Heart of Europe Circle Tour

Day 1: Tucson to Europe

Today brings the beginning of a new adventure . . . your trip of a lifetime is about to unfold. The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in and arrival in Europe. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

Day 2: Germany - Frankfurt

As morning dawns, the European coastline comes into view. Upon arrival at Frankfurt’s Rhein-Main Airport, clear passport control, claim your luggage, and pass through customs. Communicating is no problem as English is widely spoken. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager, who will accompany you to your deluxe motor coach. Settle in for a pleasant drive, through central Germany, to your hotel in the village of Schriesheim. This evening, get acquainted with your fellow tour members during a “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. D

Day 3: Bavaria

The route this morning takes you to the northern section of the “Romantic Road,” introducing unspoiled countryside, ancient castles and storybook villages. Spend a few hours in Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved medieval village, surrounded by its original town walls. The cobblestone streets are lined with historic inns and charming storefronts, including the famous “Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf,” a sprawling, year-round Christmas shop. Take a walk on the city walls for a bird’s-eye view of the town and the lovely surrounding landscapes. This afternoon, transfer to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. B,D

Day 4: Munich to Austria

The drive into Munich reveals many of the Bavarian capital’s interesting landmarks. There will be time to explore the central square (Marienplatz) with its unique Glockenspiel (clock tower). For a taste of Oktoberfest, consider beer, sausages and sauerkraut at the famous Hofbräuhaus. After lunch, head south to the Austrian border. Take in the natural beauty while motoring through the majestic Austrian mountains. Enter Tyrol, one of the friendliest and most scenic regions in Austria, and continue to your chalet-style hotel in a typical Tyrolean Village. B,D

Day 5: Austria - Tyrolean Village

This day is devoted to the boundless splendor of the Austrian Alps. Awe-inspiring mountain landscapes surround you as you walk through your Tyrolean Village admiring the flower adorned and frescoed chalets. Consider taking a chair lift up the mountain to behold the magnificent Alpine vistas. Another choice is to join your tour manager for a full day optional Salzburg & Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions), which includes a guided tour of Salzburg (known for Mozart’s birthplace and setting for the “Sound of Music”) and a traditional Austrian meal. B

Day 6: Innsbruck to Verona

The Hapsburg dynasty is responsible for much of the architectural beauty you will see during the morning stop in Innsbruck. Most notably, Maximilian I, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire from 1493 to 1519, commissioned the iconic Golden Roof balcony.  Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and has twice hosted the Winter Olympics. Enter Italy via the Europa Bruecke (Bridge), a remarkable feat of highway engineering through the Dolomite Mountains. Descend to “Lago di Garda” (Lake Garda), whose steep mountain shores give it a subtropical climate with rich vegetation, including colorful oleander bushes, olive and citrus trees, and grape vines which produce some of the famous Italian wines. During an afternoon stop, stroll along the lakefront, browse the quaint markets, or enjoy a gelato (Italian ice cream). From Lake Garda, it’s a short drive to the legendary city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s tragic love story of “Romeo and Juliet.” Experience an authentic Italian meal during an independent dinner before transferring to your hotel. B

Day 7: Verona

Today is yours to absorb the Italian art, architecture, music, and overall romantic atmosphere at your own pace. Explore Verona and its nearly 2000-year-old Roman Arena that is still used today for performances of beloved Italian operas. Use your time to browse the fashionable shops or take a local bus back to turquoise-colored Lake Garda, where you can relax along its shore while sipping a Campari or Cappuccino. Another choice for today is to join the optional Venice excursion (see Optional Excursions) to see canals, gondolas, bridges and delicately-blown glass. This excursion includes dinner at a classic Venetian restaurant. However you choose to spend the day, Italy’s uniquely captivating ambiance will surely leave an everlasting impression. At the end of the day, return to your Verona area hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 8: Switzerland

Travel north through the unsurpassed splendor of the Italian and Swiss Lake districts. Switzerland greets you with a background of snow capped mountain peaks in contrast to the palm tree-lined subtropical Lake Lugano. Often referred to as the ”Rio de Janeiro of the Old Continent,” Lugano is the perfect spot for a lunch break. In the afternoon, transfer from the Italian to the German speaking region of Switzerland by way of the 11-mile-long St. Gotthard Tunnel. Overnight in a cozy village surrounded by the Swiss Alps. B,D

