Germany
Germany has an uncanny influence on its inhabitants. The country boasts an inexplicably large number of legends in every conceivable field. Einstein, Beethoven, Karl Marx and the Brothers Grimm (to say nothing of Claudia Schiffer). It’s incredible, but hardly surprising. The rustic landscape is certainly evocative enough and the country’s history, positively inspiring. And there’s no denying how favourably German sausages and brew affect one’s temperament. The nation’s charm is undeniable.
City Information
Munich
It is a city where open-hearted geniality permeates the air; imperial edifices and sleek modern chariots notwithstanding. Where visitors are welcomed with a friendly ‘münchen mag dich’ (‘munich likes you’) and an everlasting supply of good home-brew. It is a city that loves its baroque structures as ardently as it attempts to surpass them with more contemporary monuments. It’s a city that is a class in itself.
Füssen
In spite of its proud bavarian structures, füssen has a quaint, almost pastoral air which is most charming. Here an imperial castle sternly considers the sprawling landscape below; there an ancient mansion lies secretly tucked away in verdant woods. It is a town that acknowledges the change in time but politely declines its interference.
Baden Baden
Brahms who lived here found the air most therapeutic. While dostoevsky succumbed to a bout of compulsive gambling and the gambler practically wrote itself. Eons later, baden-baden has once again been reinstated to its position as a gamblers’ paradise and a spa destination.
Frankfurt
Unlike most german cities, frankfurt exudes an unabashedly modern air. Indeed, it defines modern. Proud though the city undoubtedly is of its ancient monuments, its skyscrapers rise in cool defiance, dwarfing those around it. And it was in this city, once more familiar with brahms and wagner, that trance was born. But make no mistake; the old era is not being wiped out in favour of the new. Frankfurt’s merely continuing its tradition of defining a new age.
Rüedesheim
The hackneyed portrait of a german without his pint, is incomplete. At rüdesheim, however, they’d much rather have their wine. It was the romans who first introduced bacchus’s preferred poison to this land; and the teutones gladly embraced the tradition. Walk through rüdesheim today and you will find that the streets are dotted with cosy wooden taverns. And people who are more than happy to keep you company.
Cologne
Walk through cologne and you will stumble upon ancient roman walls, nondescript post-war buildings and avant-garde museums. Ancient gothic churches define most streets and the familiar peal from the belfry is dear to every native. The skies, doubtlessly, belong to the filigree twin spires of kolner dom. The history of german architecture and culture, it seems, is encapsulated by the city of cologne.
Dortmund
The city of dortmund once built its prosperity on coal, steel and beer. The mines are now dormant and the steel mills shut down to make way for more zeitgiest-compatible industries. Its fortunes now come from feeding the passion of shopping enthusiasts and ardent footballers. And of course, the breweries which, the natives will cheerfully attest, are going as strong as ever. Indeed, it has seen considerable growth.
Kassel
The woods are strangely reminiscent of childhood. Even the castle seems oddly familiar. You’re almost surprised to observe that no golden braid hangs from the turret. Kassel is where the brothers grimm collected and wrote their well-known tales. And the city’s magic seems to have worked its way in.
Leipzig
Leipzig has often been called ‘a little paris’. Its inhabitants however, dismiss the comparison to the fashionable gallic capital. Leipzig is more alive and infinitely more passionate. It was known as the stadt der helden (city of heroes) for its role in the 1989 democratic revolution. But no sooner had the troubles blown over than the city broke out into one unanimous celebration that hasn’t ceased. A leipziger is most at home in his favourite watering hole - be it a nightclub or an opera house.
Berlin
Berlin is most mercurial in its readiness to change and chameleon-like in its adaptability. It is the city for the exuberant and the upbeat. It is where politicos and influence-peddlers rub shoulders with reckless party goers and the more bohemian. It is safe to conclude that the wall and other vestiges of the dour old city that was berlin, have been shunted to history books and war movies. A livelier, more urbane city has risen from the ashes.
