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Italy

Italian Intermezzo

Travel from the shores of Venice to the ancient city of Rome on this 8-day guided tour of Italy. Begin your journey in Milan, where a feast with decadent Italian wines awaits you in Italy’s fashion capital. Relax on a private boat in Venice as you pass by its iconic floating houses to St. Mark’s Square, where you will see a gilded basilica anchoring the bustling piazza. Later, take a traditional gondola ride and sail through the canals as your Italian gondolier serenades you with songs. See the legendary Colosseum in Rome, then travel to the Vatican Museums, where a Local Expert will lead you through the papal art collection and to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Dine with your fellow travelers to celebrate a fantastic trip through Italy.
 

Itinerary

Welcome to Milan

Greet your Travel Director at Milan’s Malpensa Airport. Later, join your Travel Director and head to an elegant restaurant known for serving delicious fresh produce. Tonight’s dinner allows you to mingle and get to know your fellow travelers over a pleasant evening.

Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic

Journey through the picturesque Italian lake district, passing by the serene Lakes Iseo and Garda, to reach the enchanting floating city of Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. Your hotel, exuding authentic Venetian charm, beautifully reflects the history and culture of the surrounding area. As night falls, you can immerse yourself in the magic of St. Mark’s Square, with its orchestras and delightful alfresco cafes, providing an unforgettable experience.

Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima

Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. What better way to see Venice than sailing past palazzos and churches to St. Mark’s Square from a private boat? See the gilded basilica, the Doge’s Palace and Lord Byron’s Bridge of Sighs. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola serenade through the beautiful canals. Relax and enjoy the local traditional songs, as you drift along in awe. While here, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional glassmaking workshop, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. Spend the afternoon and evening as you wish. Or, join an optional experience to the island of Burano. Leave the hustle of St Mark’s Square behind on a delightful private cruise around the islands of the Venetian lagoon. Alight at the island of Burano, famous for its candy-colored houses, artisan lace makers and leaning bell tower that would give Pisa a good run for its money. Enjoy a superb meal sampling the local specialties with wine included.

Tranquil Tuscany, Pisa and Florence

Stop in Pisa to see the incredible Leaning Tower from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After that, continue on foot to admire the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune, Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica and indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines.

Free Time in Renaissance Florence

Learn the secrets of traditional Florentine leatherwork when you visit a local workshop to admire the intricate work. The rest of the day is free for you to fully immerse yourself in the Tuscan capital. Perhaps shop for leather or gold goods around Santa Croce or relax and soak up the atmosphere in one of the many street cafés. Be sure not to miss the magnificent museums and galleries that house some of the most famous works of art in the world. Choose to take an excursion to Tuscany’s most famous hill-top town, San Gimignano. Soak up the atmosphere of this ancient gem which has remained intact for centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the evening, consider an optional experience dining on Tuscan cuisine with local wine, including, of course, Chianti from the vineyards of Tuscany.

Chianti Country to Orvieto and on to Rome

Journey to Umbrian Orvieto, a hilltop village overlooking a vineyard-covered plain. Explore the town with your Travel Director and visit Piazza del Duomo to admire the cathedral, before continuing towards the Eternal City of Rome. Join an optional experience, Piazzas & Fountains, and with your Local Expert, take a “passeggiata” (stroll) to enjoy the backstreets and secrets of pedestrian Rome. Be amazed at sights such as the fascinating Pantheon and the beauty of 17th-century fountains and beautiful piazzas. Why not throw your coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the city?

Rome Sightseeing and the Vatican

Enjoy the best of the city’s highlights in the morning, including seeing the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. Cross the Tiber River to enjoy ancient Rome with your Local Expert. See the incredible Circus Maximus famous for its chariot races, and the iconic Colosseum. Enjoy fast-tracked entry into the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Admire the Papal art collection before entering the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece on its ceiling.

Arrivederci Roma

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, savoring the memories of its enchanting cities, historical landmarks and stunning landscapes. Italy’s unique allure will linger in your heart long after you leave.

