Welcome to Top Pick Travels

Central & Eastern Europe & Iceland

Highlights of Europe

A glorious reflection of Europe at her best, with magnificent landscapes, a wealth of history, and a trove of art and architecture.

The Insight difference

At first glance, magic may seem effortless, but a magician doesn't just 'conjure things up'. It is all about carefully laid foundations and professional skills honed over years.

At Insight, our magic comes from taking the hundreds of ingredients that go into each trip and with meticulous preparation and planning, weaving them into your perfect vacation. We ensure that every element has been taken care of, providing the very best experiences from start to finish.

Let us make the magic happen while you step seamlessly into an unforgettable adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

- Eurostar: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train from London via the historic Channel Tunnel to Brussels.
- Rhine Valley: Watch medieval hilltop castles and vineyards slip by as you enjoy a scenic cruise.
- Venice: Glide along the atmospheric canals exploring the intimate and hidden parts of this unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs.
- Rome: Enjoy VIP fast-track entry into the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel including privileged behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase.
- Stanserhorn: A spectacular journey by a funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the Stanserhorn for expansive mountain views.
- Paris: Venture with a Local Expert through the Latin Quarter and see the Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture.
- Paris: With tickets to the Eiffel Tower prearranged, ascend and enjoy spectacular views of Paris.

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

- Brussels: Walk through the Grand Place to the Mannekin Pis.
- Heidelberg: See the red sandstone castle and explore the baroque Old Town.
- Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber: Visit Europe's finest medieval town.
- Munich: See the Olympic Stadium, Ludwigstrasse, Marienplatz and neogothic Town Hall.
- Salzburg: Walk through the Mirabell Gardens with a guide, see Mozart's Birthplace and the Cathedral.
- Venice: Cruise, with commentary, to St.
- Mark's Square.
- See the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St.
- Mark's Basilica.
- Rome: Visit St.
- Peters Basilica in the Vatican City.
- See the mighty Colosseum and overlook the Forum.
- Florence: Walk with your guide to the Cathedral, see the 'Gates of Paradise' and open-air gallery of Signoria Square.
- Witness a traditional Florentine leather-work demonstration.
- Lucerne: View the emotive Lion Monument.
- See the covered Chapel Bridge and Jesuit Church.
- Paris: See Notre Dame Cathedral, the facades of the Louvre Museum, the Place de la Concorde.
- Drive along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Scenic Drives: The Dolomites, Italian Lake District and Swiss Alps.

AUTHENTIC REGIONAL FLAVOURS

- Lucerne: You are offered a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around evening. Choose your own ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
- Paris: Rendezvous at a typical French bistro for a little wine and a rousing Celebration Dinner. Bon Appetit!
- 14 Buffet Breakfasts (BB); 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 3 three-course table d'hote Dinner (DW), 1 Dine-Around evening (DA) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD) all with wine, plus tea or coffee.

STAY AT THE BEST ADDRESSES

- Brussels: The Marriott is located in the heart of Brussels within walking distance to the Grand Place. All guest rooms are elegantly designed and feature luxury bedding.
- Heidelberg: The Crowne Plaza Heidelberg City Centre is in the heart of historical Heidelberg and includes its own swimming pool and sauna. Modern and well-appointed rooms.
- Innsbruck: Hotel Innsbruck is located on the bank of the Inn River in the heart of the medieval Old Town. The panoramic spa area looks over the roofs of the Old Town and offers a variety of saunas as well as a sun terrace.
- Paris: The Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River near the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Recently renovated, all rooms feature luxurious bedding, safes, high-speed Internet access and air conditioning.

ADDITIONAL FIVE STAR SERVICES

- An expert Insight Tour Director, at the pinnacle of their career, will guide you on your journey. Serving as your 'travelling concierge', this skilled guide will act as consummate organiser and be your 'friend in a foreign land'.
- Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom. It's business class comfort.
- A personal radio headset gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.
- Baggage handling everywhere, with seamless and prompt delivery to your door at every hotel.
- Hotel and restaurant tips included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourishes - from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
- Included airport transfers at scheduled times on arrival and departure days.

