【Indian Friendly】9-Day Treasures of Europe Tour from London with Vegetarian Food Option: Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Vatican, France

This morning, join your coach and head toward Dover or Folkestone for your crossing to Calais or Dunkerque. Make sure to have your passports ready, as we will be crossing UK and French immigration, as well as security. The ferry crossing takes about 90 minutes (40 minutes via the Euro Tunnel train). After lunch, we continue driving towards Brussels, the capital of Belgium.

Upon reaching Brussels, we'll take a moment to capture a photo at the "Atomium," a remarkable stainless-steel structure built for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, standing at an impressive 102 meters. The nine massive stainless-steel spheres are intricately connected to mimic the structure of an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times.

Following this photo stop, we proceed to our hotel and restaurant, situated in the Northeastern Grand Est region of France (Metz, Nancy, or Strasbourg). Depending on the hotel's location, we will either dine at the restaurant for an Indian dinner or head to the hotel, where our caterers will serve dinner in one of the conference rooms later in the evening. You can then rest after a long day of travel.

Today morning after breakfast, we check out of the hotel and board the coach heading South-East. We continue our drive into Germany. While we drive through the Black Forest, enjoy the tree-lined alpine views, and be fascinated by the deep gorges along the way.

We then arrive at the small town of Titisee-Neustadt in the middle of the Black Forest. Among dark fir trees, high hills, spectacular cliffs, and gentle valleys sits the largest natural lake in the Black Forest, Titisee, which stretches for some 2 km (over 1 mile). Here, enjoy some free time to wander the quaint streets, relax by the lake, or shop for locally made cuckoo clocks and a varied selection of souvenirs. After your shopping trip, we have our Indian lunch before heading towards Switzerland.

Continuing our journey south of Germany and into Schaffhausen, a city in northeastern Switzerland on the river Rhine, next to the German border. On arrival, take the time to admire the prime tourist attraction of the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest open-plain waterfalls. You have the time to enjoy a quick trip to the center of falls on the erosion-resistant rock or simply bide the short time we have here, admiring the beauty from the banks of the River Rhine with the Wörth Castle in the backdrop.

We re-join our coach and make our way towards Central Switzerland and to Lucerne. In Lucerne, spend time admiring Lake Lucerne, the fourth-largest lake in Switzerland, with Mt Pilatus, Mt Rigi, and the Swiss Alps in the background, or take a wonderful walk around the Old Town in the pretty cobbled streets. Don’t forget to walk and view the Chapel Bridge, also known as Kapellbrücke, the famous 204 meters long wooden-covered bridge originally built in 1333, regarded as the oldest covered bridge in Europe.

We later visit the Lion Monument, or the Lion of Lucerne, a rock relief designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. The carving has often been heralded as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."

We board back onto the coach after another fun-filled day heading for our evening Indian meal and hotel.

After breakfast today, we ascend 10,000ft to the summit of Mt. Titlis. We take a small cable car or funicular depending on the time of the year before we board the world's first revolving cable car, the Titlis Rotair. The Rotair completes one full revolution as we ascend to the top of Mt. Titlis, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Uri Alps. At the summit, you can not only enjoy panoramic views of the Swiss landscapes but also take pictures in traditional Swiss outfits, purchase souvenirs, and walk the highest Cliff Walk, a suspended pedestrian bridge along the cliff of Mount Titlis 3,000m above sea level. It's believed to be the highest elevation suspension bridge in Europe (subject to operation). Spend the morning playing in the snow and visiting the ice caves.

On Mt. Titlis, you can also enjoy the optional Ice Flyer (subject to operation). The Ice Flyer chairlift smoothly carries you over pristine snowfields and icy depths, with some crevasses up to twenty meters deep. This glacier experience is unique to Mt. Titlis, and you can purchase souvenir photos from the photo studio shop.

We head down in the early afternoon for a well-deserved Indian lunch after the morning's activities. Once our energy levels are replenished, we board our coach and make our way from Engelberg towards Italy, heading for Venice. We depart in the early afternoon for Venice, and we expect to reach there in the evening. We will be covering quite a distance today to reach, so ensure you carry your key essentials.

In the evening, upon reaching the Venice area, we conclude the day by proceeding to the restaurant and hotel. There, we indulge in a buffet-style Indian dinner before retiring for the night.

After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to our current location and set our course for the enchanting Venetian Islands. Our journey takes us across the 'Ponte della Libertà,' known as the Bridge of Liberty in English, a historic bridge connecting the heart of Venice to the mainland.

Upon our arrival at the Venice ports, we embark on a Vaporetto, a charming Italian small boat, which carries us towards the main island, where we dock at the iconic San Marco. Venice, often called 'The City of Water,' 'City of Bridges,' 'The Floating City,' and 'City of Canals,' reveals its true essence as we gracefully glide through the magnificent Grand Canal.