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Grand Italy and Sicily

Grand Italy and Sicily

Art, food, and scenery combine in this 17-day guided tour through Italy. Revel in Renaissance artwork housed in the Vatican Museums and gaze at Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See Rome’s iconic Colosseum as a Local Expert shares its history. Stop in two fishing villages in coastal Cinque Terre and cruise the rugged Ligurian coast, admiring the colorful homes perched on the cliffs. See statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus, and feast on a steak dinner and local wine in Florence. In Sorrento, meet a Local Expert for a cruise to Capri, where you take an open-top taxi to Capri town for an unapparelled view of the Mediterranean Sea. In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, meet a restauranteur who will share his farm-to-table philosophy and serve you freshly made orecchiette pasta.

Itinerary

Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director for a private visit for Insight Vacations guests to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Gaze in awe at the world’s best-preserved Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening’s experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini. End the day by getting to know your fellow travellers over Roman specialities during a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.Alley of Trastevere in Rome, Italy

Vatican City and Rome with a Local

A Local Expert leads you through the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums, culminating beneath Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Later, continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, then cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus, come up close and personal with the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, walking on the ancient pavement. Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure.St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

Pisa and Santa Margherita Ligure

Enjoy a delightful drive to Pisa through rolling countryside dotted with cypress trees, passing vineyards and olive groves. With a Local Expert, view the incredible Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Your journey continues to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.The leaning tower of Pisa, Italy

The Charms of the Cinque Terre

Head to the famous Cinque Terre, which translates to Five Lands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on a gorgeously wild yet hospitable part of the coastline. With a Local Expert, approach one of the fishing villages by boat (weather permitting). In Monterosso, spend some time exploring the medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach before continuing to the village of Portofino, famed for its colourful houses. Browse the boutiques and stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbour. Then cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to your hotel in the resort of Santa Margherita.

Harbour, Cinque Terre, Italy

Lake Maggiore

Head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lakes District and the town of Baveno, noted for its narrow cobbled streets and charming 16th century square. On arrival, settle into your hotel and take in the magical scenery. In the afternoon, why not join an optional cruise to Isola Bella to explore the palace and admire the stunning and immaculate Italian style gardens.

Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore, Italy

Onto Venice

Your travels continue past the Soave vineyards, the City of Padua and on to the canals of Venice. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.Sightseeing in Venice, Italy​

Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima

Cruise by private boat past historic churches and 13th-century palaces to arrive close to St Mark’s Square. Stroll along the waterfront past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace. It was from here Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner into St Mark’s Square and admire the basilica. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to the island of Murano. See how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.

Gondola arts centre​, Venice, Italy

A Scenic Journey to Florence

Bid farewell to Venice and begin your journey to Renaissance Florence.

Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, continue on foot to admire the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local caffè, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica, indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines and pamper yourself shopping for luxury goods like gold and leather.

Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.

Duomo in Florence, Italy

Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance

Start the day with a traditional Florentine leather-work demonstration, then there is plenty of time to shop with the rest of the day at your leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to explore the hilltop town of San Gimignano?Duomo Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence, Italy

Ill-fated Pompeii and on to Sorrento

Journey south through the volcanic hills of Frascati to Pompeii, which was buried in A.D. 79 by Mount Vesuvius’ catastrophic eruption. Walk with a Local Expert through the preserved cobbled streets for a glimpse into the daily life of civilisation during the Roman Empire. Follow the clifftop road to the resort town of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Temple of Apollo Pompeii, Italy

Capri, the Isle of Dreams

Meet your Local Expert and cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. Explore the narrow alleyways and descend to the port by funicular railway for the return to Sorrento. Later, perhaps explore the Amalfi Coast?

Isle of Capri, Italy

Sassi di Matera and Alberobello

After breakfast, discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, visit Matera for an in-depth guided exploration of the extraordinary Sassi, ancient troglodyte dwellings and churches dug out of the rock. These are the most extensive examples of their kind in the Mediterranean and were inhabited by about 20,000 people up until 1950. Matera was also used as the setting for the film ‘The Passion of the Christ’. Continue to Alberobello, the second UNESCO World Heritage Site and your home for the next two nights.

Townscape, Matera, Italy

The Trulli of Alberobello

Admire another of Italy’s record number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Local Expert. The Trulli of Alberobello are circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within. They are built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar.

