Dreams of Europe

Check-in at Los Angeles Airport. Depart for Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Amsterdam, the capital city of The Netherlands, a port city of great character and charm, with its network of canals resembling a spider’s web, its tall narrow brick houses with richly ornamented gables. After dinner, we’ll take a stroll around the old town and Red Light District. (D)

History: Amsterdam originated as a small fishing settlement around the 12th century, when a dam was built across the Amstel River to help control the water. The city’s name derives from Amstelredamme, meaning the dam on the Amstel. During the 17th century, known as the Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam flourished as one of the world’s leading centers of international trade and maritime commerce. Its extensive trading networks brought great prosperity and helped shape the city’s distinctive urban landscape, much of which remains beautifully preserved today.
Culture: Amsterdam is renowned for its open-minded spirit, creative energy, and rich cultural heritage. The city is closely associated with celebrated Dutch painters such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Vincent van Gogh, whose masterpieces have left a lasting mark on the world of art. Visitors can explore the collections of the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum or discover a poignant chapter of history at the Anne Frank House. Beyond its museums, Amsterdam’s cycling culture, traditional markets, charming canal-side cafés, and relaxed lifestyle reflect the city’s distinctive character and contemporary Dutch way of life.
Architecture: Amsterdam is celebrated for its historic canal network, which expanded significantly during the 17th century and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Elegant canal houses line the waterways, featuring narrow façades, red brickwork, tall windows, and distinctive Dutch gabled roofs. Graceful bridges, leafy streets, and reflections shimmering across the water create an atmosphere of timeless beauty and romance. Other notable landmarks include the Royal Palace on Dam Square, the historic Nieuwe Kerk, and the magnificent Rijksmuseum, each offering a glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich architectural and artistic heritage.
Visit the Reijksmuseum (renowned for its Dutch Masters, particularly Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”). After your tour, embark on a canal cruise. These boats are ready to take you on a tour of this beautiful and unique city.

In the afternoon, visiting The Hague, known as Den Haag in Dutch. The city traces its origins to the 13th century, when Count Floris IV of Holland established a residence in the area around 1230. Over time, the city developed into the country’s administrative and political center. Although Amsterdam is the official capital of the Netherlands, The Hague is home to the Dutch government, Parliament, and Supreme Court, as well as the working offices of the Dutch monarch. The city also holds international significance as a center of diplomacy and international law, hosting the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
The Hague offers a distinctive blend of political heritage, fine arts, and seaside culture. The Mauritshuis Museum is renowned for its collection of Dutch masterpieces, including Johannes Vermeer’s iconic painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring”. Another landmark, the Peace Palace, symbolizes the city’s longstanding association with international peace and justice. Beyond its cultural and diplomatic institutions, the seaside district of Scheveningen provides a lively coastal atmosphere, with a broad sandy beach, a famous pier, seafood restaurants, and recreational attractions that make it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Back to Amsterdam. (B/D)

Day excursion to the famous village of Giethoorn also known as “the Venice of Holland” or the “Venice of the North”. There are no cars or roads here; tourists leave them out of the village and have to travel by water or on foot over the lovely wooden bridges. The best way to explore Giethoorn and the myriad of canals is obviously by joining a canal cruise. Local skippers will be able to guide you through the place and show you the most important places in this quiet village. (B/D)

Enroute to Brussels, stop by Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage. Bruges is an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, which has maintained its historic fabric as this has evolved over the centuries, and where original Gothic constructions form part of the town’s identity. As one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe, Bruges developed cultural links to different parts of the world.
Arrive in Brussels in the late afternoon. After dinner, if time and condition allow, take a stroll in the old town and take pictures in front of The Royal Palace of Brussels, deemed by Napoleon as the most beautiful palace in the world. (B/D).

Take a guided tour of the highlights of Brussels, including the Grand Place (surrounded by the Hotel de Ville, Maison du Roi and Maisons des corporations). Visit Manneken Pis, Atomium and Eglise Notre Dame.
Transfer to Cologne. Transfer to Cologne. Cologne’s most iconic landmark is the Cologne Cathedral, a magnificent masterpiece of Gothic architecture designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1248, and the cathedral was completed in 1880, featuring soaring twin spires (157m), intricate stone carvings, and stunning stained-glass windows. Along the Rhine, the Old Town charms visitors with its colorful historic houses, picturesque squares, and cobblestone streets. Another popular landmark is the Hohenzollern Bridge, known for its railway tracks, pedestrian walkways, and thousands of love locks attached to its railings. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the cathedral and the majestic Rhine River, capturing the timeless charm of Cologne.
Hotel check-in and dinner. (B/D)