A Guided City Tour of Munich
Visit Marienplatz and take in the splendour of its gothic town hall. Carry on towards Odeonsplatz named after the former music hall Odeon. And then to Ludwigstrasse, a royal Bavarian avenue dating back to the time of the Wittelsbach monarchs. Drive towards the University of Munich and pay homage to the monument dedicated to that stalwart student movement, The White Rose.
City Tour of Baden-Baden
The ravages of war left the city of Baden-Baden unscathed, and the city is a perfect replica of pre-war Germany. Immerse yourself in the old-world charm of Baden-Baden and be certain to visit its legendary casino.
A Visit to Movie Park
A theme park with real movie studios, Movie Park in Bottrop-Kirchhellen, Germany is an interactive way to experience the celluloid world. Ride the High Fall, MP Xpress. And of course, you’ll find memorabilia, theme rides and exciting shows.
A Visit to Schloss Charlottenburg
This palace showcases beautifully laid out gardens and other smaller buildings. The Belvedere has an impressive porcelain collection. The mausoleum has the tombs of Queen Louise, King Friedrich Wilhelm III, Emperor Wilhelm I and Empress Augusta.
A Visit to Zugspitze Mountain
Germany’s highest mountain is situated in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, not far from the German-Austrian border. A cogwheel railroad and three different cable cars provide an effortless route to the top. Enjoy views of four countries before sitting down to a pleasant meal on a terrace overlooking a glacier.
The Heidelberg Castle
The beauty of this castle is not diminished by the fact that it lies partially in ruins. It contains the world's largest wine barrel, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Explore the town centre, the mighty Old Bridge and the country's oldest university.
City Tour of Kassel
Explore the charming city of Kassel. Set off on a city tour with a visit to the baroque Karlsaue Park. Take a walk through the Orangerie. Also visit the Museum for Astronomy and the History of Technology.
A Guided City Tour of Berlin
See the remains of the wall, Kulturforum, Potsdamer Platz, the Martin Gropius Building, Humboldt University, St. Hedwigs Cathedral, KaDeWe, the ICC International Congress Centre, the Town Hall; a mix of religious edifices, shopping and monuments.
The Neuschwanstein Castle
It is the handiwork of an eccentric, albeit well-loved monarch. ‘Mad’ King Ludwig II was a man intoxicated by myth, and the ethereal Neuschwanstein Castle was sculpted around his fantasies. Perched over a spectacular gorge, with gleaming white towers surrounded by swirling clouds; this is the castle that inspired many an illustration in fairytale books. Visit the best vantage points to view the lake, the equally enchanting Hohenschwangau Castle and the waterfall gorge.
The Marksburg Castle
The 700 year old castle of Marksburg looks down on the town of Braubach, commanding a view of the Rhine. Unperturbed by the march of time, this castle is much like it was when it served as the fortified residence of some of German history’s more notable names. Today it is home to the German Castle Association.
Europe Grandé (13D/12N)
A leisurely trip to The Continent takes you to some of its most popular locales. Spend thirteen days in pleasurable pursuits like wine tasting, indulging in chocolate fondue and watching a cabaret show.
Your Itinerary
- Rome 2 nights
- Florence 1 night
- Venice 2 nights
- Innsbruck 2 nights
- Lucerne 2 nights
- Interlaken 1 night
- Paris 2 nights
Day 1
Arrive in Rome, and check in at your hotel. The evening is free for you to do a little exploring on your own. Enjoy a lavish dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 2
After breakfast, set off on a full day guided tour of the city, with a visit to the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and the Time Elevator. Proceed to dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 3
Set off early for a wine tasting in Tuscany, then continue to Pisa. Visit the Field of Miracles and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Proceed to Florence, and check in at your hotel. Dinner is at an Indian restaurant.
