Charms of Europe
5 Day Tour
- Tour Overview
- Tour Itinerary
- Other Information
Tour Overview
05 Days – Charms of Europe (Code:CHE)
Early Bird Offer
Book 8 weeks in advance and get £10 OFF per adult and childTour Highlights
You can join this Tour directly in Europe to avoid coming into the UK.Belgium
- Antwerp City Tour
- Brugge Guided Tour
- Brussels City
- Mini Europe with Entrance
Germany
- Black Forest drive through the scenic region
- Lake Titisee free time
Luxembourg
- Luxembourg City free time
Switzerland
- Rhine Falls The largest plain waterfalls in Europe
- Zurich City Tour
- Chocolate shop* (May be done in Belgium instead)
- Lucerne City Tour view the Lion Monument & Chapel Bridge
- Mt Pilatus (optional)
Price Includes
- Return transportation by deluxe AC coach from your selected pick up point
- Return channel crossing via Eurotunnel or Ferry
- 4 nights’ accommodation in a 3/4* hotels with breakfast
- 4 Indian dinners & 1 Indian vegetarian lunch
- Entrances and sightseeing as mentioned in Tour Highlights
- All tips and service charges
- Premium service of a Star Tours’ Tour Manager
- ABTA Legal Protection
Pick Up Points/Drop Off Points
- UK and Standard
The Star Difference
- Excursion to Mt. Pilatus offered
- Tips and service charge included
Additional Excursions
| Excursions | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Mt Pilatus with Transfers | £70 | £35 (6 – 15 Years) |
Tour Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
London – Antwerp – Limburgerhof (Distance: 620 Kms)
This morning, join your coach and depart towards Dover for your crossing to Calais or Dunkerque. Ensure you have your passports at hand for the immigration process. Upon reaching Antwerp, we will explore the city on foot, as Antwerp’s city center is best discovered this way. Known as a significant cultural and economic hub in Belgium, Antwerp is famous for its diamond district, vibrant fashion scene, and rich history. You will see the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady, an impressive Gothic cathedral that dominates the city’s skyline. Wander through the bustling Grote Markt, the main square of Antwerp, surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the Town Hall. Admire the intricate architecture and vibrant atmosphere of this historic city. After our visit to Antwerp, we continue our journey towards Limburgerhof in Germany. We expect to arrive at our hotel late in the evening. We will enjoy a delicious Indian meal before settling down for the night, ready to check out tomorrow morning. DDay 2
Heidelberg – Black Forest – Rhine Falls – Zurich (Distance: 480 Kms)
After breakfast, we load our luggage on the coach and continue to the town of Heidelberg, situated on the banks of the River Neckar in southwestern Germany. Enjoy a short orientation tour of the town, taking in the views and history of the Old Bridge, with picturesque views of Heidelberg Castle perched on the hill, as well as the Old Church in the main town. Our short trip to Heidelberg concludes with a quick photo stop at the Old Town Square, before boarding the coach and heading towards the Black Forest. We continue our drive into southeastern Germany. Enjoy the tree-lined alpine views and the deep gorges as we drive through the Black Forest. We then arrive at the small town of Titisee-Neustadt, in the heart of the Black Forest. Among dark fir trees, high hills, spectacular cliffs, and gentle valleys sits the largest natural lake in the Black Forest, Titisee. Here, enjoy some free time to wander the quaint streets, relax by the lake, or shop for locally made cuckoo clocks and other souvenirs. After your shopping trip, we have our Indian lunch before heading towards Switzerland. Our journey continues to Schaffhausen, a city in northeastern Switzerland on the River Rhine, near the German border. Upon arrival, take time to admire the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest open-plain waterfalls. You can take a quick trip to the center of the falls on the erosion-resistant rock or simply enjoy the view from the banks of the River Rhine with Wörth Castle in the backdrop. We then make our way to Zurich. Spend some free time in the city center discovering Zurich on foot. Highlights include the Fraumünster Church, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows created by Chagall, the Grossmünster evangelical Protestant church in the medieval old town, or simply admiring the beautiful Lake Zurich. We then enjoy our Indian dinner before checking into the hotel. B,L,DDay 3
Lucerne – Mt Pilatus (Optional) – Bern – Strasbourg
