Take off on your overnight flight for an 'excellent' adventure in the 'new Europe'.

You are in for a real treat at Club Holland in the land of windmills and tulips. Let the good times roll as we go biking through 13th century dutch fishing villages along IJssel Lake beaches. Watch wooden shoes being carved and sample Edam cheese at a cheese farm. Also enjoy sailing, windsurfing and canoeing at our waterfront hotel.

On our first night you are invited to a welcoming orientation and Dutch Windmill dinner. Then embark on your first adventure together as we take an evening boat ride through the crisscrossing canals of quaint Amsterdam.

More time for leisure bicycling and canoeing at Club Holland then back in Amsterdam we'll visit the city's largest dimond cutting factory. There will be free time to tour the Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum with Rembrant's "night watch", the Anne Frank house or shop for famous Delfware china.

Later we journey through the tranquil German countryside past farms and thatched roof cottages. Spend the night in a lovely country resort set within the forest where we'll have time to enjoy outdoor recreation.

Today we will pass through what used to be the 'Iron Curtain' of East Germany and continue to be one of Europe's hottest desinations: Berlin - new capital of the United Germany. An evening at leisure may find you at a trendy jazz club or diving into the avant garde nighlife at the Kudorf, an underground network of pubs and discos.

See remnants of the infamous 'Berlin Wall' that until 1989, divided the people of East and West Germany and was the physical fault line of the Cold War. Learn the history behind divided Germany at a seminar on the Nazis featuring original newsreels of Hitler at the Reichstag. 

Free time to shop and cafe hop along the fashionable Ku'damm, perhaps cross through what was once Checkpoint Charlie to view the rejuvenation of East Berlin or go bungee jumping over Potsdamer Platz. Tonight we'll have fun at our special barbecue.

Journey through Germany to the Grimm's Fairytale village of Alsfeld. Half timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets beckon you to follow the paths once trod by troubadours and knights.

In Koblenz we board our ship and cruise on the Rhine River past terraced vineyards crowned by ancient castles and the notorious Lorelei Rock. Once ashore, head for Heidelberg, the 'Student Prince' city and Germany's oldest university town - the perfect setting for a traditional dinner of bratwurst, sauerkraut and beer.

Climb to the ruins of the Palatine Electors Castle and behold the world's largest wine barrel that holds 49,000 gallons.

Journey south into the mysterious Black Forest where gingerbread cottages dot the lush scenery. Here we enjoy our fun countryside picnic and stop at the beautiful Titisee Lake, where you can snack on black forest cake or feed swans while rowing on the lake.

Europe's largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls welcomes us to Switzerland. See these magnificent cascades before traveling past Zurich into William Tell country.

Free time in Lucerne to shop for cuckoo clocks, Swiss watches and chocolate. Stroll along covered bridges, or perhaps take a boat ride on the lake in this festive mountain resort. More magnificent Alpine scenery sweeps by as we travel to Liechtenstein, one of the smallest and wealthiest countries in the world. Overnight by beautiful Lake Constance, Europe's water sport paradise.

We'll cross the border into Germany's Bavaria on our way to Neuschwanstein, the medieval castle of Mad King Ludwig II. Built by an 18 year old king who was pronounced insane. Its fantastic architectural details were used as the model for Walt Disney's Cinderalla Castle. Then we're off to the fun filled Oktoberfest city of Munich. Free evening to check out the oom-pah-pah bands and beer at the rowdy Hofbrauhaus.

See Munich's Glockenspiel Chimes, the Frauenkirche and shop for Bavarian beer steins and lederhosen on Maximilianstrasse. Then onto Prague, the haunting golden city of castles and Kafka.

Prague is considered Europe's best preserved achient city. From the 14th century Charles Bridge lined with artisans, clasical guitarists and other street musicians to the winding alleys and Baroque houses in the Old Town. Learn of the 1989 'Velvet Revolution' against Communism when the playright, Havel became president and share the locals' excitement about their new democracy. On our second evening you're invited to the Magic Lantern Theatre for the special show which cleverly integrates film, drama and dance. Czech it out! 

Travel through southern Bohemia and the town of Budvar, the original home of Budweiser beer. Entering enchanting Austria, we'll visit Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Enjoy the spirit of the summer music festival as we walk alongnarrow streets decorated with colourful wrought iron signs.

Continue to Europe's largest alpine sports region surrounded by snow capped Austrian Alps. Be our pampered guest for 2 nights at AESU's Club Alpina. Swim, hike, sauna and play tennis or try optional activities like horseback riding, glacier skiing, white water rafting and more.

Spectacular mountain scenery surrounds us as we travel through the Southern Alps. This evening AESU exclusive takes us past Moon Lake to a 12th Century castle, protected from outsiders by a dense forest and fortified gates. The lord of the castle takes us on a personal tour of this ancient dwelling.