In the evening, delight at the freshly prepared Farm to Table dinner. Enjoy a typical meal and learn about life in the region through the local food.Sunset over Alberobello, Italy

Sicily and the Taormina Riviera

The local roads will take you south, following the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the mountainous Calabria region. Travel along the Purple Coast to the very ‘toe’ of Italy and board your ferry bound for Sicily. According to ancient legend, it was here at the Straits of Messina where the twin whirlpools of Scylla and Charybdis carried unwary seafarers away to their doom! After disembarking, continue to the Taormina Riviera.Sightseeing in Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe

Join a Local Expert for a visit to the Greek Theatre, graced with the most spectacular of backdrops. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Mt. Etna?

Taormina, Sicily

Palermo, Capital of Sicily

Head to the Sicilian capital of Palermo.

On arrival, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the capital. Palermo Cathedral has been altered over the years and a venture inside will help you to appreciate the composite architectural styles. Next, head to the amazing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans. With the outside completely covered in glittering 12th century mosaics, it provides an insight to what’s within. Join your travelling companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant for an unforgettable Celebration Dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.

Monreale Cathedral Palermo, Italy

Depart Palermo

Your journey draws to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport at 06:00 and 08:00.

Cathedral Palermo, Italy

Best of Germany

Best of Germany

Tour the iconic sights of Berlin, see Dresden’s spectacular cathedral and Baroque Zwinger Palace showcase the cultural treasures that survived the heavy bombing of World War Two. See the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter’s Church and the famous Marienplatz in Munich where the Glockenspiel shenanigans occur daily at the town hall. In Neuschwanstein, join a Local Expert on an exploration of the famed fairytale castle, reputed to have inspired Walt Disney, and famous for having featured in the film—Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Itinerary

Welcome to Berlin

Your travels through Germany begin in the capital, Berlin. With the afternoon free, perhaps walk along the bustling Ku’ Damm shopping centre of West Berlin, which, during 40 years of division, became the shop window of the West. Tonight, join your Travel Director and travel companions at a local restaurant for your Welcome Dinner.

Berlin TV Tower in Alexanderplatz Berlin, Germany

The Spirit of Berlin

Join a Local Expert to see some of Berlin’s many highlights. Travel along the Ku’Damm past the Memorial Church. Drive through the Tiergarten to see Norman Foster’s glass dome that crowns the reconstructed Reichstag building. Continue with a visit to the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the reunification, and down along the Unter den Linden, past the Humboldt University and State Opera. Stop on Museum Island before enjoying a day at leisure in this once divided city. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the glorious palace of the Prussian Kings at Potsdam?

Reichstag Building in Berlin, Germany

Dresden, a Baroque Phoenix on the Elbe

In Dresden, join your Local Expert to see the splendours of the city. From the Frauenkirche, which has risen again from the destruction of World War II, walk past ‘The Procession of the Princes’, a mosaic of colossal proportions on the Royal Palace facade. See the huge cathedral, Semper Opera House and Baroque Zwinger Palace. Although the town was heavily bombed during World War II, it remains a treasure trove of early German history and baroque architecture.

Dresden on the Elbe, Germany

Medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Join a Local Expert in Weimar to explore the city of literary luminaries Goethe and Schiller. Venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Plunge back into the 16th century during your orientation with your Travel Director as you walk through narrow cobbled streets lined with high-gabled houses to the market square, dominated by its Renaissance town hall. For your Dine-Around Evening, choose from a hand-picked selection of restaurants within the walls of the Old Town.

Medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany

Rothenburg at Leisure

Enjoy an inspiring stroll through the narrow cobbled streets with a Local Expert before taking in panoramic views of the historic city walls. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure for further exploration, or perhaps a guided visit to the medieval town of Nuremberg.

Old Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany

Frankfurt and Mainz

Continue your travels to Frankfurt and take in the city’s famed landmarks with a Local Expert. See the gable-roofed Römer, European Central Bank, Frankfurt Cathedral’s Coronation Site, and the eminent Paulskirche. Complete your visit with a tasting of local Apfelwein.

Your hotel is in the nearby town of Mainz, a bustling and important town since the Romans. Enjoy a guided visit to the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to one of history’s most important inventors.

