European Magic (Europe with Scotland)EUMG

Today we explore London city, we visit Tower of London Museum – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Powerful symbols of the Monarchy. Here we see St Edward's Crown, The Imperial State Crown, and Koh-I-Noor Diamond- which adorns the front of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s Crown. Later we see Tower Bridge – Victorian Gothic style two tower suspension bridge on river Thames, Piccadilly Circus – a busy square in the heart of London also known as Times Square of London, Westminster Abbey – a place of worship, celebration, ceremony and a coronation Church since 1066, Big Ben – Iconic clock tower famous for its accuracy and the massive bell, River Thames – 346 kms longest river in England, Trafalgar Square – most attractive public square in the city of Westminster, Houses of Parliament and 'Changing the Guard' at Buckingham Palace – a formal precisely choreographed musical ceremony where old guards are relieved by the new guards, and Hyde Park – a huge Royal Park stretching from Kensington palace to Buckingham Palace famous for its speaker corner for free speech and demonstration. followed by a chance to photograph yourself with the world’s famous personalities at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

Today we drive through Oxfordshire countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon – a medieval market town in England’s West Midlands, is also a birthplace of William Shakespeare. Upon arrival we visit the birth place (House) of William Shakespeare an English poet, the famous English play writer and World’s greatest dramatist. Later we take a Viking walk of York city to know more about city’s Norman and Anglo-Scandinavian history while passing by various landmarks and historical sights like the city walls, Peter gate, Stonegate and the magnificent Minster. We also visit Harry Potter movie fame The Shambles – an old street in York with overhanging 14th century timber framed buildings.

Today we enjoy the beautiful drive to Lake District through the Yorkshire Dales National Park – which encompasses thousands of square miles of moors, valleys, hills and villages. Upon arrival at Lake District – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular holiday destination famous for its forests, mountains, lakes and also its association with great poet William Wordsworth for his Daffodils poem, who got inspired while taking a walk in the woods of the Lake District. We visit the shores of Lake Windermere and enjoy a cruise ride. Later we proceed to Edinburgh - Scotland's capital city known for its medieval Old Town, elegant Georgian New Town, gardens and neoclassical buildings. Upon arrival, we explore Edinburg city, we visit Princes Street, Royal Mile and see Holyrood Palace - the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland, Arthur's seat - an extinct volcano which is the main peak of the group of hills in Edinburgh and the new Scottish Parliament.

Today we visit Edinburgh castle - a historic fortress which played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence and as a military stronghold. Later we proceed to Newcastle – a major shipbuilding and manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution. Upon arrival, we visit Quayside and embark on an overnight cruise from Newcastle to port of Ijmuiden, Amsterdam – the capital city of Netherlands with more number of canals than roads, also known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses.

Upon arrival, we visit miniature park of Holland – Madurodam and enjoy interactive miniature models and replicas of famous Dutch buildings, landmarks, historical sites, canal houses, Rotterdam port, Schiphol airport, Tulip fields, windmills, etc. Or Keukenhof tulip gardens – the most beautiful spring garden in the world. This garden of Europe has a theme for 2020 as ‘World of Colours’. Enjoy photography at various flower shows, statues, pavilions, beautiful ponds and fields (From 23rd March 2023 – 14th May 2023). Later we pass by Holland’s famous Windmills, followed by Canal cruise tour through Amsterdam waterways, which provides stunning views of century’s old architecture, charming houses and beautiful monuments.

Today we proceed to Brussels – capital city of Belgium. Upon arrival, we explore Brussels city, we see Grand Place – the central square, Town Hall, Guild Houses – Gothic building from the middle ages, Monument of Everard Serclaes – the hero who liberated the city during 14th century war and Belgium’s favourite Manneken Pis Statue – a small bronze statue of a little peeing boy. Later we take a photo stop at Atomium – a structure constructed for the first post-war universal world exhibition (EXPO 58) to represent the faith in nuclear power. In the afternoon we proceed to Paris- the city well known for its fashion.

