Snow-capped mountains, gorgeous blue lakes, amazing views of rolling hills, picturesque landscapes, lush meadows, beautiful villages and historic cities will leave you spell-bound on Best Single Travel's vacation to 4 amazing countries. Cruise the most castle-studded stretch of the Rhine River and visit the fairy tale castle that inspired Walt Disney.

Enchanted Europe & Fairy-tale Castles Singles Vacation Daily Itinerary

Vacation Day 1: Arrive Amsterdam, Netherlands
Arrive in Amsterdam (airport code AMS) and take your provided shuttle to the group's hotel. Meet all your new singles travel friends as we are greeted in the lobby by our tour host at 5:00pm. Then walk to a local restaurant for dinner (not included).  
Tonight we our guided tour takes us through the Red Light District. See for yourself the oldest profession of the world. Walk past monuments and through old streets, one of which is the well-known 'Zeedijk', once one of the most dangerous streets in Amsterdam - where Seamen could be found looking for local amusement. Nowadays it is a safe area, full of lively Dutch pubs and restaurants and the shady bars of yester-year are long gone.

Vacation Day 2: Amsterdam - Zaanse, Schans and Volendam
Today we enjoy a full day tour in and around Amsterdam. In the morning we drive to the fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, where we will visit a cheese farm and wooden clog maker. Later we will of course take a look at the world famous windmills and enter the Windmill De Kat, the only remaining working windmill in the world which makes paint.
Our first day in Amsterdam, often called 'Venice of the north' would not be complete without a canal boat ride. Pass along some of the city’s most beautiful spots. View the magnificent houseboats and homes that dot the canal banks, along with the usual parade of bicyclists. While gliding through the old center of the city you see elegant merchant’s mansions, carillon-crowned churches and the warehouses with their rich history from Holland’s Golden Age.
Tonight we dine together at our Welcome dinner in a local Restaurant.

Vacation Day 3: Amsterdam - Cologne - Braubach - Koblenz
Relax on our morning bus ride as we depart Amsterdam for Germany. Our first stop will be Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, for free time for lunch and shopping. View the the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views.
A short drive takes us to Marksburg Castle, the only hilltop castle along the Rhine which has never been destroyed. This impressive castle, located above the town of Barucach, has buildings dating back to the 13th century,and wall rings containing a keep, residential buildings, baileys and bastions. Travel back into the Middle Ages on our guided tour, view the interior rooms such as a castle kitchen, great hall, bedchamber, chapel, armory, wine cellar and battlements allows us to travel back into the Middle Ages.
We spend the night is in Koblenz, an ancient city in central Germany, and gateway to the terraced vineyards and ruined castles of the Rhine Gorge. In the center of town is a monumental statue of William the Great that marks the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.

Vacation Day 4:  Rhine River Cruise
After breakfast we drive to Sankt Goarshausen to board our ship for an amazing day on the Rhine River exploring the Loreley Valley. The Rhine is 820 miles long, from Switzerland it flows through Germany, eventually emptying into the North Sea in the Netherlands. The most scenic section is the Middle Rhine, between Rüdesheim and Koblenz due to the number of historic castles, romantic towns and wine vineyards peaking over the mountain cliffs, which is why UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
Overnight in Wiesbaden 

Vacation Day 5: Wiesbaden - Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Enjoy the scenery on our morning drive from Wiesbaden to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its well-preserved medieval old town and and part of the Romantic Road. Nestled amidst beautiful, unspoiled countryside and still with a largely intact walkable town wall with medieval fortifications, Rothenburg with its winding alleyways and artistic treasures is the ideal place to relax after our guided tour.
Stroll through the old town center of Rothenburg, with some of the loveliest historical sites in Bavaria. This medieval town has a skyline with 42 gates and towers and is quite unmistakable.
This afternoon is free time to explore, visit a museum or hunt for that special souvenir. One of the town highlights is to step on years of history as you walk on top of 1.5 miles of towered walls. You can't help but ask yourself whether time has stood still, as you amble past the beautiful old houses, secluded squares and tucked-away corners of the old quarter, where towers, taverns and town gates has stood for centuries.
Tonight we accompany the Rothenburg Night Watchman on his entertaining and informative rounds through the darkness. Follow him through dark alleyways and across dimly lit squares and enjoy the special mood of the town at night. Listen to his stories and find out how the people lived in the Middle Ages.

