European Explorer


 

 

 

 

Day1- Begin Your Tour | Arrive Into London
Welcome to your 'Merair Travel & Tours European Whirl' tour. Your'Merair Travel & Tours representative greets you at the 'meeting point' at the exit after immigration and customs and transfers you comfortably to your hotel (check in after 1400 hrs).Merair Travel & Tours takes care to start your sightseeing only the next day so that you can relax after your long flight and get over your jetlag

Day2 -Onto France | Guided City Tour Of London | Eurotunnel to Calais | Onto Paris | Optional "Gala Evening In Paris"
Live history through a guided panoramic tour of London city. Get acquainted with some of London's iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge, River Thames, London Eye, Tower of London, Hyde Park, Big Ben, Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, the famous Piccadilly Circus, Nelson's Column at Trafalgar Square followed by the majesty of Buckingham Palace which is the Queen's official residence. Onto Dover where you cross the English Channel through the Eurotunnel and arrive in Calais. Then drive on to Paris, the 'City of Lights'.
Later this evening, don't miss our optional Merair Teavel & Tours Gala Evening and experience the joie de vivre of 'Gaie Paris'. This enchanted evening unfolds with a cruise on the River Seine, sailing under old and beautiful bridges, admiring illuminated monuments as you glide by. True bliss !
After an Indian Dinner we stretch the night for you with an Illumination Tour, driving past spectacularly lit landmarks of Paris. It's magic ! Sparkle over a glass of champagne at the Lido (2nd show). Here at the most famous nightclub in the world, enjoy the 'Bonheur Show', a cabaret with extraordinary sets and extravagant costumes. Return to your hotel. (B)
Day3-In Paris | Shop At Fragonard | Visit Grevin Wax Museum | Visit Montparnasse | City Tour Of Paris | Visit the Eiffel Tower
Visit and shop at Fragonard - The Parfumeur a highlight from Merair Travel & Tours. Displayed are perfumery collections retracing 3000 years of history. Discover Fragonard's original perfumery creations on sale at factory prices. Fragonard celebrates the 250 years of Merair Travel & Tours with a special exclusive souvenir for each visitor.
Our next stop is the famed Grevin Wax Museum, an exclusive from Merair Travel & Tours ! Grevin, a legendary site of entertainment since 1882, was created by Alfred Grevin, to produce and showcase life size wax models of celebrities.
At the end of the 19th Century, Arthur Meyer, founder of the famous daily newspaper "Le Gaulois", conceived the notion of showing his readers the people in the headlines of his paper, but in 3-D. At a time when the press did not use photographs, he came up with the idea of creating a site where the public could see people in the news. To implement this original plan, he called on Alfred Grevin, who was a cartoonist, designer and famous sculptor. The Grevin opened its doors on June 5th, 1882. It was an immediate success.
At Grevin, relive glorious French history, meet celebrities and experience the Spirit of Paris, with over 300 wax figures in a setting of gold and marble ! The latest addition is our very own "Shah Rukh Khan". Commemorate your visit with a small memento.
Later today, another exclusive the Montparnasse Tower - the roof of Paris, at a height of 210 meters above Paris. Discover a view of Paris with the crowning glory of the Eiffel Tower. Far above the hustle and bustle of the Montparnasse square, you can stand on the very roof of the capital. Europe's fastest elevator will take you to a height of 196 meters (over 640 ft) for this magnificient experience. By using the viewpoint indicators, you can locate and see each of the districts and their monuments. Best of all get a memento to commemorate your visit!
Enjoy a guided panoramic city tour of famous monuments like the Louvre, Garnier's Opera, the largest opera theatre in the world, the Place de la Concorde - the site of the infamous guillotine, the Champs Elysees - one of the most fashionable streets in the world, the Napoleanic Arc de Triomphe and the Hotel des Invalides.
End the day taking in the dazzling overview of the glittering city as you ascend by an elevator to the 1st level of the Eiffel Tower ! After dinner return to your hotel. (B, D)
Day4-Onto Switzerland
Today you will enjoy a long leisurely spectacular journey of approximately 6 hours. Experience the natural beauty and wonders of the alpine region and check into your hotel in Switzerland after dinner. (B, D)
Day5-Day Free | Optional Visit to Glacier 3000 | Optional Visit to Lucerne
The day is free to visit the famous pedestrian zone with its shops and typical chalet style houses or the Optional Glacier 3000 awaits ! Drive to Gstaad / Les Diablerets - the skiing capital and a favourite playground for the rich and famous. Here Merair Travel & Tours gives you another first with the launch of Glacier 3000 - the everlasting snow mountain, offering panoramic views of the most beautiful summits of the Alps, and the scene of the popular Indian film "Bachna Ae Haseeno" . Ascent is by cable car from Col du Pillon (1546 m) to Scex Rouge (2971m).
Enjoy a special adrenaline kick with a wild ride on the Alpine Coaster (weather permitting), the world's highest bobsleigh track. You can cruise along at approx. 40 km/hour and with the brakes you determine how fast you want to go. The ultimate highlight is the 520-degree loop, followed by 10 curves, 6 waves, 3 jumps and 2 bridges.
The View Point (stairs) located directly behind the Restaurant Botta 3000 has a 360-degree panoramic view of the most beautiful alpine peaks - from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau to the Matterhorn - and views onto over 24 peaks that are over 4000m high. Here is a tribute to Merair Travel & Tours serving you for 250 years.
Enjoy a hot buffet lunch and a souvenir for each family.
Later ride the Snow Bus (weather permitting), over the glacier - a unique experience of a comfortable ride on the eternal snow. Return by cable car.
Move on to Lucerne with its picturesque mountains, lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows full of edelweiss. Pause at the poignant Lion Monument, built to commemorate the brave Swiss soldiers killed during the French Revolution. Stroll along the covered, wooden Kapellbrücke (chapel bridge), to the Jesuit Church.
You will have your first encounter with the marvels of Swiss shopping. Most visitors take home two things - memories of a beautiful country and a Swiss watch. Every store carries a vast array of small famous brand gifts and souvenirs, priced for every pocket..
After dinner return to your hotel. (B, D)
Day6-Onto Tuscany
Today a drive of about 6 hrs to the Tuscany area. Your drive will take you past a part of the Italian Riviera. Enjoy glorious views on your drive. Check into your hotel after dinner.(B, D)
Day7-Onto Rome | Visit The Vatican | Guided Panoramic City Tour Of Rome
Rome was not built in a day'- the truth of this oft quoted adage hits you with full force, as we pack in all the 'must see' agenda into our guided panoramic tour !
Legend has it that Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus in 753 BC.
First visit The Vatican, the smallest nation in the world ! The most famous square of The Vatican is St. Peter's Square with St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Gaze in awe at Michelangelo's Pieta. Then start your introduction to Rome. See the triumphal Arch of Constantine, one of the most commemorative monuments of antiquity. Drive through Piazza Venezia, the main square in Rome, where the grandiose monument to the reunification of Italy is referred to as the Marble wedding cake !
Pass the Circus Maximus - the Hippodrome - known for its ancient chariot races, which was reconstructed for 'Ben Hur' !
Tribute is paid to the brave Gladiators as you pass the Colosseum. Here the notorious and gory gladiatorial games were held, where they fought one another and wild animals while the crowd roared !
Pass the ruins of the Roman Forum and end the tour at the famous Trevi Fountain. Legend has it, that if you make a wish and toss a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, you are sure to return to Rome ! We at Merair Travel & Tourslook forward to that !
After an exciting tour, relax and enjoy your drive to your hotel after dinner. (B, D)
Day8-Onto Venice | Walking Tour Of Florence | Visit Piazzale Michelangelo | Orientation Tour Of Pisa
Drive through a stretch of olive groves and vineyards to Florence, a shrine to the wonders of the Renaissance, with more artistic treasures per square meter than any other city in the world !