Magical Switzerland

Embrace winter's beauty, admiring the sparkling lakes, fortified towns, and snow-laden Alpine peaks. Embark on a spectacular expedition by rail on-board the world-famous Glacier Express.

The Insight difference

At first glance, magic may seem effortless, but a magician doesn't just 'conjure things up'. It is all about carefully laid foundations and professional skills honed over years.

At Insight, our magic comes from taking the hundreds of ingredients that go into each trip and with meticulous preparation and planning, weaving them into your perfect vacation. We ensure that every element has been taken care of, providing the very best experiences from start to finish.

Let us make the magic happen while you step seamlessly into an unforgettable adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

- Chillon Castle: With a Local Expert, visit beautiful Chillon Castle, an architectural jewel set on the shores of Lake Geneva. At this former home of the Dukes of Savoy, go back through time and hear how in 1816, the castle inspired Lord Byron to write the poem 'The Prisoner of Chillon' following his walk through the dungeons.

TOP RATED HIGHLIGHTS

- Glacier Express: Travel aboard the world famous Glacier Express for a spectacular ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps. From your panoramic viewing car, watch picturesque landscapes of ice-capped mountains and stone-built villages glide by.
- Christmas Markets: Lose yourself in the festive atmosphere of Christmas, where you can shop for local delicacies and try the heart-warming Gluhwein. Explore on selected departures.
- Winter is the most magical time to visit Switzerland: Enjoy the majestic beauty, snowy peaks and crystal clear waters of the lakes.
- Zermatt: Board the cogwheel train which takes you to the traffic-free haven of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn.

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

- Lucerne: Your Tour Director will show you the covered wooden bridges and the Lion Monument, then there is free time to view Jesuit Church and cross the Chapel Bridge.
- Montreux: Enjoy a pleasant stroll along the lakeside promenade.
- Geneva: See Jet d'Eau, United Nations Building and Reformation Monument.
- St Moritz: Indulge in the glitz and glamour of St Moritz, the fashionable ski resort of the rich and famous.
- Scenic Drives: Walensee, Grisons, Rhone Valley, Lake Geneva.

AUTHENTIC REGIONAL FLAVOURS

- Geneva: Enjoy a lively tour finale Celebration Dinner, with a delicious Swiss cheese fondue and wine, at a fine restaurant in beautiful Geneva.
- Included Quality Dining: 6 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 1 Three-course Lunch aboard the Glacier Express (L) with tea or coffee; plus 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 2 Three-course table d'hote Dinners (DW) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD) all with wine, plus tea or coffee. Departures on tour for Christmas and New Year's Eve will enjoy festive Highlight Dinners which will replace an included meal.

STAY AT THE BEST ADDRESSES

- Lucerne: Hotel Astoria is a city centre hotel, just minutes from the lake. It has a lively rooftop bar with views of Lucerne as well as several restaurants and a coffee shop.
- St. Moritz: Hotel Laudinella enjoys a quiet location in St. Moritz-Bad and offers superb views of the surrounding mountains.
- Brig: Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Alex is surrounded by innumerable snow-topped mountains and offers spacious modern rooms.
- Geneva: The Warwick Geneva is centrally located and features stylish and elegant interiors.

OUR FIVE-STAR SERVICES

- Our highly-skilled Insight Tour Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend in a foreign land.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat touring coach, with extended Business Class legroom and on-board restroom.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included; you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- From time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish - a local tidbit representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
- Complimentary transfers are available at scheduled times only from Zurich Airport on arrival day and to Geneva Airport on departure day. Should your flights not coincide with these transfers or additional accommodation has been booked through Sightseeing Trip, charged transfers are available. Alternatively, please make your own way from/to the airport.

