Rajah Travel Corporation

ADDITIONAL FIVE STAR SERVICES

• An expert Insight Tour Director, at the pinnacles of their careers, will smooth your way throughout your journey. They are your ‘travelling concierges', expert guides, consummate organisers and friends in a foreign land.
• Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom. It's business class comfort.
• Personal radio headsets, gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your local expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.
• Baggage handling everywhere, with seamless and prompt delivery to your door at every hotel. Hotel and restaurant tips included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
• Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel WiFi.
• Insight Flourishes - from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
• London Airport transfer service available.

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• Amsterdam: See Dam Square, the Royal Palace and Mint Tower.
• Heidelberg: See the red sandstone castle and explore the baroque Old Town.
• Füssen: See the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein.
• Innsbruck: Walk the narrow streets of the Old Town, lined with medieval houses and arcades, to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.
• Salzburg: Walk through the Mirabell Gardens with a guide, see Mozart's Birthplace and the Cathedral.
• Vienna: Tour the Ring Road seeing the Hofburg, Opera House, Parliament building and St Charles' Church.
• Ljubljana: A local expert reveals the medieval castle, City Hall, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas and the Triple Bridge.
• Zagreb: See Roosevelt Square and Ban Josip Jelacic Square. Tour the Upper Town to view the Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St Marks Church and the Lotrščak Tower.
• Trogir: See the Cipiko Palace and Romanesque Cathedral.
• Split: See St. Duje's, the baptistery and the Golden Gate on your guided tour through the labyrinthine streets.
• Dubrovnik: See Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
• Kotor: Visit the old town situated on its fjord.
• Tirana: Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour.
• Athens: See Hadrian's Arch and Temple of Zeus.
• Cruising: Visit the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Santorini, Crete plus the Turkish port of Kusadasi.
• Sorrento: Watch the art of ‘intarsio' wood inlaying.
• Rome: Visit St Peters Basilica in the Vatican City. See the Colosseum and overlook the Forum.
• Venice: Cruise, with commentary, to St. Mark's Square. See the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
• Florence: View the Cathedral, ‘Gates of Paradise' and Piazza Signoria. Traditional Florence leather-work demonstration.
• Pisa: See the famous Leaning Tower.
• Monaco: Drive on part of the Grand Prix circuit. See the Grimaldi Royal Palace. See the tomb of Princess Grace.
• Lucerne: View the emotive Lion Monument. See the covered Chapel Bridge and Jesuit Church.
• Paris: See Notre Dame Cathedral, the façades of the Louvre Museum, the Place de la Concorde. Drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.

AUTHENTIC REGIONAL FLAVOURS

• Lucerne: You are offered a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around evening. Choose your own ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
• Paris: In the Latin Quarter, rendezvous with friends at a typical French bistro for a little wine and a Celebration Dinner. Bon App��tit!
• 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 32 buffet breakfasts (BB), 1 Dine-Around (DA), 3 lunches (L), 7 three course table d'hôte dinners with wine, plus tea or coffee (D), 4 three course table d'hôte dinners, plus tea or coffee (D) (in Greece) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD).

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES AND DINING

• Eurostar: Relax on the smooth high-speed Eurostar train from London, via the historic Channel Tunnel to Brussels.
• Rhine Valley: Watch medieval hilltop castles, sleepy villages and vineyards slip by as you enjoy a scenic cruise.
• Eurostar: Relax on the smooth high-speed Eurostar train as you return to London.
• Vienna: A private, guided exploration of Schönbrunn Palace is a feast for the senses - frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames.
• Plitvice: A UNESCO World Heritage site, marvel at the water wonderland as you walk along stunning cascades.
• Split: With a local historian, explore above and below ground within the walls of the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace - now the heart of modern day Split.
• Athens: Ascend the ‘Sacred Rock', the Acropolis, to admire the Parthenon built in 5th century BC as well as the smaller Temple of Athena Nike and Caryatid Beauties.
• Isle of Capri: Cruise to the famous isle and in the style of the jet-set, ride up to town by open-top taxi.
• Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of the town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
• Rome: Be among the select few to gain VIP access into the Vatican Museums, see the Bramante Staircase and Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.
• Pisa: Visit the famous leaning tower.
• Venice: With classic Italian love songs echoing through atmospheric canals, glide beneath elegant bridges during a traditional gondola serenade.
• Stanserhorn: A spectacular journey by a funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the Stanserhorn for expansive mountain views.
• Paris: Venture inside the Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture.
• Paris: Ascend to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower for glorious panoramas of the city.

STAY AT THE BEST ADDRESSES

• Amsterdam: The bar on the 23rd floor of the luxurious Hotel Okura offers magnificent views.
• Heidelberg: The Crowne Plaza is a few minutes' walk from the Neckar River, where you can cross medieval bridges to reach the centre of this Renaissance university city.
• Athens: The Divani Caravel is a luxury hotel situated in the heart of the Greek capital.
• Venice: True to its name, the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal couldn't be better located.
• Ioannina: Situated next to the lake of legends, the Du Lac Hotel is a modern hotel offering excellent facilities.