This morning, after breakfast, we check out of the hotel and board the coach heading to Lucerne. In Lucerne, spend time admiring Lake Lucerne, the fourth-largest lake in Switzerland, with Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, and the Swiss Alps in the background. Take a wonderful walk around the Old Town with its pretty cobbled streets. Don’t forget to view the Chapel Bridge, also known as Kapellbrücke, the famous 204-meter-long wooden-covered bridge originally built in 1333, regarded as the oldest covered bridge in Europe. For those not opting for the Mt. Pilatus tour, enjoy extra time in Lucerne to explore the local town and perhaps take a boat ride on the lake. For those opting for the Mt. Pilatus tour, we take a short drive to the base of the mountain. The mountain peak offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of many lakes and mountain vistas in central Switzerland. At the top, you’ll find an observation deck, cafes and restaurants, lounge chairs, and gift shops. We then meet up at our designated point at the top and make our way back down. Later, depart for Bern, the captivating capital of Switzerland. Upon arrival, enjoy ample free time to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture. Wander through the lively medieval streets, where every corner reveals charming boutiques and cozy cafes. Don’t miss the chance to marvel at the iconic Clock Tower, a stunning example of 13th-century architecture. Continue your exploration with a visit to the impressive Parliament House, a symbol of Swiss democracy. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply soaking in the local atmosphere, Bern offers a delightful experience for every traveler. After another fun-filled day, we board the coach and head to Strasbourg for our evening Indian meal and overnight stay. B,DDay 4
Luxembourg – Brussels
This morning, after breakfast, we check out of the hotel and make our way to Luxembourg City Centre. Upon arrival, enjoy ample free time to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. Stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Whether you’re captivated by historical landmarks, architectural beauty, or the bustling local scene, Luxembourg City Centre promises a memorable experience. We then depart Luxembourg and head towards Brussels for a brief sightseeing tour. In Brussels, marvel at the picturesque Grand Place, surrounded by opulent guildhalls and the majestic Town Hall. Wander through the vibrant streets, where you can find an array of shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Don’t miss the chance to see the famous Manneken Pis statue, a quirky symbol of Brussels’ sense of humor. Visit the beautiful Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, an elegant shopping arcade filled with boutiques, cafes, and theaters. After exploring Brussels, we will enjoy a delicious Indian dinner before making our way to our hotel. B,DDay 5
Brussels – Mini Europe – Brugge – London
This morning after breakfast, we depart from Brussels to Mini Europe, a captivating miniature park located at the foot of the Atomium. At Mini Europe, you can marvel at meticulously crafted 1:25 scale replicas of famous European landmarks, providing a delightful overview of Europe’s architectural heritage. This miniature park offers an engaging experience as you wander through scaled-down versions of iconic sites, all in one place. Later, we head towards the enchanting city of Brugge, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque canals, often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” Upon arrival, you can explore Markt Square, where the Belfry of Brugge stands tall. We also visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a revered site housing a relic of the Holy Blood. Additionally, take a leisurely boat ride along the beautiful canals, soaking in the charming views of the city from the water. Don’t miss Rozenhoedkaai, one of the most photographed spots in Brugge, where you can capture the stunning reflections of historic buildings along the canal. Our journey concludes as we continue to London, reflecting on the delightful experiences of our tour. B B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner Book NowOther Information
Other Information
| Tour Code: CHE Departure Dates | Adult | Child (2-11 Years) from |
|---|---|---|
| April 17 | $820.00 | $680.00 |
| May 03 | $820.00 | $680.00 |
| May 22 | $820.00 | $680.00 |
| July 19, 26 | $820.00 | $680.00 |
| August 02, 12, 21 | $820.00 | $680.00 |
| September 13 | $790.00 | $655.00 |
| October 25 | $790.00 | $655.00 |
| Early Bird Offer |
|---|
| Book 8 weeks in advance and get |
| $15 OFF per adult and child |
| Country | Capital | Currency | Visa Required | Time Zone | Electricity | Country Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Brussels | Euro | Schengen | UTC + 1 | 230V,50Hz | +32 |
| Germany | Berlin | Euro | Schengen | UTC + 1 | 230V,50Hz | +49 |
| Switzerland | Berne | CHF (Euro aceepted at many places*) | Schengen | UTC + 1 | 230V,50Hz | +41 |
Mt Pilatus will be offered as a optional
In most of Western Europe, the currency you will require will be Euros. When travelling in Switzerland, you will need Swiss Francs (CHF). It is possible to purchase items in Euros whilst in Switzerland (selected establishments) however it should be noted that the change will be given back in CHF.
