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. You’ll have free time to explore this charming city and grab some lunch. This evening, the tour arrives in Paris and tonight you can look forward to a spellbinding driving tour of the “City of Lights”! After you have seen the sights, it’s time to sit down for the first group dinner of the tour before turning in for the night.
Experiences
Visit Ghent: Make a stop in this charming city which is one of the oldest in Belgium! Here, you’ll have free time to explore, grab a bite to eat and admire the medieval architecture that the city is well-known for.
Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour of Paris - spot the Tuileries Gardens, the River Seine, l'Ile de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacre Coeur, 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! Optional excursions include a River Seine cruise - the perfect way to see some of the city’s main sights. You can also opt for a trip up Montparnasse. Towering high above Paris, it offers sweeping views of the City of Lights. Make your way to the Eiffel Tower to see the spectacular hourly light show. There’s even an optional cabaret show in the evening! Alternatively, head to the Eiffel Tower, visit the world-famous Louvre Museum, stroll around the streets of La Marias, wander down the Champs Elysees, or head to famous monuments like Notre Dame Cathedral, see Oscar Wilde’s gravestone at Père Lachaise Cemetery or venture underground into the infamous catacombs.
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 €75
- Montparnasse Observation Deck i €15
- Paris + i €55
- An Evening in Montmartre i €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 3: Paris - Toulouse
![Paris - Toulouse]()
Today we travel from Paris to Toulouse with 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. 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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
DAY 4: Toulouse - Andorra - Barcelona
![Toulouse - Andorra - Barcelona]()
Au revoir Toulouse! Today we head south, crossing 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. Our driving tour will introduce you to a few of the city's top visitor attractions.
Experiences
Visit Andorra: Comfort stop in Andorra - enjoy some free time to explore the sixth-smallest nation in Europe.
Driving tour of Barcelona: 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 yours to spend as you like! Stroll Las Ramblas and take a peek at Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece: the glorious La Sagrada Familia. You could also go shopping, eat tapas (which the city is famous for), relax on the beach or head into one of the city’s many parks. With its distinctive Catalan ambience, Barcelona is an incredibly rewarding city to explore on foot, filled with hidden cantinas, intriguing boutiques and winding walkways – particularly in the old town. Seek out the food markets too – the perfect place to introduce yourself to the distinctive taste of Catalan cuisine!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Sant Cugat Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Barcelona Flamenco Show & Dinner i €79
- Highlights of Barcelona featuring the Sagrada Família i €100
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 6: Barcelona - Pont du Gard - Avignon
![Barcelona - Pont du Gard - Avignon]()
Adiós Barcelona! Today we travel to Avignon! Enjoy a stopover at 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. Situated in the heart of picturesque Provence, Avignon used to be the centre of the Roman Catholic world. This has left it with impressive architecture, of which the Palais des Papes is the most iconic. Enjoy an orientation tour around town. See the Palais, the ancient town walls, Notre-Dame des Doms and Pont d’Avignon.
Experiences
Visit the Pont du Gard: A stop to see 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: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation walking tour of Avignon, where you will 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 €35
* 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, with a stop at one of the glamorous seaside destinations included on the itinerary today! 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. The evening is yours to relax or enjoy as you wish.
Experiences
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 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, we head for nearby Italy. Have your cameras ready as we visit the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! Next up is Florence. Here, we’ll 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 Michelangelo’s famous statue of David – a replica of which stands in the Palazzo della Signoria (the original can be seen in the nearby Accademia Gallery.) After exploring, we make for the hills of Tuscany, arriving at the ancient Tuscan spa town of Montecatini Terme where we’ll spend the night.
Experiences
View the Leaning Tower of Pisa: 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]()
We make our way to the country’s capital, Rome. You’ll be taken on a walking tour of the city, which will introduce you to the incredible history of this unique city, which reigned supreme as the focal point of the Roman Empire. Highlights today include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum and of course the Colosseum. On the way to our accommodation for the evening, you can start to plan what to do with your free day tomorrow - the Vatican City is unmissable!
Experiences
Guided walking tour of Rome: Embark on a tour of this captivating city with a local guide. See highlights including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Septimus Severus, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona (Fountain of the Quattro Fiumi) and the Spanish steps.
