Heart Of Europe Tour!®

The Mindful Traveler highly recommends escorted tours if you are going to a new destination and want to visit different cities and towns as well as see as many of the key sites as possible. (Including places of historic, cultural and geographic significance.)

If you are planning your first trip to Europe we suggest taking Image Tours 15-day ‘Heart of Europe Tour ® ’ which has been pleasing vacationers for over 50 years! The Tour is carefully planned with a balance of included sightseeing, guided city tours, free time and optional excursions. Four 2-night hotel stays allow for a comfortable pace. The new land price for 2012 departures start at $2640 including escort, hotels, motor coach in Europe, 13 breakfasts and 8 dinners. 

Click here to receive a FREE BROCHURE as well as additional detailed information. 

The Mindful Traveler also offers other excellent escorted tours throughout the world! Contact us today at bruce@TheMindfulTraveler.com to find the best tour for you!

 

Itinerary at a Glance

DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe. 
Today brings the beginning of a new adventure . . . anticipation heightens as you realize that your trip of a lifetime is about to begin! Refer to 'Preparing for your Departure' in your Final Documents for easy check-in procedures. Take time to relax on your trans-Atlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details. 

DAY 2 - Arrival at Frankfurt Airport - Heidelberg - Schriesheim..
As morning arrives, the European coastline comes into view and your plane soon touches down at the Frankfurt 'Rhein-Main' Airport. Disembark, clear passport control, claim your suitcase, and pass through customs. Communicating is no problem, as English is widely spoken. Your 'Arrival Instructions' in your Final Documents will tell you how to get to the 'Meeting Point', and at what time your tour manager will meet you there. Board your deluxe motor coach for a pleasant drive through the alluring countryside of central Germany, on the way to your hotel in the village of Schriesheim. One German word you must learn is 'gemuetlichkeit' which embodies the expression of comfort, coziness, and leisure that you will experience in the days ahead. This afternoon, the tour manager will invite you on a visit to the renowned university town of Heidelberg, idyllically situated on the Neckar River and dominated by the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. This historic university town is considered by many to embody the spirit of Germany. This evening, enjoy the 'Welcome to Europe/Get-acquainted' dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Medieval Rothenburg - Romantic Road - Adelsried.
This morning, enjoy a leisurely, scenic ride to the enchanting, storybook town of Rothenburg; a beautifully-preserved, medieval village surrounded by the original town walls and without a single modern building in sight. You will feel like you are walking into a fairy tale when you see the narrow cobblestone streets, historic inns, and quaint shop fronts. During your free time, climb to the top of the 'Rathaus' Bell Tower for a bird's-eye view of the city, walk atop the old city walls surrounding the town, check out the Medieval Criminal Museum which exhibits tools of punishment from more draconian times, or stroll through the castle gardens overlooking the River Tauber. Delightful shopping awaits you at Käthe Wohlfahrt's "Weihnachtsdorf", a sprawling, year-round Christmas shop. Your afternoon journey leads south on the 'Romantic Road'. This area is rich in unspoiled countryside, historic castles, and medieval villages. Enjoy dinner tonight, enlivened by accordion music, at your hotel in Adelsried. Try a stein of 'Paulaner Pilsner', a glass of 'Liebfrau Milch' (wine), or a refreshing glass of 'Apfelsaft' (apple juice). (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Imperial City of Innsbruck - Stubaital Valley.
It's just 60 kilometers (37½ miles) to Munich, the elegant capital of Bavaria. You will enter the city via the Olympic Village, the Bohemian district of Schwabing, Victory Gate and the stately buildings which line the Ludwig Strasse (street). The focal point is 'Marien Platz' (square) with its captivating 'Glockenspiel' show at 11:00 a.m. For lunch, consider the 'Hofbräuhaus', a one-of-a-kind beer hall, which exudes an 'Oktoberfest' atmosphere year-round. The 'Old Town' is a 'pedestrian-only' zone where the old city gates and historic buildings are cleverly interspersed with attractive, modern store fronts, and open spaces with benches and outdoor food stands. After lunch, head south to the Austrian border and travel along the Inn River as it winds its way through the Austrian Alps to the Imperial City of Innsbruck, capital of the Tyrol and two-time host of the Winter Olympics. The Inn River and the surrounding mountains are a stunning setting. See the Imperial Church, the Golden Roof, built in 1500 for royalty to view entertainment in the square below, the Maria Theresia Boulevard, and the Triumphal Gate. Innsbruck owes its architectural beauty to Maximilian I, who ruled 500 years ago (and became Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire). A short distance from Innsbruck lies the Stubaital Valley, where you will spend the next two nights in a chalet-style hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Alpine Resort Village in the Stubaital Valley near Innsbruck.
The Stubaital Valley provides the perfect location for a relaxing day. Dotted along the valley are the resort villages of Telfes, Fulpmes, and Neustift all leading to the impressive Stubai Glacier. A scenic tram ride offers easy and direct access into Innsbruck. Another choice for the day is the optional 'Bavarian Palace' excursion. Try a local restaurant for your independent dinner or join the optional'Tyrolean Show & Dinner' for an evening of authentic Austrian folklore, music and dancing. (Breakfast) 

