in the famous Trastevere neighbourhood to visit after dinner tonight.
DAY 11 ROME TO VENICE (Mon, Aug 18). This morning is our chance to visit the stunning Vatican Museum and St Peter’s Cathedral. Then we say farewell to Rome and head north through Tuscany and over the Apennine mountains. During the afternoon we travel on to enchanting Venice.
DAY 12 VENICE (Tue, Aug 19). Built on an island, Venice’s network of canals and narrow passageways means that a walking tour is the only way to truly appreciate the splendours that only Venice can offer. Such as the bustling St. Mark's Square and Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, Doges Palace, the Campanile and Rialto Bridge - followed by a demonstration of traditional Venetian lace making. A ride through the canals in a gondola. Travel by motorboat along the Grand Canal before dinner.
DAY 13 VENICE TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA (Wed, Aug 20). Today it’s off to the capital of Austria, the beautiful city of Vienna. At night visit the Prater Amusement Park (see if we can recognise it from a scene in one of the James Bond films).
DAY 14 VIENNA (Thurs, Aug 21). Sights include the Schonbrunn and Hoffburg Palaces; St Stephen's Cathedral, the Opera House and Spanish Riding School (if in town). An optional excursion to a traditional Schnapps Museum. Tonight visit a traditional Viennese Chamber Orchestra in one of Vienna’s many Palaces, and have dinner in the Palace after the concert!
DAY 15 VIENNA TO MUNICH, GERMANY (Fri, Aug 22). Travel to the Munich, the capital of Bavaria, stopping to reflect on the horrors of WWII during a visit to Mauthausen concentration camp. A walking tour will take us to see the Marienplatz, Church of our Lady, the Glockenspiel and old Town Hall. Don’t leave Bavaria without a night in the beerhalls sampling a German beer or two whilst being entertained by the traditional Oompah band.
DAY 16 MUNICH TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC (Sat, Aug 23). Travel to the Czech Republic and the city of a thousand spires, Prague. Our walking tour will take us to the memorable Charles Bridge, Hradcany Castle, the Old Jewish Quarter, Powder Tower, Tyne Church, and the Wenceslas Square where Czechoslovakia’s Velvet Revolution took place.
DAY 17 PRAGUE (Sun, Aug 24). From the trams rumbling along the streets and the artists around Charles Bridge, to the old traditional Inns and hand-made puppets. We have plenty of free time today to wander around the historic city centre, lunch in one of the local cafes.
DAY 18 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY (Mon, Aug 25). First up today we stop in 800 year old Dresden before continuing on to Berlin, the vibrant capital city of Germany.
DAY 19 BERLIN (Tue, Aug 26). The many sights and museums help to give us an understanding of the history of the city. Included are the famous Victory Monument, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Ku'Dam and the world renowned Zoo. We will stop at the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and travel down the Unter Den Linden in former East Berlin.
DAY 20 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (Wed, Aug 27). Next to Amsterdam, the party capital of Holland. On our way into the city, we will see cheese and traditional clog making demonstrations. Tonight is spent in the famous Red Light District.
DAY 21 AMSTERDAM (Thurs, Aug 28). A great way to see Amsterdam is on a bicycle tour. Then plenty of time to see the Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Anne Frank's House and also spend time in the Rijks and Van Gogh Museums. Why not visit the ‘Heineken Experience’ in the original Heineken Brewery. Maybe take a trip through the canals on our famous canal cruise tonight after our farewell dinner.
DAY 22 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND (Fri, Aug 29). Today we make our way to France via Belgium and catch the cross-channel ferry from Calais to Dover, arriving in London in the early evening.
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (Fri, Aug 8). Depart London, catch the ferry from Dover to Calais. Once on board our Topdeck coach we make our way to Paris. This evening we head into "The City of Lights" for a spectacular night light tour. The tour takes us past the Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower.
DAY 2 PARIS (Sat, Aug 9). Explore the sights of Paris at own pace - Notre Dame Cathedral, the Georges Pompidou Centre, the Louvre or the Musee D'Orsay. Spend the morning on a bicycle tour around this spectacular city. Wander through the shops on Rue de Rivoli or spend the afternoon in a sidewalk cafe. After picnic dinner under the shadows of the Eiffel Tower, take an Seine River cruise or see the cabaret show in Paris at the famous ‘Paradis Latin’.
DAY 3 PARIS TO LAUTERBRUNNEN, SWITZERLAND (Sun, Aug 10). This morning we depart Paris and travel through the French countryside to Switzerland. We head on to Lauterbrunnen, a village at the base of the Jungfrau and Schilthorn mountains.
DAY 4 LAUTERBRUNNEN (Mon, Aug 11). Take a train ride up through the Jungfrau Mountain to the top of Europe. View the amazing ice palace, try glacial skiing (weather permitting) or Husky sleigh rides (subject to seasonal openings). There are mountain walks available, take a mountain bike on one of the tracks, or visit the Trummelbach Waterfalls.
DAY 5 LAUTERBRUNNEN TO AVIGNON, FRANCE (Tue, Aug 12). Today, drive back through the heart of France to Avignon in the wine-growing region of the Rhone Valley. This evening we take a walk into the old town centre past the Palace of the Popes and the Pont St Benezet (immortalised in the nursery rhyme).