Welcome dinner: Celebrate the first night of the Western Adventure tour with a welcome dinner. Join your tour leader and the rest of the group to enjoy a meal at a local Italian restaurant.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
BV Oly Hotel
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 10: Rome: Free Day
![Rome: Free Day]()
Rome boasts ancient ruins, historical landmarks, religious buildings and a buzzing atmosphere like no other. The Colosseum is spectacular, offering fabulous views of the city, and an unbelievable feeling of drifting backwards in time, to when gladiators, chariots and lions dominated the arena. Later this afternoon you'll have the opportunity to take advantage of an optional excursion to visit the Vatican City - the smallest country in the world! Inside the walls you can visit the Sistine Chapel and see for yourself the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, as well as numerous other famous art pieces dotted around the buildings.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
BV Oly Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Roman Food Tour i €65
- Castel Gandolfo i €85
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 11: Siena - Venice
![Siena - Venice]()
Our first stop is the Tuscan town of Siena - famous for its cuisine, wine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race held twice a year. Explore town before we continue on our journey. In the early evening we arrive in Venice, 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 – Venice is sure to capture your heart and imagination. There is no shortage of incredible food and culture either! You have the evening free 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: We visit the Tuscan town of Siena, famous for the Palio horse race and also for its food and wine.
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 12: Venice
![Venice]()
Start your stay in Venice with an orientation tour led by your tour leader, after which you have free time to explore this unforgettable city at your leisure. Every visit to Venice should include a gondola ride, which your tour leader can organise for you, as well as a 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. Alternatively you can simply relax and soak up the sun on the sandy beaches at Jesolo or Lido. There’s also St Mark’s Square, The Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace to see – and any number of culinary delights to sample too!
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 San Giuliano
Optional Excursions
- Venice Gondola Ride i €25
- Venice Lagoon Tour i €40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 13: Venice - Swiss Alps
![Venice - Swiss Alps]()
Crossing the border into Switzerland, we drive on to the Swiss Alps, climbing higher into the mountains to our accommodation in a typical Swiss mountain village in the Jungfrau region. One of the most popular alpine destinations, it’s a great introduction to the magic of the mountains – and makes for a memorable drive too. Dinner is at your hotel and afterwards relax, drink, chat with your fellow explorers and grab an early night as tomorrow you can join us on our most popular optional excursion – the Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe!
Experiences
Scenic Swiss mountain drive: Enjoy the views as the coach travels through the Swiss Alps. Admire the alpine scenery and snow-capped mountains before arriving at the accommodation for the next few nights.
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]()
The splendour of the Alps is yours today – don’t miss the chance to join our optional excursion up to Jungfraujoch, also known as the top of Europe! The trip to Europe’s highest train station is a real highlight; you might find yourself pressed up against the windows as the picture-perfect Swiss countryside rolls beneath you. Look out for quaint villages nestled in the valleys beneath snow-capped peaks and tumbling mountain waterfalls. Once we’ve reached the top, enjoy the year-round snow and breath-taking views of the surrounding glaciers and craggy mountaintops. Once you’ve had a chance to explore and capture as many photos as possible, it’s back down to lower altitudes for the rest of the afternoon.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Alpenrose Hotel & Gardens
Swiss Youth Hostel Interlaken
Hotel Baren Ringgenberg
Hotel Schonbhul
Hotel City Oberland
Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes
Optional Excursions
- Train to Jungfraujoch i €190
- Swiss Fondue Dinner i €30
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 15: Swiss Alps - Black Forest
![Swiss Alps - Black Forest]()
Departing the Interlaken region, we make our way to Germany through the spellbinding Black Forest. This scenic drive is unlike anything you've encountered before. The beautiful forest scenery seems to be from fairytales. Tall pine trees, ambling brooks and rivers, and low-lying hills. Stopover at a few of the small towns along the way, including Freiburg, where we'll have lunch. Our hotel in the Black Forest region awaits at the end of our travels for the day, and dinner is included this evening.
Experiences
Scenic Black Forest drive: Enjoy a beautiful drive through the Black Forest region which is a picturesque part of Germany. The beautiful forest scenery seems to be straight out of a fairy tale!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
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 something 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
Cruise along the Rhine River: Cruise down the Rhine 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
Hampton by Hilton Schiphol Airport
Holiday Inn Express Schiphol Airport
Park Inn Plaza Amsterdam Airport
Crowne Plaza Amsterdam Schiphol
Lake land Hotel
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.
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 €25
- Diversely Dutch Dinner i €35
* 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!