Vacation Day 6: Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Neuschwanstein
We have an all morning bus ride as we travel to the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, built for 19th-century Bavarian kings. Both royal castles overlook the village of Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, known as “The High Country of the Swans”, a fairy-tale like village.
Hohenschwangau Castle is a short walk up from the village and the grounds outside Hohenschwangau Castle are full of interesting fountains, rose gardens, and fabulous views. Inside, we'll see where Crown Prince Maximilian lived and worked. Since the castle was used until quite recently, it includes lots of artifacts, artwork, and gifts, as well as a very interesting reading chair. There was once even an elevator added.
Travel at a leisurely pace, by horse-drawn carriage as we ascend the steep hill to Neuschwanstein Castle, stopping just a short walk from the Castle that inspired Disney. Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, known as the “Fairy-tale King”, the castle has a beautiful inner garden surrounded by a walled courtyard. Though only 14 rooms were finished before Ludwig II’s sudden death in 1886, the double-story throne room reaches 49 feet in height and is encircled by galleries on both floors.

Vacation Day 7: Neuschwanstein - Innsbruck
Today we leave Germany behind as we drive to Innsburck, Austria, the capitol of the Alps. Experience Innsbruck’s old town on our guided walking tour and view over 800 years of the city’s colorful history: The Golden Roof, Emperor Maximilian I’s splendid alcove balcony, bore witness to jousting tournaments. Lavish celebrations were held at the Imperial Palace. Ambras Castle became a magnificent feature above the city. And guards kept watch for fire, storms and enemies from the City Tower until the 20th century. the exciting Middle Ages today. 
The mountain at the heart of Innsbruck is the Nordkette, part of Austria’s largest nature park, the Karwendel Nature Park. The Nordkettenbahnen lifts will take us high up into the mountains from the city center. Our journey takes just 20 minutes from the lift station to our first stop, Seegrube at 1 and 1/4 miles up. From the Seegrube, another cable car continues 1000 feet higher to the Hafelekar. 
Once at the top, we can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Tonight enjoy a stroll through the old town and check-out one of the many restaurants for dinner.

Vacation Day 8: Innsbruck - Lucerne
Travel through the Arlberg Road Tunnel, at 6.6 miles it is Austria's longest road tunnel, on our way to Lucerne, a small city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture and snow-capped mountains surrounding Lake Lucerne. 
Stroll through the beautiful and historical old town, see the famous sights in the city, and discover more about Lucerne with our local guide. Walk through the “City of Lights”, cross the Chapel Bridge, a 14th-century wooden bridge spanning the Reuss River. This is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe and the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world. View the historical city walls together with the Spreuer Bridge and the Museggmauer with its 9 towers.

Vacation Day 9: Lucerne - Mount Pilatus
Spend the morning in the Swiss Alps. Our Golden round trip will takes us to the most spectacular spots on Mount Pilatus and to the summit by boat, cogwheel railway, aerial cableway and Panorama Gondolas.
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Lucerne and a view of the surrounding mountains. Then in Alpnachstad we board the steepest cogwheel railway in the world to reach the summit at 6994 feet above sea level. Ride past sheer rock faces and pretty mountain streams toward the green meadows below.  During your free time atop Mt Pilatus, venture on a high-altitude stroll, grab lunch or enjoy the vista from the terrace.
Then we will meetup for the descent on the aerial cableway, known as the Dragon Ride' .The cabin’s spacious design affords us more magnificent views over the Alpine lakes and rugged peaks. We end our trip with a panoramic gondola ride.
There will be free time this afternoon for shopping and exploring Lucerne on your own.