DAY 6 AVIGNON TO FRENCH RIVIERA (Wed, Aug 13). Today we drive through the heart of France to Avignon in the wine-growing region of the Rhone Valley. This afternoon it’s off to the beaches of the French Riviera. Tonight we head into Monaco where the gambling tables of Monte Carlo await us.
DAY 7 FRENCH RIVIERA (Thurs, Aug 14). Today we have a free day to visit Nice, capital of the Riviera. Stroll the Promenades, go Roller Blading, or lay by the Mediterranean.
DAY 8 FRENCH RIVIERA TO FLORENCE, ITALY (Fri, Aug 15). This morning we travel via the historic city of Pisa, with plenty of time to see the famous Leaning Tower, before heading to our campsite overlooking the historic centre of Florence.
DAY 9 FLORENCE TO ROME (Sat, Aug 16). During our morning walking tour of Florence city, see the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery and Santa Croce. Visit to a leather demonstration as well as a visit to Walter's Gold and Silver shop. After lunch, it’s on to Rome, the Eternal City and home of the Vatican City, St Peter's Cathedral, and the Colosseum. The walking tour takes us to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Ancient Roman Forum, the massive Victor Emmanuel Monument and the Colosseum.
DAY 10 ROME (Sun, Aug 17). Use the free day to explore the Palatine hill area (the ancient commercial and political heart of Rome) or go shopping in trendy fashion boutiques. There are plenty of bars in the famous Trastevere neighbourhood to visit after dinner tonight.
DAY 11 ROME TO VENICE (Mon, Aug 18). This morning is our chance to visit the stunning Vatican Museum and St Peter’s Cathedral. Then we say farewell to Rome and head north through Tuscany and over the Apennine mountains. During the afternoon we travel on to enchanting Venice.
DAY 12 VENICE (Tue, Aug 19). Built on an island, Venice’s network of canals and narrow passageways means that a walking tour is the only way to truly appreciate the splendours that only Venice can offer. Such as the bustling St. Mark's Square and Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, Doges Palace, the Campanile and Rialto Bridge - followed by a demonstration of traditional Venetian lace making. A ride through the canals in a gondola. Travel by motorboat along the Grand Canal before dinner.
DAY 13 VENICE TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA (Wed, Aug 20). Today it’s off to the capital of Austria, the beautiful city of Vienna. At night visit the Prater Amusement Park (see if we can recognise it from a scene in one of the James Bond films).
DAY 14 VIENNA (Thurs, Aug 21). Sights include the Schonbrunn and Hoffburg Palaces; St Stephen's Cathedral, the Opera House and Spanish Riding School (if in town). An optional excursion to a traditional Schnapps Museum. Tonight visit a traditional Viennese Chamber Orchestra in one of Vienna’s many Palaces, and have dinner in the Palace after the concert!
DAY 15 VIENNA TO MUNICH, GERMANY (Fri, Aug 22). Travel to the Munich, the capital of Bavaria, stopping to reflect on the horrors of WWII during a visit to Mauthausen concentration camp. A walking tour will take us to see the Marienplatz, Church of our Lady, the Glockenspiel and old Town Hall. Don’t leave Bavaria without a night in the beerhalls sampling a German beer or two whilst being entertained by the traditional Oompah band.
DAY 16 MUNICH TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC (Sat, Aug 23). Travel to the Czech Republic and the city of a thousand spires, Prague. Our walking tour will take us to the memorable Charles Bridge, Hradcany Castle, the Old Jewish Quarter, Powder Tower, Tyne Church, and the Wenceslas Square where Czechoslovakia’s Velvet Revolution took place.
DAY 17 PRAGUE (Sun, Aug 24). From the trams rumbling along the streets and the artists around Charles Bridge, to the old traditional Inns and hand-made puppets. We have plenty of free time today to wander around the historic city centre, lunch in one of the local cafes.
DAY 18 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY (Mon, Aug 25). First up today we stop in 800 year old Dresden before continuing on to Berlin, the vibrant capital city of Germany.
DAY 19 BERLIN (Tue, Aug 26). The many sights and museums help to give us an understanding of the history of the city. Included are the famous Victory Monument, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Ku'Dam and the world renowned Zoo. We will stop at the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and travel down the Unter Den Linden in former East Berlin.
DAY 20 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (Wed, Aug 27). Next to Amsterdam, the party capital of Holland. On our way into the city, we will see cheese and traditional clog making demonstrations. Tonight is spent in the famous Red Light District.
DAY 21 AMSTERDAM (Thurs, Aug 28). A great way to see Amsterdam is on a bicycle tour. Then plenty of time to see the Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Anne Frank's House and also spend time in the Rijks and Van Gogh Museums. Why not visit the ‘Heineken Experience’ in the original Heineken Brewery. Maybe take a trip through the canals on our famous canal cruise tonight after our farewell dinner.
DAY 22 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND (Fri, Aug 29). Today we make our way to France via Belgium and catch the cross-channel ferry from Calais to Dover, arriving in London in the early evening.
