DAY 1: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris
![Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris]()
Welcome to the beginning of an epic tour through Europe! Meet your tour leader and group at the Amsterdam hotel in the morning. Once everyone arrives, it’s time to set off! Today’s first stop is Ghent in Belgium. Enjoy free time to explore this charming city and grab some lunch. This evening, the tour arrives in Paris and a spellbinding driving tour of the “City of Lights” is on the cards! Marvel at the sites of this world-famous city including the Arc de Triomphe, the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower! Later, it’s time to sit down for a group dinner in the heart of Paris.
Experiences
Visit Ghent: Experience the beautiful city of Ghent - one of Belgium’s oldest cities! This cultural hub and university town is filled with magnificent medieval architecture. Enjoy free time to explore the historic streets and find a spot to have lunch - why not try some traditional Belgian cuisine?
Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour and discover the beauty of the “City of Lights”! Spot the Tuileries Gardens, the River Seine, l'Île de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacré Cœur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Porte Des Lilas
B&B Paris Malakof
Ibis Paris La Villette Cité des Sciences
B&B Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
B&B Hôtel Orly Chevilly
DAY 2: Paris: Free Day
![Paris: Free Day]()
Paris is yours to explore on your free day! Today’s top optional excursion is the Paris+ Tour. This includes plenty of sightseeing as well as a macaron tasting at Ladurée, a guided tour of renowned parfumerie Fragonard Musée du Parfum and a River Seine cruise. The excursion continues with a trip up Montparnasse. Towering high above Paris, it offers sweeping views of the “City of Lights”. End it off with free time to explore the Latin Quarter. This evening, enjoy an optional cabaret show or see the iconic Moulin Rouge on an optional evening in Montmartre complete with a three-course French dinner!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Porte Des Lilas
B&B Paris Malakof
Ibis Paris La Villette Cité des Sciences
B&B Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
B&B Hôtel Orly Chevilly
Optional Excursions
- Parisian Cabaret with drinks i €85
- Paris+ i €60
- An Evening in Montmartre i €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 3: Paris - Toulouse
![Paris - Toulouse]()
Today, travel from Paris to Toulouse with a wine tasting in a small medieval town along the way! Drive past rolling crop fields, forests, pastoral landscapes and pretty towns. The wine tasting will showcase some of the region's robust red wines. Then, it's onto Toulouse, the fourth largest city in France. Here, enjoy a guided tour. Situated along the Compostela Pilgrimage route, it’s known for incredible Renaissance buildings. It's also home to a beautiful 17th-century canal and more. Dinner is included this evening - be sure to try something local!
Experiences
Wine tasting in Toulouse: Taste some of the vintages that have placed Toulouse on the world wine map!
Guided tour of Toulouse: Join a local guide on a tour of this beautiful French city. See the highlights of this destination and learn more about its history and rich culture. Find out how it earned its nickname “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City)!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
DAY 4: Toulouse - Andorra - Barcelona
![Toulouse - Andorra - Barcelona]()
Au revoir Toulouse! Today, head south and cross the border into Andorra from the north. Grab lunch and then travel onward to Barcelona. Next stop is the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. Barcelona is renowned for its art and architecture, such as the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. The driving tour will introduce you to a few of the city's top visitor attractions.
Experiences
Visit Andorra: Enjoy a comfort stop in this tiny country with free time to explore and grab lunch in the sixth-smallest nation in Europe.
