Europe

A warm welcome to your  European Discovery’ tour.  representative greets you at the ‘designated meeting point’.  takes care to start your sightseeing the next day so that you can relax after your long flight and get over your jet lag.

Note: Depending on the flight availability, you may arrive in Birmingham, Manchester, Gatwick, Heathrow or similar Airports.

Well-rested as we are, we kickstart our London visit with the celebrity meet-n-greet, we head to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Today you have a date with more than 300 life-like wax statues of popular figures, the museum gives you a first-hand experience of stardom. You can sip on a cup of tea with Her Majesty the Queen or strike a pose on the red carpet alongside Hollywood bigwigs or play favourites with Bollywood celebs- take your pick. Travel back in time with a visit to the Tower of London, a historic landmark where much royal blood was spilled ! The aptly named Bloody Tower and Traitor’s Gate still fascinate. The main attraction is the Jewel house, housing the incredible Crown Jewels including the Koh-i-Noor diamond! Enjoy some free time at Oxford Street and then reunite in the evening at a pre-appointed time and place as informed by your Tour Manager. Return to your hotel.

Live history through a guided city tour of London. Get acquainted with some of London’s iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge, River Thames, London Eye, Tower of London, Hyde Park, Big Ben, Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the famous Piccadilly Circus, Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square followed by the majesty of Buckingham Palace which is the Queen’s official residence. Enjoy the Changing of the Guards (on days when this takes place). Next ride the London Eye, the world’s fourth-tallest Ferris wheel and during the gradual 30-minute flight, see views of London. Drive to Harwich to board your overnight cruise ferry to the Hook of Holland. Travelling in a ferry across the North Sea is sheer indulgence! Treat yourself to a world-class maritime experience, sailing in total comfort.

Today, disembark and begin with our Netherlands exploration starting at the very beautiful Keukenhof Garden in Lisse. Planted over an expanse of 79 acres, the garden is a colourful sea of 800 varieties of Tulips and other spring flowers. Interspersed between these floral fields are other beautifying attractions including canals, a windmill, artistic floral displays and flower shows among others

 Alternatively, in months when the Keukenhof Garden is off-limits, we make a visit to another equally beautiful yet strikingly unique park… the Madurodam Miniature Park, The Hague. As can easily be guessed from the name itself, the park houses miniature versions of several Dutch architectural landmarks, traditional Dutch houses, canals, parks, windmills, verdant fields and a lot more. What brings this miniature park to life is the addition of human figures that not only give character to this miniature world but also depicts the evolution of the Dutch lifestyle over the years. From here we head to the capital to keep up with our Amsterdam schedule making yet another pit stop at the famous Cheese Farm & Clog Shoe Factory to learn about the art of traditional cheese- making and also of the famous Dutch clogs. Thereafter, we drive along the scenic scenes of Netherlands to arrive in Amsterdam where a delicious Indian lunch awaits us. We then begin our Amsterdam tour with the busiest town centre, the Dam Square or simply The Dam. From memorable monuments and statues to souvenir shops and restaurants to that of scores of pigeons and buskers, The Dam is a true reflection of the city’s character. And because Amsterdam is nothing without its spectacular canal circuit, we then get on a glass-topped cruise to navigate through this picturesque town with its regal mansions and houseboats and bridges via its impressive canal ring, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site in itself. A cruise on this canal ring somehow makes everything about Amsterdam even more surreal. As the clock inches closer to dinner time, we proceed to Eindhoven / Antwerp to stuff ourselves with a wonderful meal at a restaurant and head back to our hotel.

NOTE: The Keukenhof Gardens will be off-limits post-May 19, 2019.

