15-Day Heart of Europe Senior Singles Tour
Included Features
Itinerary at a GlanceThe numbers in parentheses ( ) indicate time on the motor coach between stops. Day 1 Departure from the USA. Dinner in Flight Day 2 Arrive at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel in Holland (1½ hrs). Breakfast in Flight, Dinner Day 3 Day at leisure or explore Holland. The Grand Holland optional begins with a visit to The Hague (1 hr). Continue to Amsterdam for free time and a boat ride through the canals (1 hr). Return to the hotel for dinner.Breakfast, Dinner Day 4 Visit historic Antwerp (2½ hrs) and an American WWII Cemetery (2 hrs). Overnight in Lanaken, Belgium (¾ hr). Breakfast, Dinner Day 5 Cross the border into Germany with a morning rest (2 hr). Continue to your cruise of the castle-lined Rhine River (1 hr), and tour the Old Town and Castle of Heidelberg. Overnight in Mannheim or Hemsbach, Germany (¾ hr). Breakfast, Dinner Day 6 By way of sleepy little villages, majestic fortresses and timeless castles, make a morning stop (1 hr), then it’s on to Rothenburg, Europe’s best-preserved medieval city (1 hr). Take a walk atop the city walls. After lunch, make an afternoon stop (1½ hrs), then travel to Augsburg, Germany (1½ hrs). Breakfast, Dinner Day 7 Sightseeing in the Bavarian capital of Munich (1 hr). Brief stop at the German/Austrian border (1 hr). End your day in the Austrian Alps at the Imperial city of Innsbruck, Austria (2 hrs). Breakfast Day 8 A free day in scenic Innsbruck, Austria or join the Bavarian Castles optional. You will visit the Passion Play town of Oberammergau (2 hrs) and walk through the Linderhof Castle in Bavaria (½ hr). Also make a photo stop with a picture-perfect view of the famous Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles (¾ hr) before heading back to Innsbruck (2 hrs). Breakfast, Dinner Day 9 Continue across the spectacular Brenner Pass (½ hr) and through the Alps. Stops along the way in Bolzano (1¼ hrs) and Lake Garda (2 hrs) before reaching Bussolengo, Italy (1½ hrs). Breakfast, Dinner Day 10 A free day in and around Bussolengo and nearby Verona. On the Verona & Venice optional excursion visit legendary Verona (½ hr) with a lunch stop (1 hr) on the way to the romantic city of Venice (¾ hr). Return to Bussolengo for the evening (2 hrs). Breakfast Day 11 Cross the border into Switzerland (2½ hrs). Leisurely break in Lugano, Rio of the Old Continent (1). Continue through William Tell country (1¾ hrs) and overnight in the Lake Lucerne Region. (2 hrs). Breakfast, Dinner Day 12 Leisurely day in the Lake Lucerne
Region. Half-day sightseeing in Lucerne, Switzerland (¾ hrs). Day 13 Cross the French border into the wine country of the Alsace region (1½ hrs). Lunch stop in Kaysersberg (1½ hrs). Proceed past Nancy (2 hrs) and on to St. Dizier, France (1½ hrs). Breakfast, Dinner Day 14 St. Dizier to morning stop outside Paris (2 1/4 hrs). On to Paris (1/2 hr). Spend your last afternoon and evening in the City of Lights. Optional Paris sightseeing with boat ride on River Seine and elevator to the first stage of the Eiffel Tower. Breakfast Day 15 Fly back to the USA from Paris’ Charles De Gaulle Airport (¾ hr). Breakfast, Lunch in Flight Detailed ItineraryDay 1 - Departure from U.S.A. - Flight to Europe. You will receive detailed Departure Instructions, telling you what to do, where to go and when to be there, making your airport check-in a snap. Enjoy your flight aboard a transatlantic airliner as you make your way to Europe. You can now totally relax as Air Travel & Tours has expertly prepared you for your European adventure, with precise instructions on what to do upon arrival in Europe. Enjoy dinner and drinks shortly after takeoff. Flying eastward, you will lose 6 hours from East Coast time and arrive in Amsterdam in the morning. (Dinner in Flight)