Day 9: Swiss Alps

A morning drive through William Tell country uncovers impressive Lake Lucerne. The soaring mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus standing guard over this vast water basin create one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Stop in the old mountain village of Stans for the optional Swiss Mountain excursion (see Optional Excursions), offering thrilling panoramic views by funicular and cable car. In the afternoon, visit Lucerne with its historic covered bridge and famous Lion Monument, commemorating the heroic deaths of Swiss soldiers who defended Louis XVI during the French Revolution. The rest of the day is yours to explore Lucerne’s Old Town, browse displays of delicious chocolates and wood-carved music boxes, or relax on the lovely lakeshore promenade. Before returning to your hotel for dinner, consider joining your tour manager for an optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion (see Optional Excursions) on beautiful Lake Lucerne. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10: France - Troyes

The church bells usher in another glorious day. Follow the Swiss Autobahn past Basel, where Switzerland, Germany and France meet. This is where the Rhine River becomes navigable before starting its approximate 700-mile run through Germany and on to the Atlantic seaport of Rotterdam, Holland. Crossing the border into France, the mountains give way to hilltop settlements and rustic vineyards. Make a mid-day lunch stop before continuing through the Burgundy and Champagne wine regions to Troyes. Your tour manager will offer a walk to the picturesque medieval town square where you may wish to try the local champagne at one of the sidewalk cafés. B,D

Day 11: Paris

After a mid-morning arrival in Paris, venture out on your own, or join the optional Seine River Cruise excursion (see Optional Excursions), featuring some of the city’s popular landmarks. Before you start your independent exploration, the tour manager will direct you to the location of principal sights such as Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum (open every day except Tuesday), Arc de Triomphe and Galeries Lafayette department store. Tonight, join the optional Paris Evening excursion (see Optional Excursions) with dinner at a characteristic French bistro located in the heart of Paris. Or, choose your own location for an independent dinner. B

Day 12: Belgium and Holland

Travel north to Belgium and proceed to the North Sea port of Antwerp, known for its convivial atmosphere and delicate lacework. Explore the city center, with its historic buildings and quaint shops. Treat yourself to an irresistible Belgian waffle at one of the outdoor cafés on the city’s attractive main square. This afternoon, enter Holland, also known as The Netherlands (or Nederland in Dutch which means “low lands”). Much of the country lies below sea level and is protected from flooding by an intricate system of canals, dikes and pumping stations. Many of the retired windmills, which initially accomplished this process, have been beautifully preserved and can be seen on the drive to your South Holland hotel. B,D

Day 13: Holland

Take advantage of the efficient bus and railway network to a myriad of interesting places, many of which are less than an hour away. Your tour manager will offer a full-day optional Grand Holland excursion (see Optional Excursions), featuring the neatly-groomed countryside, a picturesque Dutch village, and a boat ride through the canals of historic Amsterdam showcasing the elegant bridges and 17th-century architecture. Choose from pancakes, seafood, or other Dutch specialties for your independent dinner. B

Day 14: Germany and the Rhine River

This morning, return to Germany and travel on the Autobahn (Expressway) to the Rhine River Valley. From Boppard, embark on a scenic boat ride on the Rhine River, one of Western Europe’s most important waterways. Glide past endearing villages, hillside vineyards, medieval castles and fortresses. Pass by the legendary Loreley Rock, which is the subject of boatmen folklore about a bewitching siren. Your last overnight is in the town of Rüdesheim, located along the Rhine River. Known for its fine wines and festive atmosphere, this is a fitting location for tonight’s “Farewell Dinner.” B,D

Day 15: Flight back to Tucson

Your journey of Europe’s scenic, cultural and historic highlights has come full circle. You will forever remember the many sights, sounds and tastes from this wondrous adventure. Transfer to the Frankfurt Rhein-Main Airport for your flight home. We sincerely hope you will return and experience more of Europe’s treasures with Image Tours. Until we see you again — “Auf Wiedersehen!” B

Itinerary subject to change.