European Grandeur
Experience Overview
See Paris icons like the Champs-Elysees through the eyes of your Local Expert, enjoy the gastronomic delights of pintxos tasting tours in San Sebastian, the foodie city of Spain and try your hand at Venice glassblowing in Italy, all on this grand European tour. From boutique fashionista shopping in the avenues of Paris to Picasso's trail blazing masterpieces in Madrid, this cultural tour de force is all encompassing. Barcelona dazzles with Gaudi's masterpiece—La Sagrada Familia, while Avignon serves up a palate tantalizing taste of traditional Farm-to-Table cooking. The French Riviera offers an abundance of opulence, with harbors in Nice and Monaco packed to the brim with luxury yachts, and in Vienna the regal history of Austria's Habsburg dynasty fires up the imagination.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 8 Dinner (D)
- 25 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Paris: Join a local food lover on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
- Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc. Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Vienna: Visit Capuchins Crypt, the burial place of the Habsburg family.
- Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialties of coffee and Sachertorte.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of the city for a delightful dinner.
- San Sebastián: Enjoy an evening of pintxos, dining with locals in this Basque tradition. Your delicious dinner includes a wide variety of finger food delicacies, each with their own regional flavor, flair and presentation.
- Avignon: At a local farm learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce before indulging in a farm-to-table dinner of traditional French home-style cuisine.
- Venice: In St Marks Square at sunset, long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels, sip cocktails canal-side before dinner at a local restaurant.
- Lucerne: Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening and hand-pick your preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
- Amsterdam: Toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Insight Choice
- Paris: Join a local food lover on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
- Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.
- Vienna: Visit Capuchins Crypt, the burial place of the Habsburg family.
- Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialties of coffee and Sachertorte.
Insight Experiences
- Madrid: Visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian and see Pablo Picasso's masterpiece Guernica, one of the world's greatest anti-war paintings. Alternatively, join a neighborhood walking tour to discuss social equity empowerment and learn about the history of women's movements in Spain.
- Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
- Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.
- Rhineland: The beautiful scenery of the Rhine River is punctuated by the many castles dotted along its banks. Delight in a private estate viewing of one of these Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments located along the Middle Rhine.
Make Travel Matter
- Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit. 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. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 15: Affordable and Clean Energy & Life on Land.
Top Rated Highlights
- Chateau Chenonceau: Visit the majestic Château de Chenonceau, known as the 'Ladies' Château' it perfectly embodies the elegance of 16th century design in the Loire Valley.
- Bordeaux: Your Local Expert will show you the quayside facades, Grand Theater, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces.
- San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.
- Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
- Avignon: Once the seat of papal power, Avignon is a city steeped in history and charm. View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic palaces in Europe.
- Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
- Monaco City: Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbor.
- Monaco City: Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
- Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
- Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the Santa Croce Basilica, the final resting place of great Florentines like Michelangelo.
- Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
- Venice: Join your Travel Director for an introduction to Venice, exploring its canals, lively squares, and historic landmarks. Discover the city’s unique charm as you navigate its maze of streets and take in iconic sights like St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.
- Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
- Maribor: Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture.
- Vienna: Join your Local Expert for a city tour that reveals both the renowned sights and hidden gems of Vienna's historic core. Travel along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
- Salzburg: Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.
- Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
- Vaduz: Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains.
- Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
- Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
- Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19588
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 69.422A
Starts: Paris, France
Finishes: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 26 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $11,521 ($443 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Paris, enjoy time at leisure to settle into your hotel. During your time here you will see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a fabulous welcome dinner at a local brasserie.
Accommodation: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals: Dinner
Your exploration of Paris today begins with an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city.
Accommodation: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals: Breakfast
Head southwards towards Châteaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known as the Jardins de France for the beautifully maintained gardens created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenonceau Castle, an elegant French château spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling in-land port of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character.
Accommodation: Novotel Gare St Jean, Bordeaux
Meals: Breakfast
Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France's best 18th century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contributed to Bordeaux earning inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián where you will have the chance to dine with the locals in the evening. In small groups, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine.
Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue this European Grandeur tour through the mountains and gorges of the north and emerge from the tunnel in the Sierra de Guadarrama onto the plateau of New Castile and Spain's elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains?
Accommodation: Riu Plaza España, Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighborhoods in the Spanish capital. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's Guernica.
Accommodation: Riu Plaza España, Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
Cross the Castilian plain, past Zaragoza, and continue to the vibrant port of Barcelona. In the evening, why not try delicious local Catalan cuisine and as night descends, view the city from the heights of Montjuic, with lights sparkling below from the mountains to sea.
Accommodation: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast
Join your Local Expert for a view of the Gothic Quarter and the cathedral. Travel by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
Accommodation: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to Avignon to see the famous Pont d'Avignon, once spanning the Rhône and immortalized in songs. Walk within the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to stand in the shadow of the old Palais des Papes, resembling a fortress. Learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce. After, indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner, a delicious insight into traditional French home-style cuisine.
Accommodation: Novotel Center, Avignon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or relax on the beach.
Accommodation: Apollinaire, Nice, Radisson Blu, Nice
Meals: Breakfast
Travel to Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family live, the yacht-filled harbor and visit the cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Cross into Italy and follow the arc of the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. In the Square of Miracles, stop to see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa with a Local Expert, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Also see the splendid 11th century cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble.
Accommodation: Villa Neroli, Florence
Meals: Breakfast
Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is 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 David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there's free time to shop or continue exploring.
Accommodation: Villa Neroli, Florence
Meals: Breakfast
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, before passing the Apennine Mountains to arrive at the Eternal City, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A Local Expert introduces the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter’s Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. The afternoon is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe before our exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. Due to increased demand during the Jubilee year, access to the Vatican Museums may be limited. If tickets are unavailable during your visit, your sightseeing will instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to the iconic Capitoline Wolf, ancient Roman bronzes and Renaissance art, set atop Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio with sweeping views of the Roman Forum.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy Rome at your own pace today. Perhaps take an optional experience to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals: Breakfast
Journey through peaceful Tuscan landscapes, to descend past Bologna into the fertile Valley of the River Po. Arrive at the glorious city of Venice by boat and savor a cocktail at sunset whilst you are serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Admire the Doge’s Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts center, before taking a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where St. Mark’s Basilica exudes the city’s former wealth and power.
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Venice by water taxi and continue your journey to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. A Local Expert shows you Prešeren square with the Triple bridge, baroque Franciscan Church and and the lively banks of Ljubljanica river. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the tranquil shores of Lake Bled? Ride in a traditional wooden 'pletna' across the turquoise glacial waters towards the tiny island that rises in the middle.
Accommodation: Lev Ljubljana
Meals: Breakfast
Follow the Drava River to reach the 700-year-old university town of Maribor. Continue past Graz through Styria's forested mountains and on to Vienna.
Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, there is the option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Later, get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built alongside the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament. Later, join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. Visit a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialties of coffee and Sachertorte or visit Capuchins Crypt, the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront
Meals: Breakfast
Pass the impressive Benedictine monastery of Melk before reaching the enchanting city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and the iconic musical 'The Sound of Music'. A Local Expert will show you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, including the fountains and statues where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed. Cross Residence Square with its fountain, where Maria sings 'I Have Confidence' and see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart’s birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. Perhaps join an excursion to the famous Eagle's Nest? Continue to the mountain ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.
Accommodation: AC, Innsbruck
Meals: Breakfast
Journey past flower-filled meadows and picturesque chalet-style villages to the Principality of Liechtenstein. Spend some time in its tiny capital, Vaduz, then cross into Switzerland and through glorious mountains to lakeside Lucerne. On arrival, visit Lucerne's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Tonight, enjoy a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
Accommodation: Astoria Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels takes you up to the summit. Take in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace 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.Upon return to Lucerne, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit church. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for fine watches and delectable chocolates.
Accommodation: Astoria Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy traveling through Germany and follow the Rhine Valley north to Königswinter.