Our path leads us across the San Marco island to the magnificent Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark's Square. This grand square unfolds before us, showcasing the awe-inspiring Saint Mark's Basilica, a masterpiece of Italo-Byzantine architecture. Nearby, the famous St. Mark's Campanile, a soaring bell tower standing at a remarkable 98.5 meters, graces our view. You'll also have the opportunity to glimpse the renowned Bridge of Sighs and the intricate Clock Tower, known as the Torre dell'Orologio.

Later in the day, we indulge in a quintessential Gondola ride through the labyrinthine canals that crisscross the 118 captivating islands of Venice. As you drift along these picturesque waterways, marvel at the remarkable architecture that went into creating this enchanting lagoon city. The short but memorable Gondola ride provides a unique experience aboard a flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat, perfectly suited for navigating the Venetian lagoon's conditions.

Returning to the coach at the Venice Ports, we make our way back to the mainland, where a delectable Indian lunch awaits us at the restaurant. With our appetites sated, we depart from Venice in the afternoon, bound for the eternal city of Rome.

Upon our arrival in Rome later in the evening, we conclude the day by heading to the restaurant and hotel. Here, we relish a sumptuous buffet-style Indian dinner before retiring for the night. We will be staying at this hotel for the next two nights.

Today, our tour representative may offer an optional tour of Rome by Night. This enchanting tour is conducted on our comfortable coach and combines both coach and on-foot exploration of Rome's most enchanting sites illuminated under the soft glow of night. You will capture breathtaking photos of iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the grand amphitheater from the Roman Empire era, St. Angelo's Bridge, St. Peter's Church, and the splendid Piazza Venezia. This 90-minute tour extends into the late evening, offering a unique perspective on Rome's beauty. (Please note that the tour representative may choose to conduct this optional tour on day 5)

This morning, following a satisfying breakfast, we bid farewell to the hotel and embark on a brief journey towards the heart of Rome, the magnificent 'Eternal City.' A place where history and modernity coexist seamlessly.

Our immersive exploration of Rome commences with a rendezvous with a knowledgeable local guide who will lead us on a captivating journey through Rome's storied past and its renowned landmarks. Our first stop is a brief photo opportunity at the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, an iconic symbol of ancient Rome's grandeur. This location offers a captivating backdrop, featuring the remarkable Constantine Arch. Our next destination is the Roman Forums, a site steeped in the history of ancient civilization.

Afterward, we continue our journey via coach to savor a delectable Indian meal at a local restaurant. Following our satisfying lunch, we return to our coach and make our way to the enchanting Vatican City.

In the afternoon, we explore the Vatican City, the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, and home to the Pope. Our visit includes the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica. Please be mindful of the dress code requirements for places of worship during our visit. Subsequently, we stroll over to the world-famous Trevi Fountains, undoubtedly among the most exquisite fountains in all of Rome. Here, indulge in a delightful gelato ice cream as you take in the splendor of the surroundings. Notably, many parts of our Rome adventure will be explored on foot, as some attractions like the Trevi Fountain and Roman Forums are accessible only by foot.

As evening descends, the dining arrangement depends on our hotel's location. We may opt for dinner at a nearby restaurant, savoring an authentic Indian meal, or alternatively, we'll make our way back to the hotel. In the latter case, our dedicated caterers will serve dinner in one of the conference rooms, allowing us to unwind and rest after an eventful day filled with exploration and discovery.

After a satisfying breakfast, we bid farewell to our hotel and embark on an exciting journey to Florence, a city steeped in Renaissance art, history, and culture. As we travel northward, it's essential to have your belongings and entertainment devices handy for a comfortable journey.

Upon reaching Florence, we enjoy a delectable Indian lunch at a local restaurant, preparing us for the adventures that await in the city's Historic City Centre. Please note that our coach will drop us off in the heart of Florence but cannot remain within the city limits.

In the afternoon, we meet a knowledgeable local guide at our designated drop-off point in Florence. This guide will bring Florence's rich history to life, starting with a captivating view of the impressive Duomo of Florence, renowned for its massive brick dome. Our journey continues with visits to iconic landmarks such as the Basilica of Santa Croce, the resting place of Michelangelo, a replica of the famous statue of David, and the legendary Ponte Vecchio Bridge that spans the Arno River. Our exploration of Florence is primarily on foot, as many areas are pedestrian-only zones.

After our adventure in Florence, we reunite with our coach near the serene Arno River and depart from the city. Before joining the highway, we make a brief stop at Piazzale Michelangelo, offering breathtaking vistas of Florence's beauty and beyond. It's a perfect spot for capturing the essence of Florence through our cameras. After this photo session, we rejoin our coach and continue our journey to Montecatini.

In the early evening, we arrive at the charming Hotel in Montecatini, nestled amidst Tuscany's picturesque landscapes. Here, we enjoy a delightful buffet Indian meal that concludes our day's adventures. Following this culinary treat, we retire to our cozy accommodations for a restful one-night stay.

After breakfast, we load our luggage onto the coach and set off from the Montecatini region, embarking on a short journey to the city of Pisa, renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower.