This morning proceed to Cologne, the metropolis on the Rhine where on arrival you will visit the Cathedral – the first Gothic church in the Rhineland with its characteristic spires. Later drive to Boppard through the Rhine valley, where there are more castles than in any other river valley in the world. Enjoy a cruise along the ‘Romantic Rhine’. The stretch of river where you can see castles, villages, and vineyards, and the Loreley where the river valley runs through dramatically elevated hillsides. You can see a statue of the Loreley near the cliff. The scenery is actually stunning. Continue your scenic drive to Heidelberg, situated in the Valley of the River Neckar and world-famous for its romantic castle and picturesque Old Town with awe-inspiring surroundings. Enjoy some free time at the ‘Altstadt’ – old section of the town. Later, after dinner check into your hotel in the Rhineland Area

Today drive through the Black Forest to arrive at Drubba, the alpine nest of the Cuckoo Clock situated in the unique Hollental (Hell’s Valley), directly at the mouth of the Ravennaschult (Ravenna Glen). Witness a demonstration to explain the making of authentic cuckoo clocks in their original form, each piece carefully crafted for precision! The Cuckoo Clock is said to have originated between 1740 and 1750 and has remained more or less unchanged in its unique design. A visit here is a memorable experience. In the afternoon, continue to Lucerne with its picturesque mountains, lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows. Pause at the poignant Lion Monument, built to commemorate the brave Swiss soldiers killed during the French Revolution. Stroll along the covered, wooden Kappellbrucke (chapel bridge), to the ornate Jesuit Church. You will have your first encounter with the marvels of Swiss shopping. Most visitors take home two things – memories of a beautiful country and a Swiss watch.

If you are tired from all the roaming around we’ve been doing for the past few days, today is your chance to take a step back and relax. You have the day at your leisure to simply laze around in the hotel or explore the beautiful neighbourhood. If, however, you are one of those who believes in not wasting a single day while on a holiday, you can choose to be on top of the world, or literally on top of Europe, with the exciting optional trip to the winter wonderland, Jungfraujoch. What makes this eternal ice-land a quintessential Swiss travel destination is the fact that the enthralling experience begins from the moment you board the cogwheel train which ascends you to Europe’s highest station, Jungfraujoch (at 3454m), with breathtaking views of bright ice and dark tunnels. Awaiting us on the other side of this exhilarating and cold journey to the top is a lineup of activities. But before that, let’s just curb that hunger with a piping hot Indian lunch. We move on to our ice excursion here on with a walk on the great Aletsch Glacier (the longest ice stream in the Alps), a visit to the glistening Ice Palace, a visit to the Sphinx Observation Terrace (the loftiest point of all) and more. After the ice-cold adventure, we descend to something more soothing and far more green, the city of Interlaken, which, as the name suggests, is cradled cosily between the beautiful Lakes of Brienz and Thun. Here is where you receive your first retail therapy while enjoying the marvels of Swiss shopping at a market that boasts as much of pocket-friendly souvenirs as that of high- end watches and jewellery. before heading back to the hotel to relax and re-energise ourselves for the next day.

Note: Breakfast will be served to all at the hotel while lunch will only be served to those who have opted for the Jungfraujoch tour. Also, guests at the hotel will be given a packed dinner.

Today your drive takes you to the Principality of Liechtenstein and a stop at Vaduz – the capital, famous for postage stamps. Next, halt at the internationally renowned Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens and prepare to be dazzled at the ‘Chambers of Wonder’! In a wondrous blue hall dominated by a Unicum- a wall of crystal, you see the world’s biggest crystal and it’s smallest! Over 7 million people from all corners of the globe have already been thrilled by the Swarovski experience – now you are one of them! A scenic drive to Innsbruck in Austria. Located on the Inn River, Innsbruck is one of Europe’s most beautiful and lively cities. An international centre for winter sports, it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice! An orientation tour introduces you to the Golden Roof or ‘Goldenes Dachl’, an ornate Gothic balcony erected by Emperor Maximilian I decorated with gold painted copper shingles, the Imperial Church and the ‘Hofburg’ or Imperial Palace. An array of crystals awaits you at the Swarovski Crystal Showroom. Indulge !! Some free time to enjoy this Capital of the Alps, which has a history of 800 years! Later check into your hotel.