DAY 6 - ITALY . . Brenner Pass - Dolomite Mountains - Lake Garda Verona - Bussolengo. 
It's only a short distance to the Italian border. Enter Italy via the 'Europa Bruecke' (Bridge), a remarkable feat of mountain highway engineering through the alluring 'Dolomites', a mountain range that is known for its reddish appearance. Italy is the cradle of European civilization, art, architecture and music. It remains one of the most romantic countries in the world, leaving visitors brimming with grandiose impressions. After the customary morning break, you are in for a special treat, as you descend to Italy's largest lake, the stunningly beautiful Lake Garda. In some places, the rocky shores seem to rise straight up from the lake. Its sheltered location gives the area a subtropical climate, rich in vegetation, including oleander bushes with their profusion of red, white, and pink blooms, olive groves, laurel and fruit trees, and grapes which produce some of the famous Italian wines. An extended stop affords ample opportunity to stroll along the lake front, browse through the quaint markets, and enjoy an Italian ice cream (gelato). From here, it's a short ride to the legendary city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare's tragic story of 'Romeo and Juliet'. Our hotel for tonight is in nearby Bussolengo. There will be two transfers from Verona to your hotel, one at 6:00 p.m. and one at 8:00 p.m. (Breakfast)

DAY 7 - ITALY . . Bussolengo near Verona.
If yesterday's stop on Lake Garda enchanted you and you have visions of relaxing under a Cinzano umbrella sipping a Campari or Capuccino, or if you would like to spend the entire day studying the fascinating architecture and browsing the fashionable shops and historical sights of Verona, this day is yours to do as you please. Ask the hotel concierge where to catch the buses to Verona and Lake Garda. Another choice for today is to join the optional excursion to Venice, famous for its canals and bridges, colorful gondoliers, magnificent St. Mark's Square, and engaging outdoor vendors. The 'Venice' excursion includes dinner at a characteristic Venetian restaurant. After a memorable day of sightseeing, return to Bussolengo to spend the night. (Breakfast)

DAY 8 - SWITZERLAND . . Lake Lugano - Gotthard Pass - Lake Lucerne Region. 
Travel north past Milan, the principal industrial city of Italy, towards the unsurpassed splendor of the Italian and Swiss lake districts. This region's natural beauty abounds, as you will see traveling past its pristine lakes and grand mountains. As you enter Switzerland, feast your eyes on pretty villas with snow-capped peaks looming in the distance. Often referred to as the 'Rio de Janeiro of the Old Continent', Lugano is the perfect spot for a lunch break. In the afternoon, the 11-milelong St. Gotthard Tunnel takes you from the Italian section of Switzerland into the German section. Traveling through William Tell country and along the edge of gorgeous Lake Lucerne, the serene beauty of the Swiss Alps comes alive. The rising peaks of Rigi and Pilatus, standing guard over this vast water basin, create one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Your hotel resides in one of the scenic villages in the Lake Lucerne Region. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 9 - SWITZERLAND . . Village of Stans - Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge - Lake Lucerne Region.
First stop today is the old mountain village of Stans with an option to take a funicular up 'Mount Stanserhorn' (see 'Swiss Mountain'excursion), during which you will enjoy some of the most incredible alpine vistas. Next, motor along the lake to the city of Lucerne to see such sights as the Old City Wall and the famous Lion Monument in the Glacier Garden. This inspiring stone carving, hewn out of natural rock, commemorates the heroic death of Swiss soldiers who defended Louis the XVI during the French Revolution. The rest of the day is yours to explore or to simply relax on one of the lovely lake shore promenades. Lucerne is also a shopper's paradise. You will enjoy browsing through displays of wood-carved music boxes, delicate Swiss lace, delicious chocolates and . . . Switzerland's world famous watches. Another choice for your free time is a visit to the Swiss Transport Museum, the largest museum of its type in Europe. Venture out for dinner on your own or join the 'Swiss Lake Boat Ride & Dinner' optional. (Breakfast) 