Vacation Day 10: Lucerne to Zurich
On our way to Zurich we stop at Rhine Falls, the largest waterfalls in Switzerland. Over a width of 492 feet and a height of 75 feet, an average of 700,000 litres of water cascade over the rocks every second. We'll get to see the Rhine Falls up close on our boat ride to the rocks in the middle of the falls. Take this opportunity to climb to the top of the rock and enjoy the magnificent spectacle from the viewing platforms.
Drive around Zurich, a global center for banking and finance that lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. Our tour passes by the most important landmarks in the city of Zurich, such as the castle-like National Museum, the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse, historic Limmatquai, Zurich’s Opera House, St. Peter’s Church with Europe’s largest clock face and Lake Zurich.
Once we arrive at our hotel located near the Zurich airport. Check-in and relax before our Farewell Dinner tonight.

Vacation Day 11: Depart Zurich, Switzerland
Time to say "Tschuss" to Switzerland and another singles vacation. Depart anytime today, as we take the hotel shuttle to the Zurich airport and our flights home.

Enchanted Europe & Fairytale Castles

Dates:      Price: $3,595* Enchanted Europe Singles Vacation Includes * 10 Nights Accommodations * Breakfast Daily - 1 Lunch - 2 Dinners * English Speaking Travel Leader * Rhine River Cruise * Guided Tours, Activities and Admissions per itinerary * Airport Transfers on Tour Dates * All Taxes and Surcharges * The price per person is for a double room. Best Single Travel provides free roommate matching on all our vacations, so there is never a need to pay a "single supplement". If you wish to room alone it is an additional $850     Not Included * International Airfare * Airport/Hotel Transfers

Deposit $500 Balance Due  FAQ and Cancellation Policy

Bellissimo Italy - Lakes & More
Lake Maggiore - Lake Como - St Mortiz - Cinque Terre

August 10 - August 20, 2019

40's - 50's and 60-plus Singles Vacations
 
$3790* 

The enduring charm and beauty of the Italian Lakes has lured everyone from Roman emperors and Hollywood celebrities to the cream of European society. The clear blue waters of Lake Como are nestled between rugged mountains and fringed with elegant villas and quaint villages that tumble down wooded hillsides to the lake shore. Lake Maggiore idyllic islands play host to grand palaces and picturesque fishing villages as well as superb gardens that nurture plants from all over the world. Cinque Terre, a string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline with colorful houses and vineyards that cling to steep terraces, harbors are filled with fishing boats. Enjoy this and more on our Bellissimo Italy Singles Vacation!

Bellissimo Italy - Lakes & Di Più - Singles Vacation Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Milan, Italy
Arrive in Milan, Italy and take the provided hotel shuttle to the Hilton Garden Inn Milan (ask for shuttle schedule before booking your air). Meet all your new singles travel friends as we are greeted in the lobby by our tour host at 7:00pm. Then walk to a local restaurant for an optional dinner.

Day 2: Milan - Mount Mottarone - Stresa / Lake Maggiore
Enjoy the landscape of the Italian countryside as we drive towards Stresa and Lake Maggiore and get our first view of the area from the top of Mount Mottarone, the Mountain between the Two Lakes. Take the "Mottarone Vetta" chair lift to the summit and admire the astonishing 360° panorama from the Po Valley to the peaks of the Alps, from the summit of Monte Rosa to the seven lakes. 
Board the cable car for our journey down the mountain to the village of Stresa and savor the amazing views of Lake Maggiore, including Isola Bella and Isola Superiore. Stopping at the Alpine Gardens, a natural attraction with a collection of almost 1000 species of plants. The altitude and position of the gardens provides the perfect climate for cultivating alpine and subalpine species plus a panoramic balcony to enjoy a stunning view of the Alps and the Swiss waters of Lake Maggiore.
Upon arrival in Stresa, our bus will drive us the short distance to the 4 star Regina Palace Hotel. Check-in and check-out the amenities and grounds. The century-old park contains the open-air pool, a tennis court and a five-a-side football pitch. The small lakes enrich the environment with rare aquatic plants, whilst the rose bed fills the air with pleasant fragrances. The snack bar is the perfect place for a quick bite to eat or even a light lunch. The recently opened Regina Sporting Club is the hotel’s wellness center to which admission is totally free. The indoor pool is heated and packed with invigorating water features. The multi-sensory showers and the different musical and color features provoke an instant feeling of wellbeing. Rounding it all off there is a sauna, Turkish bath and gym.  Relax as tonight's Welcome Dinner is at the hotel.

Day 3: Lake Maggiore Cruise - Full Day
Lake Maggiore, surrounded by the Lepontine Alps, covers an area of ??81.8 square miles and its coasts overlooks small villages , nineteenth-century villas and unique gardens whose beauty is recognized and appreciated throughout the world. Immerse yourself in art, history and natural beauty as we step onboard our private boat. Our cruise will take us around the lake and the 3 Borromean Islands, Isola Madre famous for its botanical garden, the picturesque Isola Pescatori and the most famous Isola Bella.
Just 1640 feet from Stresa, are the terraces of the Italian Botanical Garden of Isola Bella leapfroggers. This complex of Baroque art has ten terraces full of remarkable plants and flowers: rhododendrons, oleanders and a rich collection of camellias brought as a gift by various guests from all over the world, exotic botanical species, flowers and bulbs that color the flowerbeds, parterres and hedges, all taken care of by the skilled hand of the gardeners.
The Isola Superiore dei Pescatori, loved by artists and poets, is the most northerly of the three principal Borromean Islands and, with a population of 25 in 2018, it is the only one to be inhabited all year. The Borromei pretty much left Isola Superiore, frequently referred to as "The Island of the Fishermen" alone when they were converting its neighbors Isola Bella and Isola Madre into sumptuous garden-palace combo. Here we can walk in a typical village, with its charming streets, among ancient houses built around the church of San Vittore. The restaurants offer typical dishes of the lake: hot and cold, salmon trout, perch fillet, grilled fresh water.
Isola Madre, located in the center of the Borromeo Gulf, is the largest of the islands of Lake Maggiore and home to an elegant villa surrounded by extensive botanic gardens. The gardens are composed of a thousand colors and flowers of rhododendrons, magnolias, azaleas and essences from all over the world. Also in the park free live pheasants, peacocks and other colorful birds.

Day 4: Stresa - Como - Brunate - Menaggio
After breakfast, it's time to leave our first lake behind as we drive to Lake Como and our beautiful hotel on the lake. After about an hour, we will reach the city of Como, located in the southern part of Lake Como. It is known for its Gothic-style Duomo, the panoramic funicular and the pedestrian path along the lake. Como is a city of culture and the Old Town features elements from its Roman and Medieval past, as well as religious buildings and palaces. On our guided tour. discover the Broletto, town hall palace,Teatro Sociale and Church of San Fedele. Our guide will take us to Via degli artigiani, a very important area in the historic center of Como where over time the most important tradesmen have developed their skills. Here we will find the shops of the ancient artisans.
Next we take the funicular railway, which has linked Como and Brunate since 1894 and is still the quickest way of travelling between these two towns. It is also an opportunity to enjoy enchanting views over Lake Como and the Alps.
Brunate on Lake Como is a town in the hills rather than along the lakeshore and has ancient origins going back to the Celts. It is a getaway for wealthy and famous and one of the things you'll immediately notice is the vast variety of villas dotting the hillside. The landscape is covered by forests, mostly by maple, ash, pine, birch, locust, oak, chestnut and beech trees. And of course, there are fantastic views from up here! You can see across the lake to the green hills that give way to the rugged mountain peaks. The defining feature is the tall white lighthouse that rises from amidst the trees. There are several restaurants in Brunate, making it worth the trip not just to enjoy the panoramas but to eat! Some places are tucked in the countryside, while others offer nice views of the lake, and still others are down-home family-run restaurants.
Next we drive about half way up the western side of Lake Como, to the attractive and thriving town of Menaggio and the Grand Hotel Menaggio that overlooks the blue waters of Lake Como.