Today your journey takes you on a drive past quaint villages, medieval castles and fruit orchards and cutting across the fertile Adriatic Plains, to the magical lagoon city of Venice. Nothing prepares you for the captivating city of canals and palaces – Venice is simply unique! Built on 117 small islands, it is a pedestrian’s city, so get set for a walking tour. Cruise from Tronchetto Pier and glide romantically past fairytale palaces, through incredible miniature canals to the Piazza San Marco (St. Marks Square), where you disembark. Napoleon dubbed the Square the ‘finest drawing room in Europe’ for its constant carnival atmosphere! Witness the bronze Moors striking the hour, as they have been doing for the past 500 years! From there to the Doge’s Palace, connected by the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ to its prisons. It was from here that the legendary lover Casanova made his famous escape! End this exciting tour with a brief visit to a Murano Glass Showroom (When Open) for a demonstration in glass blowing. It was on the island of Murano that glass was first made in Europe and hand blown Venetian glass is world-famous. Enjoyment at its peak this evening. A sumptuous dinner on the return cruise to Tronchetto Pier. Continue to your hotel and check-in.

Drive across the Apennine Mountains, along the Brenta River past Bologna, to Pisa, the hometown of Galileo and a city, which makes the most of its claim to fame – its Leaning Tower! It has leaned almost since construction first started, due to the swampy soil beneath it. At a photo stop here, note its striking beauty along with its characteristic tilt. It is the Duomo’s (Cathedral) Bell Tower. Together with the Baptistry, these are all a part of the Field of Miracles. Continue to Florence, a shrine to the wonders of the Renaissance, with more artistic treasures per square meter than any other city in the world! Included in your guided walking tour of Florence is a visit to the remarkable Duomo (when open for visitors), which is the fourth largest cathedral in the world. It dominates the city’s skyline and still defines its scale – no building in town is taller! Besides it is the ‘Gate to Paradise’ – the heavenly gilded bronze doors of the Baptistry, originally a pagan temple and the open-air gallery in Signoria Square. Walk on the famous Ponte Vecchio, the oldest surviving bridge in the city. After an exciting tour, drive to the region of Tuscany where on arrival you will be checked into your hotel.

‘Rome was not built in a day’- the truth of this oft-quoted adage hits you with full force, as we pack in all the ‘must-see’ agenda into our guided city tour! According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC. Start your introduction to Rome at the famous Trevi Fountain. Legend has it, that if you make a wish and toss a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, you are sure to return to Rome! We at Cox and Kings look forward to that! Continue your tour driving past the triumphal Arch of Constantine, one of the most important commemorative monuments of antiquity and then drive through Piazza Venezia, where the grandiose monument to the reunification of Italy is often referred to as the Marble wedding cake! Pass the Circus Maximus – the Hippodrome – known for its ancient chariot races, which was reconstructed by Hollywood for the well-known movie ‘Ben Hur’! Pay tribute to the brave Gladiators of Rome. At this amphitheatre, the notorious and gory gladiatorial games were held, where they fought one another and wild animals while the crowd roared! Pass the ruins of the Roman Forum. Later proceed to The Vatican, the smallest nation in the world! Visit the most famous square of The Vatican is St. Peter’s Square with St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Gaze in awe at Michelangelo’s Pieta. After an exciting tour relaxes and enjoys your return drive to the hotel.

Note: * Due to Rome city regulations, certain roads may be off-limits for long-distance coaches. This may result in Rome sightseeing being done partly by foot / public transport.

Today sit back, relax and enjoy a spectacular scenic drive of approximately nine hours to Switzerland. Drive past beautiful views of the Alps with glimpses of the Italian countryside and its medieval towns. Perhaps even more amazing than the Swiss cities themselves is the countryside. Unlike its modern and rather populated cities, its countryside is formed by patches of small villages, often consisting of ancient historical houses and picturesque chalets, separated from each other by beautiful landscapes, a unique composition of mountains, farms, medieval castles and the famous Swiss cows browsing. the evergreen meadows. Visit to the beautiful town of Vevey on the banks of Lake Geneva. With extraordinary views of the Alpines and the vast expense of sparkling blue waters, every corner of the town seems to make for a photogenic backdrop. It was in this town that Charlie Chaplin spent the last 25 years of his life. Facing the lake stands a tributary statue of the comedian. We take a photo stop here enjoying the beauty around us. Next on our list of Swiss adventures is a visit to the beautiful town of Montreux allowing some of the most scenic scenes in all of Swiss. Here, we take some free time to stroll along the Montreux’s Lakeside Promenade. Check into your hotel