Half-timbered houses in Mainz, Germany

Castles of the Rhine Experience

Begin the day with a relaxing cruise past steep-sided vineyards, half-timbered taverns and hilltop castles. Stop in Bacharach on the banks of the Rhine, for a scenic stroll in the vineyards with a Local Expert. Sit down for a delicious Farm-to-Table Lunch with locally sourced ingredients, and wine tasting.

Vineyard in Rhine Valley, Germany

Heidelberg and Freiburg, Cuckoo Clocks of Black Forest

This morning, continue your travels to Heidelberg. Visit Heidelberg Palace, one of the world’s most impressive palace ruins and an icon of the Romantic Movement. Venture inside to see the Heidelberg Tun, a gigantic wine vat built into the building’s cellar in 1591 and can hold 130,000 litres. Hear its associated tales of the dwarf court jester, Perkeo. Marvel at the panoramic vistas of the city and Neckar Valley from the castle fortress.

Continue on to your hotel in the Black Forest, the land of cherry cake and cuckoo clocks, where traditional farmhouses dip their thatched roofs almost to the ground. Stop to meet the locals who still make cuckoo clocks by hand, a tradition passed down for over 300 years.

Heidelberg Castle Heidelberg, Germany

The Black Forest

The best way to enjoy this enchanting region is on a lake cruise. Relax and soak up the atmosphere of the Black Forest on a guided wildlife walk, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

The Old Town and canal in Freiburg, Germany

Jewels of the Bavarian Alps

Embark on an exciting visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, bristling with turrets and pinnacles and built as a retreat for the wildly eccentric King Ludwig II. See the extravagantly decorated apartments, including the Throne Room and Lohengrin Courtyard. On your return to Munich, the rest of the day is free to explore Bavaria’s capital city. Perhaps visit one of its many art galleries and museums, or relax and enjoy a coffee in the delightful Marienplatz?

St. Coloman Church and Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany

The Bavarian Capital of Munich

Explore Munich with Insight Choice. Join a Local Expert for a foodie walking tour in the city centre. Alternatively, visit the famous Residenz and see its museum and Treasury.

In the evening, round off your German experience with a farewell Celebration Dinner, complete with local wine. Prost!

The Church of our Lady in Munich, Germany

Auf Wiedersehen Munich!

Say Auf Wiedersehen to your new friends as your trip ends.

Friedensengel, Munich, Germany

Country Roads of Ireland

Country Roads of Ireland

Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle with a Local Expert. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You’ll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant’s Causeway with its basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava or a giant’s feet if Irish myth is to be believed.

Itinerary

Welcome to Dublin

Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a meal with wine.Ha'penny bridge on a bright day in Dublin, Ireland

 

In Dublin’s Fair City

Accompanied by a Local Expert, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.Guests enjoy their VIP entrance to the Trinity College library in Dublin, Ireland

A Journey from Dublin to Cork

In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Continue to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. With a Local Expert, learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms.

Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th-century castle, featured in the film ‘Excalibur’, on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.Visit Kilkenny Castle in Kilkenny, Ireland

Across the Mountains to Killarney

Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the lively town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savour the delicious flavours of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.Guests learning from the Chef at the 19th Green Farm to Table dinner in Killarney, Ireland

Ring of Kerry Experience

Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park.

While there aren’t any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.Ring of Kerry landscape with Muckross lake and mountains, Killarney, Ireland

Around the Dingle Peninsula

Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula — the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before reaching your hotel on the shores of Dingle Peninsula. With the evening at leisure, why not treat yourself to a relaxing experience at the hotel’s spa? Offering holistic and therapeutic treatments, the Peninsula Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring the coast.Exterior bay of The Dingle Skellig Hotel, Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher and Galway

Journey to the Visitor Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.Sightseeing Galway, Ireland

Free day Galway or Aran Islands

Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.Skyline of Galway with Galway cathedral, Ireland

Derry Londonderry

Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of ‘Derry.’ What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland’s best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.Benbulbin or Ben Bulben rock formation near Drumcliffe in Ireland

Walk in the Giant’s Steps

Journey to the iconic Giant’s Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.Giant's Causeway, Bushmills, Northern Ireland

The Antrim Coast to Belfast

Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet your Local Expert for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen’s University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.Republican murals in Falls Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Depart Belfast