Passengers should exchange any spending money for their holiday before they actually travel. Whilst on tour it is very inconvenient and not all places you will visit will have ATM machines or accept credit/debit cards.
We also advise our passengers to keep some change in coins on them whilst on tour as using toilets in many parts of Europe is not free.
USD, GBP or travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted at locations in this tour.
An important point to note whilst on a touring holiday is that some long journeys are unavoidable especially when travelling from city to city.
It is advisable passengers carry necessities that they may need for the day such as water, dry snacks, cameras etc. with them in their hand luggage.
For this tour, it should be noted that the travel times are extensive on this tour.
Breakfast will be provided at the hotels. The breakfast is usually in a separate dining area of the hotel and is usually a continental breakfast, which will consist of tea, coffee, bread, cereals, fruit and yoghurt.
Passengers can choose from different diets, including vegetarian, Jain or non-vegetarian (Halal will not always be available) meals. Passengers should advise the tour representative of their preferred diet on day one. The meals are pre-set buffet, and a choice of menu is not available. Meals will be provided with Tap Water only.
Lunches are usually vegetarian only and are provided outdoors at a service station/rest area where limited, or no seating is available. Lunch is served in a picnic style buffet arrangement. Dinners are usually provided within the hotel or restaurant in a separate dining facility. You should always consult your tour representative if you are not sure of what ingredients a dish contains.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click on the link below to get Country specific details
For a full list of the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click here
Not all hotels in this tour will have air-conditioning so you should carry a small portable fan with you especially during the summer months.
Please also note that not all hotels provide a kettle so if hot water is required for warming milk etc. in the hotel then it is advisable to carry a bottle warmer/kettle as well as a thermos flask. Passengers may also want to carry a small travel iron and hairdryer etc., as many hotel rooms may not have these facilities.
Some hotels in Europe, especially Switzerland will provide two single beds put together as a Double occupancy room, as this sort of configuration allows the hotel to use a room for multi-use, we do contract with such hotels, and you should be prepared for such eventualities.
If you use services such as the phone or mini-bar or pay TV whilst in your room, you will have to pay the hotel directly when you check out; these services are not included in your tour cost.
The maximum occupancy per room on this tour is 3 person(s).