Road to Rome

Proverbially, all roads lead to Rome. This one includes grand views from the Eiffel Tower, the atmospheric canals of Venice and the art of Renaissance Florence.

The Insight difference

At first glance, magic may seem effortless, but a magician doesn't just 'conjure things up'. It is all about carefully laid foundations and professional skills honed over years.

At Insight, our magic comes from taking the hundreds of ingredients that go into each trip and with meticulous preparation and planning, weaving them into your perfect vacation. We ensure that every element has been taken care of, providing the very best experiences from start to finish.

Let us make the magic happen while you step seamlessly into an unforgettable adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

- Eurostar: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train from London, via the historic Channel Tunnel to Paris.
- Paris: Venture with a Local Expert through the Latin Quarter, along the Seine and continue onto the Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture.
- Paris: Ascend to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy glorious panoramas.
- Stanserhorn: A spectacular journey by a funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the Stanserhorn for expansive mountain views.
- Venice: To the tune of accompanying musicians, you are serenaded through the atmospheric canals by gondola, past water-lapped doorways and Rococo palaces.
- Pisa: See the incredible Leaning Tower with a Local Expert.
- Rome: After VIP fast-track entry into the Vatican Museums and privileged access to the Bramante Staircase, witness Michelangelo's genius in the Sistine Chapel.

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

- Paris: See Notre Dame Cathedral, the facades of the Louvre Museum, the Place de la Concorde. Drive along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Lucerne: View the emotive Lion Monument. See the covered Chapel Bridge and Jesuit Church.
- Innsbruck: See the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.
- Liechtenstein: Visit the tiny capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz.
- Venice: Cruise, with commentary, to St Mark's Square. See the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St Mark's Basilica.
- Florence: Walk with your guide to the Cathedral, see the 'Gates of Paradise' and open-air gallery of Signoria Square.
- Tuscany: Enjoy a short tutorial about Chianti wines.
- Orvieto: Visit the pleasant Umbrian hilltop town.
- Rome: Visit St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. See the mighty Colosseum and overlook the Forum.
- Scenic Drives: Burgundy, Arlberg, Inn Valley, Tauern Mountains.

SIGNATURE DINING

- Lucerne: Enjoy a traditional Swiss supper of hearty specialties at a local restaurant.
- Orvieto: At a restaurant in the medieval heart of Orvieto, explore the art of Italian cooking with Chef Lorenzo and master the art of making fresh pasta by hand. Follow this with lunch and a glass of Orvieto Classico wine.
- Rome: Savour a four-course Celebration Dinner complete with wine, to the rich tremolo of some of Italy's best loved opera.
- 11 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Highlight Lunches (HL); 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 1 Restaurant Dinner (RD), 1 three-course table d'hote Dinner (DW) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD) all with wine, plus tea or coffee.

HIGHLIGHT HOTELS AND LOCATIONS

- Paris: The 4-star Pullman Paris Montparnasse hotel is located in the heart of Paris. The hotel has been completely renovated and offers a bar, restaurant and fitness room.

ADDITIONAL FIVE STAR SERVICES

- An expert Insight Tour Director, at the pinnacle of their career, will guide you on your journey. Serving as your 'travelling concierge', this skilled guide will act as consummate organiser and be your 'friend in a foreign land'.
- Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom. It's business class comfort.
- A personal radio headset gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.
- Baggage handling everywhere, with seamless and prompt delivery to your door at every hotel.
- Hotel and restaurant tips included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourishes - from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
- Included airport transfers at scheduled times on arrival and departure days.

Scenic Iceland

Experience a world of natural phenomena; by day marvel at waterfalls, volcanoes and incredible landscapes and by night, seek out the dancing lights that fill cloudless skies.

The Insight difference

At first glance, magic may seem effortless, but a magician doesn't just 'conjure things up'. It is all about carefully laid foundations and professional skills honed over years.