Day 3 - HOLLAND . . Country Stay in Tiel. Today, enjoy a day of leisure, affording you the opportunity to catch up from your overseas flight and to acclimate to your new surroundings. Another option is to take advantage of Holland’s efficient bus and railway network to just about any location of your choice. There is a myriad of interesting places less than an hour away. And a third option is to take the full-day optional Grand Holland excursion, featuring a kaleidoscopic overview of Holland, including a visit to The Hague, seat of the Dutch government and home of the Peace Palace, with the International Court of Justice. You will spend the afternoon in Amsterdam, with its idyllic canals and bridges, one of the great cities of the world. Once a leader in world trade, Amsterdam is still a powerful financial and cultural center. Renowned for impressive architecture, and world famous museums, Amsterdam offers a window to the past and is also a vibrant, modern city. The many shops and pubs are staffed with friendly locals who speak perfect English. Bikes are available for rent, and public transportation is cheap and always nearby. You will have the opportunity for shopping and exploring and if you like, our motor coach will take you to the Anne Frank House or Rijksmuseum (National Art Gallery, with paintings by Rembrandt and other great masters). Your visit to Amsterdam will be topped off with a delightful boat ride through the canals and harbor. Dinner tonight will be enjoyed enroute or at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6 - GERMANY . . Medieval Rothenburg with Christmas Shop and
Rathaus - Romantic Road - Architecturally diverse Augsburg,
boasting Germany’s most beautiful Boulevard, the Maximilianstrasse.
Day 9 - ITALY . . Brenner Pass - Dolomite Mountains - Bolzano -
Lake Garda with its subtropical vegetation - Bussolengo near
Verona. This morning it’s farewell to Innsbruck, but not to the
beautiful alpine scenery...for you’re off to the magnificent Dolomite
Mountains of northern Italy. Take the scenic route of the Brenner Pass,
which features the spectacular ‘Europabrücke’ (Europe Bridge),
rising 627 feet above the valley, separating Austria and Italy. At 10:00
a.m., take a break in one of the attractive cities along the route,
usually Bolzano, with its comfortable, covered shopping arcades. You now
have your first experience with the Italian culture and people, and get
your first taste of authentic Italian food (and just in case you don’t
go for Italian, there’s always the local McDonald’s).
Day 11 - SWITZERLAND . . Lake Lugano - City of Lugano - Gotthard Pass - Altdorf - Swiss Alps - Lake Lucerne Region. Just past Milan, the principal industrial city of Italy, you’ll travel north, towards the unsurpassed splendor of the Italian and Swiss lake districts. This region’s natural beauty abounds as you travel past its azure lakes, grand mountains, and unspoiled countryside. Feast your eyes on pretty little villas, with the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps looming in the distance as you cross the border into Switzerland. When Lake Lugano comes into sight, your senses awaken to a captivating setting and an ideal spot to break for lunch. It’s understandable that the city of Lugano has often been referred to as the Rio de Janeiro of the Old Continent. In the afternoon, the 11-mile-long St. Gotthard Tunnel takes you from the Italian section of Switzerland into the German section. Halfway through the tunnel, a sign marks the transition. Traveling through William Tell country, the serene beauty of the Swiss Alps comes alive. Lucerne is situated on the edge of beautiful Lake Lucerne. The rising peaks of Rigi and Pilatus, standing guard over this vast water basin, create one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Spend the night in one of the cozy villages in the Lake Lucerne Region. Before or after dinner at the hotel, your tour manager may organize an optional Natur Pur covered wagon trek into the pure nature surroundings. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 13 - FRANCE . . Alsace Region, with its Vineyards - Albert Schweizer’s town of Kaysersberg - Lovely Vosges mountains - St. Dizier. As the church bells usher in another glorious day, you’ll get your morning call. Follow the Swiss Autobahn to Basel, strategically located where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet and the Rhine River becomes navigable. Cross the border into the northeastern part of France, a large portion of which is taken up by a mountain range named Vosges. This region, also known as the Alsace, has gone back and forth between Germany and France, and, still today, many towns have German names. The region is famous for it’s wine, beautiful forests and attractive resorts, making it a highly popular vacation destination. Your lunch stop will be in Kaysersberg, some say the prettiest village on the wine road and another fine example of an authentic medieval village. Enjoy the cobble stone streets, and half timbered homes where flowers grace the balconies of almost every building. This afternoon, travel past Nancy, which was subjected to the relentless confrontations between the German and allied armies, during WWII. It is in this area that you will make a rest stop along the Autoroute, before continuing to St. Dizier, your bivouac for tonight. In contrast to Paris, St. Dizier is not a noteworthy town, but it is truly representative of hundreds of similar small cities all over France. Your stay here will give you an impression of how the average French citizen lives, outside the cosmopolitan city of Paris, giving you a more complete picture of France. Contrary to what many think, the hospitality here is unmatched. Tonight enjoy a glass of champagne from one of the nearby vineyards as a fitting way to toast the highlights of these past two weeks. Again, tonight, dinner will be accompanied by musical entertainment! The dinner party in St. Dizier is always a lot of fun! (Breakfast, Dinner) Day 14 - FRANCE . . Champagne Region - Paris. Travel
through the Champagne-Ardennes area with its lakes, forests, and fertile
valleys. Vineyards, which produce the famed champagne, are interspersed
with rustic towns. After a coffee stop, proceed to Paris, the French
capital. What a thrill it is to ride into such a celebrated city so rich
in history, art, and architecture. Paris is a spectacular city, but also
large and busy, so make sure to plan how you want to spend your time.
Avid shoppers may need to forego the museums or the Eiffel Tower. Art
lovers (The Louvre museum is closed on Tuesdays and other museums are
closed on Mondays), may want to pursue art instead of shopping. Arrival
at the Place de la Concorde will be at approximately 12:00 noon. Your
tour manager will tell you about the location of the principal sights
and stores. You will have the option of sightseeing on your own, or to
join your tour manager on the optional River
Seine Cruise and Eiffel Tower sightseeing tour of Paris, including a
1-hour boat ride on the River Seine and a visit to the first level of
the Eiffel Tower, offering spectacular views of the city. Day 15 - Daytime Flight across the Atlantic, back to the U.S.A. Alas, this enchanting journey of some of Europe’s scenic, cultural, and historic highlights is coming to an end. Finally, you have seen the best of Europe. You will forever remember the many sights, sounds and tastes from your adventure. Don’t forget to write down names and addresses of your newly-made friends and fellow tour members. And, maybe, just maybe, you’ll have a chance, sooner or later, to come back for more. GOOD BYE AND DO COME AGAIN!!! (Breakfast, Lunch in Flight)
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Day 2 - HOLLAND . . Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - Garden of Amsterdam
- Tiel, 30 miles southeast of Utrecht. As morning arrives,
breakfast is served and the European coastline comes into view. Your
plane soon touches down at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, one of the
most modern airports in Europe. Once on the ground, you will disembark,
clear passport control, claim your suitcase, and pass through customs.
Time allowing, you may take advantage of the airport facilities such as
washrooms, currency exchange, newsstands, and coffee shops.
Communicating is no problem here, as English is widely spoken and the
airport staff are friendly and eager to help. Your tour manager will
meet you at the Meeting Point. The exact time you must be at the Meeting
Point will be provided in your Arrival Instructions. Your tour begins
with a pleasant journey in your deluxe motor coach through the
neatly-groomed Dutch lowlands. The Dutch Polderlands were reclaimed from
the sea and are characterized by canals, bridges, windmills, and dikes.