Departure transfers arrive at Belfast George Best City Airport and Belfast International Airport.Big Fish in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Croatia Guided Tour

Country Roads of Croatia

Discover Croatia’s rich heritage and stunning Dalmatian coastline—with fascinating itineraries curated by Local Experts. Charting a course through the cities of Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, the journey pauses for sea-to-table oysters in Ston, a quaint coastal village. Croatia’s culinary delicacies are also the order of the day at Celebration Dinner in Dubrovnik paired with wine and grappa. Explore Plitvice National Park, one of Europe’s great natural wonders. On this Insight Choice, learn about local Tara Community folklore, or journey through the forest paths, alongside 16 interconnecting lakes.

Itinerary

Welcome to Zagreb

Your Croatian adventure begins in the Capital, Zagreb. Relax and settle in or perhaps head for the romantic chestnut-lined Stross Promenade for your first views over the city. Join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening with wine.

Welcome to Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb’s Twin Towns

Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Take a walk and see the art Pavillion, the academy of Sciences and Art and pass Zrinjevac Park. We then board the city’s funicular to St. Mark’s Church and the Lotrščak Tower, take a walk back down through the Stone gate and back to the Square. The afternoon is at leisure. Relax and enjoy your hotel’s amenities or perhaps take an Optional Experience.

Park Zrinjevac in Zagreb, Croatia

Postojna Caves and on to Opatija

Venture into Slovenia to visit the world-famous Postojna Caves. Step aboard the cave train and descend into a subterranean world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains. Marvel at the five-metre tall Brilliant, the cave’s most beautiful stalagmite. Return to Croatia in your hotel in Opatija.

Postojna Cave, Postojna, Slovenia

Discover the Jewels of Istria

Cross the heart-shaped peninsula to explore the Jewels of Istria with your Local Expert. Visit the well-preserved first-century arena at Pula, scene of brutal gladiatorial battles in Roman times. Continue to the charming old town of Rovinj, rising directly from the sea. Wander through the cobbled streets lined with tempting shops, pastel-coloured bars and sidewalk cafes.Visit Rovinj, Croatia

Pristine Plitvice National Park

Enjoy the scenery of the Adriatic coast in the morning – journey past sparkling deep blue seas studded with rocky islands before heading inland to visit one of Europe’s great natural wonders.

Explore Plitvice with Insight Choice. Choose between two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park and learn how the site actively carries out research to monitor species’ natural habitats. Alternatively, meet one of the women behind the Tara Community Centre, who produce handicrafts, enabling employment and engagement in the community.Walk through the Plitvice National Park

The Dalmatian Coast to Split

The green forests of Plitvice Lakes National Park give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters. Walk through the Roman Ruins and market to see the sea organ of Zadar. Witness the dramatic change in landscape as you travel through Mediterranean olive groves on your way to Trogir, a city founded by the Greeks in the 3rd century B.C. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Čipiko Palace before continuing to the historic city of Solin. In the evening, don’t miss the dinner opportunity in a traditional konoba.

Town of Trogir in Dalmatia, Croatia

Island Hopping to Hvar

The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split. With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700 year-old palace cellars and learn the story of the infamous emperor. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje’s- originally Diocletian’s Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate. Your island-hopping adventure begins here. Cross the azure waters of the Adriatic to spend two nights on Hvar, famed for being the sunniest island in the country and boasting an interior dotted with lofty mountain peaks and aromatic fields of lavender.

Old town of Split Croatia

Exploring the Island of Hvar

Enjoy a full day at leisure, as you explore the hidden coves, secluded beaches, old monasteries and villages of Hvar. Perhaps stroll around seaside Stari Grad, known for being one of Europe’s oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Maybe visit the local museum with its impressive collection of archeological finds dating back to Greek antiquity or enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant? You could even see the glitz and glamour of Hvar Town with its yacht-lined marinas, famous for being the trendy playground of the rich and famous.

View of the Adriatic in Hvar, Croatia

On the Trail of Marco Polo to Korčula

Cruise back to the mainland and continue your journey to the island of Korčula, known for its grace, history and rich culture. The island is the perfect place for relaxing, with quiet coves and small beaches that dot the south coastline. This evening, dinner will be at the hotel.