At Insight, our magic comes from taking the hundreds of ingredients that go into each trip and with meticulous preparation and planning, weaving them into your perfect vacation. We ensure that every element has been taken care of, providing the very best experiences from start to finish.

Let us make the magic happen while you step seamlessly into an unforgettable adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

- Borganes: Learn about Iceland's history with a visit to the fascinating Icelandic Settlement Centre with your Local Expert.
- Reykjavik: Explore the city with your Local Expert. See the old town centre, the parliament building, Hofdi House, the colourful harbour and the Hallgrimskirkja.

TOP RATED HIGHLIGHTS

- Reykjavik: Witness nature's most spectacular show on earth - the Northern Lights.
- Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss: Admire the majestic beauty of these two impressive waterfalls.
- Gullfoss: See the spectacular two-tiered waterfall. This Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls drops a total of 32 m (105 ft.), while spanning the entire width of the Hvita River.
- Thingvellir: The Parliamentary Plains are the most important historic site of the country, as the meeting place of the Althing (world's oldest parliament), founded in 930 AD.
- Blue Lagoon: Enjoy a truly indulgent, once-in-a-lifetime experience at the most visited attraction in Iceland. Its geothermal seawater flows from volcanic aquifers 2,000 metres within the earth, emerging at the surface enriched with algae, silica, and minerals. With new-found friends, enjoy bathing in the lagoon in style, as you sip on a celebratory cocktail.

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

- Hellisheidavirkjun: Visit Iceland's newest geothermal heat and electric power station.
- Hekla and Eyjafjallajokull: See these magnificent volcanoes.
- Geysir: Visit the famous spouting Geysir which has become synonymous with hot springs all around the world.
- Reykholt: Stop at this pretty village, home of poet and medieval scholar Snorri Sturluson.

AUTHENTIC REGIONAL FLAVOURS

- Fridheimar: Tour a family-run farm and sample their sweet-tasting, homegrown tomatoes.
- Fontana: At a geothermal bakery, sample delicious rye bread dug hot from the ground.
- Included Quality Dining: 6 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 3 Three-course table d'hote Dinners (D) with tea or coffee; plus 1 Welcome Dinner (WD) with wine. Departure on tour for New Year's Eve will enjoy a festive Highlight Dinner which will replace an included meal.

STAY AT THE BEST ADDRESSES

- Iceland Hotels: Insight handpicks hotels to consistently provide the best central and scenic locations. Hotels in Iceland are generally traditional and much simpler in style, typical of the region, with clean rooms and private facilities.
- Reykjavik: Inside Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, you'll find a warm and inviting atmosphere, filled with thoughtful details inspired by the beautiful nature that surrounds the property.
- Vik: Located in the quaint village of Vik, the Icelandair Hotel offers elegantly fitted guest rooms, decorated with Icelandic design and inspired by the natural environment.
- Husafell: Hotel Husafell is located in an area rich in history and extraordinary natural wonders.

OUR FIVE-STAR SERVICES

- Our highly-skilled Insight Tour Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend in a foreign land.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat touring coach, with extended Business Class legroom and on-board restroom.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included; you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- From time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish - a local tidbit representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
- Included airport transfers from/to Reykjavik's Keflavik Airport are available at scheduled times, on arrival and departure days only. Should your flights not coincide with these, additional charged transfers are available. Alternatively, please make your own way to/from the airport.

Winter Wonderland

A wonderful winter tour, visiting the best of Europe's great highlights. At this time of year, nothing could be more enjoyable than rubbing shoulders with the locals, while you snack on homemade gingerbread and sip mulled wine in cosy cafes and colourful Christmas Markets.

The Insight difference

At first glance, magic may seem effortless, but a magician doesn't just 'conjure things up'. It is all about carefully laid foundations and professional skills honed over years.

At Insight, our magic comes from taking the hundreds of ingredients that go into each trip and with meticulous preparation and planning, weaving them into your perfect vacation. We ensure that every element has been taken care of, providing the very best experiences from start to finish.