Accommodation: Maritim, Königswinter
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Delight in a private estate viewing of one of the famous Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments situated along the Middle Rhine over a glass of wine. Continue your travels to Amsterdam. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. In the evening, toast your adventure and new-found friends during a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Apollo, Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, transfers arrive at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
It was a great tour and our tour director (*Personal information removed by Feefo*) was amazing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/31/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
Well organised, comfortable buses with WC on board if needed. Brilliant driver in *Personal details removed by Feefo*. Tour is a steady pace with quite a bit of walking, if your not up to that you will miss alot. Not alot of down time to shop but you are there to see the sights and history first. Loved our tour with great group of people and great host *Personal details removed by Feefo* and driver *Personal details removed by Feefo*, such a safe, careful lovely man to drive us everywhere. Read less Insight Vacations, Mantombi Thank you for sharing your feedback on the European Grandeur tour starting in Paris. We're glad you enjoyed your trip and visiting the different count... Good steady pace perhaps in Rome hotel a little closer in walking distance to main shopping area, but understand the trouble with coaches getting in. Would have loved more time in some places but to achieve what we saw in our space of time was pretty good. Brilliant travel director in *Personal details removed by Feefo* who definitely put in the extra miles to help us understand and see what we requested. Love our trip and all the countries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
*Personal details removed by Feefo* our guide, was extremely experienced and professional. His local knowledge and anecdotes built our knowledge of the places we were in and added to the experience. Everything ran like clockwork as we very well organised. He ensured everyone was catered for and made adjustments to meet our needs. *Personal details removed by Feefo* was a driver extraordinaire! I immediately felt safe and the whole bus applauded his driving skills in tight spaces more than once. We appreciate your feedback. We're happy you found the tour organised and glad to hear that the Travel Director and Coach Driver gave you the best exp... It was a comprehensive but well paced itinerary - maximising our experiences in the time we had. Our guide *Personal details removed by Feefo* and our drive *Personal details removed by Feefo* were OUTSTANDING and made the trip an unbelievable and memorable experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
It was a comprehensive but well paced itinerary - maximising our experiences in the time we had. Our guide *Personal details removed by Feefo* and our drive *Personal details removed by Feefo* were OUTSTANDING and made the trip an unbelievable and memorable experience. Fantastic way to see a lot, we had a few early mornings and full days driving but we stopped every couple of hours and got the most out of all our cities we visited.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
*Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* were the stars as far as service goes! *Personal information removed by Feefo* went beyond what was offered and took such great care of everyone. I wouldn't have had my trip of a lifetime if it wasn't for her! I have arthritis, bursitis, osteoporosis among other things and I was blessed to be with *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo*! It highlights what is special about each country: history, culture, architecture, agriculture, religion, food and drink. The knowledge of our experts on each of our tours was valuable. The close relationships you develope with fellow travelers is fun and memorable. Our Tour Director *Personal information removed by Feefo* and our driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* was the best. We had so much fun as well as being educated about each country/city!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
Enjoy the trip very much, a very pleasant experience, with new friendships, thanks very much for the experience. It was a great trip, the group traveling with us was exceptionally friendly, I must also note that the tour director was unique, very professional with a great sense of humor, always ready to help, at all times *Personal information removed by Feefo* made us feel that the trip was worth it, in the same way the driver gave us security in his driving.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2024
Debra Miley - Traveled, November 2024
The service was excellent as always our guide was very knowledgeable, gracious and kind! The Driver was also amazing kept us safe and was very kind! My disappointment had nothing to do with the service! Too much go go go very little free time I felt like too much was squeezed in that I saw a lot but didn't see a lot example.... We saw the Louvre.... Going by on a boat! Well so what!!! Too much time on the coach!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
A lot of Europe in the time allotted. Many great side trips along with great food even at rest stops.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
It hits all the highlights of a European tour. If I had one comment to make it would be to have some more personal time for shopping and washing etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
