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Lose yourself in the history and romance of Traditional Europe. You’ll see all the iconic sights and some beautiful surprises along this 3-week European trip taking in the exquisite beauty of the Rhine Valley, the snow-capped Alps and the decadently warm waters of the French Riviera.
Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy, Vatican City, Monaco
Travel Style
Discovery
Accommodations
17
nights included
Age Requirements
Minimum age 5
Itinerary
COLLAPSE ALLEXPAND ALL
Day 1
Welcome to Amsterdam
All the highlights of Europe lie ahead on this epic journey from the Netherlands to Austria, Italy to France. Spend the day exploring Amsterdam on foot, by bike or tram. Later, meet your Travel Director and travel companions and board a glass-topped boat for a Welcome Reception canal cruise, including a light dinner and a drink as you navigate the city’s labyrinthine canals lined with centuries-old gabled façades.
Accommodation
Mercure Amsterdam City
Meals
Dinner
Day 2
Admire Cologne and Cruise in the Rhineland
Travel east, crossing the border into Germany bound for Cologne. Here, you’ll see the iconic twin spires of its imposing Cathedral, said to be the final resting place of the Three Wise Men. We cruise along the mighty Rhine, lined with medieval villages and castles that cling to the hills. This evening, we stay in the Rhineland and enjoy dinner at our hotel.
Accommodation
Maritim Hotel Darmstadt Rhine Valley
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
See the Cathedral of Cologne
The towering Cathedral of Cologne is an impressive introduction to this riverside city.
Rhine Valley Cruise
Cruise beneath the semi-ruined castles and terraced vineyards. Sleepy villages slip by as you saunter upstream to the Lorelei Rock where the enchantress lured sailors to their doom.
Day 3
Enjoy Heidelberg then drive into the Alps
The imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle feature on our drive through this vibrant university city en route to the quaint medieval town of Colmar. Here we will enjoy an orientation stroll and free time for lunch. Our journey continues through the picturesque vineyards of Alsace en route to our hotel in the stunning mountain retreat of Engelberg, with a free evening to enjoy the town.
Accommodation
Hotel Schweizerhof Engelberg
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
View Heidelberg Castle
See the magnificent castle built in red sandstone, overlooking the Student Prince’s town.
Colmar Orientation
Join your Travel Director to explore the heart of Colmar, where colourful half-timbered houses, canal-lined lanes and flower-filled squares give the town its storybook charm. As you walk, you’ll discover why this Alsatian gem has inspired artists, winemakers and visitors for centuries.
Day 4
Uncover Lucerne’s Treasures
Spend the day exploring Lucerne. Pay tribute to the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louise XVI during the French Revolution at the mournful Lion Monument, then admire the splendour of the flower-lined Chapel Bridge with its 17th-century paintings. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience up one of the nearby peaks for spectacular panoramic views before returning to Engelberg.
Accommodation
Hotel Schweizerhof Engelberg
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Lucerne Orientation
During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
Day 5
Journey to Liechtenstein and Innsbruck
Admire rugged alpine scenery en route to the Principality of Liechtenstein, stopping in its capital, Vaduz. Cross the Austrian border and continue along the Arlberg route for a journey filled with pinch-me moments. Snow-capped mountains surround you as you travel through the stunning scenery of the Tyrol. Enjoy the Tyrolean countryside while you Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience before arriving in Innsbruck. Visit the Old Town where you’ll see the famous Golden Roof completed in 1500 for Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.
Accommodation
Grauer Bär Hotel Innsbruck
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Highlights
See Vaduz Castle
Explore Vaduz and admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital.
Lunch in the Tyrol
Be welcomed to the Albert's home where their family have farmed the land for generations. Enjoy a traditional Tyrolean lunch surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Day 6
Onwards to Venice
Cross the extraordinary Europa Bridge, rising almost 200 metres above the Wipp Valley, following the Brenner Pass past alpine pastures and pine-clad peaks into Italy and the magical island city of Venice. Spend this evening at leisure, gliding by gondola through the city's canals, enjoying a Campari spritz in a quiet piazza or watching the sun set over the romantic Grand Canal.
Accommodation
Albergo Quattro Fontane Lido Venice
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
View the Brenner Pass
Marvel at the stunning beauty of the Brenner Pass on your scenic drive through the Alpine landscape.
Day 7
Discover the Floating City of Venice
Witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassmaking. This is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience which helps to preserve the strong tradition of glassblowing for which Venice is justifiably famous. You’ll learn how the talented master craftsmen use the same techniques their forefathers did to create the delicate artworks which adorn homes worldwide, perhaps inspiring you to buy a souvenir to remind you of this special visit. Later, board a private launch for your journey through the canals of Venice to St. Mark's Square where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city's centuries-old history and view the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Spend the afternoon exploring Venice your way, which could mean finding a tucked away bacaro to soak up some of the local atmosphere, a cruise around the lagoon or zigzagging up the Le Mercerie shopping street.
Accommodation
Albergo Quattro Fontane Lido Venice
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Learn about the History and Ancient Skills of Venetian Glassblowing
Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Day 8
All Roads Lead to Rome
Travel over the green and golden landscapes of the Apennine hills through beautiful Tuscany and Umbria, arriving in Rome where you'll spend the next two nights. This evening is yours to embrace la dolce vita. Relax in the Piazza Navona with an espresso, sit on the Spanish Steps or savour a tasty gelato.
