DAY 1: Start of tour in Amsterdam
![Start of tour in Amsterdam]()
Welcome to the start of this exciting Christmas and New Year tour of Europe! The festive adventure begins in Amsterdam where you will meet up with your group and tour leader. The tour kicks off with Dutch staples - cheese and clogs! See how these classic Dutch items are made the traditional way before visiting Zaanse Schans, a Dutch town famous for its historic windmills and wooden houses. Travel to Volendam for lunch and free time this afternoon. Next, it’s back to Amsterdam for the best introduction to this vibrant city - a canal cruise! Finish off day one with a delicious group welcome dinner.
Experiences
Cheese and clogs: This family-run farm is over 160 years-old and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how Dutch cheese and clogs are made.
Volendam: Enjoy some seafood from the vendors in the beautiful harbour as you explore the lakeside Dutch town.
Zaanse Schans: This is the place to see the scenery that the Netherlands is famous for - windmills, wooden houses and green hills.
Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Sail along Amsterdam's stunning canals. A perfect introduction to Amsterdam you will cruise along Amsterdam's atmospheric canals.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Schiphol
DAY 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley
![Amsterdam - Rhine Valley]()
Day two and it's time for a new country! Cross the border into Germany and travel to the beautiful Rhine Valley. Arrive and enjoy a wine tasting at Boppard before embarking on a river boat cruise from Boppard to St Goar. Enjoy the scenic views along the riverbank during the cruise - this section of Germany is home to the highest concentration of medieval castles in all of Europe! Disembark and pay a visit to the fascinating local steins and cuckoo clock workshop. Travel to tonight’s accommodation and enjoy dinner with the group at the hotel.
Experiences
Cruise down the Rhine: Cruise down the Rhine River and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels).
Rhine Valley Wine Tasting: Visit a local wine merchant in one of Germany's most famous wine-growing regions, and sample several types of delicious German wine. Popular varieties from the surrounding area and neighbouring regions include Riesling, Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir. The region is also well-known for eiswein (ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested in the freezing winter months.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Carat HotelTraube Rudesheim
NH Wiesbaden
DAY 3: Nuremburg - Prague
![Nuremburg - Prague]()
Today we’re off to Prague via Nuremberg, stopping in the Bavarian city for a comfort stop. Having served as a residence for German kings over many centuries, Nuremberg was an architectural marvel, and famous for its artists too. Heavily bombed during WW2, the city was painstakingly rebuilt, and today has been returned to some of its former glory – many buildings being rebuilt in the original stone. Prague is a beautiful city, boasting elaborate baroque, gothic, art nouveau and cubist architecture, and rewarding those who explore it with quirky bars, cobbled lanes and courtyards. Known for its brilliant beer and abundance of art, any exploration of Prague will be a rewarding one, and this evening we'll round off the day with an included dinner.
Experiences
Orientation tour in Nuremberg: Your tour leader will show you all the iconic sights in this Bavarian city. Start at Kaiserburg and finish in Hauptmarkt.
Prague guided walking tour: This evening, enjoy a locally guided walking tour of the capital city of the Czech Republic. See the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Rudolfinum (concert hall) and a view of Prague Castle.
Prague dinner: Experience authentic Czech cuisine at a local restaurant. You will also have the option to try the famous Czech beer. Budweiser anyone?
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Krystal
Hotel Duo
DAY 4: Prague (Christmas Day): Free Day
![Prague (Christmas Day): Free Day]()
Merry Christmas! The day is free for you to explore as you wish. You can choose to go for a sung mass in the morning, go to the theatre, or – if there’s snow – go skating or sledging. Alternatively, take a walk in Stromovka, visit Christmas markets in the many town squares or visit the zoo! Described by some as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Central Europe, you’ll find that Prague is just as engaging as Rome, London or Amsterdam, and is at least as beautiful as Paris. Let your guard down and explore today – you never know the wonders you might find! Start off with the Charles Bridge, which joins the old and the new town, and marvel at how Prague’s dramatic history is reflected in the beauty of its churches, opera houses, concert halls and of course Prague castle. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy an optional Christmas meal this evening.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Krystal
Hotel Duo
Optional Excursions
- Traditional Czech Folk Music & Dance Evening i €45
- Prague+ Tour i €55
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 5: Bratislava - Vienna
![Bratislava - Vienna]()
Today we head for the grandeur of Vienna, visiting Bratislava, Capital of Slovakia, for a quick comfort stop. Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs and unbridled wilderness. Bratislava is a charming city. Spot the medieval castle overlooking the old town and marvel at recent Socialist-era architecture. Next stop, the beautiful Austrian city of Vienna. A guided walking tour of the UNESCO-credited city centre. See sights like the Hofburg Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Dinner is included tonight and afterwards and you could enjoy an orchestra performance. What could be better than experiencing music in one of the city's concert halls?