Day 4
Go on a guided walking tour of Florence. Later, set off for Venice where you will check in at your hotel. In the evening, take a gondola ride before you have dinner at a local riverside restaurant.
Day 5
After breakfast, set off on a guided city tour of Venice Island and then visit the Murano Glass Museum. End your day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 6
After breakfast, drive to Innsbruck, visiting Swarovski World at Wattens en route. At Innsbruck, check in at your hotel. In the evening, take an orientation tour of Innsbruck followed by a traditional Tyrolean evening, complete with a delicious local dinner.
Day 7
After a leisurely breakfast, take a day trip to Salzburg, where you will go on a guided city tour. Return to Innsbruck for a pleasant horse carriage ride followed by dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 8
Drive to Lucerne, stopping at Vaduz en route, as well as a quick tour of Zurich. Check in at your hotel in Lucerne, and end this day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 9
Set off to Mt. Titlis, and take a ride on the Ice Flyer. After an Indian lunch on the very top of Mt. Titlis, return to Lucerne for a city tour, followed by a cruise on Lake Lucerne. Dinner is at a local Indian restaurant.
Day 10
After an early breakfast, drive to Jungfraujoch. Savour an appetising lunch at Bollywood restaurant at Jungfraujoch. En route to Interlaken, visit the Trummelbach Falls. Check in at your hotel, and in the evening, your Indian dinner is followed by an authentic Swiss chocolate fondue.
Day 11
Drive to Geneva for an orientation tour. At Geneva train station, board the high speed TGV to Paris. On arrival in Paris, check in at your hotel and enjoy a lavish dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 12
After breakfast, take a guided city tour in a vintage 2CV car. Stop over at Galeries Lafayette for a continental lunch. In the evening, watch the thrilling Paradis Latin cabaret show over dinner.
Day 13
After breakfast, set off to Paris airport to board your flight home.
You’re Choice of Extensions
Amsterdam and Brussels (4D/3N)
Day 13
After breakfast, set off to Paris train station to board your train to Amsterdam. Check in at your hotel in Amsterdam. Spend the afternoon on a sightseeing tour, with a visit to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Take a canal cruise in the evening. Dinner is at an Indian restaurant.
Day 14
After breakfast, pay a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, which is open to the public till the 22nd of May. Or you could visit Madurodam. End your day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 15
Once you’re done with breakfast, set off to Brussels, with a guided walking tour and boat rode in Bruges en route. Check in at your hotel in Brussels. In the afternoon, visit Mini Europe. A delicious dinner at an Indian restaurant awaits.
Day 16
After breakfast, set off to Brussels airport to board your flight home.
Crème de Europe (9D/8N)
Explore Great Britain, France and Switzerland over nine days. Shop, dine at local restaurants and wander through some of the world’s most iconic cities.
Your Itinerary
- London 2 nights
- Paris 2 nights
- Interlaken 2 nights
- Lucerne 2 nights
Day 1
Arrive at London, and check in at your hotel. The evening is free for you to do a little exploring on your own. Enjoy a lavish dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 2
After breakfast, take a guided panoramic city tour of London. Watch the changing of the guards, and visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. End your day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 3
After an early breakfast, set off for London’s St. Pancras train station to board the high speed Eurostar to Paris. Check in at your hotel. In the evening, take a relaxing Seine cruise. Dinner will be at an Indian restaurant.
Day 4
Take a guided city tour in a vintage 2CV car. Stop over at Galeries Lafayette for a continental lunch. In the evening, watch the thrilling Paradis Latin cabaret show over dinner.
Day 5
Travel to Paris train station to board the high speed TGV to Geneva, where you will take an orientation tour of the city, then continue on to your hotel in Interlaken. In the evening, your Indian dinner is followed by an authentic Swiss chocolate fondue.
Day 6
In the morning pay, a visit to Jungfraujoch, where you will partake of lunch at the Bollywood restaurant. On your way back to Interlaken, stop over at the Trummelbach Falls.
