Itinerary
All participants will meet for introductions and to attend an extensive briefing covering the general procedures of our journey.
An optional dinner will be offered at the Le Champlain restaurant located in the hotel.
*If weather conditions permit, an alternate stop is planned at Iqaluit.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
On our way today, we will fly over the immense forests and numerous lakes of Labrador. Because we will be approaching the Arctic Circle and the “land of the midnight sun”, we will have an astonishing 16 hours of daylight!
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Our flight today takes us to Southern Greenland, where we will view the beautiful scenery before landing at Narsarsuaq airport. The airport was built by the US Air Force during World War II as a stopping-off point for planes flying to and from Europe and has been operated as an international civil airport since 1959.
Dinner will be at the hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
We will transfer to the airport for our departure to Reykjavik. Today we’ll fly over ice-covered Greenland and then do our second water crossing. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the hotel.
After dinner at the hotel, you may want to venture into town on your own to experience the nightlife.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Experience a private tour to enjoy a full day of sightseeing with a visit to the famous Geysir hot spring area with numerous hot springs and geysers - one of them erupts every few minutes; take a look at the magnificent waterfall Gullfoss; visit the volcanic crater Kerid and the greenhouse village Hveragerdi; drive across Gjabakkavegur Pass to the Thingvellir National Park, a unique place of beauty, with its interesting geology and history; then cross Mosfellsheidi Heath to Reykjavik; visit the Blue Lagoon. It is certainly a great experience that is not to be missed. You will see volcanic craters, geysers, waterfalls and the national park Thingvellir, which is Iceland’s national treasure and one of its most beautiful spots.
Dinner will be at the famous downtown restaurant, Einar Ben, located in one of the oldest trading buildings in Reykjavik.
Fly southeast toward the British Isles for our next stop, Wick, to refuel and have lunch.
Our flight continues to the Czech Republic to discover the beautiful city of Prague. One of the most beautiful and visited cities of Europe, this capital of 1.2 million has an incredible mix of Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. The Vltava River winds through this "city of a hundred spires", its riverbanks and the surrounding hills contrasting with the compact, winding cobblestone streets of the old city center.
Prague is lively and sophisticated, drawing on its centuries-old tradition of breakthrough thinking in literature, music, architecture and engineering. At the crossroads of centuries-old trade routes and now the cultural and economic center of the Czech Republic, Prague is an art-filled jewel in the heart of Europe. Alive with music and culture, it offers elegant riverside promenades, breathtaking architecture and cafe-lined squares.
After a leisurely morning and lunch, we will depart with a private local guide for a walking tour of Prague Castle and Lesser Town. The largest ancient castle in the world, Prague Castle sits on the highest hill in the city. Gigantic St. Vitus Cathedral, part of the castle, towers over the city and took 600 years to build. The crown-jewels of the Bohemian Kings and relics of St. Wenceslas, the 10th-century Duke of Bohemia, are on display.
We'll explore the history and precious cultural and architectonic heritage of Prague. It is one of the most attractive sites in Europe and not only for its geographic location is called "Heart of Europe". It lies in the center of the Bohemia on the river.
Today we will continue our walking tour with a visit to Charles Bridge, Old Town and the famous Jewish Quarter. We'll end our tour with lunch followed by free time in the afternoon to explore on your own.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to fly to our next destination, Venice. Upon arrival at Padova airport (LIPU), we will transfer to the Hotel Danieli, situated on the Grand Canal in one of the most prestigious positions in Venice, just a few steps from Saint Mark's square, looking out over the lagoon and its myriad of islands.
The afternoon is free to enjoy this romantic city embellished with monuments of rare splendor making it truly unique.
Today is free to enjoy this delightful city at leisure. You may want to discover the islands of Murano (glass-making) and Burano (lace-making) or Torcello.
No dinner is planned so that you may enjoy a romantic dinner on your own.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
We will depart early this morning for our transfer to Padova and fly to Seville. The Hotel Alfonso XIII was built for the 1929 Sevilla Expo and is considered to be one of the most contemporary gems of Andalusia. Situated in a quiet district only two blocks from the famous Sevilla Cathedral, the Alfonso is not more than 10 minutes walking distance from the heart of town where you find wonderful pedestrian streets covered with canvasses during the summer.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Today we will depart with our private tour guide for a drive through Andalusian villages to Granada, which was Spain's last Islamic kingdom. We'll visit the Alhambra - the Royal Palace, the Alcazaba and the surrounding group of small palaces, gardens, patios and towers. We'll finish our tour with a visit to the Gardens of Generalife which was the king's summer residence. Tonight we will enjoy a Flamenco show.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
We will continue to our first destination in North Africa, Marrakech. There will be a stop in Gibraltar where we will refuel and clear customs for our departure from Europe.