You will motor in southeasterly direction through the region called
Garden of Amsterdam. Continue to Tiel, 30 miles southeast of Utrecht,
where VanderValk Hotels, a Dutch hotel chain known for its hospitality,
comfortable rooms, and excellent food, will be your host for the next
two nights. You will instantly feel comfortable and welcome at your
VanderValk Hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing from the flight or do a
little exploring on your own. This evening, enjoy the Welcome to
Europe/Get Acquainted dinner at the hotel. It’s a great time, and you
will meet your fellow tour members who will soon become friends. Your
stay in Holland will also introduce you to Dutch gezelligheid. This word
means coziness, yet connotes so much more, as you will experience in the
days ahead. (Breakfast in Flight, Dinner)
Day
4 - BELGIUM . . Antwerp with its Notre Dame Cathedral, Grand Square,
City Hall, Home of Rubens and 17th-century Guild Houses - Margraten
American Military Cemetery - Lanaken. We focus on Antwerp
this morning. You will cross the three major Dutch waterways, Lek, Waal,
and Maas. Soon thereafter, you enter the Belgian province of Flanders of
which Antwerp is the capital. Antwerp is the world’s third busiest
seaport and known for its convivial atmosphere and numerous outdoor
cafes. Your tour manager will offer a short orientation walk, recommend
a lunch stop, and then you’ll have time to explore the old city
center. Don’t forget to try the Belgian waffles sold along the way.
There are also quaint lace and chocolate shops to discover, or spend
your time exploring the meandering streets around the city square. This
afternoon, enjoy a ride through the Belgian countryside and into the
hilly Ardennes Region of eastern Belgium.
For many Americans, the next stop at the Margraten American Military
Cemetery is an emotional experience. The graves of over 8,000 American
servicemen stand in everlasting memory of the atrocities of WWII. For
information regarding the location of specific graves, you can write to:
The American Battle Monuments Commission, Washington, DC 20314 or on the
internet at www.abmc.gov. From here, it is just a short ride to your
cozy hotel in Lanaken, which is located in Belgium, just a few miles
northwest of the Dutch town of Maastricht. Tonight, enjoy a festive
dinner, with musical entertainment. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day
5 - GERMANY . . Rhine River Cruise - Heidelberg Castle & Old Town - Mannheim
or Hemsbach. Guten Morgen! In Germany, some of our travel will
be on the German Autobahn, the first state-of-the-art superhighway
system, which was begun by Hitler to provide speedy deployment of troops
and supplies. On many sections of the Autobahn there is no speed limit,
so beware of BMWs and Mercedes flashing by, whereas trucks and buses are
bound by a 60 mile-per-hour speed limit. Near Koblenz, leave the
Autobahn and meander through the Rhine River Valley to Boppard. A Rhine
steamer awaits you for an upstream cruise on this great, romantic river
(in the extremely rare event that the water level is too low, you will
cruise the river valley by motor coach). You’ll glide past enduring
villages, a variety of castles, and hillside vineyards known for
producing generations of the celebrated Rhine wines. You will see and
feel centuries of European history as you cruise down the northern
boundary of the former Roman Empire. Near the end of your cruise, you
will pass by the treacherous Loreley Rock. Legend has it that the
bewitching chant of a fair maiden sent boatmen crashing into the rock.
Back on land you’re off to lovely Heidelberg, the historic university
town considered by many to embody the spirit of Germany. Your
driver/tour manager will accompany you on a walking tour of the medieval
Old Town. Then hop on the bus for a ride up the hill to the red,
sandstone Heidelberg Castle. Inside this Gothic-Renaissance castle there
is a gigantic wine cask said to hold 49,000 gallons! The castle offers a
splendid panorama of Heidelberg, the old bridge over the Neckar River,
and the valley. You may even be able to see the neighboring city of
Mannheim, situated on the confluence of the Neckar and the Rhine, and
your home-away-from-home tonight. Have dinner at the hotel, or join your
tour manager on the optional 
By sleepy little villages, majestic fortresses, and timeless castles,
it’s eastward this morning toward the walled city of Rothenburg.
Inside the walls is an enchanting, medieval city preserved in its
entirety without a single modern building. You’ll feel like you’re
walking into a fairy tale when you see the narrow, cobblestone streets,
historic inns, and quaint shop fronts. Why not climb to the top of the
Rathaus Bell Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city, or walk atop the
old city walls surrounding the town. Take a look into one of the unique
museums such as the Medieval Criminal Museum, which displays exhibits
about life, crime, and punishment in more draconian times. You can also
visit St. Jakob’s Church featuring a hand carved wooden altar in the
Gothic tradition. Or stroll through the Castle gardens overlooking the
River Tauber. Delightful shopping opportunities also await you at the
Christkindlmarkt, the year-round Christmas shop...there’s something of
interest for everyone here. Your afternoon journey along the Autobahn
leads south to the Bavarian Alps. This area is rich in unspoiled
countryside, historic castles, and medieval villages. Following an
afternoon rest stop, you’ll soon come to the largest city on
Germany’s Romantic Road, Augsburg. Before check-in at the hotel, there
will be a panoramic tour of this historic city. Founded as a colony by
the Roman Emperor Augustus, Augsburg became the wealthiest city in
Europe during the 15th century due to a strong textile industry.
Augsburg also features the world’s oldest stained-glass windows in the
cathedral, St. Maria Dom. A flag flying from the left tower of the town
hall indicates that visibility is clear enough for a view of the Alps,
tomorrow’s destination. Tonight enjoy a nice dinner, with musical
entertainment, at your hotel in Augsburg. If you are a beer lover, try a
stein of the local Paulaner Pilsner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day
7 - GERMANY . . Munich with Nymphenburg Palace, Old Town, City Hall,
Marienplatz, Glockenspiel, Hofbräuhaus & AUSTRIA . . Thaur or
Hall, near the Imperial City of Innsbruck. From Augsburg it’s
just 60 kilometers (37½ miles) to Munich, the elegant capital of
Bavaria. On your way into the city, you’ll get to see the Nymphenburg
Palace, the Olympic Village, the Bohemian district of Schwabing,
Leopoldstrasse, Victory Gate, the English Garden, and the stately
buildings which line the Ludwigstrasse, including the National Theatre
and the university. Once in the city center, you get off the bus because
the Old Town has been declared a Pedestrians-Only zone. Take a stroll
around this fascinating area where modern department stores have been
skillfully grafted amidst the old city gates and historic buildings.
There are plenty of open spaces with benches and outdoor food stands.
Street musicians are abundant, some very talented. This harmonious
setting is truly a pedestrian’s delight. 
The
focal point is the ‘Marienplatz’ square with the handsome City Hall,
which houses the famous Glockenspiel. Don’t miss its magical
performance at 11:00 a.m. For lunch consider the Hofbräuhaus, the
world’s most famous beer hall, which provides you with a taste of
Oktoberfest year-round. At 1:00 p.m. head south on the Autobahn to the
Austrian border, and soon you are surrounded by mountains. Austria is
well known for its awe-inspiring countryside, wonderful people, and
culinary diversity. Travel along the Inn River as it winds its way
through the Austrian mountains all the way to the imperial city of
Innsbruck. Keep your cameras ready as you pass ancient villages and
green mountain pastures with picturesque chalets decorating the
landscape. Every so many miles you’ll catch a glimpse of a castle
nestled in the fir-clad mountain sides. By 4:00 p.m. you reach the
friendly Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. The motor coach puts you in the
center of Innsbruck within walking distance of all the important sights.
See the Imperial Church, the Golden Roof --- built in 1500 as a royal
box to view entertainment in the square below and consisting of 1,399
gilded tiles --- the Maria Theresien Strasse Boulevard, and the
Triumphal Gate. Innsbruck, certainly one of Europe’s prettiest cities,
is situated between towering mountain peaks and on the aqua waters of
the Inn River. It twice hosted the Winter Olympics (in ‘64 and ‘76).
The city owes its architectural beauty to Maximilian I, who ruled 500
years ago and became Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Your chalet-style
hotel for the next two nights, in a quaint village near Innsbruck, is
surrounded by the spectacular Tyrolean scenery. For your evening meal
you will find that Innsbruck offers a variety of eateries and most of
them post their menu outside, so you can check entrees and prices before
going in. Or, perhaps you prefer a relaxing dinner back at your hotel.
Try Schnitzel, Goulash, or Bauernschmaus. Another option for the evening
is a 
Day
8 - AUSTRIA . . Thaur or Hall near the Imperial City of
Innsbruck. Whether you spend your day relaxing amidst the marvelous
mountain scenery, exploring on your own or taking the optional 
This afternoon you’re in for a real treat, as you descend to Italy’s
largest lake, the stunningly beautiful Lake Garda. Marvel at the crystal
clear, turquoise surface and its mountainous shores which seem to be
rising straight up from the lake. The scenic road that surrounds the
lake is characterized by over a hundred tunnels. Due to its subtropical
climate, this region is rich in vegetation, including olive groves,
laurel trees, peaches, and above all, grapes which produce some of the
famous Italian wines. Oleander bushes with their profusion of red,
white, and pink blooms abound. It’s no wonder that Lake Garda has long
been one of Europe’s favorite playgrounds and resorts. An extensive
stop affords ample opportunity to stroll along the lakefront, browse
through the quaint markets, and to enjoy an Italian ice cream (gelato)
at one of the many outdoor restaurants. Today’s final destination is
the town of Bussolengo, near Verona. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day
10 - ITALY . . Bussolengo near Verona. If yesterday’s stop
on Lake Garda enchanted you, and you have visions of relaxing under a
Cinzano umbrella while sipping a Campari or cappuccino, why not? Or, if
you would like to spend the entire day studying the fascinating
architecture and browsing the fashionable shops and historical sights of
Verona, this is also possible. The buses to Verona and Lake Garda stop
right outside your hotel. If you would rather not venture out on your
own, join the optional 
Day
12 - SWITZERLAND . . Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument - Lake
Lucerne Region. Today you’ll concentrate on the Swiss Alpine
splendor of the Lake Lucerne area. First you’ll tour the city of
Lucerne to see such sights as the Old City Wall and the famous Lion’s
Monument in the Glacier Garden. This inspiring stone carving, hewn out
of natural rock, commemorates the heroic death of Swiss soldiers who
defended Louis the XVI during the French Revolution. The rest of the day
is yours to explore, or simply relax in this glorious setting. Shop the
modern department stores of the Pilatus Strasse or visit the Old Town
boasting many lovely sights. Walk along the beautiful Vierwaldstättersee
(Lake Lucerne), maybe you could bring a picnic lunch out to the lake.
You’ll enjoy browsing through displays of delightful wood-carved music
boxes, delicate Swiss lace, and delicious chocolates. As you undoubtedly
know, Lucerne is also world renowned for its precious watches. The city
is a shopper’s paradise and offers a wide array of restaurants for
your independent lunch. Don’t forget the camera if you decide to take
the optional 
At
5:00 p.m. the motor coach will gather all tour participants for the
transfer to the hotel. On your last evening in Europe, what better place
to be than Paris? If you wish, you can spend this evening on your own,
but be prepared...restaurants and night spots in this internationally
acclaimed center of high fashion, gastronomy, and night life command
prices that rival and surpass those of New York. So you might prefer to
join the optional