Day 7
Set off for Lucerne, where you will go on a city tour. In the evening, take a cruise on Lake Lucerne.
Day 8
Once you’re done with breakfast, head to Mt. Titlis, where you will take a ride on the Ice Flyer. After an Indian lunch, return to Lucerne, and end your day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 9
Spend the day shopping or sightseeing on your own, or you may choose to take a tour to the Schaffhausen Falls if time permits. Later, set off to Zurich airport to board your flight home.
Renaissance Italy (8D/7N)
Poets, painters and sculptors: this glorious country has given the world some of its finest talents. Spend eight days in joyful exploration of Italy’s marvellous cities and towns.
Your Itinerary
- Rome 2 nights
- Florence 1 night
- Venice 2 nights
- Como 1 night
- Milan 1 night
Day 1
Arrive Rome, and check in at your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore the area on your own, or go shopping. Enjoy your dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 2
Spend the day exploring Rome on a guided tour. Visit the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and the Time Elevator. End the day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 3
After an early breakfast, set off for a wine tasting tour of Tuscany, en route to Pisa, where you will visit the Field of Miracles and the Leaning Tower. Continue your journey to Florence and check in at your hotel. Round off your day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 4
When you’ve done justice to your breakfast spread, head out for a guided walking tour of Florence. Later, drive to Venice, where you will check in at your hotel, then take a bliss-inducing gondola ride. Tonight you’re sure to enjoy the authentic Italian dinner at a riverside restaurant.
Day 5
Set off to explore Venice after breakfast, with a visit to the Murano Glass Museum. Dinner is at an Indian restaurant.
Day 6
Drive to Como, where your orientation tour will be followed by an evening cruise on the lake.
Day 7
Drive to Milan after breakfast, where you will be taken on a guided tour of the city.
Day 8
Set off to Milan airport to board your flight home.
Authentic Austria (9D/8N)
A holiday destination that many are only now discovering, Austria offers immense natural beauty, a world of culture and gastronomic bliss. Nine days offer you a fair introduction to this country’s charms.
Your Itinerary
- Graz 1 night
- Salzburg 2 nights
- Innsbruck 2 nights
- Mayrhofen 1 night
- Vienna 2 nights
Day 1
Arrive at Vienna Airport, from where you will drive to Graz and check in at your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore the area on your own, or go shopping. Enjoy your dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 2
After breakfast, spend the morning on a city tour of Graz, and later, drive to Salzburg, where you will check in at your hotel. End your day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 3
Take a guided city tour of Salzburg after breakfast. In the evening, attend the Sound of Music show, and then go on to dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 4
After breakfast, drive to Wattens to visit the Swarovski Crystal Museum. Continue your holiday to Innsbruck, and check in at your hotel. You will be taken on a city tour of Innsbruck, followed by a horse carriage ride. Round off the day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 5
Set off to Stubai glacier after breakfast. Later, go on a funicular ride, followed by a traditional Tyrolean evening.
Day 6
After breakfast, drive to Mayrhofen and check into the hotel. Set of on a city tour, and then proceed to dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 7
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Vienna and check in at your hotel. In the evening, take a peaceful cruise on the Danube, followed by dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 8
Explore Vienna on a city tour after breakfast, including a visit to the Schonbrunn Palace. Round off the day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 9
After an early breakfast, set off to Vienna airport to board your flight home.
Classic France (11D/10N)
The movies and poets are right; France really is as romantic as they say it is. You’ll agree, once you’ve spent eleven wonderful days holidaying here.
Your Itinerary
- Paris 3 nights
- Normandy 1 night
- Poitiers 1 night
- Bordeaux 1 night
- Toulouse 1 night
- Marseille 1 night
- Nice 2 nights
Day 1
Arrive in Paris and check in at your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore the area on your own, or go shopping. Enjoy your dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 2
After breakfast, spend the morning on a guided city tour of Paris in a vintage 2CV. Stop over at Galeries Lafayette for a continental lunch. In the evening, take a cruise on the Seine, followed by the famed Paradis Latin show where you will be served dinner.