Experiences
Bratislava orientation tour: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour to see some of the landmarks and historic sights of the city, including a photo stop at Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city.
Walking and driving tour of Vienna: On the drive into Vienna, Austria’s capital city, you will see the Schonbrunn Palace before reaching the Inner City and one of the best vistas from Belvedere Hill. Vienna is known as the 'City of Music’ due to its classical heritage and the prodigies that worked there including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms to name a few as your local guide on your walking tour will tell you. The tour starts at the Golden Mile on the Ring Strasse (Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater). Then discover the courtyards and passages around the Hofburg (Imperial Castle) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is Vienna’s geographic and historic centre.
Dinner in a Viennese wine cellar: Enjoy dinner in a special location tonight! Tuck into a delicious meal in a historic Viennese wine cellar
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Roomz Hotel Vienna
Hotel Lenas Donau
Rainers21
Optional Excursions
- Danube Dinner Cruise i €60
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 6: Vienna - Budapest
![Vienna - Budapest]()
Wave Vienna goodbye as we make our way to the striking Hungarian capital of Budapest. Sitting astride the Danube River, this scenic city is known for its singular mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture. On arrival in Budapest, get an overview of this historic city with our driving tour, guided by our local guide. The trip will start on the Buda side of the river and include excursions to Fisherman's Bastion, glimpses of the Houses of Parliament & more. This afternoon you have the freedom to explore the city and all of its delights however you please. Enjoy an optional dinner cruise along the Danube this evening.
Experiences
Driving tour of Budapest: Meet up with a local guide who will accompany us on a driving tour of the city and point out all the best-loved sights. Learn more about Hungarian culture and language and the city's fascinating history. Drink in incredible views from atop Gellert Hill and the Citadel, take a stop at Heroes Square and get an eyeful of other must-see attractions like Budapest Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the State Opera, the castle district, and more.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis City
Ibis Heroes Square
Ibis Styles Budapest Citywest
Optional Excursions
- Vienna Classical Music Concert i €70
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: Lake Balaton - Maribor - Ljubljana
![Lake Balaton - Maribor - Ljubljana]()
Leaving Budapest, to an iconic holiday destination in Hungary - the beautiful Lake Balaton. With nearly 200km of shoreline, it is the largest lake in central Europe. It's a great place to take a dip on a hot summer day. Next, we’ll stop in Maribor in Slovenia. While here, enjoy lunch and visit the fascinating City Museum. Then on to our final stop of the day, the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. It's filled to the brim with fairytale castles, beautiful architecture and plenty of natural beauty. An expert local guide will accompany us on a walking tour to point out all the must-see attractions. Afterwards, explore the city on your own or join an optional Slovenia Evening excursion before heading back to your hotel for the night.
Experiences
Visit Lake Balaton: Meander around the beautiful Lake Balaton and tick the largest lake in central Europe off your bucket list!
Lunch stop in Maribor: Explore the beautiful city of Maribor in Slovenia and enjoy a delicious lunch and stop at the City Museum.
Guided walking tour in Ljubljana: Join an expert local guide for a tour of Ljubljana - the City of Dragons! Encounter the inimitable scenery of the medieval old town, Preseren Square, City Centre, the Riverfront, Dragon Bridge and Cobblers Bridge. When the formal tour is done, there will still be some time to explore on your own. We recommend that you make your way to the 13th-century St. Nicholas Church - it's Baroque architecture is truly spectacular!
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 8: Ljubljana - Venice
![Ljubljana - Venice]()
Venice is our next stop, a city immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries. Its timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces (more per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth) make it truly unique – this is a city that will capture your heart and imagination. Being Italian, there’s no shortage of incredible food and culture either! Your tour leader will introduce you to the city with an orientation walk, during which you'll see sights like the world famous St Marks Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this unforgettable city on your own.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take you into the heart of this unique floating city for an orientation to help you explore and see St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Venezia
Hotel Ambasciatori & Delfino
Russott Hotel
Hotel Residence Elite
Optional Excursions
- Trip T-shirt or Hoodie i €21-32
- Venice Gondola Ride i €25
- Venice Water Taxi i €25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 9: Florence - Tuscany
![Florence - Tuscany]()
Journey into the hills of Tuscany today. Travel towards Florence and admire the rolling hills, vineyards and charm of the countryside along the way. Arrive and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Next up is a locally guided walking tour of the city. Enjoy the historical landmarks of the city which will be specially decked out for the festive time of year. Learn more about the riveting history of Florence too, including stories about the Renaissance age and the De Medici family! Tonight, enjoy a traditional Italian meal during dinner at a local restaurant. After a day filled with the delights of Florence, it’s time to spend the night in a hotel in the Tuscan countryside.