High Altitude
You should only make trips to high altitudes if you feel healthy. The following recommendations apply: Advanced age is no barrier to high altitude. For blood pressure patients who are well controlled with medication, the altitude is not a concern. Asthmatics can travel to high altitudes without any problems. High-altitude air is less polluted with particles that can cause an asthma attack. Epileptics who are well controlled with medication should be able to negotiate the altitude. Pregnant women: There may be a certain risk for pregnancy even without pre-existing diseases over 2500-3000 metres. Caution is therefore advised if in doubt, please consult your doctor in advance. Infants: Short-term stays at the mountain tops are unproblematic. Infants and young children are often unable to equalise pressure during descent and are therefore increasingly at risk of ear irritation. Regular swallowing (drinking, sucking on a bottle) during the descent can prevent the occurrence of irritation. Because children can chill faster than adults, always pay attention to sufficient protection from the cold at high altitude. Sunglasses and a good sunscreen are necessary on the glaciers! High altitude visits not recommended for: Lung and heart patients who are already short of breath while at rest or when climbing stairs are advised not to stay at high altitude. Patients with angina pectoris or severely impaired performance with heart enlargement and heart failure should not visit high altitude. Coronary artery disease (angina pectoris) and heart enlargement with medical therapy should not visit high altitude. Patients with a pronounced risk profile for cardiovascular disease (smoker + high blood pressure + diabetes + high blood fats + overweight + occasional chest pain) should consult the doctor before visiting high altitude. Do not stay at high altitude after having striated muscles or a stroke.
Passengers should arrive at their pick-up point no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Your pick-up point, address and time will be stated on your invoice. If you have selected a pick-up time outside of Wembley, Southall or East Ham then you will be confirmed your pick-up time.
Return journeys from the continent are scheduled to arrive at Dover or Folkestone between 19.00hrs and 20.00hrs approximately. We will then proceed to the original pick-up points in London (arrival time between 22.30hrs and 00.30hrs+1)
Outside London pick up points: Transportation may be arranged by a private car, minibus or an alternative coach for your journey to and from London. On rare occasions, there may be up to an hour wait for a connecting transfer on the return. Passengers can expect to receive a call from Star to confirm details a day prior to their departure. Star Tours reserves the right to amend any pick-up time 12 hours prior to departure.
The below pick-up points may not be available for this tour::
Dover (subject to availability)
| Visa Details & Document Required | Embassy to Apply | Reason | Port of Entry/Exit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applying from UK (Click Here) | French | Entry/Exit & Max Stay | Calais, France/Calais, France |
| Applying from India (Click Here) | French | Entry/Exit & Max Stay | Calais, France/Calais, France |
A passport valid for three months beyond the length of stay and issued within the past ten years is required by all nationals. If you hold an Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladesh Passport, you must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling.
Many nationalities, such as British, EU and American nationals, do not require Schengen visas. Should you need further clarification, please get in touch with us.
Weather in much of Western Europe tends to be the same as in England and is unpredictable. Therefore, regardless of the time of the year, it is advisable to carry an umbrella.
Temperatures vary from place to place. Therefore, it is a good idea to check online for average temperatures for the destination(s) being visited, depending on the time of the year. On a multi-destination tour, passengers will likely travel through various weather fronts; whilst in Switzerland, during excursions to mountain tops, passengers may experience temperatures between 0 °c and 2 °c while simultaneously experiencing temperatures of over 30 °c whilst they are in France.
Passengers can be well prepared by carrying appropriate clothing, footwear and accessories. Passengers should also be aware that during the winter months, most of the sightseeing will be in the dark as, in Europe, the day becomes dark very early during winter.
We will accept lightweight manual wheelchairs for travel, subject to them being capable of being stowed in the luggage hold of the coach. It is also essential that a family member is also on tour to push their wheelchair. Star Tours will also request hotels for suitably equipped rooms; however, this is only on a request basis and cannot be guaranteed. It should be noted Mt Titlis & Eiffel Tower are not fully accessible for wheelchair users. In addition, Brussels, Luzern, Lion Monument, Pisa, Rome, Venice, and Florence will have cobbled streets, which may not be suitable for wheelchairs.
In most of Europe, the use of child seats in coaches is mandatory for children under the age of 12 or who are shorter than 150 cm. Children under 7 years old or less than 125 cm tall must use a child seat with a harness or a restraint system. Children between 7 and 12 years old or between 125 and 150 cm tall must use a booster seat or a seat cushion. It is the responsibility of the child’s parent or guardian to provide the appropriate child seat for their child.
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