Day 5: Lake Como Cruise - Full Day
Lake Como, a deep glacial lake surrounded by soaring mountains and lush gardens, has wooded mountain slopes that protect the lake from temperature extremes. The clear blue waters of Lake Como are nestled between rugged mountains and fringed with elegant villas and quaint villages that tumble down wooded hillsides to the lake shore. The enduring charm and beauty of the Italian Lakes has lured everyone from Roman emperors and Hollywood celebrities to the cream of European society. 
The best way to really see Lake Como is from the water, aboard a private boat: view the grand homes, magnificent gardens and gorgeous backdrops that are only visible from the shining blue of the lake. Cruising along, our guide will explain the history of the lake, and tell us about the many European aristocrats and Hollywood glitterati who have properties here. View the idyllic islands that play host to grand palaces and picturesque fishing villages as well as superb gardens that nurture plants from all over the world.

Day 6: St Moritz, Switzerland
This morning we drive north to the town of Torino, Italy which is close to the border of Switzerland and board the famous Bernina Express, one of the most scenic train rides in Europe. Our rail journey takes us all the way to the world-renowned Swiss mountain resort of St. Moritz. The train will take us from an altitude of 1407 feet up to 6000 feet! We’ll cross the spiraling viaduct at Brusio and the Bernina Pass to the alpine valley known as the Engadin. Marvel at the scenery of the Alps as we view monumental glaciers, cross steep gorges, and pass through tunnels under some of the area’s most massive mountains.
Once we arrive in St Moritz, there will be free time for lunch and shopping before we board the funicular to the Chantarella station. From the station, we'll stroll along the approximately 1 1/4 mile theme trail to the original Heidi Hut used in the 1978. There are around 200 different species of plants, mostly protected mountain flowers, and they are planted in pretty flower islands and marked with numbers.
After a wonderful afternoon in St Moritz, the playground of the rich sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as we drive back to our hotel on Lake Como.

Day 7: Free Day 
Menaggio, although peaceful and relaxing there’s is are lot of activities to do in and around Menaggio. You can enjoy walks through the town and its numerous gardens. Along the way you can take a look at some of Menaggio’s lovely little churches: San Stefano (17th century), San Giusto and San Carlo accompanied by a beautiful bell tower and the ruins of a medieval castle above the town is also worth a visit.
Water enthusiasts can head to The Lido, a modern building to plunge into the cool, fresh waters of Lake Como. Water skiers can rent a power boat and skis, rent a sailing boat and skiffs are also available. The Menaggio-Cadenabbia Golf Club is about 3 miles from town and quite a wonderful place to play a round. Visit the information center on the square for lots of information on local walks. As Menaggio is linked by ferry to all parts of the Lake the wonders of traveling by water transport can be thoroughly enjoyed.

Day 8: Como to Parma
Leave the beautiful Italian lake district behind as we drive a little over an hour to Parma, located halfway between the Lakes and Cinque Terre. Since Ancient Roman times, the city of Parma has been considered Italy’s gastronomic capital so get your taste buds ready to discover Parma and its culinary traditions. Parma takes its cheese seriously and needs to be aged for a minimum of two years. The cheese is produced from the milk of cows that graze in the hills of the Po Valley.
Discover another culinary specialty of this area: Parma ham, better known as prosciutto di Parma. Famed for it delicate and sweet flavor, sliced paper thin, and aged a minimum of 400 days, it is produced from specially bred pigs in the countryside just outside of the city. 
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon in Parma as it is a compact, very walkable city. The city is colorful with lots of history and interesting architecture, beautiful gardens, medieval piazzas and fun touristy shopping.

