Amsterdam to Rome Explorer - 11 Days

Welcome to Amsterdam, marking the start of our exciting Europe tour! This morning, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel before we embark on a coach journey. Our first destination is Ghent, a lively university town and cultural centre of Belgium, where we'll enjoy an orientation tour. Afterwards, you will have some free time to explore and perhaps enjoy lunch at a local café.

We'll then continue our journey to Paris, arriving in the afternoon. In the evening, join us for a driving tour of Paris, showcasing its iconic sights, followed by an included group dinner. Take this opportunity to note any places you might like to visit during tomorrow's free day in this captivating city.

Today, experience the allure of Paris with us. Begin with the 'Paris je t’aime' tour, where we will explore the renowned Galeries Lafayette, indulge in a tasting at a famous macaron shop, and enjoy a cruise along the Seine River. Later, wander through the lively Latin Quarter at your leisure.

Alternatively, you have the freedom to explore Paris in your own style. Visit historical landmarks, savour delectable French cuisine, shop for chic local fashion, or simply unwind in a charming café.

For a quintessential Parisian evening, you might choose to attend a cabaret show or opt for our optional excursion in Montmartre. Here, you can meander through the enchanting streets of this picturesque neighbourhood before relishing a three-course dinner.

Depart from Paris and travel through the picturesque French countryside en route to Toulouse. En route, we’ll stop in a medieval village for a wine tasting, where you'll sample wines that exemplify the region's distinct terroir.

In the evening, we’ll arrive in Toulouse, known as "La Ville Rose" or "The Pink City," named for the terracotta bricks that grace many of its buildings. Join us on a guided tour to explore the city's stunning Renaissance architecture and its historic 17th-century canal. Wandering these charming streets is not to be missed.

Tonight, enjoy a group dinner that is included in your itinerary.

This morning, we bid farewell to Toulouse and journey south to Andorra, one of Europe's smallest nations. You'll have some free time here to explore or grab a quick bite. We then continue to Barcelona, the lively heart of Catalonia in Spain.

Once in Barcelona, we embark on a driving tour to take in the city's highlights, including the stunning Sagrada Família and the serene Parc de Joan Miró. In the evening, we retire to a quaint town just outside Barcelona, where we enjoy a dinner included with the accommodation.

Today is your chance to explore Barcelona as you wish. To delve deeper into this lively city, consider joining the optional Highlights of Barcelona tour to see renowned landmarks like Antoni Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família and Palau Güell.

Visit La Boqueria, the city’s famous market, to sample authentic croquetas before meandering through the Gothic Quarter. This evening, you can either dine at a local restaurant of your choice or opt for the Flamenco Show and Dinner excursion for a vibrant night of Spanish cuisine and culture.

Goodbye, Barcelona! Our adventure now takes us to the picturesque port town of Sète in the South of France. Here, we'll have an orientation tour and see the town's renowned canals. Afterwards, we'll visit the ancient Pont du Gard, a remarkable aqueduct bridge constructed by the Romans in the 1st century AD.

We then head to Avignon, previously a focal point of Roman Catholic culture. During our orientation tour, we'll explore notable landmarks such as the Notre-Dame des Doms, the Palais des Papes, and the iconic Pont d’Avignon.

This evening, you might choose to join the optional Evening in Avignon excursion, which includes a visit to the Palais des Papes and a delightful three-course Provençal meal.

Today, we journey to the stunning French Riviera. Our first stop is Monaco, where we will visit key landmarks including the Prince's Palace, the Oceanography Museum, the Cathedral of Monaco, and the renowned Casino de Monte-Carlo. Enjoy a guided orientation tour of the city to soak in its unique atmosphere.

Next, we head to the charming village of Eze for an engaging perfume workshop at the famous Fragonard factory.

Later this afternoon, we arrive in Nice. Upon arrival, we will take an orientation tour to explore the iconic Promenade des Anglais and the historic Vieux Nice. Afterward, settle in for a relaxing evening in this picturesque coastal city.

We head inland towards Italy to visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, a remarkable feat of medieval engineering, known for its unintended tilt. Afterwards, we journey to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Here, we embark on an orientation tour to explore the city’s storied past and celebrated sights, including the historic Ponte Vecchio and the replica of Michelangelo’s renowned statue of David at the Palazzo della Signoria.

In your free time, you can explore Florence further or opt to join an optional dinner to indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine. We then travel to the scenic hills of southern Tuscany for an overnight stay.

Today, we journey to Italy's capital, Rome. Arriving in the afternoon, we embark on a guided walking tour led by a local expert, offering insights into this city that once stood as the heart of the Roman Empire. We'll visit iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Roman Forum, and Pantheon. This evening, enjoy a group dinner included in your itinerary.

Today, delve into Rome at your own pace and soak up its storied past, vibrant culture, and delicious food. You might choose to join one of our optional excursions. A guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum offers an in-depth look at these iconic landmarks of Roman history.

Alternatively, visit Vatican City—the smallest independent state in the world—to admire Michelangelo's renowned frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and explore the extensive Vatican Museums. There's also the option to combine both excursions with our Eternal Rome experience for added value.

Please note, these highly popular excursions require booking before the tour begins. If you prefer, spend the day exploring Rome's ancient streets and sights at your leisure.

After 11 days of unforgettable experiences, our tour concludes today in Rome following breakfast. Ensure you exchange contact details with your newfound travel companions before you head home. We wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon.