04 Days - Serene Europe

Front Seats – Limited Availability

Enjoy the journey from one of the best positions on the coach with our Front Seat option.

Our front seats offer excellent panoramic views, giving you a clear view of the road ahead and allowing you to take in more of the scenery throughout your journey.

Availability is strictly limited:

• Maximum of 4 front seats per departure date and coach

• Seats are allocated on a first purchased, first served basis

• Once all 4 seats have been purchased, no further front seats will be available for that departure

Booking your front seat is simple:

When booking online, simply add the Front Seat option to your basket. Alternatively, advise our agent when making your booking.

If having a front-row view is important to you, we recommend booking early to secure your preferred seats.

Available from £60 per seat

Country Details

Country	Capital	Currency	Visa Required	Time Zone	Electricity	Country Code
Belgium	Brussels	Euro	Schengen	UTC + 1	230V, 50Hz	+32
Netherland	Amsterdam	Euro	Schengen	UTC + 1	230V, 50Hz	+31
Germany	Berlin	Euro	Schengen	UTC + 1	230V, 50Hz	+49

Currency

In most of Western Europe, the currency you will require will be Euros. However, you will need Swiss Francs (CHF) when travelling in Switzerland. It is possible to make purchases in Euros at selected establishments in Switzerland, but please note that change will typically be given in CHF.

 

We advise passengers to exchange any spending money before they travel. Whilst on tour, exchanging currency can be very inconvenient, and not all places we visit will have ATMs or accept credit/debit cards.

 

We also recommend passengers keep some change in coins on hand, as using toilets in many parts of Europe is not free.

Please note that USD, GBP, or travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted at locations on this tour.

Distances

An important point to note whilst on a touring holiday is that some long journeys are unavoidable especially when travelling from city to city.

 

It is advisable passengers carry necessities that they may need for the day such as water, dry snacks, cameras etc. with them in their hand luggage.

 

For this tour, it should be noted that the travel times are extensive on this tour.

 

Please see a summary of the distances you will be covering below:

From	To	Distance in kms (Approx)	Travelling time (Approx)
Wembley	Dover	159	2hrs 30mins
Calais	Brussels	200	3hrs
Brussels	Atomium Structure	7	20mins
Atomium	Zoetermeer	172	2hrs 30mins
Zoetermeer	Madurodam	17	20mins
Zoetermeer	Keukenhof tulip gardens	37	40mins
Madurodam	Volendam	60	1hr
Volendam	Amsterdam	22	30mins
Amsterdam	Zoetermeer	53	1hr
Zoetermeer	Cologne	270	3hrs 30mins
Cologne	Boppard	121	1hr 30mins
Boppard	Limburgerhof	135	1hr 30mins
Limburgerhof	Brugge	527	6hrs
Brugge	Calais	114	1hr 30mins

Above is for indication purposes only

Major Attraction

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

The Amsterdam Canal Cruise provides a relaxing view of the city’s charming architecture and famous canals. Cruises last around 60 minutes, passing landmarks like the Anne Frank House and Skinny Bridge. Depending on the day, the cruise takes a different path through the city, depending on the amount of traffic on the canals and the size of the boat

Hotels

Please note that not all hotels on this tour will have air conditioning or kettles. If you require warm milk for a baby, we recommend bringing your bottle warmer and milk supply. Passengers may also want to carry a small travel iron and hairdryer, as these amenities may not be available in all hotel rooms.

 

In some European hotels, double occupancy rooms may consist of two single beds pushed together. We work with such hotels, so please be prepared for this arrangement.

 

If you use additional services such as the phone, minibar, or pay-per-view TV in your room, these costs are not included in the tour package and must be settled directly with the hotel upon checkout.

 

The maximum occupancy per room on this tour is three people. However, from March to May, some hotels may only accommodate a maximum of two people per room.

Meals

Passengers can choose from various meal options, including vegetarian, Jain, or non-vegetarian. Please note that Jain and Halal meals may not always be available. We ask that passengers inform the tour manager of their preferred diet on the first day of the tour. Meals are served as pre-set buffets, and menu choices are not available. Only tap water will be provided with meals. On some days, a pre-set continental meal may be served.

 

Breakfast will be provided at the hotels, usually in a designated dining area, and typically consists of a continental selection including tea, coffee, bread, cereals, fruit, and yoghurt.

 

Lunches are generally vegetarian, though there may be occasions when a non-vegetarian dish is offered. Dinners are typically served in a separate dining area within the hotel or at a restaurant. If you have any concerns about the ingredients in a dish, please consult your tour manager.

 

If you require specific allergen information, please get in touch with us in advance so we can assist you accordingly.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Points & Timings

Passengers are advised to arrive at their designated pick-up point no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Your invoice will clearly state the exact pick-up location, address, and time. If you have selected a pick-up point outside of Wembley, Southall, or East Ham, your precise pick-up time will be confirmed closer to your departure.

 

On the return journey from the continent, we are scheduled to arrive at Dover or Folkestone between 20:00 and 21:00 hours, after which we will proceed to the original London pick-up points. The anticipated arrival time in London is between 22:30 and 00:30 hours (the following day).

 

For passengers using our pick-up points services outside of London, transportation may be arranged via private car, minibus, or alternative coach for your journey to and from London. In rare cases, you may experience a wait of up to an hour for a connecting transfer upon your return. Passengers will receive a confirmation call from Star Tours the day before departure to finalise details.

 

Please note that Star Tours reserves the right to adjust pick-up times up to 12 hours before departure if needed.

 

For a comprehensive list of available pick-up points, please get in touch with us directly for more details.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click on the link below to get Country specific details

 

For a full list of the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click here

 

UK Residents	USA Residents
Belgium	Belgium
Germany	Germany
Netherlands (Holland)	Netherlands (Holland)

Visas & Passports

When travelling to Europe, it’s crucial to ensure your passport and visa requirements are in order before departure.

 

Passport Requirements:

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Europe. It should also have been issued within the last ten years and�have sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

 

Visa Requirements:

If you are a national of India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, you must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling. This visa allows entry into any of the 27 Schengen countries for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days).

 

Ensure you apply for your Schengen visa well in advance, as processing times may vary.

 

Nationals of British, American, Australian, Canadian, and other visa-exempt countries currently do not require a Schengen visa for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days). However, starting in 2025, all visa-exempt travellers (including British and American citizens) must apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering the Schengen Area.

 

The ETIAS application is a simple online process that requires travellers to provide personal information and pay a small fee (€7). Once approved, the authorisation will be valid for three years or until your passport expires.

 

Entry/Exit System (EES):

 

From Early 2025, the EES will be introduced across Schengen countries. This system will electronically record the entry and exit of all non-EU travellers, replacing manual passport stamping. Travelers’ biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) will be recorded during their first entry into the Schengen Area.

 

If you need more information or assistance with your visa or ETIAS requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Schengen Visa Details

Visa Details & Document Required	Embassy to Apply	Reason	Port of Entry/Exit
Applying from UK (Click Here)	Netherlands (Dutch)	Max Stay	Calais, France/Calais, France
Applying from India (Click Here)	Netherlands (Dutch)	Max Stay	Calais, France/Calais, France

Weather

The weather across much of Western and Central Europe, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein, can be variable and unpredictable, like in�England. Regardless of the time of year, carrying an umbrella and preparing for sudden weather changes is always advisable.

 

Temperature Variations:

France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany: In these countries, the weather can fluctuate widely depending on the season. Summers can bring temperatures around 25-30°C, while winters are much colder, often dropping below 5°C.

 

Spain, Portugal, and Italy: Southern European countries, particularly Spain and Portugal, tend to have warmer temperatures, especially in summer, when temperatures can reach 30-40°C. Coastal areas tend to be more temperate.

 

Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein: Temperatures can vary dramatically in alpine regions, particularly in Austria and Switzerland. During high-altitude excursions, temperatures can range between 0°C and 2°C on mountaintops, even in summer, while lowland areas could simultaneously experience temperatures exceeding 30°C.

It’s a good idea to check the specific forecast for each destination before your trip, especially on a multi-destination tour, as you may encounter different weather conditions in each country.

 

Preparation Tips:

Layered Clothing: Bring a variety of clothing layers to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.

Winter Months: If travelling in winter, be aware that daylight hours are short, and sightseeing often happens in the dark. It gets dark in Northern Europe and the Alps, sometimes as early as 16:00 hrs.

 

Footwear & Accessories: Comfortable shoes, waterproof jackets, and cold-weather gear (for alpine regions) are highly recommended.

By preparing for various conditions, travellers can comfortably enjoy their time across these beautiful European destinations, regardless of season.

Wheelchair Accessibility, Child Seats and Passenger Information

We welcome passengers using lightweight manual wheelchairs on our tours, provided the wheelchair can be stowed in the coach’s luggage hold. Passengers are encouraged to contact us in advance to ensure we can meet their specific mobility needs. Our staff will try to assist passengers with reduced mobility in compliance with the Regulations. Please note, however, that a family member or companion will need to be present to assist with pushing the wheelchair throughout the tour.

 

We will request accessible hotel rooms for wheelchair users wherever possible, but this depends on availability and cannot be guaranteed. We advise passengers to inform us of their requirements in advance so we can make the necessary requests.

 

Please be aware that specific destinations, such as Mt. Titlis and the Eiffel Tower, are inaccessible to wheelchair users. Additionally, locations like Brussels, Lucerne, Lion Monument, Pisa, Rome, Venice, and Florence have cobbled streets, which may make it difficult for wheelchairs to navigate. Passengers should take these factors into account when planning their trip.

 

Child Seat Requirements:

In most European countries, it is mandatory for children under the age of 12 years or shorter than 150 cm to use appropriate child restraints while travelling in a coach.

Children under seven years old or under 125 cm tall must use a child seat with a harness or�appropriate restraint system.

 

Children aged 7 to 12 years or between 125 cm and 150 cm tall must use a booster seat or a seat cushion.

 

The parent or guardian is responsible for providing a suitable child seat for their child. Passengers should ensure they bring the appropriate child restraint system that complies with local laws in the visited countries, as there may be minor variations in regulations across European nations.

Other Advisories

Baggage and Packing

Due to limited storage space on coaches, checking the baggage allowance for your tour before departure is essential. Ensure your luggage meets the size and weight requirements in your tour documents. Excess baggage may not be permitted.

Pack a small day bag for personal items, medications, snacks, and travel documents to keep with you during the journey, as accessing the main luggage may not be possible until designated stops.

 

Punctuality

Respect timings during stops; there will be scheduled comfort breaks and sightseeing stops throughout the tour. Be sure to return to the coach on time after each stop to avoid delays and respect the entire group's schedule. Coaches operate on a strict timetable to ensure that all scheduled visits and activities are completed on time. Passengers who arrive late at any point may risk missing the coach, as drivers cannot wait beyond the allocated time for each stop.

The tour may sometimes involve changes in coaches or representatives, particularly when merging with other groups. Please adhere to the instructed times for these transitions to ensure smooth coordination.

 

Coach Facilities

While most coaches are equipped with WC facilities, they may be limited in availability. Using restroom facilities during scheduled breaks at rest stops is recommended to avoid discomfort.

 

Seating and Safety:

By law, passengers must wear seat belts where fitted. Seats are pre-assigned and given to you on the departure date. Seat requests are not taken under any circumstance.

 

Personal Health and Medication

Bring any necessary medications with you in your day bag. If you are prone to motion sickness, carry appropriate remedies or medications to ensure a comfortable journey.

If your tour includes high-altitude destinations, ensure you are medically fit to travel at such heights. Those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor beforehand. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and warm clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly at high altitudes.

 

Cultural and Local Etiquette

Be mindful of the local customs and etiquette, especially when visiting religious or historical sites. Dress modestly where required, and be respectful of local customs and traditions.

 

Electronics and Connectivity

Some coaches are equipped with USB charging ports, but this is not guaranteed. Ensure your devices are charged beforehand, and consider bringing a portable charger/power bank.

WiFi is unavailable on the coach, so bring along books, headphones, or downloaded movies and music to enjoy during long journey stretches.

 

Environmental Awareness

Be conscious of the environment during your tour. Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste, fill up at restaurants and hotels, and dispose of trash properly at rest stops.