15-day HEART OF EUROPE® Circle Tour
Tour Map
15-day tour featuring Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium and Holland. For more than 60 years, Image Tours has offered this signature tour of Europe's most popular countries. With spectacular scenery and local flavor, this is an ideal choice for travelers who want an introduction to the Old World at a great value.
| 2024 Departure Dates | Price* | |
|---|---|---|
| SOLD OUT | $4,140 pp | |
| SOLD OUT | $4,140 pp | |
| SOLD OUT | $4,140 pp | |
| Jun-11-2024 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,140 pp |
| Jun-25-2024 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,140 pp |
| Sep-03-2024 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,140 pp |
| Sep-10-2024 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,140 pp |
| Sep-17-2024 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,140 pp |
| SOLD OUT | $4,140 pp | |
| Sep-26-2024 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,140 pp |
| Oct-01-2024 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,140 pp |
| Oct-08-2024 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,140 pp |
| Oct-14-2024 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,140 pp |
Tour Year 2024
DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe.
Today brings the beginning of a new adventure . . . your trip of a lifetime is about to unfold. The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in and arrival in Europe. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport - Schriesheim.
As morning dawns, the European coastline comes into view. Upon arrival at Frankfurt’s Rhein-Main Airport, clear passport control, claim your luggage, and pass through customs. Communicating is no problem as English is widely spoken. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager, who will accompany you to your deluxe motor coach. Settle in for a pleasant drive, through central Germany, to your hotel in the village of Schriesheim. This evening, get acquainted with your fellow tour members during a “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Medieval Rothenburg - Bavaria.
The route this morning takes you to the northern section of the “Romantic Road,” introducing unspoiled countryside, ancient castles and storybook villages. Spend a few hours in Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved medieval village, surrounded by its original town walls. The cobblestone streets are lined with historic inns and charming storefronts, including the famous “Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf,” a sprawling, year-round Christmas shop. Take a walk on the city walls for a bird’s-eye view of the town and the lovely surrounding landscapes. This afternoon, transfer to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village.
The drive into Munich reveals many of the Bavarian capital’s interesting landmarks. There will be time to explore the central square (Marienplatz) with its unique Glockenspiel (clock tower). For a taste of Oktoberfest, consider beer, sausages and sauerkraut at the famous Hofbräuhaus. After lunch, head south to the Austrian border. Take in the natural beauty while motoring through the majestic Austrian mountains. Enter Tyrol, one of the friendliest and most scenic regions in Austria. Continue to your chalet-style hotel in a typical Tyrolean Village. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village.
This day is devoted to the boundless splendor of the Austrian Alps. Awe-inspiring mountain landscapes surround you as you walk through your Tyrolean Village admiring the flower adorned and frescoed chalets. Consider taking a chair lift up the mountain to behold the magnificent Alpine vistas. Another choice is to join your tour manager for a full day optional Salzburg & Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions), which includes a guided tour of Salzburg (known for Mozart’s birthplace and setting for the “Sound of Music”) and a traditional Austrian meal. (Breakfast)
DAY 6 - AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck & ITALY . . Lake Garda - Verona.
The Hapsburg dynasty is responsible for much of the architectural beauty you will see during the morning stop in Innsbruck. Most notably, Maximilian I, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire from 1493 to 1519, commissioned the iconic Golden Roof balcony. Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and has twice hosted the Winter Olympics. Enter Italy via the Europa Bruecke (Bridge), a remarkable feat of highway engineering through the Dolomite Mountains. Descend to “Lago di Garda” (Lake Garda), whose steep mountain shores give it a subtropical climate with rich vegetation, including colorful oleander bushes, olive and citrus trees, and grape vines which produce some of the famous Italian wines. During an afternoon stop, stroll along the lakefront, browse the quaint markets, or enjoy a gelato (Italian ice cream). From Lake Garda, it’s a short drive to the legendary city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s tragic love story of “Romeo and Juliet.” Experience an authentic Italian meal during an independent dinner before transferring to your hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 7 - ITALY . . Verona.
Today is yours to absorb the Italian art, architecture, music, and overall romantic atmosphere at your own pace. Explore Verona and its nearly 2000-year-old Roman Arena that is still used today for performances of beloved Italian operas. Use your time to browse the fashionable shops or take a local bus back to turquoise-colored Lake Garda, where you can relax along its shore while sipping a Campari or Cappuccino. Another choice for today is to join the optional Venice excursion (see Optional Excursions) to see canals, gondolas, bridges and delicately-blown glass. This excursion includes dinner at a classic Venetian restaurant. However you choose to spend the day, Italy’s uniquely captivating ambiance will surely leave an everlasting impression. At the end of the day, return to your Verona area hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 8 - SWITZERLAND . . Lake Lugano - Swiss Alps.
Travel north through the unsurpassed splendor of the Italian and Swiss Lake districts. Switzerland greets you with a background of snow capped mountain peaks in contrast to the palm tree-lined subtropical Lake Lugano. Often referred to as the ”Rio de Janeiro of the Old Continent,” Lugano is the perfect spot for a lunch break. In the afternoon, transfer from the Italian to the German speaking region of Switzerland by way of the 11-mile-long St. Gotthard Tunnel. Overnight in a cozy village surrounded by the Swiss Alps. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9 - SWITZERLAND . . Stans - Lucerne - Swiss Alps.
A morning drive through William Tell country uncovers impressive Lake Lucerne. The soaring mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus standing guard over this vast water basin create one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Stop in the old mountain village of Stans for the optional Swiss Mountain excursion (see Optional Excursions), offering thrilling panoramic views by funicular and cable car. In the afternoon, visit Lucerne with its historic covered bridge and famous Lion Monument, commemorating the heroic deaths of Swiss soldiers who defended Louis XVI during the French Revolution. The rest of the day is yours to explore Lucerne's Old Town, browse displays of delicious chocolates and wood-carved music boxes, or relax on the lovely lakeshore promenade. Before returning to your hotel for dinner, consider joining your tour manager for an optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion (see Optional Excursions) on beautiful Lake Lucerne. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10 - FRANCE . . Champagne Region – Troyes.
The church bells usher in another glorious day. Follow the Swiss Autobahn past Basel, where Switzerland, Germany and France meet. This is where the Rhine River becomes navigable before starting its approximate 700-mile run through Germany and on to the Atlantic seaport of Rotterdam, Holland. Crossing the border into France, the mountains give way to hilltop settlements and rustic vineyards. Make a mid-day lunch stop before continuing through the Burgundy and Champagne wine regions to Troyes. Your tour manager will offer a walk to the picturesque medieval town square where you may wish to try the local champagne at one of the sidewalk cafés. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11 - FRANCE . . Paris.
After a mid-morning arrival in Paris, venture out on your own, or join the optional Seine River Cruise excursion (see Optional Excursions), featuring some of the city’s popular landmarks. Before you start your independent exploration, the tour manager will direct you to the location of principal sights such as Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum (open every day except Tuesday), Arc de Triomphe and Galeries Lafayette department store. Tonight, join the optional Paris Evening excursion (see Optional Excursions) with dinner at a characteristic French bistro located in the heart of Paris. Or, choose your own location for an independent dinner. (Breakfast)
DAY 12 - BELGIUM . . Antwerp & HOLLAND.
Travel north to Belgium and proceed to the North Sea port of Antwerp, known for its convivial atmosphere and delicate lacework. Explore the city center, with its historic buildings and quaint shops. Treat yourself to an irresistible Belgian waffle at one of the outdoor cafés on the city’s attractive main square. This afternoon, enter Holland, also known as The Netherlands (or Nederland in Dutch which means “low lands”). Much of the country lies below sea level and is protected from flooding by an intricate system of canals, dikes and pumping stations. Many of the retired windmills, which initially accomplished this process, have been beautifully preserved and can be seen on the drive to your South Holland hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 - HOLLAND.
Take advantage of the efficient bus and railway network to a myriad of interesting places, many of which are less than an hour away. Your tour manager will offer a full-day optional Grand Holland excursion (see Optional Excursions), featuring the neatly-groomed countryside, a picturesque Dutch village, and a boat ride through the canals of historic Amsterdam showcasing the elegant bridges and 17th-century architecture. Choose from pancakes, seafood, or other Dutch specialties for your independent dinner. (Breakfast)
DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Rhine River - near Frankfurt Airport.
This morning, return to Germany and travel on the Autobahn (Expressway) to the Rhine River Valley. From Boppard, embark on a scenic boat ride on the Rhine River, one of Western Europe’s most important waterways. Glide past endearing villages, hillside vineyards, medieval castles and fortresses. Pass by the legendary Loreley Rock, which is the subject of boatmen folklore about a bewitching siren. Your hotel is strategically located near Frankfurt Airport and provides a place to gather with your tour companions to toast a memorable holiday during a celebratory "Farewell Dinner." (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Your journey of Europe’s scenic, cultural and historic highlights has come full circle. You will forever remember the many sights, sounds and tastes from this wondrous adventure. Transfer to the Frankfurt Rhein-Main Airport for your flight home. We sincerely hope you will return and experience more of Europe’s treasures with Image Tours. Until we see you again — “Auf Wiedersehen!” (Breakfast)
DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe.
Overnight flight to Europe.
DAY 2 - GERMANY. . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport - Schriesheim.
Arrival at Frankfurt Airport. Meet your tour manager and transfer (1¼ hrs) to your hotel in Schriesheim. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Medieval Rothenburg - Bavaria.
Travel (1½ hrs) to your morning stop. Continue (1 hr) to the beautifully-preserved, medieval, walled town of Rothenburg. After a leisurely visit in Rothenburg, follow the Romantic Road (1¼ hrs) to one of the charming, old-world villages. Continue (1¼ hrs) to your hotel in Bavaria. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village.
Motor (1½ hrs) to the elegant Bavarian capital of Munich for a panoramic tour (1 hr) and free time in the pedestrian-only old town (Marienplatz). Continue (2¼ hrs) across the German-Austrian border to the Tyrolean Village where you will spend the next two nights. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village.
Free day to relax, hike or explore on your own among the Tyrolean Alps. Or, join the optional, full-day Salzburg & Dinner excursion (1¾ hrs), which includes a stop (1¼ hrs) in an alpine village restaurant for a traditional Austrian meal before returning (1 hr) to your Tyrolean Village hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 6 - AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck & ITALY . . Lake Garda - Verona.
Travel (1½ hrs) to the Imperial City of Innsbruck. Following independent sightseeing, cross the spectacular Europa Brücke (Bridge) through the Dolomite Mountains (2½ hrs). Make a rest stop in the mountains before descending (1½ hrs) to subtropical Lake Garda. Continue to legendary Verona (1 hr) of Romeo & Juliet fame. After an independent dinner, transfer (½ hr) from Verona to your hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 7 - ITALY . . Verona.
Spend a leisurely day in Verona or on beautiful Lake Garda. Or, join the full day optional excursion to Venice (2 hr transfer each way). Spend the night in your Verona Area hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 8 - SWITZERLAND . . Lake Lugano - Swiss Alps.
After a border stop (1½ hrs), cross into Switzerland (1¾ hrs) and stop in Lugano, the "Rio of the Old Continent." Motor through the St. Gotthard Tunnel or Pass (2 hrs) with a short stop. Then, continue (1 hr) to your hotel in the Swiss Alps for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9 - SWITZERLAND . . Stans - Lucerne - Swiss Alps.
This morning, drive (½ hr) to the mountain resort of Stans, with the opportunity to take an optional Swiss Mountain excursion. On to Lucerne (½ hr) for afternoon sightseeing and the optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion. Return (½ hr) to your hotel in the Swiss Alps. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10 - FRANCE . . Champagne Region – Troyes.
Follow the Swiss Autobahn (1½ hrs) to Basel, where Switzerland, Germany and France meet. Continue (2 hrs) across the border and stop for lunch in the Burgundy wine region. Travel through the French Countryside (2 hrs) making a comfort stop along the way. Proceed (1½ hrs) to Troyes for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11 - FRANCE . . Paris.
Travel (1½ hrs) to your morning stop and arrive (1½ hrs) in the center of Paris. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Paris, with opportunities for two optional excursions; Seine River Cruise and Paris Evening. This evening, transfer (¾ hr) to the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 12 - BELGIUM . . Antwerp & HOLLAND.
Travel north to Belgium (2 hrs). After a mid-morning break, continue (2 hrs) to Antwerp. In the late afternoon, motor across the Dutch border (1½ hrs) to your South Holland hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 - HOLLAND.
Day of leisure to explore Holland. Or, join the optional Grand Holland excursion, which includes a drive (1 hr) through Holland's countryside, a stop (1 hr) in Amsterdam for free time and a boat ride through the canals, and a visit (1½ hrs) to the picturesque village of Delft for independent dinner, before returning (¾ hr) to your South Holland hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Rhine River- Frankfurt.
Travel (2¼ hrs) across the German border. Enjoy a morning stop, before continuing (2½ hrs) through the Rhine River Valley to Boppard. Board a steamer for an upstream boat ride on the legendary Rhine River. Proceed (1¾ hr) to your hotel located near Frankfurt Airport. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer (¼ hrs) to the Frankfurt Airport for your daytime flight back to U.S.A. (Breakfast)
- Walk the wall surrounding the medieval village of Rothenburg
- Sip ale from a stein at Munich’s famed ‘Hofbräuhaus’ beer hall
- Wake up to views of the Alps from an Austrian chalet hotel
- Kiss your true love under Romeo & Juliet’s balcony in Verona
- Ascend to the peak of a Swiss mountain on a cable car excursion
- Marvel at the extensive architectural triumphs of Paris
- Sample a Belgian waffle at a café on Antwerp’s Grand Square
- Try on a pair of traditional Dutch wooden shoes
- Glide past castles and vineyards on a Rhine River boat ride
- Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
- 13 Breakfasts and 8 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
- Tour Manager for the full European duration of the tour
- Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
- Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
- Trip Documents with luggage tags, final details and travel guidance
Alannah K.
October 5, 2023Gina D.
October 5, 2023Henry & Alyssa G.
September 21, 2023The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.
Select Departure Month
Upcoming Departures
Hotel Scheid
Schriesheim, Germany- hairdryer
- satellite TV
- free WIFI
- restaurant
- bistro
- beer-garden
- nature paths
NH Collection Nürnberg City
Nürnberg, Germany- Hairdryer
- Air Conditioning
- Satellite TV
- Mini-Bar
- In-Room-Safe
- Free WIFI
- Elevator
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Terrace
Seminaris Hotel Nuremberg
Nürnberg, Germany- hairdryer
- satellite TV
- mini-bar
- in-room safe
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- fitness center
Q! Hotel Maria Theresia
Kitzbühel, Austria- hairdryer
- TV
- free WIFI
- in-room safe
- elevator
- restaurant
- fireplace lounge
- casino
- sauna
- terrace
Landhotel Kirchenwirt
Unken, Austria- Hair dryer
- television
- mini-bar
- in-room safe
- free WI-FI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- wellness area
Montresor Hotel Tower
Bussolengo, Italy- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- satellite TV
- mini-bar
- in room safe
- free WIFI
- Elevator
- restaurant
- fitness center
- spa treatments
Hotel Schweizerhof
Engelberg, Switzerland- hairdryer
- TV
- mini-bar
- in-room safe
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- fitness center
- sauna
Hotel Crystal
Engelberg, Switzerland- Hairdryer
- TV
- mini-bar
- free WIFI
- Elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- sauna
- terrace
Hotel Central am See
Weggis, Switzerland- hairdryer
- Television
- mini-bar
- in-room safe
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- terrace
- outdoor pool
Mercure Hotel Troyes Centre
Troyes, France- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- satellite TV
- mini-bar
- in-room safe
- free WI-FI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
Hotel IBIS Styles Troyes Centre
Troyes, France- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- free WIFI
- Elevator
- bar
Holiday Inn Express - Canal de la Villette
Paris, France- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- satellite TV
- free WIFI
- elevator
- bar
- lounge
- internet center
- safety deposit box at reception
NH Hotel Capelle
Capelle a/d Ijssel, The Netherlands- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- satellite TV
- mini-bar
- in room safe
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
Hotel Felsenkeller
Rüdesheim, Germany- hairdryer
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- safety deposit box at reception
NH Hotel Frankfurt-Niederrad
Frankfurt, Germany- hairdryer
- satellite TV
- mini-bar
- in room safe
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- lounge
- terrace
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS
$0.00Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.
SALZBURG & DINNER
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. $120.00Transfer to Salzburg where a local guide will accompany you on an informative walking tour through Mirabell Gardens and the historic town center. You will have ample free time for lunch and to discover more of Salzburg's many treasures. Before returning to your hotel, stop for a traditional Austrian dinner at an alpine village restaurant.
VENICE
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. $100.00A private boat transfers you from the mainland, through the Venetian Lagoon, to the center of Venice. A guided walking tour provides an introduction to the history, culture and architecture before concluding with a visit to a glass-blowing workshop. If you have your heart set on gliding through the canals, the cost is about €45 per person based on up to six people sharing a gondola. This excursion includes dinner at a characteristic restaurant.
SWISS MOUNTAIN
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. $70.00Reach the summit of Mount Stanserhorn (elevation 6,232 feet) by both cog-wheel train and the world’s only open-top cable car. At the highest stop, enjoy the panoramic views from the terrace, take a walk along the paths, and snap pictures of the magnificent alpine vistas. This excursion is subject to favorable weather and cable car operation, and may be rescheduled or cancelled. In some cases, another mountain may be substituted.
SWISS LAKE BOAT RIDE
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. $50.00Board a steamer for a relaxing and scenic ride on Lake Lucerne. The lake borders four cantons (states) of Switzerland and, for this reason, is also known as Vierwaldstättersee (“Lake of the Four Forest Cantons”). Your cruise will provide splendid views of the surroundings, comprised of mountain cliffs rising up to 5,000 feet, picturesque villages, and gorgeous lakeside resort homes.
PARIS EVENING
7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. $75.00Your French cuisine experience at a true Paris bistro is accompanied by roving musicians. Dinner includes wine or another beverage and features a tantalizing choice of French dishes. Your return motor coach ride will provide memorable impressions of the "City of Light".
GRAND HOLLAND
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. $65.00Travel among the rural and urban landscapes which highlight the distinctive characteristics of Holland. The day includes a panoramic tour of Amsterdam aboard a glass-topped boat. Also visit the picturesque Dutch village of Delft with an informative explanation on the craft behind the famous locally-made earthenware.