Day 9: Parma - Cinque Terre - Genoa
Discover the Italian Riviera as we travel through the beautiful villages of Cinque Terre. After breakfast we drive to La Spezia, meet our guide, and travel by local train to Cinque Terre. The first village we encounter is Riomaggiore, it sits right on the Gulf of Genoa, at the upper edge of Italy’s boot, where the water is unspoiled and the bluest of blues. A stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, brings us to the shoreline on the Mediterranean's Gulf of Genoa, with a small beach and a wharf framed by tower houses.
Our next stop will be the beautiful town of Manarola, built on a high rock 230 feet above sea level and one of the most charming of the Cinque Terre villages. The village is all ups and downs, with steep narrow alleys leading to the sea. The tiny harbor features a boat ramp, picturesque multicolored houses facing the sea, a tiny piazza and some of the best deep-water swimming around. 
Corniglia is the central town of the five villages and has a population of less than 300 inhabitants. It is located in an elevated position above the ocean, atop steep cliffs, and it is the only Cinque Terre town without direct access to the sea. The tiny village is connected to its train station by a footpath known as Lardarina (377 stairs) and connected to the other villages by well maintained footpaths. Corniglia is an ancient Roman village that is surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces.
The small fishing village of Vernazza is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The medieval castle was built to protect the village from pirates and the tiny port is surrounded by colorful, antique homes clinging to the cliffs. Vernazza's historic wealth is evidenced by the elegant style of its houses and streets, which are decorated with tower forms, open galleries, refined arcades and elaborate doorways. The village is surrounded by very steeply-terraced olive groves which are said to produce among the finest olive oil in the country.
The last of the five villages along the Cinque Terre strip, Monterosso al Mare is the most visited, because it has the only sizable sand beach and the biggest hotels. The village, located on hills cultivated with vines and olives has amazing beaches, beautiful reefs and crystal clear waters. The old town area is separated from the more modern resort area by the Aurora tower and is home to the ruins of a medieval castle and San Francesco church.
Our full day in Cinque Terres will conclude with a train ride to Levanto to meet our bus for our drive to Genoa, where we spend the evening.

Day 10: Genoa - Milan City Tours
After breakfast we meet our guide for our tour of Genoa, the 6th most populated city in Italy as well as its largest port. For 700 years Genoa was one of Italy's most powerful city-states and its colorful buildings tumble downhill towards the waterfront. Genoa has a rich tradition of art, music, gastronomy, architecture and history. Our guide will explain the city's illustrious history; this was, after all, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus!
Then it is on to Milan, Italy's global capital of fashion and design to explore its most famous sights. La Scala theatre: the opera house, where the high society and VIPs show their status to the world of music, La Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the sparkling and exclusive shopping mall of the Milan fashion city and the Duomo cathedral, a masterpiece of gothic art with its white marble spires.
Time for our Farewell Dinner before we drive to back to the airport and our final night's hotel.

Day 11: Depart Milan, Italy
After a final breakfast we have to say Arrivederci to Italy and all our new single travel friends as we are transferred to the airport and our flights home.  

Bellasimo Italy - Lakes & More Singles Vacation

Date:  August 10 - August 20, 2019    Price:  $3790* Singles Vacation Includes * 10 Nights Accommodations * Breakfast Daily - 2 Dinners * Private Transportation * English Speaking Tour Guides / Leader * Guided Tours, Admissions and Activities per itinerary * Airport/Hotel Transfers on Tour Dates * All Taxes and Surcharges   *The price per person is for a double room. Best Single Travel provides free roommate matching on all our vacations, so there is never a need to pay a "single supplement". If you wish to room alone it is an additional $1250 Not Included * International Airfare * Gratuities

Deposit $400 Balance Due  June 10, 2019 After June 10 Full Payment is Due Upon Booking    FAQ and Cancellation Policy