Today we explore Paris city, we enjoy the amazing view of Paris city from the Top level of the Eiffel Tower. Later we see Champs Elysees - the most famous avenue in the world. Champs-Elysées means ‘Elysian Fields’ which indicates that someone thought this street was heaven on earth, Place de la Concorde - one of the major public squares in Paris. It was the site of many notable public executions during the French Revolution, L’Arc De Triomphe - one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his victory at Austerlitz. In the evening we enjoy the famous Cabaret Show of Paris

Today we proceed to Geneva - Popularly known as the 'capital of peace’, as it is the headquarters of Red Cross and the European seat of the UNO. Upon arrival we explore Geneva city, we see Jet D’eau fountain - 140 metres high water fountain and the official logo for Geneva's hosting of the 2008 UEFA Championships, Geneva lake - Switzerland’s largest lake, Flower Clock – a large working clock made of flowers that changes with the seasons, UN Building - office of the United Nations in Geneva is the European headquarters of the UN, the other headquarters being in New York, Broken Chair - a monumental sculpture in wood by the Swiss artist Daniel Berset, Red Cross building - Headquarters of International Committee of the Red Cross, WHO Building – Headquarters of World Health Organization

Today we drive through the Black forest region- a mountainous region in Germany, known for its dense evergreen forests and picturesque villages. Here we visit Cuckoo clock factory at Titisee. After a scenic journey through black forest region we visit yet another natural beauty at Schaffhausen (Neuhausen), Rhine Falls - the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Here we enjoy Boat ride for a spectacular view of the falls. In the evening we proceed to Lucerne – a beautiful city in the heartland of Switzerland

Today we proceed to Engelberg- the largest winter and summer holiday destination. From here we do half day excursion to Mt Titlis – Central Switzerland’s highest peak. We take ‘Titlis Rotair’- the first cable car with revolving gondolas in the world to the summit Station, enjoying panoramic views of the Swiss Alps along the way. Upon arrival at the summit, we visit Ice Grotto, enjoy thrilling Ice Flyer ride and Snow sliding. In the afternoon we proceed to Lucerne. Upon arrival we explore Lucerne city, we see Lion Monument - a giant dying lion carved out of a wall of sandstone rock, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, Kappelbrucke Wooden Bridge - world's oldest covered wooden bridge spanning the River Reuss. In the evening we enjoy Lake Lucern Cruise.

Today we do a full day excursion to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. First we proceed to Grindelwald, from here we board Eiger Express – The most modern tricable gondola of the world. We reach at Eiger Glacier station in just 15 minutes. Further we board a Cogwheel train and admire the view of the picture-perfect peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau along the way and then disembark at Europe’s highest railway station which is at an elevation of 3,454 metres (11,332 ft). Upon arrival we see the breath taking view of snow clapped mountains, Ice sculptures, Ice Palace and Sphinx Terrace. In the evening we explore Interlaken city- a traditional resort town in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region of central Switzerland. Built on a narrow stretch of valley, between the emerald-colored waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

Today we proceed to Vaduz – the capital of the principality of Liechtenstein which is Europe’s fourth-smallest country. Enroute we pass by Zurich Lake- the focal point of Zurich and a favourite shore for tourists and locals. The entire lake side is lined with promenades and parks, where local residents catch the sun, jog, picnic, and swim in the lake. Upon arrival at Vaduz we enjoy a City Tram ride which takes us through historical part of old city. In the afternoon we proceed to Munich and Say cheers to Germany's beer capital. Its motto is "München mag dich" (Munich loves you). Upon arrival we explore Munich City, we see Hofbräuhaus – the oldest beer house founded in 1589 by the Duke of Bavaria, Marienplatz - the centre of Munich city since the 12th century and its iconic Rathaus-Glockenspiel- world's most extravagant clock. This tower on Munich's Marienzplatz features a clock face, 43 bells and more than 30 full-sized mechanical figures. The figures act out scenes from German history and mythology, Opera house- the majestic national theatre of the city