Barcelona Driving tour: Barcelona is renowned for its art and architecture, such as the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. Our driving tour will introduce you to a few of the city's top visitor attractions.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Sant Cugat Hotel
DAY 5: Barcelona: Free Day
![Barcelona: Free Day]()
Today is free to spend as you like! To see Barcelona’s top highlights, join the Highlights of Barcelona featuring the Sagrada Família optional excursion. Take a peek at Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece: the glorious La Sagrada Familia and discover the picturesque Palau Güell. Then, visit Barcelona’s most famous food market, La Boqueria, before embarking on a tour of the historic Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter). Alternatively, wander around the city at your own pace, go shopping or relax on the beach! This evening, why not see a Flamenco Show? This optional includes a buffet dinner and unlimited drinks!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Sant Cugat Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Barcelona Flamenco Show & Dinner i €80
- Highlights of Barcelona featuring the Sagrada Família i €100
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 6: Barcelona - Sète - Pont du Gard - Avignon
![Barcelona - Sète - Pont du Gard - Avignon]()
Adiós Barcelona! Today, travel to Avignon. En route, stopover in Sète, a port town in the South of France known for its canals. Take an orientation walk with your tour leader and enjoy free time for lunch here. Next stop is the centuries-old Pont du Gard. The ancient Roman aqueduct bridge was built in the first century AD to carry water over 50 kilometres to the Roman colony of Nemausus. Afterwards, head onwards to Avignon. Situated in the heart of picturesque Provence, Avignon used to be the centre of the Roman Catholic world. Enjoy an orientation tour around town. See the impressive Palais des Papes, the ancient town walls, Notre-Dame des Doms and Pont d’Avignon.
Experiences
Visit Sète: Enjoy an orientation tour of this scenic coastal city in the South of France. Sète is famous for its canals and seafood!
Visit the Pont du Gard: See the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge that crosses the Gardon River. The bridge has three tiers of arches, stands 160 ft tall, and once carried 44 million gallons of water a day to the fountains, baths and homes of the citizens of Nîmes.
Orientation tour of Avignon: Embark on a walking orientation tour of Avignon with your tour leader. See the Palais des Papes, the old Avignon town walls, Notre-Dame des Doms and Pont d’Avignon.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Adagio Access Avignon
Optional Excursions
- Typical Provençal Dinner in Avignon i €40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: Avignon - French Riviera - Nice
![Avignon - French Riviera - Nice]()
A real highlight of the tour and trips to France is on the itinerary today! Departing Avignon, head along the French Riviera towards Nice. On the way, enjoy a scenic drive along the seaside road! Embark on an orientation tour of Nice and enjoy some free time for lunch. Later, visit one of the most glamorous destinations in the world! Explore Monaco with your tour leader later in the afternoon. Discover top attractions like the Prince's Palace, Oceanography Museum, Cathedral of Monaco and the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Head back to Nice where the evening is yours to relax or enjoy as you wish.
Experiences
Scenic French Riviera drive: Marvel at the views along this famous coastline as the tour travels towards Nice! The French Riviera is renowned for its dazzling coastline and glamorous seaside towns.
Visit Nice: Join your tour leader for an orientation tour of Nice! This gorgeous seaside city is located on the French Riviera and boasts beautiful beaches as well as sunshine almost all year round. Some of Nice’s most famous attractions include the Promenade des Anglais, several museums and the city’s Old Town.
Visit Eze Fragonard Perfumery: Stopover in the medieval seaside village of Eze. Here, enjoy a relaxed perfume creation workshop at the impressive Fragonard Perfumery!
Orientation tour of Monaco: Despite the small size, this beautiful sovereign city-state is home to a number of exciting sights! Experience the glitz and glamour during a visit to Monaco’s most well-known attractions with your tour leader. See top sights including the Prince's Palace, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Oceanography Museum and the Cathedral of Monaco.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hôtel Kyriad Nice Port
DAY 8: Pisa - Florence - Tuscany
![Pisa - Florence - Tuscany]()
Travelling back inland, head for nearby Italy. Have your cameras ready for a visit to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! Next up is Florence. Here, learn about the city’s history and see landmarks dating back to the Renaissance and even the Roman times on a guided walking tour of the city. Snap photos of Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Florence Baptistry and the replica of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David which stands in the Palazzo della Signoria (the original can be seen in the nearby Accademia Gallery.) After exploring Florence, make for the hills of Tuscany, for the overnight stay in the ancient Tuscan spa town of Montecatini Terme.
Experiences
See 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!