Experiences
Guided tour of Florence: Join a local guide who will introduce you to the main sights of Florence, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.
Leather demo in a local shop: Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting as you visit a leather demo in a local leather shop and factory; Leonardo Leather and Gold. Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries, and Tuscany is one of the leading areas in Italy in terms of leather production.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Nuovo Savi
Hotel Manzoni
Parma & Oriente
Hotel Montebello
DAY 10: Pisa - Swiss Alps (New Year's Eve)
![Pisa - Swiss Alps (New Year's Eve)]()
Departing Tuscany, we make for one of the world’s most famous buildings. This is also definitely a place where you’ll want to have your camera charged – Pisa! Learn the story behind the leaning tower, and be sure to take some photos! It’s time to cross over to the Alps. Is there a better way to enjoy the magic of Switzerland than staying in a typical Swiss Alpine town? Take in the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the scenery around you. Tonight we'll celebrate the New Year!
Experiences
View the Leaning Tower of Pisa: This is your chance to see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or even take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower.
Scenic Mountain Drive: Enjoy spectacular views as we drive through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breath-taking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Bear Inn Wilderwil
DAY 11: Swiss Alps: Free Day
![Swiss Alps: Free Day]()
The splendour of the Alps is yours today! You can make the most of your time by taking a leisurely stroll through the local villages, by crystal-clear lakes, or hitting the slopes for a spot of skiing If you’re feeling up to it. Why not take a train or cable car to higher altitudes and surround yourself with snow-capped peaks and white winter snow? If you decide to go into a local village your options are limitless! Walk through the market-stalls, indulge in the local refreshments or start celebrating the new year with some warm gluhwein.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Bear Inn Wilderwil
Optional Excursions
- Full Day Beginner Package – Ski or Snowboard i €TBC
- Half-day Beginner Package – Ski or Snowboard i €TBC
- Night Sledding i €TBC
- Snowshoe Tour i €TBC
- Winter Alpine Adventure –Snowshoe tour + Day Sledding Combo i €TBC
- Swiss Alps Mountain Experience i € various
- Train to Jungfraujoch i €190
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 12: Swiss Alps - Paris
![Swiss Alps - Paris]()
It’s an early start today as we make our way out of the mountains and make for the city of lights and love: Paris! Arriving in the afternoon, we'll take you on a driving tour of the French capital; get your cameras ready - you’ll be seeing some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe! After the driving tour we'll enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter, an eclectic, bohemian and historic neighbourhood. We'll then travel back to the hotel on Paris' world famous metro system, ready to explore the city further on our free day tomorrow!
Experiences
Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour upon arrival - spot the Tuileries Gardens, The River Seine, l’Ile de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas
B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
DAY 13: Paris: Free Day
![Paris: Free Day]()
Today is all yours to explore as you wish. Take an optional cruise up the River Seine, head up the tower of Montparnasse for exquisite views, visit L’Opéra Garnier, the Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Hotel de Ville, the River Seine, l’Ile de la Cite or the Louvre Museum. Get a glimpse of that most famous avenue, the Champs Elysees, overlooked by the famous Arc de Triomphe. Alternatively, why not head to the boutiques of La Marais? Or visit the graves of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison at Père Lachaise Cemetery? Those with a taste for the macabre can even descend to the infamous catacombs! Alternatively, stay above ground and explore the museums, people-watch from a roadside café, or simply stroll the city, following in the footsteps of great painters, musicians and writers.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas
B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
DAY 14: Paris - Ghent - Amsterdam
![Paris - Ghent - Amsterdam]()
This festive two week tour comes to an end today with one last stop and one more new country along the way! Say au revoir to Paris and travel on to Ghent in belgium. Enjoy a lunch stop and free time to explore the charming medieval city centre. Afterwards, it’s time to journey onwards to Amsterdam where the tour will conclude. Before saying farewell, be sure to swap contact details with your new travel friends! Arrive in Amsterdam where you will continue with your onward journey. We hope you enjoyed this Christmas and New Year tour of Europe - travel is a truly memorable way to celebrate!
Experiences
Ghent: The port city of Ghent is home to a beautiful medieval city centre. As a university town today, it’s usually teeming with culture and energy!