Let us make the magic happen while you step seamlessly into an unforgettable adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

- Salzburg: Walk through the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed for 'The Sound of Music'. Your Local Expert will also show you Mozart's birthplace on the Getreidegasse, the domed cathedral and the splendid Residenz Fountain.

TOP RATED HIGHLIGHTS

- Christmas Markets: Lose yourself in the festive atmosphere of Christmas where you can shop for local delicacies and try the heart-warming Gluhwein. Explore on selected departures.
- Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber: Fortified by ancient walls, picturesque and unspoiled, Rothenburg is a fairy tale come true at any time of year. In December it dazzles with its 500-year-old Reiterlesmarkt lending a festive air to the cobbled streets and buildings.
- Innsbruck: Meet your coachman and enjoy a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride, surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Tyrol.
- Lucerne: A spectacular journey by cable car and cog-wheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus offers expansive mountain views over Lake Lucerne.

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

- Mainz: Witness half-timbered houses and Baroque buildings surrounding the magnificent Dom Cathedral.
- Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber: See the animated town clock and explore the most well-preserved medieval town in Germany.
- Munich: Visit the Marienplatz and see the Victory Arch and university.
- Innsbruck: Visit the Wilten Basilica. See the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace in the Old Town.
- Vaduz: See the Castle and explore the main street.
- Lucerne: Learn the poignant history of the Lion Monument. View the Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
- Rhine Falls: Visit these spectacular falls.
- Heidelberg: See the ruined castle and visit the Old Town.
- Scenic Drives: Venture along part of Germany's Romantic Road and past Lake Chiemsee, through the Arlberg region and the scenic Black Forest, past Walensee Lake in Switzerland.

AUTHENTIC REGIONAL FLAVOURS

- Munich: At the Christmas Market, meet a local stallholder and taste the delicious Lebkuchen with a fragrant cup of Gluhwein (available on tours that visit Munich Christmas Market).
- Innsbruck: Perfectly situated in a 700-year-old building in the charming town of Hall in Tirol, savour a medieval banquet of Austrian specialties with wine.
- Heidelberg: Toast the culmination of your tour at a rousing Celebration Dinner with wine.
- Included Quality Dining: 8 Buffet Breakfasts (BB); plus 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 1 Signature Evening (SE), 1 Three-course table d'hote Dinner (DW) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD) all with wine, plus tea or coffee. Departures on tour for Christmas and New Year's Eve will enjoy festive Highlight Dinners which will replace an included meal.

STAY AT THE BEST ADDRESSES

- Mainz: The Hilton Mainz is a traditional hotel set in an ideal location to explore the historic Old Town.
- Munich: The Westin Grand Munich is a modern hotel located in the fashionable Bogenhausen district.
- Salzburg: Only a short walk from Salzburg's Old Town, the Wyndham Grand Salzburg is recently renovated and features a fitness centre, a sauna and an indoor pool.
- Innsbruck: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tryolean Alps from the Hilton Innsbruck, situated within the city centre, within a short stroll to Old Town.
- Lucerne: Set in a stunning location, the modern Hotel Astoria offers three award-winning restaurants and a rooftop garden, lounge and bar.
- Heidelberg: The Heidelberg Marriott Hotel has amazing views of the Neckar River with easy access to the city centre. An indoor swimming pool and fitness centre are just a few of the extras offered in this upscale hotel.

OUR FIVE-STAR SERVICES

- Our highly-skilled Insight Tour Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend in a foreign land.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat touring coach, with extended Business Class legroom and on-board restroom.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included; you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- From time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish - a local tidbit representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
- Complimentary transfers are available from/to Frankfurt Airport at scheduled times only, on arrival and departure days. Should your flights not coincide with these transfers or additional accommodation has been booked through Sightseeing Trip, charged transfers are available. Alternatively, please make your own way from/to the airport.