After clearing customs in Marrakech, we'll transfer to our beautiful hotel, La Mamounia, located on the outskirts of the city.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
This morning is free to relax in your beautiful hotel. In the early afternoon we will depart with our private tour guide to discover the famous Djemma el Fna, the mythical meeting place of snake charmers, storytellers and a thousand other characters at the center of Marrakech. You will have the chance to meet some artists and discover this magical place.
Tonight, we will enjoy a dinner in a beautiful Rhyad (typical Moroccan home).
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Madeira. Upon arrival, transfer to Reid's Palace. Madeira Island is known for its rich natural beauty. Every part of this volcanic island has something different to offer and is abundant with picturesque landscapes of steep majestic mountains, dropping into lush green valleys and breathtaking views of its rugged coastlines.
Our tour follows the Eastern coast of the island. We'll stop at Cabanas de Sao Jorge, a unique village overlooking the sea and surrounded by mountains and vineyards that feature some of Madeira's most spectacular scenery. We'll stop for lunch in Ponto Delgada, a picturesque village with breathtaking natural surroundings. Continue to Sao Vicente, idyllically set in a beautiful valley where you will be able to visit the best underground volcanic features ever found on the island, Sao Vicente Caves. The return journey takes you through stunning valleys and ravines carved into the island over millions of years, passing through the beautiful zone of Ribeira Brava.
Today is at leisure to relax and explore on your own. Optional activities include deep sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, whale and dolphin watching, golf and horseback riding.
Fly to Lisbon. Upon arrival, transfer to the Four Seasons. The hotel reflects the charm of historic Portugal and offers vistas of Eduardo VII Park, St. George's Moorish Castle, the Old Town and the Tagus River from atop one of Lisbon's seven hills.
Discover the highlights of Portugal's capital when you visit St. George's Castle, the Moorish Alfama quarter, the 18th-century Baixa quarter and Commerce Square. See Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower and the world-famous Coach Museum - an 18th-century riding school featuring vehicles dating back to the 17th-century. After lunch, we'll explore the charming town of Sintra, once the summer residence of Portuguese kings and aristocrats and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the National Palace of Sintra, a former royal residence, with a variety of architectural styles and interior decoration.
Today we will fly to Dinard which sits on a rocky promontory at the top of the Rance River opposite St.Malo. Victorian Gothic villas - many now hotels - overlook the sea, and gardens and parks abound. The old is still best. One of France's best-known resorts, Dinard offers well-sheltered bathing and healthful sea air in La Manche ("the Sleeve," as the French call the English Channel). During the Victorian era, Dinard, once a fishing port, became popular with the English, who wanted a Continental holiday that was "not too foreign."
Fly to Dublin. Upon arrival, transfer to the Shelbourne Hotel. The history of Shelbourne Hotel Dublin goes way back to 1824 when Tipperaryman Martin Burke established it after acquiring three adjoining town houses that overlook the famous St. Stephen's Green (the largest garden square in the whole of Europe). The Irish Constitution was drafted in the 112th room in 1922. This is why the room is referred to as the Constitution Room.
Our tour begins with a panoramic Dublin city tour which takes in the main sights including the famous "Doors of Dublin" and the elegant Georgian squares. We'll visit Trinity College and the Old Library building built by Thomas Burgh in the 18th century. Before viewing the famous book visitors pass through an excellent exhibition based on the book of Kells and other important writings from Ireland's monasteries. Next you'll visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, Ireland's largest church made famous by its former dean Jonathan Swift, author of "Gulliver's Travels." St. Patrick's s the National Cathedral of Ireland and is built on the site where St. Patrick preached. The massive west towers house a large array of bells whose ringing tones have become part of the very character of Dublin.
After breakfast and an in-depth briefing, we will launch for our over-water crossing to Iceland.
After an in-depth briefing, we will head for Goose Bay (or Iqualuit) with a stop in Narsarsuaq (or Nuuk) for lunch and to refuel before taking our final over-water crossing and touching down on the North American continent in Canada.
We will go our seperate ways as we head home today.
Breakfast included