Upon arrival in Pisa, we disembark the coach and head to the heart of the city, specifically the Piazza dei Miracoli. As we meander through a charming market, we eventually pass through ornate iron gates, leading us into the Piazza dei Miracoli. Here, we are greeted by the striking sight of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, its elegant 56-meter white-marble structure leaning gracefully since its completion in 1372. This tower serves as the bell tower for the adjacent Romanesque cathedral, a magnificent edifice adorned with striped marble. Within the square, we also discover the Baptistry, an ecclesiastical gem crafted between 1152 and 1363.

Following this captivating exploration, we proceed to a nearby restaurant for a delectable Indian meal. Our culinary experience revitalizes us for the next segment of our journey as we return to the coach on the outskirts of Pisa.

In the early afternoon, our adventure continues as we set our course for Switzerland, with Geneva as our ultimate destination. Upon arriving in Geneva in the evening, we indulge in a series of brief yet delightful photo stops. Our initial halt takes us to the "Jardin Anglais," known as the English Gardens, where we capture images of the National Monument, featuring Lady Geneva and Lady Helvetica. In proximity, we marvel at the Flower Clock, an iconic outdoor timepiece adorned with vibrant seasonal blooms. If conditions permit, we also admire the Jet d'Eau, a majestic fountain illuminated at night, propelling a half-cubic meter of water per second to a height of 140 meters into the air.

Our journey then leads us to the United Nations of Geneva (UNOG), the second-largest among the four principal office sites of the United Nations. Housed within the historic Palais des Nations, originally constructed for the League of Nations between 1929 and 1938, this site provides a captivating backdrop to capture a photograph showcasing all the flags representing the countries of the United Nations.

As we conclude our brief yet eventful visit to Geneva, we proceed to a restaurant and hotel, where we savor a delightful buffet-style Indian dinner before retiring for a peaceful night's rest.

After enjoying your morning meal at the hotel, we bid farewell to our current location and set our course for the captivating city of Paris. It's important to note that our arrival in Paris is anticipated for late afternoon, with a planned stop en route for lunch. At the lunch stop, you will find a selection of continental cuisine; however, please be aware that there are no fast food establishments available within the service area.

Upon reaching the enchanting "City of Lights", our first stop is none other than the world-famous Eiffel Tower, the timeless symbol of Parisian grandeur. Prepare to ascend this magnificent landmark and take in sweeping views of the city from the best available level - whether it’s the stunning second floor or, when accessible, the topmost Level 3, offering breathtaking 360° panoramas.

And here’s a special treat - if access to the top floor (Level 3) is available on the day of our visit, you will enjoy this upgrade absolutely complimentary! It’s our way of adding a little extra sparkle to your Parisian experience.

Please be mindful that due to its status as the world's most visited paid monument, extended security and ticket queues are expected, and reservations are not always an option.

In the evening, we proceed to a restaurant for a delightful group buffet dinner. After savouring your Indian meal at the designated entry time, you have the choice to either embark on an optional night tour of Paris or return to the hotel comfortably aboard one of our vehicles.

For those who opt for the "Paris Illumination Tour," our journey continues after dinner. This captivating night tour spans approximately 90 minutes and grants you a splendid view of Paris's key landmarks illuminated in all their glory. From the comfort of our coach, you will have the opportunity to admire the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, and Les Invalides. The enchanting streetlights and monumental illuminations will draw your gaze toward these magnificent sights. As the clock strikes the hour, you will witness the Eiffel Tower come to life, sparkling for five magical minutes - a truly mesmerising moment that captures the spirit of the "City of Lights."

Finally, as the night deepens, we make our way to the hotel for our overnight stay. A restful night's sleep awaits, preparing us for the wonders that tomorrow holds.

Today morning, we check out of the hotel after breakfast and load the luggage depending on your final drop-off point.

We then make our way back to the center of Paris, where we embark on the famous "Bateaux" cruises of Paris for our one-hour cruise along the River Seine. During this cruise, we cover the stunning architecture that Paris has to offer, including the Grand Palais, Petite Palais, Pont Alexandre 3rd bridge, National Assembly, Invalides, and, of course, the spectacular Eiffel Tower. The glass-covered boat is at your disposal, and you can choose to sit inside or outside while listening to the commentary of the sights.

While traveling around Paris, you would have covered various other sights, including the Vendome, home to the Ritz Hotel; Concorde Square, made famous during the French revolution; and Avenue des Champs Élysées, the largest tree-lined boulevard in Paris.

We then depart Paris and make our way towards Calais, not before stopping at an Indian restaurant for our last meal together. After Lunch, we continue to make our way back to London.

The journey back is when we say goodbye to friends we have made along the way as we drop off those getting off on the route.

Once we reach Calais, we cross over back into Dover or Folkestone, depending on our crossing schedule for the tour on the day. We continue our journey towards Wembley and dropping passengers off at their respective drop-offs.