12-Nights European Trio: London, Paris & Amsterdam - Arts & Culture from $7,049

Day 1: Arrive in London

Transfer: London Heathrow Aptto London - Victoria Station

Hotel: The Clermont London, Victoria (4 Star Rating)

The hotel is still housed in a stunning Grade II listed building dating back to 1862 and features a blend of exquisite Victorian style combined with modern opulence. From the dramatic entrance hall to lavish staircases, ornate period features and beautiful modern rooms, you'll find it to be the ideal place to stay in London. Simply step outside to join the hustle and bustle of the capital. Found just steps from Victoria Station, the hotel is within walking distance of many world-famous landmarks. Stroll down to Buckingham Palace, take in a show at the Victoria Palace Theatre or see the sites in St James Park.

Day 2: Full Day Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds

Downton Abbey Village
The first part of our journey sees us head out of the hustle and bustle of London and into the serene expanses of the Cotswolds, England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Nestled in the rolling hills is the quaint village of Bampton. This little traditional English village has most recently been the filming location for the popular period drama television series, Downton Abbey. You'll see the home of Isobel Crawley, the Downton Cottage Hospital, the village church, as well as the location for two fictional local pubs, The Grantham Arms and The Dog & Duck.

The Cotswolds & Bourton-on-the-Water
After a brief journey through some of the most beautiful countryside in England, we will arrive at our next destination. Straddling the River Windrush is the lovely village of Bourton-on-the-Water, also known as the 'Venice of the Costwolds'. This quintessentially English village is a must-see for all visitors to the Cotswolds. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea experience in a riverside café, or take a stroll down the river banks and peruse the eclectic mix of local stores offering everything from homemade ice cream to charming gifts for friends and family back home.

Blenheim Palace
This awe-inspiring stately home, the current private residence of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, is perhaps best-known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Admire the stunning details behind the portraits, tapestry and furniture in the lavishly decorated State Rooms, which includes ornate furniture by Boulle, Savonniere carpet and the iconic 'Victories' series of tapestries celebrating the Duke's victory over the French armies of 'The Sun King', Louis XIV, at the Battle of Blenheim. Enjoy a stroll through the beautifully landscaped formal gardens designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown and more than 2,000 acres of parkland, or walk in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill. Visit his most cherished outdoor places on the grounds of Blenheim Palace, including the spot where he proposed to Clementine Hozier.

Day 3: Full Day Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Tour

Visit the official residence of The King and home of the British monarchy for more than 900 years,
explore the beautiful Georgian city of Bath and its ancient Roman Baths, and uncover the mystery
behind Stonehenge - the world's most famous Neolithic site.

Built high above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years and is still an Official Residence of the King. Visit the magnificent State Apartments, still used for State occasions and Royal receptions. Take some time to explore the castle grounds and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England and a burial place of kings and queens, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.

Clouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England, but beyond its archaeological significance and possible astronomical role, Stonehenge is also a place of spiritual importance. Early legends link it with Merlin and King Arthur, but over the last hundred years the midsummer sunrise has attracted pagan groups and followers of the Ancient Order of Druids.

You also visit the beautiful Georgian City of Bath and take you on a panoramic tour of some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Assembly Rooms and the famous Pulteney Bridge. Explore the Roman Baths, built around thermal springs, which have been supplying water for over 2,000 years. In Roman times a great Temple was built next to the sacred spring - the waters were believed to have healing properties and attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire.

Day 4: Entrance to The London Eye & Kensington Palace



Day 5: London to Paris

Transfer: London - Victoria Station to London Train Station

Transfer: St. Pancras International Railway Station to Gare du Nord

Transfer: Gare du Nord to Paris - Arr10/11: Gare du Nord-Republique

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Paris Republique (4 Star Rating)

Located in Paris' characteristic 11th arrondissement, facing Place de la Republique square, the 4-star Crowne Plaza Paris Republique is a great central base to explore the city. It is conveniently located within minutes from Gare du Nord station for easy access in and out of the city. The hotel is housed in a historic building where guests will enjoy comfortable and spacious rooms, with modern furnishings and amenities. WIth 328 rooms, the hotel also has a main restaurant or take advantage of the area's bustling bistros and bars and the trendy Canal Saint Martin neighbourhood.