DAY 10 - FRANCE . . Burgundy Wine Region - Beaune - Auxerre. 
The church bells usher in another glorious day. Follow the Swiss Autobahn to Basel, strategically located where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet and where the Rhine River becomes navigable. The mountains give way to hilltop villages and rustic vineyards. Visit Beaune, center of Burgundy wine country and one of the best preserved medieval cities in this area. Take time for independent lunch, browse the local wine shops, or visit the intriguing 'Hospices Museum', built in the 15th century as a hospital for the destitute, now housing items used in hospitals in the Middle Ages, as well as an impressive collection of furniture, pottery, paintings and tapestries. The museum is also known for its striking architecture. Following the extended visit to Beaune, continue to Auxerre, idyllically situated on the Yonne River, and conveniently located for minimum travel time to Paris the next morning. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11 - FRANCE. . Paris.
By midmorning, you will reach Paris, 'La Ville Lumiere' (The City of Light). What a thrill it is to enter this vivacious city, rich in history, art and architecture. A brief acclimation will bring you to the Statue of Joan of Arc, adjacent to the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. Your tour manager will tell you about the location of the principal sights and stores, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, the Opera, the famous 'Galleries Lafayette' department store, and the even more famous Champs Elysées. Before beginning your free time, we suggest joining your tour manager for the optional 'Seine River Cruise' excursion for unsurpassed views of some of the city's major sights. This afternoon provides time to sightsee on your own; visiting museums (the Louvre Museum is open every day except Tuesday), exploring the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral, or shopping. At 4:30 p.m. transfer to the hotel. Spend this evening on your own or consider the optional 'Paris Evening' excursion, with dinner at a characteristic French bistro in the heart of Paris. Your brief taste of Paris is only meant as an introduction to one of the great cities of the world and will certainly make a lasting impression. In case you lose your heart in Paris, promise yourself to return. (Breakfast)

DAY 12 - BELGIUM . . Antwerp & HOLLAND . . Lelystad.
Travel North from Paris to the French/Belgian border, with a coffee break near Lille, cultural capital of Northwestern France. Entering Belgium, the French language will stay with you for another hour or so until you enter the Belgian province of Flanders where Flemish, similar to Dutch, is spoken. Enjoy a visit to the Flemish capital of Antwerp, known for its convivial atmosphere and outdoor cafes. It is also the world's third busiest seaport. Join a short orientation walk and explore the old city center. Try irresistible Belgian waffles and chocolates. Shop for fine lace in the quaint streets surrounding the city's distinctive Grand Square. This afternoon, enter 'Nederland', also known as 'The Netherlands' or 'Holland', a country with very strong historical ties to the United States. Enjoy the flat, Dutch countryside characterized by canals, bridges, dikes, and windmills. The western part of Holland was 'wrestled' from the sea, and still today lies below sea level, protected from flooding by an intricate system of dikes and pumps, much of which you will witness on your way to your hotel in Lelystad, which itself is situated on reclaimed land known as a 'Polder'. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 13 - HOLLAND . . Country Stay in Lelystad. 
This day is all yours to spend as you like. Many people in Holland are proficient in English, making it easy for you to get around. Consider taking advantage of Holland's efficient bus and railway network to a myriad of interesting places, many of them less than an hour away. Bikes are available for rent in many cities. There's also a full-day optional 'Grand Holland' excursion, featuring a kaleidoscopic overview of Holland, including the unique countryside, a picturesque Dutch village, and an afternoon in Amsterdam, one of the great cities of the world. Renowned for its impressive architecture and world famous museums that offer a window to the past, Amsterdam is also a vibrant, modern city with a wide range of shopping and food venues to suit every taste and pocket book. In the evening, return to your hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Rhine River Cruise - Frankfurt Airport Area. 
After a copious Dutch breakfast, you will travel via Arnhem, immortalized by the World War II movie 'A Bridge Too Far', to Germany's booming cultural and industrial region, comprised of Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Bonn. In Koblenz, where the Rhine and Mosel rivers converge, you will exit the German 'Autobahn' and follow the Rhine River to Boppard. Here, you will board a pleasure boat for an upstream cruise on one of western Europe's most important waterways, which has its origin in the Swiss mountains, forms the border between Germany and France, and empties in the North Sea (Atlantic Ocean) at Rotterdam, The Netherlands. On your cruise, you will glide past endearing villages, medieval fortresses, and hillside vineyards. Your Rhine River Valley hotel is conveniently located for tomorrow morning's transfer to Frankfurt 'Rhein-Main' Airport. Tonight, during the 'Farewell Dinner', you'll probably reminisce the highlights of the tour with your fellow tour participants and, perhaps, you will already be contemplating your future travel plans. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 15 - Daytime flight across the Atlantic, back to the U.S.A.
Alas, your enchanting journey of Europe's scenic, cultural, and historic highlights has come full circle. You will forever remember the many sights, sounds, and tastes from your adventure, as well as your newly-made friends. Transfer to the Frankfurt 'Rhein-Main' Airport for your return flight to the U.S.A. We sincerely hope that you will return and experience more of Europe's treasures with Image Tours. Until then, Auf Wiedersehen!!! (Breakfast)