Morning visit at the Cologne Cathedral, Germany. It is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe and features immense twin towers that stand 515 feet (157 metres) tall. The cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Transfer to Munich. Take a guided tour of the BMW Headquarters to discover the fascination of the BMW Group and all its brands. Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria, Germany and is the capital of the world-famous Oktoberfest. A booze with dark beer and Schweinshaxe, or tender and juicy pork knuckle, is a must-try while visiting Munich. (B/D)

Today, we’ll visit the outside of Neuschwanstein castle that King Ludwig II built in order to hide away from the public. The Castle is renowned for its soaring white towers, pointed roofs, ornate balconies, and elegant façades set against the breathtaking scenery of the Bavarian Alps. Although it resembles a medieval fortress, the castle was built in the 19th century and incorporates Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine-inspired elements within a Romantic architectural vision. Its dramatic hillside location offers magnificent views of surrounding forests, alpine valleys, and shimmering lakes. Nearby, Marienbrücke, or Mary’s Bridge, provides one of the most famous viewpoints of the castle, allowing visitors to admire its fairytale silhouette framed by the spectacular natural landscape. It was nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the world. This castle is so famous that it served as the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle’s design at Disneyland.
Arrive in Salzburg in the late afternoon. (B/D)

Hallstatt is a picturesque village situated along Lake Hallstatt in the Austrian state of Upper Austria, surrounded by the majestic Alps. With a history of more than 7,000 years, the village is renowned for its prehistoric salt-mining industry, which helped make the area an important center of wealth and trade. In 1997, Hallstatt, together with the Dachstein region and the Salzkammergut cultural landscape, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its exceptional historical, cultural, and natural significance. Hallstatt is listed as one of the top 10 beautiful old towns in the world.
Back to Salzburg. (B/D)

Explore Salzburg, a historic city in Austria, situated along the Salzach River near the Alps and the German border. The city prospered through salt mining and trade during the Middle Ages and was once governed by powerful prince-archbishops. Its magnificent Baroque architecture, including Hohensalzburg Fortress, and its historic Old Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, reflect Salzburg’s rich history and enduring charm.
Salzburg is the birthplace of musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born in 1756, and one of Europe’s most renowned centers of classical music. Visit Mozart’s birthplace with AV Travel.
Salzburg also gained worldwide fame as the filming location for the beloved musical classic The Sound of Music (1965), starring Julie Andrews. Visitors can explore Mirabell Gardens, where the iconic Do-Re-Mi scene was filmed, as well as Leopoldskron Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, and Hellbrunn Palace—locations associated with the movie.

Transfer to Venice. Tonight, you will enjoy an Italian dinner at the hotel. (B/D)

Wake up this morning in Venice. Venice is eternally preoccupied with the contemplation of its own beauty. Founded on marshes, it rose to dominate the Adriatic and hold the gorgeous East in fee. At the height of its power in the 16th century, Venice was a wealthy city-republic glorying in feasts and pageants, revelling in the splendour of its painting, sculpture and architecture. Those days of glory are gone, but its art survives and the grace and refinement remain. A visit to Venice will fill your soul. Transfer to the main island of San Marco via a private boat. A morning walking tour includes St. Mark’s Square, with entrance to the incredibly rich Basilica of St. Mark. Embark on a Gondola ride along Venice’s beautiful canals. Lunch on your own. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Venice for some shopping. Dinner in a typical Italian restaurant before returning with private boat to your hotel. (B/D)

Transfer to Verona. Visit the most poetic, yet romantic place in Europe where you can take a walk on the ancient cobbled streets. Make a stop at Juliet’s House, which features the balcony where Romeo promised his beloved Juliet eternal love in Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Lake Como, the most famous of the Italian Lakes. We will spend 2 nights at a hotel by the lake, and dinner will be served at where you can have a nice panoramic view. After dinner, if time allows, you can take a stroll along the lake to soak up its beauty and some late-night fresh air. (B/D)

Embark on a Bellagio Water Limousine to behold the spectacular beauty of the surroundings. Lake Como is listed in the top 10 beautiful lakes in the world. It has absolutely stunning views of the majestic mountains with their deep valleys running through them. The clear lake water is mesmerizing and varies in color from light green to dark green/blue. On the rare occasion when the lake is still, it mirrors the magnificent scenery that surrounds it. The towns and villages along the lake shores are very picturesque and each one of them feels like it could be home to any number of celebrities.

Visit the city of Lugano, Switzerland. This city is known as “Switzerland’s Lake Como” (B/D).

Transfer to the city of Milan. Milan (called Milano in Italian) is one of the most economically developed cities in Europe. It is also known as a mecca of lifestyle, art, and design of the world. Visit Sforza Castle which was built in the 15th century.
Take pictures in front of Gothic Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), the symbol of Milan. The entire building is made up of pink-hued white marble. Check out the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and a major landmark of Milan. (B/D)

Take the flight back to Los Angeles.