Today we proceed to the baroque city of Salzburg – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mozart's birthplace and the filming location for The Sound of Music movie. Upon arrival we walk through the city and see Salzburg Cathedral- the centrepiece of Salzburg. It stands out as a masterpiece of early baroque art, Residenz Fountain - considered to be the most beautiful fountain in the city of Salzburg, Love lock bridge over Salzac river- a symbol of eternal love. Couples mark their locks with their names or initials and toss the key into the river, Getreide Gasse- a busy shopping street in the historic altstadt of Salzburg, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, It is also known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at No. 9, where he lived until the age of 17, Linzer Gasse- yet another beautiful street with its handicrafts, old shops, countless restaurants and hostels. Later we visit Mirabell Gardens – horticultural masterpiece and one of the most important shooting locations from the famous Hollywood musical ‘The Sound of Music’. In the afternoon we visit Swarovski crystal world and Museum at Wattens. Further we proceed to Innsbruck – Europe's most picture-perfect Old Towns, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival we explore Innsbruck city, we walk through the bridge over Inns River, Golden roof- Innsbruck's most famous landmark shines in the heart of the historic old town. The splendid alcove balcony with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles that adorn the roof, Maria Theresien Strasse- named after Empress Maria Theresia, which dates back to the first city expansion in the 13th century. Today it is one of the busiest streets in the city.

Today we proceed to Venice- built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads but just canals. Upon arrival we enjoy Vaporetto water bus ride to Venice Island and the Gondola ride in the famous canals of Venice, followed by a visit to Glass blowing factory – here we see how a glass artisan will transform a molten glass into a unique piece of art. Later we walk through Venice city, we see the Bridge of Sighs – an enclosed limestone bridge in baroque style which passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace, Doge’s Palace - a palace built in Venetian Gothic style, and was the residence of the Doge of Venice, Bell Tower – also known as St Mark's Campanile, is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica which is 98.6 metres (323 ft) tall, St. Mark's Square - principal public square of Venice and St Mark's Basilica – also known as The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, is the most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of Italian-Byzantine architecture. In the evening we proceed to Padova.

Today we proceed to Modena - an Italian city known for manufacturing of famous Italian sports cars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati. Upon arrival we visit Ferrari museum - a museum in Modena focused on the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the Ferrari sports car marque. Later we proceed to Pisa - a city in Italy's Tuscany region best known for its iconic Leaning Tower. Upon arrival we explore Pisa city, we see Square of Miracles – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an important centre of European medieval art and one of the finest architectural complexes in the world which is dominated by four great religious edifices: the Pisa Baptistry, Pisa Cathedral, the Leaning tower of Pisa, and the Monumental Cemetery. Baptistery – a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical building in Pisa, Pisa Cathedral - a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is a notable example of Romanesque architecture and Leaning tower of Pisa – a freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its nearly four-degree lean, the result of an unstable foundation. In the afternoon we proceed to Florence - the birthplace of the Renaissance. Upon arrival we take a photo stop at Piazzale Michelangelo Point – also known as Square of Michelangelo which offers a beautiful panoramic view of Florence and the Statue of David - Michelangelo’s famed Renaissance-era marble sculpture depicting the Biblical hero David. In the evening we proceed to Arezzo- a city in eastern Tuscany.

Today we proceed to San Marino – world's oldest sovereign state, it dates from the fourth century AD. Upon arrival we walk through Piazza della Libertà square- The main plaza of San Marino, followed by a photo stop at Basilica of St. Marino – an architectural masterpiece. Later we visit Guaita- One of three peaks which overlooks the city of San Marino. In the afternoon we proceed to Rome – Capital of Italy and one of the oldest cities in the world.

Today we do a half day excursion to Vatican City – world’s smallest country where the Pope lives and is often called Holy See. Upon arrival we visit Vatican Museum to see Michelangelo's Frescoes, the Last Judgement, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica - an Italian Renaissance church and an important pilgrimage site. It is the largest church in the world. Later we proceed back to Rome. Upon arrival, we drive through the amazing historical sights of Rome, we see Tiber River – third longest river in Italy, Roman Forum - a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the centre of the city of Rome, Circus Maximus - an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass entertainment venue, Piazza Venezia - the central hub of Rome, Colosseum- Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. It is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and is listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Trevi Fountain - the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.