Day 3
After breakfast, drive to Versailles for a guided tour. Return to Paris, where your evening is free for you to spend as you wish. Or you could choose to take a guided tour of the Louvre Museum, after which you will head to Montparnasse Tower for high tea. Round off your day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 4
Drive to Lower Normandy after breakfast, from where you will go visit Le Mont Saint Michael castle. Choose between the Gardens and the house of Claude Monet or the medieval town and the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. Return to Normandy and check in at your hotel. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Day 5
Set off to the Futuroscope amusement park after breakfast, and later drive to your hotel in Poitiers. End your day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6
After breakfast, drive to Bordeaux, and visit the town of Blaye to explore the citadel’s walls. At Bordeaux, stop by at a winery for a wine tasting. Check in at your hotel at Bordeaux, and then head out to visit Château Cadillac. Round off your day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Toulouse, where you will be taken on an orientation tour of the city, followed by a visit to Parc de la Plaine (Space City). Check in at your hotel, and proceed to dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8
After breakfast, drive to Marseille and check in at your hotel. Take a city tour of Marseilles, and head to a local restaurant for dinner.
Day 9
Set off to Nice after breakfast, with a quick tour of Cannes en route. Check in at your hotel at Nice and take a detailed tour of the city. End the day with Indian cuisine at a restaurant.
Day 10
After breakfast, the day is free for you to do a little sightseeing on your own. In the evening, pay a visit to Monaco and Monte Carlo, then head back to Nice for dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 11
After breakfast, set off to Nice airport to board your flight home.
Deutschland Discovery (11D/10N)
This historic country’s picture perfect towns and cities invite exploration. In the course of eleven days, you will journey to mountaintops, visit castles and sample some superb wines.
Your Itinerary
- Munich 1 night
- Fussen 1 night
- Baden-Baden 2 nights
- Ruedesheim 1 night
- Cologne 1 night
- Dortmund 1 night
- Leipzig 1 nights
- Berlin 2 nights
Day 1
Arrive in Munich and check in at your hotel. In the evening, go on a guided tour of Munich, with a visit to Marien Platz if time permits. End your day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 2
After breakfast, drive to Fussen, and stop at the Zugspitze mountain in Garmisch Partenkirchen en route, where you will be treated to lunch with a view at the top of the mountain, at Glacier Garden restaurant. At Fussen, check in at your hotel, and make your way to dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 3
After breakfast, head to Neuschwanstein Castle. Later, drive to Baden-Baden and check in at your hotel. End your day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4
After breakfast, take a walking tour of Baden-Baden. In the afternoon, drive to the Black Forest and Lake Titisee. Return to Baden-Baden, and dine at an Indian restaurant.
Day 5
Set off to Ruedesheim after breakfast. En route, visit the Heidelberg castle and go on an orientation tour of Frankfurt. At Ruedesheim, check in at your hotel. Ride the cable car over the winery, if time and weather permits. End your day with a wine tasting and authentic German dinner at Hotel Breuer’s Rüdesheimer Schloss.
Day 6
After breakfast, drive to Cologne, and visit the Castle of Marksburg en route. At Cologne, check in at your hotel. In the evening, take a walking tour of the city. Dinner is at a local restaurant.
Day 7
After a leisurely breakfast, spend the day at Movie Park. Later, drive to Dortmund, where you will have a local dinner.
Day 8
After breakfast, head to Leipzig. Enroute, visit the town of Kassel, where you will be taken on a city tour. Check in at your hotel in Leipzig, and end your day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9
Explore Leipzig after breakfast. Later, drive to Berlin and check in at your hotel. Later, visit Schloss Charlottenburg. Dinner is at a local Indian restaurant.
Day 10
Explore Berlin on a guided city tour after breakfast. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Enjoy an Indian dinner at a restaurant.