Included in your walking tour of Florence is a visit to the remarkable Duomo (when open for visitors). Besides it is the 'Gate to Paradise' - the heavenly gilded bronze doors of the Baptistry, originally a pagan temple and the open-air gallery in Signoria Square. Walk on the famous Ponte Vecchio, the oldest surviving bridge in the city.
A photostop at the Piazzale Michelangelo for a wonderful view of the city.
Its time to indulge in some more works of art - genuine Florentine leather bags and souvenirs ! Happy shopping !
Continue to Pisa, the hometown of Galileo and a city, which makes the most of its claim to fame - its Leaning Tower ! It has leaned almost since construction first started, due to the swampy soil beneath it. At a photo stop here, note its striking beauty along with its characteristic tilt. It is the Duomo's (Cathedral) Bell Tower. Together with the Baptistry, these are all a part of the Field of Miracles.
Drive along the Brenta River past Bologna, across the Apennine Mountains to your hotel where on arrival you will be checked in. (B, D)
Day9-Onto Innsbruck | Walking Tour Of Venice | Visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Today we drive to the magical lagoon city of Venice.
The captivating canals and palaces `are simply unique ! Built on 117 small islands, it is a pedestrian's city, so get set for a walking tour.
Cruise from Tronchetto Pier and glide romantically past fairytale palaces. Disembark and walk to the Piazza San Marco (St. Marks Square). Pass the Doge's Palace, connected by the 'Bridge of Sighs' to its prisons. It was from here that the legendary lover Casanova made his famous escape ! Witness the bronze Moors striking the hour, as they have been doing for the past 500 years !
End this exciting tour with a brief visit to a Murano Glass Factory for a demonstration of hand blown world famous Venetian glass.
Later your journey takes you on a drive past quaint villages, medieval castles and fruit orchards and cutting across the fertile Adriatic Plains, to Austria. Halt at the internationally renowned Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, and prepare to be dazzled at the 'Chambers of Wonder' ! In a wondrous blue hall dominated by a Unicum- a wall of crystal, you see the world's biggest crystal and it's smallest ! Over 7 million people from all corners of the globe, have already been thrilled by the Swarovski experience - now you are one of them !
Enjoy a scenic drive to Innsbruck. Located on the Inn River, Innsbruck is one of Europe's most beautiful and lively cities. An international centre for winter sports, it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice !
Our orientation tour introduces you to its world famous sights. View the Golden Roof or 'Goldenes Dachl', an ornate Gothic balcony erected by the Emperor Maximilian I in the 15th century, decorated with gold painted copper shingles. Next walk to the Imperial Church followed by the 'Hofburg' or Imperial Palace.
This Capital of the Alps, has a history of 800 years ! Check into your hotel after you enjoy a continental dinner. (B, D)
Day10-Onto Germany | Drive Through The Black Forest | Visit Drubba | Visit Heidelberg
Today time stands still at Drubba, the alpine nest of the Cuckoo Clock situated in the unique Hollental (Hell's Valley), directly at the mouth of the Ravennaschult (Ravenna Glen).
Witness a demonstration to explain the making of authentic cuckoo clocks in their original form, each piece carefully crafted for precision ! The Cuckoo Clock is said to have originated between 1740 and 1750 and has remained more or less unchanged in its unique design. A visit here is always a memorable experience.
Get a souvenir, ...yes with compliments of Drubba and Merair Travel & Tours.
Drive to Heidelberg, situated in the Valley of the River Neckar and world famous for its romantic castle and picturesque Old Town with awe-inspiring surroundings.
Enjoy some free time at the "Altstadt" - old section of the town - wander around the winding alleys steeped in history or stroll through the pedestrians Haupstrasse (high street), the main shopping avenue in Heidelberg.
After dinner check into your hotel. (B, D)
Day11-Homeward Bound
Good times need never end! As you get ready for the airport and your flight back home, relive the high points of your 'Merair Travel & Tours European Whirl' tour.
We are confident you will join us again sometime soon… (B either in the hotel or on board the flight) NOTE: 'EUROPEAN WHIRL' often operates more than one coach per departure and on certain departures will operate in reverse direction.