After our 'spirited' open hearth grill party in front of the gigantic fire place in the knights hall, we'll sleep in rooms no longer haunted by medieval ghosts. 

The Vienna Boys Choir and Johann Srauss come to mind as we enter Vienna, Austria's capital. The Hofburg, Opera, Schoenbrunn Palace, the Lippizaner stables and the Blue Danube are all on today's agenda.

Tonight, ride through the Vienna Woods for our Vineyard party. Enjoy the new vintage and merry music while feasting on traditional wienerschnitzel and apfelstrudel. Back in Vienna we end up at the famous Prater Amusemenet Park with its giant ferris wheel.

A free day offers horesedrawn carriage rides along cobblestone streets. Or Sigmund Freud's home and the fine arts museum may pique your curiosity.

In the evening consider a Strauss Waltz Concert under the stars in the beautiful city park.

Cross the Hungarian border on our way to the capital, Budapest, where we'll see the fascinating Fisherman's Bastion perched above the Danube River, Vajdahynyad Castle and the Citadel.

Tonight we dine on Hungarian specialities while listening to romantic gypsy violins in an old wine cellar.

Return to Austria passing by picture post card villages and pastures where the famous Lippizaner Stallions are bred. Stay in the heart of Austrian wine country and enjoy a sampling of the wares when we visit one of the unique thatched roof wine cellars. 

This morning we leave for Venice, the 'sinking' city. Four hundred ornate bridges cross the 150 canals that serve as this city's streets. Leisure time this evening may find you on a romantic gondola ride gliding through the intricate maze of canals.

Cruise on the Grand Canal past 12th and 18th century marble palaces. Walk through the alleys, climb the stairs and cross the foot bridges that take us to colourful St Mark's Square before visiting a Murano glass blowing workshop.

Tonight we board our cruise ship and set course for the glowing warmth of the ledgendary Greece. Dance the night away at the ship's disco or watch the moonlight shimmer on the horizon as we sail the route of the gods.

Fun in the sun awaits you today! Cruise along the Italian coastline navigating the blue Adriatic Sea and continue through sunkissed Grecian Isles. There's something for everyone, from duty free shopping to dinning at two shipboard restaurants, to sipping an exotic drink while soaking in the sun - take you pick of sun decks and two pools! Tonight you can rub elbows with the high rollers at the casino.

Join us for four days of utter relaxation 'Greek style' at AESU's exclusive Club Aegean. Enjoy free windsurfing, snorkeling, swimming, canoeing, sun worshipping, daily buffet meals and more.

In Athens we explore the 2,400 year old Parthenon on the Acropolis as well as the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Athena. The bargain for finds on your own at the Monasteraki Flea Markets. On our second evening, be held spellbound by the Sound and Light Drama at the Acropolis. Later you may wish to walk through taverna lined narrow streets and listen to bouzouki music in the Plaka.

Follow the rugged coastline of the Saronjan Gulf to the Canal of Corinth, where St Paul preached. Then continue on to the busy port, Patras, to catch our overnight ship to ltaly.

Glide past picturesque Greek Islands as we head towards Brindisi, the old Roman warport on the heal of Italy's "boot". On land again we ride through sunny olive groves to Sorrento, the cliff top home of Sirens in Homer's "Odyssey". Under the shadow of Vesuvius, the volcano that buried Pompeii in 79 A.D., explore the excavated wonders of Pompeii.

Sail across the waves to the famous Isle of Capri - paradise of Roman Emperors. After swimming in the magnificent Mediterranean we journey to the Eternal City of Rome. Join us tonight for a Roman Banquet complete with Italian specialities and wine in the oldest square by the Tiber River. Then be spellbound as AESU takes you on an illumination drive by ancient ruins.

Outstanding sights today includes Caesar's Forum and the Colosseum where gladiators were thrown to the lions. See Vatican City, heart of the Roman Catholic Church and smallest state in the world and tour St Peter's Basilica housing Michelangelo's magnificent "Pieta".

Stop to through 3 coins in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome.

The entire day is free to continue taking in the cultural sights, shop on the Via Condotti or sip espresso on Via Veneto. With a little perseverenance you may even get an audience with the Pope.

An exciting evening on your own awaits to see outdoor Opera at the Baths of Caracalla or sample delicious "gelati" ice cream at the local piazza.

Arrivederci Roma. Motor through the Apennine Mountains, past Chianti vineyards to Florence, "Golden City" of the Remaissance and birthplace of Michelangelo. Our local art expert shows us why Florence is considered the art capital of the world. See the Gates of Paradise, the marble Santa Maria del Fiore Catherdral, Giotto's Bellltower and admire the rooftops of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Today we travel to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower then follow winding coastal roads to the sun-splashed shores of the Italian and French Riviera. Visit the elegant Principality of Manaco to see the famous Grand Casino, the Royal Palace and streets used for the grand prix race. Then continue along the Cote d'Azur to the film festival resort of Cannes.