Accommodation
Midas Palace Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Scenic Drive through Tuscany
View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today.
Day 9
Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Explore Rome with a Local Specialist who will take you on a sightseeing tour. Cross the Tiber River into Ancient Rome to see the mighty Colosseum where brave gladiators once fought to the applause of exhilarated spectators, then enjoy views of Circus Maximus which once hosted chariot races. The rest of the day is yours to explore the sights and sounds of this remarkable city.
Accommodation
Midas Palace Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Rome City Tour
Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
Day 10
Sail to Capri then Sunny Sorrento
Embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque vineyards of Frascati into the Campania region. Cross the shimmering blue waters of the Bay of Naples to reach the enchanting Isle of Capri. Upon arrival, ascend by funicular to Capri Town, where you'll join your Local Specialist for a walking tour. Cruise to the sophisticated seaside retreat of Sorrento, where you will spend the night, soaking in the beauty of this sophisticated coastal haven.
Accommodation
Johanna Park Hotel Sorrento
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Tour Capri Town
Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
Day 11
The Ruins of Pompeii then Onwards to Florence
Continue through the beautiful Campania region, where you'll meet a Local Specialist who will share the fascinating story of Pompeii, a city buried in ash and lost for centuries following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Travelling north see the historic, hilltop Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of a pivotal and tragic World War II battle, journey through beautiful Tuscan and Umbrian landscapes that have inspired painters and poets for centuries before arriving in Florence.
Accommodation
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Visit Pompeii
Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
See the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino
See the abbey on Monte Cassino, founded by Saint Benedict in 529.
Day 12
Florence
Wake up in the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Join a Local Specialist on an included walking tour to see the city's spectacular heritage, architecture and open-air art, including views of the marble Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s political hub centuries ago, and learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft.
Accommodation
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Florence City Tour
Join a Local Specialist to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
Florence Leather Demonstration
See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
Day 13
Uncover Pisa, Monaco and the French Riviera
Journey to Pisa and its Square of Miracles to see the Leaning Tower and its imposing Baptistery. Leaving the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy behind, we visit the playground of Monaco and view the Royal Palace before arriving on the French Riviera.
Accommodation
Novotel Nice Aéroport Cap 3000
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
See Pisa's Landmarks
During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
See Monaco Cathedral
See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
Day 14
Discover Artistic Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Tread in the footsteps of famous French actors and artists who for centuries have regarded the medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence as a haven. Spend the afternoon at leisure or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see spectacular views of one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe and pay an aromatic visit to the historic Fragonard perfumery to learn how French fragrances are crafted before trying some specialities from the region at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
Novotel Nice Aéroport Cap 3000
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Saint-Paul-de-Vence Orientation
Discover the beauty of this hilltop town and gain insight into why it became a refuge for artists.
Day 15
Journey Through Papal Avignon to Lyon
Visit what was once the centre of Christendom in the Middle Ages, the papal city of Avignon. Here, you will see the Palais des Papes, the Cathedral and famous Pont d'Avignon, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn about the spiritual significance of this place. You'll travel next to the historically strategic city of Lyon. This is a city that lights up magically at night, so be sure to take to the streets and admire its beauty.
Accommodation
Hotel Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Avignon Orientation
View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
Lyon Orientation
Take in panoramic views of Lyon from Fourvière Hill and explore the city's cobblestone streets on a sightseeing orientation.
Day 16
Travel Through Burgundy to Paris
Drive through the vineyards and countryside of Burgundy, before continuing north to Paris. This afternoon, explore Paris with your Local Specialist. Wonder at the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées and magnificent bridges over the river Seine and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Perhaps consider joining a cruise along the famous river Seine.
Accommodation
Evergreen Laurel Hotel Paris
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Paris City Tour
Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
Day 17
Explore Magical Paris
Start your morning at leisure, perhaps stroll along the famous Champs-Élysées and people-watch from a local cafe, or take an Optional Experience to explore the gilded Palace of Versailles. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
Evergreen Laurel Hotel Paris
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 18
Journey Home
Today bid adieu to your fellow travellers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable holiday.
Discover Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Colmar, Lucerne, Vaduz - the capital of Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Venice, Sorrento, Pisa, Monaco, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Avignon and Lyon
Visit a glassblowing factory in Venice
See the Lorelei Rock in Rhine Valley and the vineyards of Burgundy
Cruise through Amsterdam's canals, along the Rhine River, by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice and to the Isle of Capri
What's Included
Travel Director
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Hotels
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Sightseeing
Must-see sightseeing
Audio
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Optionals
Optional Experiences and free time
Train
Eurostar high-speed train from Paris to London
Dates & Prices
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Trip Notes
A deposit must be paid at the time of booking.
Flights are not included but can be quoted by our Reservations team, who can also explain inclusions within the trip.
Full holiday amount to be paid no later than 60 days prior to departure for land only guided holidays or 90 days for guided holidays including train or cruise.
Subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time.
Terms & Conditions
Prices listed are land only & do not include airfare to and from the start/end of the tour.
Prices listed are per person, based on twin or multi-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same-sex roommate at no extra cost or you can upgrade to a single for an additional cost, based on availability. For departure points and stay longer accommodation options contact our travel experts for more details.
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