Cosmos

This comprehensive vacation takes in the best of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. Start in London and cross the English Channel by Eurostar train bound for Paris (except where specified). Among the highlights: see the Champs Elysées in Paris, French Châteaux Country, Plaza Catalunya in Barcelona, the glamorous French Riviera, Pisa’s Leaning Tower, Renaissance Florence’s Duomo, the Colosseum in Rome, and the Pompeii archaeological site. Enjoy an overnight ferry crossing to Greece and a visit to Athens’ Acropolis and Olympia. Return to Italy by ferry, first to the oldest state in the world, San Marino, then to romantic Venice with St. Mark’s Basilica and Square. Enjoy Vienna’s imperial city center, the majestic Swiss Alps, and Germany’s Rhineland. The vacation ends amidst the remarkable canals of Amsterdam.

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December 12 Departure - Christmas lunch in Rome

Discover two vibrant Mediterranean countries on one exciting vacation. Begin in Rome with two overnights and guided sightseeing that visits the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Next, follow the coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea to marvel at Pisa’s Leaning Tower. Then spend two nights in Tuscany with Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance,” and join the included walking tour of the historical center. In Verona, see Juliet’s famous balcony; in Venice, enjoy a canal boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and marvel at the elaborate architecture. In Ancona, board an overnight ferry to Greece. Visit Olympia and the impressive Mycenae archaeological site, and see the Corinth Canal. Conclude your journey with a stay in Athens, where the Acropolis is a highlight of the included sightseeing tour.

This vacation covers the heart of Andalusia, a region known for its vibrant colors, passionate flamenco, good food, and friendly people. From Madrid, travel to the old walled city of Toledo, then into the heart of Don Quixote’s La Mancha to Cordoba, where the Moors left an impressive mark with its fabulous Mezquita. Carry on to Seville, laid back and bustling at the same time, with its Roman and Moorish heritage, elegant squares, and many gardens. Next on the agenda is Ronda, with its typical white-washed houses, before reaching Marbella and the Costa del Sol, a popular Spanish vacation destination. The highlight of your tour awaits in the historical city of Granada as you visit the legendary Alhambra complex. Pass by olive and orange groves on your return to Madrid for a final overnight and the conclusion of your Spanish getaway.

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December 20 Departure - Christmas lunch in Seville

Surround yourself in the greens and blues of this exhilarating vacation! Discover the lush forests and countryside of Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea along the Croatian coast. Add to this the breathtaking natural wonders of the Postojna Caves, Plitvice National Park, and the Neretva Gorges, as well as man-made splendors of the historical city centers in Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik. See the rebuilt Mostar Bridge and Sarajevo, famous for its unique blend of cultures. Also visit Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, before returning to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s gateway to the Alps—a magnificent vacation!

Experience the sites and landmarks of northern France, starting in Paris, the “City of Light.” Enjoy a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral and a guided orientation of the city’s main highlights: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and many more. Visit Giverny with its splendid Monet Gardens, see Rouen with its impressive cathedral, admire Normandy’s striking coastline with memories of D-Day, and relive William the Conqueror’s feats as embroidered in the Bayeux tapestry. The wonder of Mont St. Michel is next, then St. Malo and Rennes. On the way back to Paris, visit Blois with its renaissance castle and gothic Chartres cathedral. Spend a final night in Paris to celebrate your vacation “joie de vivre!”

Discover two amazing countries on this adventure: Spain and France. Begin with a discovery of Spain’s most important cities—Madrid, the country’s lively historic capital, and Barcelona, home to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and the ever-bustling Ramblas. Also visit the spectacular wine-growing region, try some of the local wines, and marvel at the Montserrat abbey built atop a mountain. Crossing into France, stop in Carcassonne, a fine example of medieval architecture, before reaching Avignon, the city with the famous bridge and the Palace of the Popes. The Provence region is one of France’s most visited, and you will see its highlights, such as the Roman Amphitheater in Arles and Cours Maribeau in Aix-en-Provence. Back in Avignon, board the TGV train to Paris for two overnights and included sightseeing that shows off the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Eiffel Tower, and Champs Elysées.

Discover the best of historic and mythical Greece. Begin your vacation with two nights in Athens and guided sightseeing that includes the amazing ancient Acropolis as well as time at leisure. Cross the Corinth Canal and marvel at the perfect acoustics of the Epidaurus Theater and at the remains of the Mycenae fortress. Visit Sparta and see the monument to its king, Leonidas. On to Olympia, the legendary home of the Olympic Games, then cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion Bridge and spend time in mythical Delphi. Marvel at the extraordinary rock-top Meteora monasteries before returning to Athens.