Meet your Tour Director and transfer to London's St Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable two-hour rail journey takes you via the historic Channel Tunnel to Brussels. From here, it's a comfortable drive into the Netherlands. See the first of the windmills on the way to lively Amsterdam. Alternatively, join at the Amsterdam hotel. Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and an opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.

(Relaxed Start) After orientation sightseeing of Amsterdam, drive through the pleasant Dutch countryside to the traditional fishing village of Volendam. This is followed by a photo-stop at one of the windmills and a visit to a cheese farm and ‘Klompenhuis', where wooden clogs are made. Alternatively, use this time to perhaps visit the Rijksmuseum or the Anne Frank House? Back in Amsterdam, round off the day with a visit to a diamond cutting factory, whose industry dates back to the 16th century.

Leave Amsterdam today, en route for Germany. Cross the extensive Ruhr Basin and head for the Romantic Rhine Gorge. In the quaint wine village of Boppard, board your cruise past fortified towns and leafy vineyards. Pass the twin strongholds of the ‘Enemy Brothers', the Cat and Mouse castles and hear the legend of the Loreley Rock. Rejoin the coach at St. Goar and continue to the university town of Heidelberg, dominated by its red sandstone castle.

Skirt the northern Black Forest and head for the rolling Bavarian Alps. Stop beneath the royal castles of Hohenschwangau and King Ludwig's fairy-tale Neuschwanstein. Once over the Austrian border, continue to the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. Tour the architectural jewels of the city, seeing the Imperial Palace, Golden Roof and the 14th century houses of the old town.

Make your way to Salzburg and join a Local Expert in the Cathedral Square by the domed cathedral and splendid Residenz Fountain. Stroll through the old town's narrow lanes to see Mozart's birthplace on the Getreidegasse. Cross the river to the formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace and see the beautiful fountains and statues. Here, there is also a great chance to photograph the city skyline crowned by the castle heights. Later, drive along the Danube Valley, past the imposing Melk Abbey to the stately capital of Vienna.

In the morning, a Local Expert reveals the highlights of Schönbrunn Palace, full of frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, mirrors and gilded ornaments. Spend some time in the formal gardens before going on to view St. Charles' Church, the Hofburg Palace, Parliament and State Opera House. The afternoon is all yours to explore the city at your leisure.

(Relaxed Start) Drive through Styria's forested mountains and over the Slovenian border to the 'beloved' city of Ljubljana. We enjoy sightseeing with a Local Expert who reveals the Baroque elegance of the Slovenian capital. The medieval castle stands as ancient guardian, the City Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas testify to its historical importance, while the Triple Bridge spans the river adorned with cafés and restaurants.

(Relaxed Start) Follow the Drava River to Croatia and its pretty capital of Zagreb. On an orientation tour, see the green squares and 19th century charm of the modern Lower Town. Move on to the Upper Town, a medieval treasure chest of churches, cathedrals, palaces and stone gates. Leave Zagreb and continue on to one of Europe's finest natural wonders.

With a Local Expert, explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, a scenic wonderland of 16 inter-connecting lakes, flanked by thundering waterfalls and primeval forest. Visit Korana Canyon to see the 230 foot high falls and Tomicevo Pogledalo for panoramic views over the park. The landscape changes on the drive to the Dalmatian coast, as forests give way to rugged cliffs and turquoise coves. Visit Trogir, founded by the Greeks in 400BC. Admire the Romanesque cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace before continuing to the port of Split.

Some 1,700 years ago, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here; with your Local Expert, explore the cobbled streets and buildings within that same palace. Venture into the underground rooms thought to have housed his slaves. Drive along the sun-drenched coast, studded with rocky islands to your hotel.

(Relaxed Start) A guided sightseeing tour in the Old Town explores the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio's Fountain and the Rector's Palace, the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The afternoon is at leisure – maybe take a sunset cruise in the evening?

Just over the border, visit the old town of Kotor, perched beside the only European fjord outside of Norway. Continue through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro. Then cross into the mysterious emerging country of Albania and stay in the warm hearted capital Tirana. With a Local Expert, see Skanderbeg square, the Palace of Culture and the National History Museum. Continue to the main boulevard to see the Prime Ministry building, President office, Pyramid Building and University.

Travel through spectacular scenery to the northern mountainous region of Greece and stop for lunch in Albania at the historic Unesco city of Girokastra. Next, continue to the pretty resort of Ioannina.

Take a scenic drive to Kalambaka. While here, perhaps take an optional experience to the monasteries of Meteora, before continuing on to the ancient Greek capital of Athens.

(Relaxed Start) Join a Local Expert in the morning for Athens sightseeing. Enjoy glory in abundance, from the Parthenon and Acropolis to the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of the Wingless Victory and Hadrian's Arch. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace.