Korcula Old Town, Dalmatia, Croatia

Captivating Korčula

In the morning, join a knowledgeable Local Expert for a walking tour of the Old Town. Marvel at spectacular mainland views as you stroll towards the main square of Korčula, where the Cathedral of St. Mark dominates the ancient skyline. Hear about local legends and history from your Local Expert, stopping by the Town Museum, the Bishop’s Palace with its treasury collection and the Town Hall. Visit the ruins of the house where, according to local legend, Marco Polo was born.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces of this charming medieval town.

View of the Harbour and Old town Korcula Croatia

Dubrovnik, Pearl of the Adriatic

Journey to the beautiful southern slopes of the Pelješac Peninsula. Weather permitting, cruise the tranquil waters of the bay of Mali Ston and admire the surrounding untouched natural beauty, as you enjoy a glass of traditional Croatian brandy. Stop at a shellfish farm and meet a local oyster farmer, to learn about the cultivation and harvest of oysters. Enjoy a delicious Sea-to-Table tasting of fresh shellfish accompanied by a glass of wine.

According to George Bernard Shaw, continue to the walled town of Dubrovnik, ‘paradise on Earth’. Join a walking exploration of the city, guided by a Local Expert. Get a glimpse into local life, as you explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions of the Old Town. Walk past Onofrio’s Fountain, see the Old Jewish Quarter and the synagogue, and marvel at the grandeur of the cathedral and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. With the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps enjoy the luxuries of the five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, your home for the next three nights.

Explore the Old Town, Dubrovnik Croatia

Optional Montenegro Experience

Spend the day at your leisure or enjoy an optional visit to Montenegro, travelling along the coast to the pretty port town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A photographer’s dream captures one of the most beautiful parts of the bay and learns about some of the compelling history of this area. Return to Dubrovnik and enjoy an evening at your leisure. Perhaps start at a trendy wine bar, followed by dinner at a romantic sidewalk cafe?

Optional Montenegro Experience

Dubrovnik at Leisure

Make the most of a day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Relax by the pool, shop in the markets or perhaps take the opportunity to visit Cavtat, one of the most enchanting seaside resorts in Croatia. This evening, should the weather permit, you’re invited to embark on a dazzling cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik. Start your Celebration Dinner with the national favourite drink, a glass of grappa. Savour authentic flavours of local specialities washed down with locally produced wine.Old town harbour of Dubrovnik Croatia

Depart Dubrovnik

Your travels draw to a close after breakfast.

The Old Town in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Country Roads of Switzerland

Country Roads of Switzerland

See Switzerland in all its natural splendour during this 2-week guided tour that whisks you from snow-capped mountain peaks to floral valleys. Outside Lucerne, complete with wooden bridges and baroque churches, zip to the top of Mount Stanserhorn, a pinnacle so tall you can see France and Germany.

Take in beautiful Bern and its Cathedrals with a Local Expert, followed by a stop in Gruyères. Glide along the Glacier Express, a glass-topped train that will carry you through the Oberalp Valley and to Grindelwald, an idyllic alpine village set to the backdrop of winding rivers and towering waterfalls.

A mountain railways pass in St. Moritz will allow you to traverse the alpine village’s cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts. Then taste the freshest cuisine in Switzerland during an intimate farm-to-table dinner experience, including cheese.

 

Itinerary

Welcome to Lucerne

Welcome to Switzerland, a land of snow-capped summits and romantic lakes that has attracted poets, musicians, and travellers for centuries. Arrive at Zürich airport and transfer to your hotel in Lucerne. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a pleasant Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Lucerne Switzerland

Ascend the summit of Mount Stanserhorn

Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Admire unrivalled views of the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day see as far as Alsace in France and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger to learn about local wildlife and flora. Return to the beautiful 14th-century city of Lucerne to see its storybook wooden bridges, baroque church and sorrowful Lion Monument. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to walk along the lake or perhaps shop for a special timepiece or chocolate.