Orientation tour of Florence: Learn more about Florence on an orientation tour with your tour leader. See the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 9: Tuscany - Rome
![Tuscany - Rome]()
It’s time for the group to make its way to the country’s capital, Rome. Arrive and embark on a guided walking tour for an introduction to the incredible history of this unique city, which once reigned supreme as the focal point of the Roman Empire. Highlights today include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Experiences
Walking tour of Rome: This city has so much to see and do that we can’t list everything here! Enjoy a walking tour of Rome with a professional local guide, a great introduction for further exploration of the city during the free day tomorrow. Visit the Roman Forum, Arch of Septimus Severus, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Warmthotel
Excel Roma Montemario
B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini
DAY 10: Rome: Free Day
![Rome: Free Day]()
Rome boasts ancient ruins, historical landmarks, religious buildings and a buzzing atmosphere! Today, choose to join the optional excursion to visit Vatican City - seat of the Pope and the smallest country in the world! Inside the walls, explore the museums, visit the Sistine Chapel and admire the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, and marvel at the numerous art pieces dotted around the buildings. This afternoon, explore Rome at your own pace. A visit to the Colosseum is highly recommended; offering fabulous views of the city and an unbelievable feeling of drifting backwards in time to when gladiators, chariots and lions dominated the arena.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Warmthotel
Excel Roma Montemario
B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini
Optional Excursions
- Vatican City and Museums guided tour i €65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 11: Siena - Venice
![Siena - Venice]()
Today’s first stop is the Tuscan town of Siena - famous for its cuisine, wine, art, museums and medieval cityscape. It’s also the home of the Palio horse race held here twice a year. Explore the town before the journey continues through Italy. In the early evening, arrive in Venice, a city which has been immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries! Venice is sure to capture your heart and imagination! The timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces make the “Floating City” truly unique. There is no shortage of incredible food and culture here either! Enjoy a free evening to relax at the hotel, or opt to join your tour leader on a twilight water taxi cruise along the Venetian canals.
Experiences
Visit Siena: Visit the Tuscan town of Siena, famous for hosting the Palio horse race and also for its incredible cuisine and culture!
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 12: Venice: Free Day
![Venice: Free Day]()
Get to know Venice during an orientation tour led by your tour leader, followed by free time to explore this unforgettable city at your leisure. Want a classic Venetian experience? Add the optional gondola ride to your to-do list today! Explore more of the city on an optional trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano. These islands are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts respectively, and rows of beautiful multi-coloured houses. For a sample of the city’s culinary delights, join the optional Venice food tour. Stroll through the city, see the top attractions and sample delicious local dishes as you go! Why not enjoy all three optional excursions to experience the best that Venice has to offer?
Experiences
Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take the group into the heart of this unique floating city perched across 118 islands for an orientation tour. Start off by tasting some gelato and then set off to 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 San Giuliano
Optional Excursions
- Venice Gondola Ride i €25
- Venice Lagoon Tour i €60
- Venice Food Tour i €75
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 13: Venice - Swiss Alps
![Venice - Swiss Alps]()
Crossing the border into Switzerland, travel onward to the Swiss Alps. During a scenic mountain drive, admire the alpine views as the coach climbs higher into the mountains to the accommodation in a typical Swiss mountain village in the Jungfrau region. This region is a great introduction to the magic of the mountains and is one of the most popular alpine destinations! Enjoy dinner with the group at the hotel this evening and be sure to get some rest tonight before tomorrow’s free day which is sure to be filled with adventures in the Swiss Alps!