(Relaxed Start) Board your cruise ship and set sail for the lovely island of Mykonos, with its dazzling sugar cube houses and white-washed windmills. While cruising, enjoy an exquisite variety of Mediterranean and international cuisine. In the evening, the maze of walkways, welcoming tavernas and nightlife are yours to explore.

(Relaxed Start) Wake up to find you have docked at the Turkish port of Kusadasi. Visit the bazaar or perhaps take an optional shore experience to the ancient ruins of Ephesus? Sail to the island of Patmos where St John the Divine was exiled by the Emperor Domitian.

(Relaxed Start) In the morning, dock at Heraklion in Crete. Perhaps you can take an optional visit to the Palace of King Minos? Later, cruise beneath the sheer cliffs of Santorini. Check out the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafés, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets.

After disembarking your cruise in Athens, transfer to the airport for the short flight to Italy. On arrival in Rome, drive to the beautiful clifftop resort of Sorrento. Savour the stunning views over the Gulf of Naples.

In the morning, cruise to the magical island of Capri. Weather permitting, ascend to Capri town by open-top taxi with a Local Expert. Browse in the exclusive boutiques before descending to the port by funicular railway. Back in Sorrento, visit the lively Piazza Tasso to watch the art of ‘intarsio' wood inlaying. Afterwards, maybe explore the famous Amalfi Coast?

Drive to the Roman town of Pompeii, buried by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. A Local Expert explains the plight of the ill-fated citizens as you walk through the cobbled streets. Then it's on to Rome.

In the morning, enjoy an in-depth guided visit to the Vatican Museums, including fast-track VIP access, together with behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, normally off-limits to the general public. Then enter the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, tour St Peter's Basilica before crossing the Tiber to see the Colosseum.

Pass the hill-towns of Umbria, and on through peaceful Tuscan landscapes. Descend past Bologna into the fertile Valley of the river Po. Cross the river's flood plains and continue to the glorious city of Venice.

(Relaxed Start) Prepare to embrace this romantic city. Cruise down the canal to St. Mark's Square. See the Bridge of Sighs which connects the Doge's Palace to the prisons, the Bell Tower, beautiful mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica and the Clock Tower. During your stay, board a gondola for a serenade through the romantic canals accompanied by musicians and admire the skill of glassblowers at a traditional arts centre on the island of Giudecca. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.

While travelling south into Tuscany, enjoy sweeping view over Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before your sightseeing. Walk with a Local Expert to the Cathedral and Baptistry, where Ghiberti's ‘Gates of Paradise' have been recreated in all their glory. Move on to Signoria Square, political heart of the city and now an open air gallery of sculpture with time to gaze at statues such as Neptune and David. Then enjoy an insight into traditional leather work.

(Relaxed Start) This is a day completely at leisure in this remarkable city - the treasure-house of the Italian Renaissance.

Travel west towards the Mediterranean and stop at Pisa. With a Local Expert, see the famous Leaning Tower in the 'Meadow of Miracles', and the 11th century cathedral and baptistry. The Highway of the Flowers takes you along the enchanting Italian Riviera, with fine views of the Mediterranean. Next, journey up through the Ligurian Alps via numerous tunnels, and over into France. You soon enter Monaco, ruled by the Genoese Grimaldi family since the 13th century. See the Royal Palace, the yacht-filled harbour and visit the cathedral, housing Princess Grace's tomb. Continue along one of the 'Corniche' roads to glamorous Nice, the fashionable French riviera resort.

(Relaxed Start) Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Back in Nice you will be at leisure. Take a stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais, relax on the beach or perhaps consider an optional experience to other parts of the Riviera.

Pass through the Italian Lake District en route to Switzerland. Stunning Alpine scenery will surround you on the way to Lucerne.

We head to the town of Stans, where we embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the stunning Stanserhorn. On a clear day, as well as the beautiful mountains and surrounding hills, there are views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Back in Lucerne, see the Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge before free time for shopping. Later, enjoy a selection of ambience and local cuisine offered on your Dine-Around evening.

Drive to Basel before crossing the Rhine to enter France. Travel through the wine-growing Burgundy region to glittering Paris. Enjoy an orientation tour, passing the imposing façades of the Louvre. See the obelisk in the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. At night, savour a ‘Diner de Célébration' served with wine in a typical Parisian bistro.

Meet your Local Expert who will take you on a walking tour of the bohemian Latin Quarter. Explore the myriad of streets situated on the left bank of the Seine, before continuing to the Notre Dame Cathedral. Venture inside this masterpiece of French Gothic architecture to witness the beautiful stained glass windows and magnificent organ. Insight ensures you leave the long queues at the Eiffel Tower behind - ascend by express elevator to the famous viewing platforms for breathtaking panoramas over the city. Then you are at leisure.

Included coach transfer to Paris Gare du Nord station for your high speed Eurostar train journey to London. On arrival, you are transferred to the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel where your trip ends.