Mt. Stansehorn, Switzerland

Bern, Gruyères and Montreux

In Bern, your Local Expert, a local English teacher, shows you the Cathedral of St. Vincent, Federal Palace and floral displays. Gather at the clock tower to watch the mechanical procession of painted figures before viewing the Ogre Fountain. Your travels continue into the wide, green valleys of the Vaud Alps, with snowy summits filling the horizon. Continue through vineyards and alpine meadows to the fortified town of Gruyères, which gives its name to the well-known cheese. Enjoy time on your own to explore the pretty main street and 13th-century castle.


From Montreux, travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to visit a winery. Admire the stunning panorama overlooking the lake and savour a tasting of tantalising, local wines. Delight in a delicious Farm-to-Table light dinner, made from locally sourced produce, and learn how the family is preserving the estate for future generations on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Bern, Gruyères and Montreux

Lake Geneva and the Swiss Countryside

On the western bay of Lake Geneva, visit Chillon Castle for a special tour of the former home to the Dukes of Savoy, immortalised by Lord Byron’s ‘Prisoner of Chillon.’ Keep a look out for where the writer is rumoured to have left his mark. Return to Montreux where the rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own or relax as you wish at your quayside hotel.

Lake Geneva and the Swiss Countryside

Geneva and Scenic Lake Cruise

Follow the shores of the lake to the international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet d’Eau and Floral Clock. Next, relax in first-class comfort on the waters of Lake Geneva during a highlight cruise. This evening, enjoy time at leisure on the promenade of your lakeside resort.

Geneva and Scenic Lake Cruise

Martigny, Sion and Zermatt

Journey into the upper Rhône Valley to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheatre. Continue to the town of Sion, dominated by two rocky peaks, each crowned with episcopal fortresses, and see the cathedral and Old Town Hall. Complete your journey via cogwheel train to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt. This evening, take your pick from a selection a local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. Perhaps you will delight in the typical Swiss dining experience of fondue.

Martigny, Sion and Zermatt

Zermatt at Leisure

Zermatt in the summertime offers many leisure possibilities: try swimming, hiking, or relaxing in the fresh alpine surroundings. Perhaps take a trip to the Klein Matterhorn, see the Matterhorn from the church bridge, or sample the delicious cakes known as Kuchen?

Zermatt at Leisure

The Italian Lake District to Baveno

Descend to Täsch for a scenic drive to Brig, where you’ll commence your ascent of the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping along the shores of Lake Maggiore. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps join an experience to the stunning Isola Bella?

The Italian Lake District to Baveno

The Glamour and Glitz of St. Moritz

Journey along the shores of Lake Maggiore, and head north to the three Fortifications at Bellinzona to meet your Local Expert, for a fascinating insight into this UNESCO World Heritage Site. These castles are enchanting examples of fortified medieval architecture of the Alps.

Your travels continue through the Grisons Region, travelling via San Bernardino and the town of Tiefencastel, as you follow the young Rhine River. Head east towards the Julier Pass and the glamorous resort of St. Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.

The Glamour and Glitz of St. Moritz

Leisure Time in St. Moritz

Enjoy a day at leisure to jostle with the jet-setters in this elegant resort or perhaps take an exciting train journey over the Bernina pass. To help you make the most of your day, your Travel Director will provide you with a mountain railways pass, offering free travel on all cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts (when available) in Engadine St. Moritz.

Leisure Time in St. Moritz

The Glacier Express

Step aboard the Glacier Express to experience one of the world’s great railway journeys. Cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge passing the Devil’s Bridge. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley. Follow the sparkling Lütschine River to Lauterbrunnen, at the head of the Valley of Waterfalls, and see the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 metres from the plateau above.

The Glacier Express

Grindelwald at Leisure

Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald further. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain?

Grindelwald at Leisure

Rural Switzerland to Zürich

Take in the spectacular lake views, as you journey to Brienz, famous for its woodcarving traditions. Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre to trace the trade history back to the early days of the 19th century. Continue over the Brünig Pass and drive alongside the lakes of Lungern and Sarnen to return to Zürich. See the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, River Limmat and Frauenmünster on an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. Join your travel companions at a local restaurant. Your Celebration Dinner is accompanied with wine – raise your glass to toast to your adventures.

Rural Switzerland to Zürich

Depart Zürich

Your Swiss adventures come to an end this morning, with a transfer to Zürich airport.

Zürich