Day 11
After breakfast, set off to Berlin airport to board your flight home.
The Enchanted Isles : Great Britain and Ireland (9D/8N)
Great Britain and Northern Ireland unfold in a panorama of light, history and serenity. Spend nine unforgettable days here.
Your Itinerary
- London 2 nights
- Manchester 1 night
- Lake District 1 night
- Edinburgh 1 night
- Glasgow 1 night
- Belfast 2 nights
Day 1
Arrive in London, and check in at your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore the area on your own, or go shopping. Enjoy your dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 2
After breakfast, spend the day on a panoramic city tour of London. Watch the changing of the guards, and visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Round off the day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 3
After an early breakfast, set off to Manchester, stopping off at Stratford-Upon-Avon and Coventry en route. Check in at your hotel in Manchester, and head out for dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 4
Take an orientation tour of Manchester after breakfast, and continue on to the Lake District, where you will check in at your hotel, and take an orientation tour of the area. Go on a lake cruise in the evening, followed by a delicious dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 5
Once you’re done with breakfast, drive to Edinburgh, stopping by Wordsworth’s Home Museum en route. Check in at your hotel in Edinburgh, and end the day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 6
After breakfast, take a guided tour of Edinburgh, then continue your holiday to Glasgow, stopping at Edinburgh Castle and Rosslyn Chapel en route. Check in at your hotel in Glasgow, and head out to dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 7
After a leisurely breakfast, set off for the ferry terminal at Troon to board your ferry to Larne, from where you will continue to Belfast. Check in at your hotel, take a guided city tour of Belfast, then end your day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 8
After breakfast, take a full day tour to the Bushmills Distillery and the Giants Causeway, with a packed continental lunch en route. After dinner at an Indian restaurant, you have some free time to explore the pubs and bars of Belfast.
Day 9
After breakfast, set off to Belfast airport to board your flight home.
Alpine Magic in Switzerland (9D/8N)
Switzerland is the most popular European holiday spot, and with good reason, too. Pristine snow covered mountains, two cruises and superb culinary creations ensure that your nine days here are thoroughly enjoyable.
Your Itinerary
- Zurich 1 nights
- Lucerne 2 night
- Interlaken 1 nights
- Montreux 2 nights
- Geneva 1 nights
Day 1
Arrive in Zurich, and check in at your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore the area on your own, or go shopping. Enjoy your dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 2
After breakfast, go on an orientation tour of Zurich, followed by a visit to Schaffhausen Falls. Later, drive to Lucerne and check in at your hotel, then set off for a city tour in a toy train. In the evening, attend the grand Swiss Folklore show, where you will be served dinner.
Day 3
Once you’re done with breakfast, head to Mt. Titlis, where you will take a ride on the Ice Flyer. After an Indian lunch, return to Lucerne for a city tour, and end your day with a cruise on Lake Lucerne, and dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 4
After an early breakfast, pay a visit to Jungfraujoch, where you will partake of lunch at the Bollywood restaurant. En route to Interlaken, stop over at the Trummelbach Falls. Check in at your hotel at Interlaken. In the evening, your Indian dinner is followed by an authentic Swiss chocolate fondue.
Day 5
After breakfast, set off to Gruyere to visit the cheese factory, and a chocolate factory in Broc. Continue your holiday to Montreux. Check in at your hotel, and take a tour of Montreux Vevey. Visit the Chillon castle, and end your day with dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 6
After breakfast, take an orientation tour of Evian. A boat will take you to Lausanne, where you will go on an orientation tour. Round off your day with dinner at an Indian restaurant in Montreux.
Day 7
After a leisurely breakfast, set off to Geneva, where you will be taken on an orientation tour before you check in at your hotel. You may choose to go on a speed boat ride on Lake Geneva. Dinner is at an Indian restaurant.
Day 8
After an early breakfast, set off to Geneva airport to board your flight home.