Experiences
Scenic mountain drive: Enjoy the spectacular views on a drive through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Alpenrose Hotel & Gardens
Swiss Youth Hostel Interlaken
Hotel Baren Ringgenberg
Hotel Schonbhul
Hotel City Oberland
Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes
DAY 14: Swiss Alps: Free Day
![Swiss Alps: Free Day]()
Explore the splendour of the Swiss Alps today! There is so much to see and do. Choose to join the ever-popular “Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe” excursion which takes travellers to the highest train station in Europe and offers countless adventures at the top. Take in the year-round snowy vistas, including glaciers and dramatic mountaintops, visit the Ice Palace and take tons of photos! Return to lower altitudes where you can enjoy an optional Swiss fondue dinner tonight.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Alpenrose Hotel & Gardens
Swiss Youth Hostel Interlaken
Hotel Baren Ringgenberg
Hotel Schonbhul
Hotel City Oberland
Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes
Optional Excursions
- Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe i €195
- Swiss Fondue Dinner i €40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 15: Swiss Alps - Black Forest
![Swiss Alps - Black Forest]()
Bid farewell to the magnificent Alps as more scenic adventures await! Depart the Interlaken region, travel to Germany and enjoy a journey through the spellbinding Black Forest. This scenic drive complete with quaint towns and beautiful natural scenery is unlike anything you've encountered before! Enjoy a photo stop at Lake Titisee before visiting Triberg with free time for lunch. Next, snap a photo of the world’s largest cuckoo clock before arriving in Freudenstadt and enjoy free time to explore the town’s beautiful market square. The hotel in the Black Forest region awaits at the end of today’s scenic Black Forest drive and dinner is included this evening.
Experiences
Scenic Black Forest Drive: Enjoy a beautiful drive through the Black Forest region, with stops at quaint villages along the way.
Photo stop at Lake Titisee: Visit Lake Titisee - the largest natural lake in the Black Forest! Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the beautiful lake and surrounding scenery during a photo stop.
Visit Triberg: Enjoy free time to visit one of the most popular destinations in the Black Forest! Enjoy the traditional architecture and welcoming vibe. While in Triberg you can also see the Triberg Waterfall and the Black Forest Museum.
See the world’s largest cuckoo clock: Nearby Triberg, you can visit the world’s largest cuckoo clock! The structure was completed in 1994 and has held the title in the Guinness Book of World Records since 1997.
Visit Freudenstadt: Enjoy free time in this charming town in southern Germany. Freudenstadt is home to the largest market square in the country which is surrounded by pretty historic buildings.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Dormero City Bretten
DAY 16: Black Forest - Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
![Black Forest - Rhine Valley - Amsterdam]()
Leaving the Black Forest behind, travel into the heart of the world-renowned Rhine Valley. Stop in Saint Goar and enjoy a ride aboard a cruise vessel to Boppard. The scenery along the river is truly amazing. Keep an eye out for the vineyards, impressive castles and towers, and thick groves of the forest along the riverbanks. Afterwards, treat your taste buds to a Rhine Valley wine tasting experience and enjoy famous Rhine Valley wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Next, travel onwards to the bustling city of Amsterdam. Enjoy an included group dinner and the rest of the night is free to explore Amsterdam as you wish!
Experiences
Rhine Valley River Cruise: Cruise down the Rhine and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles in Europe (See Sterrenberg, Liebenstein, 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.
DAY 17: Amsterdam: Free Day
![Amsterdam: Free Day]()
Start today with a cruise along the iconic canals of Amsterdam. This is a great way to get to know the city! The rest of the day is free to further explore Amsterdam. Marvel at the artworks in the city’s famous museums, hire a bicycle, visit the cafes or simply stroll along the canals and see what the next corner brings! Alternatively, opt for a Dutch countryside tour with your tour leader. This excursion will take you to a nearby fishing village, Volendam, the famous historic windmill neighbourhood of Zaanse Schans and a local cheese farm and clog factory. An excursion to the MOCO Museum & House of Bols is also available. Finally, choose to enjoy a farewell dinner with the group tonight.
Experiences
Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise along Amsterdam’s charming canals. An audio guide is included to provide more information about the architectural sights and points of interest as seen from the water.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hampton by Hilton Schiphol Airport
Holiday Inn Express Schiphol Airport
Park Inn Plaza Amsterdam Airport
Crowne Plaza Amsterdam Schiphol
Lake Land Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Dutch Countryside Tour i €40
- MOCO Museum & House of Bols i €35
- Diversely Dutch Dinner i €40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 18: End of tour in Amsterdam
![End of tour in Amsterdam]()
After 18 incredible days in Europe, the tour comes to an end this morning. Enjoy one last breakfast with the Europe Explorer group in Amsterdam before everyone continues with their journeys. Now is the time to swap details with your travel friends before everyone heads home. We hope to welcome you to Europe again soon!