6-Day Central and Western Europe Tour Package Zurich to Paris

In the morning we’ll begin our phenomenal Central and Western Europe tour from Zurich, heading out of the city to visit the gorgeous Lake Zurich for some of the best photo opportunities of the day. From here we’ll head out into the countryside to Schaffhausen to see Rhine Falls, one of the most majestic waterfalls in Switzerland. Traveling along mountain roads, we’ll cross the German border and enter the enchanting Black Forest on our way to see Lake Titisee. Here you can enjoy an optional lunch (own expense) by the lake of pork knuckle and authentic black forest cake. In the evening we’ll arrive in Frankfurt, one of the most astounding cities in Germany.

The first leg of our tour will bring us to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. There we’ll visit Beethoven House and the University of Bonn, then head to Cologne to see the iconic Cathedral, followed by a stroll along the shopping street Schildergasse. After lunch we’ll depart for Holland, staying overnight in Amsterdam or a neighboring city.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll tour all the major attractions in Dam Square, including the Royal Palace and the National Monument. You will have the option of hopping onto a glass-topped boat for an hour-long cruise through the storied canals. Then we’ll visit Coster Diamond Factory to see how these precious gems are cut and prepared for market, using techniques that have been in use since the 16th century. Our first stop in the afternoon will be Zaanse Schans, the windmill capital of Holland. There we’ll visit the Wooden Shoe Workshop and Museum and the Cheese Farm to see how clogs and cheese are made. Back at the hotel, you might want to avail yourself of the optional tour of the world-famous Red Light District (own expense).

Day 04 Paris Amsterdam – Brussels – Paris Hotel: Campanile Paris Est-Bobigny / Ibis Paris Orly Rungis or similar After breakfast we’ll head to Brussels, the Belgian capital and political center of the European Union. Our first stop will be the Atomium monument, a cell-shaped structure of stainless steel spheres and tubes built for the 1958 World’s Fair. Onward to Grand Place and Town Hall, the crowning achievement of Gothic civil architecture. After a look at Manneken Pis, the famous tinkling cherub, we’ll head to the French border and make a beeline for Paris.

We’ll begin our Paris adventure with a drive along the famous Champs Elysees to Place de la Concorde, which played a key role in one of darkest chapters of the French Revolution. You’ll also get to see the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Next we’ll head to Les Invalides, which houses Napoleon’s tomb and a number of other monuments relating the military history of France. We will make a stop at Eiffel Tower directly following the visit to L’Hotel National des Invalides. You can either take time to explore the neighborhood and have some lunch, or visit the Eiffel Tower at your own expense. Next we’ll travel on coach through the Parisian suburbs to the splendid Palace of Versailles, the residence of the royal family until the start of the revolution in 1789. We’ll return to Paris in the evening. After dinner, you may want to avail yourself of the optional cruise along the river Seine.

The day of our Paris experience begins with a visit to the Louvre, the grande dame of art museums. Here you will set your eyes upon some of the highest-valued masterpieces of the Western world, including Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Mona Lisa. After lunch we’ll head to Boulevard Haussmann, a shopper’s paradise in the heart of Paris, where you will be free to shop till you drop. Before you leave this captivating city don’t miss the world-famous cabaret shows at Lido and Moulin Rouge (own expense). Tips:There are three times and places where you may conclude the tour: – 2:00pm at the Louvre – 6:30pm at Boulevard Haussmann – 8:00pm at the hotel booked for those extending their tour to other destinations Effective Feb 02, 2019: Le Louvre Museum (under age 18 is free) €15 River Seine Cruise €14 Lido/Moulin Rouge Show with transfer €150 Drop-off time and location: 7:00pm at Opera House