Today gives you Glacier 3000 – the everlasting snow mountain, offering panoramic views of the most beautiful summits of the Alps. Ascent is by cable car to Scex Rouge (2971m). A special adrenaline kick with a wild ride on the Alpine Coaster (weather permitting), the world’s highest bobsleigh track. You can cruise along at approx. 40 km/hour and with the brakes you determine how fast you want to go. The ultimate highlight is the 520-degree loop, followed by 10 curves, 6 waves, 3 jumps and 2 bridges. The View Point (stairs) located directly behind the Restaurant Botta 3000 has a 360-degree view that includes some of the most beautiful alpine peaks – from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau to the Matterhorn – take the 107 meters Peak Walk along a suspension bridge. Enjoy a hot buffet lunch. Later ride the Snow Bus over the glacier – a unique experience of a comfortable ride on eternal snow. Return to Col du Pillion. A relaxed long drive will take you towards Glamour city of Paris which is the global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. On arrival, check into your hotel.

The day is free, but do take advantage of our optional excursion to the Euro Disney. Unleash the child in you for a fun-filled excursion ! Thrilling rides, favourite Disney characters and incredible shows make it a complete family attraction

Note: Your park ticket gives you the option of entering either Euro Disney or Walt Disney Studios.

The Euro Disney is divided into Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Discoveryland which are the four magical themed lands and the ever famous Main Street USA. Thrilling rides, incredible shows, parades, fantasy and excitement guarantees non-stop fun and action. Fairytales come to life. Thrills in all sizes and shapes. Big thrills such as Space Mountain Mission 2, Indiana Jones, Big Thunder Mountain, takes you to the edge of the universe and little ones, where you can sail around the world with “It’s a Small small world”. Family fun is around every corner, from Pirates of the Caribbean to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups. Favourite Disney Characters are waiting to meet you. You can ‘Hello’ Pooh, ‘Howdy’ Goofy and meet Mickey and Minnie. Do not forget to take a snapshot with one of your favourite Disney characters! Say “Cheese” and get a photograph accompanied by a hug and an autograph. Discover the magical world of cinema and television at Walt Disney Studios where a behind the scenes destination sensation awaits you. Experience movie magic and cinema sets coming to life through Cinemagic ‘lots’, featuring thrilling attractions and spectacular shows with your dreams centre-stage allowing your “screen dreams” to come true! Make your big screen debut at Toon Studio or Production Courtyard. We then proceed to dinner at a top-rated Indian restaurant. From here, you could either head back to the hotel or choose to go on a recommendable ‘Gala Evening in Paris’ trip that comprises of a cruise on the Seine River and an Illumination tour, both giving the real feel of the City of Lights. Additionally, you will also be attending the famous Lido cabaret show.

We start the day with a visit to, unarguably, the most iconic structure in Paris… The Eiffel Tower(2nd Level). And for anyone who ever wondered what about the tower earned it such popularity, you’ll get your answer the moment this gigantic structure faces you. While the tower, in all its magnanimity, itself is an utterly beautiful sight, the panoramic city views that it allows are just as splendid. We waste no time and begin our guided city tour observing all the landmarks of the town such as the gargoyled Notre Dame Cathedral (a French architectural masterpiece), the Louvre Museum (world’s largest museum), Champs Elysées Avenue (the world’s most beautiful avenue), the Musée d’Orsay (a railway station-converted museum), Hotel des Invalides, the Alexander bridge and a lot more. Good times need never end! As you get ready for the airport and your flight back home, relive the high points of your European Discovery’ tour. We are confident you will join us again sometime soon.

Note: Please note that this tour may run with an altered flow due to operational constraints.