Check out the extravagant yachts or just stroll with the jet-set under the palms. After visiting a french Perfume Centre, the whole day is devoted to swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, paddle tennis and volleyball. Top that off with a fun lunch on the beach Riviera Beach club Style. C'est Magnifique.

St Tropez, Aix-en-Provence and the wild horse region of the Camargue roll by on our way to Don Quixote's Spain. With the blue Mediterranean by our side we zig zag along the sparkling coast and through the Pyrenees Mountains to the Costa Brava.

In bustling Barcelona tonight, indulge in our special Fiesta Dinner or Spanish cuisine and Sangria, then feel the pace quicken in time with clicking castanets at an exciting Flamenco show.

See Gaudi's art nouveau catherdral, the Picasso Museum, the flower markets of Las Ramblas. sites from the 1992 Olympics as well as a replica of the Santa Maria in the harbour.

Afternoon free time to shop for fine crafted leather goods and silver jewelry. Or take the funicular up to Montjuich for a sweeping panoramic view of the harbour below.

Travel along the rugged coastline to France and the magnificant medieval fortress of Carcassonne. Passing through arching gateways, double stone walls encircle us. Ramble along one thousand year old winding streets. Climb the ramparts and turrets where the snow capped Pyrenees can be seen on a clear day.

Tonights dinner will be served in a medieval inn with strolling troubadours to entertain us.

Small sleepy villages pass by as we travel to Bordeaux via Toulouse. Sunny vineyards with ripening grapes are overlooked by chateaux situated on hilltops. This is the region that produces France's aristocratic wines: Medoc, Mouton-Rothschild, Sauternes amd we'll have a chance to sip some local favourites.

North through the vineyards of Cognac we enter the Loire Valley and spend the night amidst pleasure chateaux built by the Kings of France. Enjoy the 'spectacle of sound and light' at one of the enchanting chateaux as historic tales are told through the combination of music, open air narration and brilliant lighting effects.

Explore Chambord, the extravagant chateau built by Francois I and used for the royal hunts. Pass Amboise and Orleans en route to Louis XIV's spendid Versailles, where you will be held spellbound by the magnificant Royal Chapel, the intriguing Hall of Mirrors, the gorgious gardens and fantastic fountains. Tonight we see the romantic side of Paris as we drive along the illuminated boulevards past graceful fountains and sttely monuments.

Our local art historian shows you Paris' prized landmarks: the Opera, Notre Dame, Napoleon's Arc de Triompe, the Champs Elysees and more. We'll also see Place de la Concorde, where the guilotine stood and the famed Eiffel Tower.

Your free afternoon may find you visiting the Mona Lisa at the Louvre or admiring the Impressionist collection in the Musee d'Orsay.

Tonight you are invited to our "french bistro" dinner including superb wine. Then cruise down the Seine River in the glass topped Bateau Mouche as brilliant Paris glides by.

Spend this free day becoming more familiar with Paris' pastries and cafes or chic shops and bookstalls in the students Latin Quarter.

Later consider a can-can Cabaret, stroll to the artisits' square on Montmartre and have your portrait done or checkout "Euro Disney" to find out if Mickey Mouse speaks french.

Au revoir Paris! Travel through Champagne country to Belgium. Reaching Brussels, NATO's headquarters, we see the Grand Place, a perfect medieval square with ornate guild houses of gold, the Palace of Justice, and the statue of naughty Mennekin-Pis. Also of interest is the huge stainless steel Atomium constructed for the 1958 Universal Exposition.

Visit Bruges, a city that stepped out of the middle ages with peaceful canals and cobblestone streets. Ride past the WWII dunes of Dunkirk to Calais then sail across the English Channel.

After landing near the white cliffs of Dover, we'll head northwest to the pomp and pageantry of London where you can spend a free evening visiting Sherlock Holmes' favourite haunts or dining at a medieval banquet.

Picture postcards come to life as we see Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, St Pauls Catherdral and more. Spend your free afternoon shopping at Harrod's. Take a double decker bus or the tubes, and don't forget high tea.

After dusk, you may want to take in a West End Play, National Theater production or check out the actions a the Hard Rock Cafe.

All day is free. Join an English countryside excursion to the Queen's summer house, Windsor Castle, or to Shakespeare's home town, Stratford on Avon. 

This evening we say farewell to Europe at our last get together before returning home.

Your land tour ends with breakfast this morning. Fly back home with memories to last a lifetime.