Need a couple more half days leaving a little more down time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
Our TD was fabulous. Very knowledgeable and kept everything on time. The trip is a lot of places at a very fast pace A lot of early morning starts for a lot of travel on the bus Not enough down time a the places we were at 2 nights at more places would have been nice.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
Tour Director and Coach driver were excellent. Tour Director was very knowledgeable with a wealth of information about places visited. She was extremely busy with travellers who had special needs so the whole tour pace was done at the slowest person's pace (ie wheely walker and others with health issues as previously mentioned - limited mobility or difficulty breathing with walking). TD was very patient and ensured these people were looked after first at every rest stop and hotel. They had set seats on the coach every day to try to facilitate disembarking via front door while the rest of us used the rear coach door. Coach was very comfortable and was always immaculate. Busy itinerary with many early starts (leave hotel at 7:15am!). Optionals were worth doing, especially loved the Toledo, Pompeii and Stanserhorn full day trips. Excellent breakfasts and included dinners! Although I think this tour of Europe was suited to moderately active people, our tour included several travellers with significant mobility issues including one who needed a "wheely walker" and a full time carer who were well looked after by the Tour Director.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/31/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
Don't spend the money on this boot camp go somewhere else.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/31/2024
Julie Macinnes - Traveled, July 2024
We had an excellent time with a mix of NZ's & Aussie"s plus 2 Americans The bus is spacious with plenty of leg room We did approximately 7800 km. We had an amazing time. It was very busy & a reasonable fitness for walking makes it easier. We saw so many different areas of Europe. Our group ended up at 21 which was perfect as you got 2 seats each with lots of leg room.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/31/2024
Diane Jeffs - Traveled, July 2024
We had exceptionally good tour leader and driver! Both were helpful. We were able to acccess a doctor when needed through the tour leader contacting the hotel we were in and organising that for us. We found the itinerary full and interesting especially in the last weeks of the tour. The tour began in Paris and we would have preferred the Palace of Versaille and Monets garden rather than a local market and a rather ordinary restaurant. We had been advised that we would have choices andcwe would be able to decidevwhich wecwould like to do. But we discovered that the options were chosen by the tour guide and the only choice we had was whether we went to that choice or not go. It was obvious that others also found this disappointing. We had an excellent tour leader and bus driver! They were very professional, approachable, friendly, and experienced!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/31/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2024
Service was good and Hotels were excellent. Some of the locations for included meals were average. I feel that insight needs to change the way it delivers the optional extras. Instead of charging the tour price add the optional extras into the total price. Nobody likes to go on a holiday then have to add more costs whilst on the tour. Please remember that Australians are not accustomed to Tipping and feel very awkward about this. I personally felt very uncomfortable about the tipping process during our tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
Pre-travel customer service was poor, as no contact was made until I contacted Insight several days prior to departure. During travel - Richard was very good. The destinations were great but on many occasions, farctoo much time was spent travelling between destinations on the coach.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
The tour leaders knowledge of all countries was amazing Very interesting and covered a lot of countries in absolute comfort
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2024
Gavin McGraw - Traveled, June 2024
Richard was always well prepared with the purchase of tickets for events, sorting local tour guides for different venues, our accommodation with registering and dispersing our room keys, keeping us well informed, not having to wait in queues, places of interest, dinners and visiting places of interest. We also had plenty of leg room on the coach as less seats and limited number of tourists. Our Tour Guide, Richard Lintott was a very knowledgable, sincere and caring person. He was so organised and a living encyclopedia, what Richard didn't know wasn't worth knowing. It would be very hard for anyone to step into Richards shoes and Insight is very fortunate to have such a great employee who treated everyone with respect and care. Also, not to forget our very talented and amazing driver Piero, who daily cleaned and his coach and deserves a medal for the tight spots he was able to fit his coach through. Will miss both these wonderful people. Highly recommend Insight Vacations and can't wait for our next adventure with them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2024
Kerri-Ann De Sair - Traveled, June 2024
Richard our guide & Piero (driver) were brilliant. Richard had so much interesting facts and was kind, caring & funny. We were sad when it was over. Loved every minute of it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/14/2024
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