Day 6: Half-Day Private Eiffel Tower Tour with Summit Access and Dinner Cruise

Built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889, the Eiffel tower is considered to be the symbol of France! The tower was assembled in two years, which is a speed record considering the rudimentary means available at that time. The decision to build the tower was extremely criticized, now it is a mythical site that represents the magic of light: with its glittering beacons in the Parisian sky. Your guide will share stories, facts & secrets of the iconic tower. At the end, you will have time to enjoy the exceptional panoramic view of the city from the summit.A gastronomic voyage along the most beautiful of Parisian Boulevards

French cuisine traditional, elegant and refined. Prepared on board each day using fresh seasonal produce. Emphasis on taste, simplicity and respect for the original flavour of ingredients. Masterful culinary technique and carefully presented food. Desserts created by Lenotre.

Day 7: Half Day Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum

Discover with your guide the world’s largest museum. No need to stand in line! This guided tour offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the museum’s huge collection and its greatest works of art, such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Coronation of Napoleon.
Before it became a museum in 1793, the Louvre had long been one of the principle palaces of the Kings of France. Located right in the heart of Paris, the Louvre’s galleries stretch for 786,000 square feet. It is home to the world’s largest collection of artworks, spanning more than 7,000 years from ancient civilizations to the 19th Century. The museum’s collections are split into eight different departments: Egyptian antiquities, Greek, Etruscan & Roman antiquities, Near Eastern antiquities, Islamic art, Paintings, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, and Prints & Drawings.

Spend time discovering these collections with your guide, who will show you some of the museum’s most famous works and tell you about the stories that lie behind them. Marvel at the Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1506, one of the most famous female portraits in the world; the Venus de Milo, a celebrated Greek sculpture dating from 100 BC depicting the goddess Aphrodite; or the giant 33-foot-long painting of the Coronation of Napoleon, painted in 1807 by Jacques-Louis David to commemorate the crowning of Napoleon Bonaparte in Notre Dame Cathedral.
After your tour, enjoy shopping for souvenirs such as posters, books, etc.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Enriched guided tour experience with an itinerary designed to optimize your visit
An optimal choice to discover the best about the world’s greatest works of art
Optimised visit time with reserved queue access and a 2-hour visit guaranteed
Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide

Day 8: Full Day Guided Giverny and Versailles with Lunch

Ideal combo tour to visit two of the biggest attractions in the Paris region. You will enjoy a visit to Claude Monet’s magnificent gardens in Giverny as well as the house of the master of Impressionism. After a traditional lunch, you will leave to visit the famous Palace of Versailles, which will take you back into the history of the Kings of France.
Set off at 8:15 am from our agency in Central Paris. The journey to Giverny by air-conditioned coach will take approximately one hour and 30 minutes. Soak up the world of the painter, Claude Monet, famous for painting different corners of his garden, such as the “Water Lilies” or the “Japanese Bridge.” The painter Claude Monet lived at Giverny with his wife and eight children for 43 years, from 1883 until his death in 1926. Passionate about gardening and nature’s changing colors, he designed his flower and water gardens as if they were works of art. During your visit of Monet’s garden at Giverny, admire the multicolored flower beds, the Clos Normand Flower Garden with its many Eastern plants, and the lush water garden, famous for its water lilies and Japanese bridge.

Then take advantage of your free time to visit Claude Monet’s pink-plastered house, where he lived and worked (guided tours of the interior are not permitted due to the lack of space). Explore the reading room, leading into the larder and the artist’s studio. In addition to those of his private apartments, these rooms have been reconstructed with Monet’s original furniture. Visit the bright yellow dining room, which has been reconstructed down to the very last detail, with earthenware dishes and a blue-tiled kitchen. In the dining room, marvel at one of the world’s most important collections of Japanese prints. At the end of your visit, explore the village and treat yourself to some souvenir shopping in the gift and book shop, which was once used as a studio for Monet’s Water Lilies; it offers a wide range of products inspired by the artist’s work.
After visiting Giverny, enjoy a tasty lunch at the Moulin de Fourges restaurant (or 2 steps away at the Bistrot du Moulin ) just ten minutes away, where you can sample local food with a twist.

In the afternoon, explore the Palace and Gardens of Versailles. Covering more than 721,000 square feet, the Palace has over 700 rooms. Follow your guide to the front of the line to see the most impressive rooms: the King’s Apartments, with seven salons each dedicated to a different god, and the Queen’s Apartments. Also visit the majestic Hall of Mirrors, a reception room in which to see and be seen, dreamt up by the famous architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Almost 240 feet-long, it was designed to astonish visitors of the Sun King Louis XIV; it is lit by 17 windows and 350 mirrors, and overlooks the palace’s splendid gardens, the second part of your visit. Enjoy the free time to visit the Gardens of Versailles and marvel at its many works of art, fountains, ponds, flower beds and groves of trees.
Return to Paris scheduled for around 6:00 pm.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Free time to visit the somptuous Giverny gardens and free time in Monet’s house.
With this tour, explore Claude Monet’s studio and the house he lived in for more than 40 years
Transportation from Paris by air-conditioned vehicle
3-course lunch in a charming country restaurant
Services of a licensed guide
Free time to visit the magnificent French gardens of Versailles is included
Guided tour of the Royal Apartments of the Palace of Versailles with priority access

Day 9: Paris to Amsterdam

Transfer: Paris - Arr10/11: Gare du Nord-Republique to Paris Train Station

Transfer: Amsterdam Centraal Station to Amsterdam - City Centre

Hotel: The Albus - Design Hotel Amsterdam Center (4 Star Rating)

The Albus Design Hotel is well located within the famous Canal Belt in the historical city centre of Amsterdam and a short walk from all the famous sights. Dam square, Rembrandt square, and many well-known museums are just a walk away. This 4-star Superior Hotel is an excellent choice to explore this lively and vibrant city.

After a long stroll through this vibrant city, you come back to this warm and welcoming hotel. Relax in the lounge or visit the social corner to update your online status. In the evening the enthusiastic bartenders welcome you to have a drink before heading out again. Experience an unconventional and creative dinner at Senses, the hotel restaurant. Listed in the top 15 best restaurants in Amsterdam according to TripAdvisor.

Experience a service that's out of the extraordinary and personalized. Provided by the professional yet down-to-earth friendly hotel staff. They strive to exceed the expectations of every guest.

Day 10: Full Day Bruges Tour from Amsterdam

Crossing the Netherlands, enjoying its typical countryside, we will drive to Belgium. Our destination today: one of the most beautiful towns in Europe 'Bruges'. Upon arrival you will be guided through the historical center. The rest of the afternoon you can spend to your liking: enjoy a boat trip along the beautiful canals, visit one of its museums, shop for lace, or taste the excellent Belgium 'cuisine' and chocolates. Let yourself be carried away by beauty and romance! Bruges is the perfect place!

Day 11: Half-Day Private Rijksmuseum Tour and Amsterdam Local Experience with Pub Walk & Dinner

Mentioned in the top 10 of “Best International Museums”. The museum is very famous for its paintings by the Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals.

Meet your guide at a centrally located hotel in Amsterdam and enjoy a walking tour on your way to the museum. Your guide will tell you all there is to know about the city and give you an introduction about the Rijksmuseum. Inside the museum your guide will unfold the stories about the art and the artists and take you on a journey through rich Dutch history. Tour ends at the Rijksmuseum where guests can explore the museum at leisure or inside the city center.Experience Amsterdam's traditional pub culture with a local! Beyond the breweries and coffee shops that Amsterdam is known for. There are many charming pubs tucked in the corners of the historic city center. These pubs are visited mostly by the locals and not by the tourists giving you an authentic experience.

Spend 2.5 hours walking around a city center neighborhood (this can be focused on an area of your choosing if you like) and learn not only about the history of Amsterdam and the daily life of the Dutch, but also the history of Dutch beer brands and their local spirit Jenever (also known as Dutch gin). You will visit 2 local pubs (if time allows) and have a drink at each pub (local beer, wine, soft drink or a local spirit).

After the walking tour your guide will escort you to the Restaurant in de Waag and leave you there to enjoy a 3-course dinner (excl. drinks). The restaurant is located at the Nieuwmarkt and close to metro station / tram stops to get you back to your Amsterdam hotel or if it's a lovely evening you can enjoy a stroll along the various canals.

Day 12: Half Day Volendam, Marken & Windmills Tour

This excursion takes us to the countryside north of Amsterdam, to the edge of the river Zaan, where we visit windmill village ‘de Zaanse Schans’, with its characteristic green wooden houses. On the turn of the 18th century this district was an industrial area with approximately 700 windmills in use. In this day and age there are only five left. Through typical Dutch scenery we continue to Volendam for a city walk and the traditional fisherman’s village of Marken, situated on the shores of the former Zuiderzee. This tour includes a visit to a working windmill, boat ride between Marken and Volendam, a demonstration in a cheese factory and visit to a traditional clog maker.

The tour is live guided in English and Spanish but supported by an GPS audio system in 16 languages.

Day 13: Depart from Amsterdam

Transfer: Amsterdam - City Centre to Amsterdam Airport