Best of Europe Discovery - 22 Days

Welcome to London! This morning, you'll meet your tour leader and set out on a city tour. London, a vibrant metropolis, is a tapestry of cultures, historic sites, art, royal landmarks, and modern architecture. We will visit a traditional English pub for a genuine British lunch before delving into the city's rich history with a tour of Westminster. You'll see iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Stand outside Buckingham Palace, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Royal Family.

In the evening, you have the option to join the "Thames, Towers & Tastes" excursion. This includes a cruise along the River Thames and a guided tour of major riverside attractions, followed by a classic fish and chips dinner.

Depart from London and head to Paris, crossing the English Channel to reach the renowned 'City of Light'. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a comfortable driving tour, where your tour leader will introduce you to the city's iconic sights, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe.

This evening, enjoy a group dinner at a local Parisian restaurant before we head back to the hotel. Rest well, as tomorrow promises more Parisian adventures.

Enjoy a full day discovering the enchanting city of Paris! Spend time exploring the city's charming streets on your own, or opt for our Paris+ experience for a classic French day out. This option includes a cruise along the picturesque Seine River, a tasting session of delicate macarons, a visit to the iconic Arc de Triomphe, and an exploration of a famous perfume museum.

This evening, you can choose to explore the beautiful Montmartre district with a knowledgeable local guide. To conclude your day in style, consider attending an optional cabaret show for a bit of Parisian glamour.

This morning, we leave Paris behind and head to the Champagne region, where we'll savour a tasting of France's iconic export, Champagne. Moving on, our journey takes us to Luxembourg, offering you free time to discover the charm of this compact capital.

Our day concludes in Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town, celebrated for its picturesque old town and the ruins of its Renaissance castle. Here, we'll participate in an orientation tour of the city centre, followed by additional free time to explore. Enjoy the evening with an included group dinner.

Today, we journey to Germany's Black Forest, famed for its Black Forest gâteau, cuckoo clocks, and the fairy tales of Hansel and Gretel. Our stop is Triberg, where we’ll photograph the world’s largest cuckoo clock. Next, we head to the spa town of Titisee on Lake Titisee, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch.

We then cross into Switzerland to the awe-inspiring Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest plain waterfall. Here, you have free time to explore this scenic area or perhaps take a boat ride to experience the falls close up.

Our day concludes in Lucerne with an orientation tour to acquaint you with the city’s historic charm before heading to our accommodation for the night.

Today, we explore the stunning Lucerne region, renowned as one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities. You'll be enchanted by its postcard-perfect views, including the cobalt blue lake and the charming old town with its waterfront promenades, covered bridges, and scenic plazas set against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Lucerne seamlessly blends historical allure with modern vibrancy, featuring lively carnivals, concerts, and exhibitions.

Prepare for an exciting day as we explore four countries! We begin our journey in Switzerland, heading towards the enchanting principality of Liechtenstein, known for being the sixth smallest nation in the world. Here, we'll visit its capital, Vaduz, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.

Our next destination is Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle, a striking 19th-century structure perched on a hill, which served as an inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Your entry to the castle is arranged and included as part of the tour.

We conclude our day in the lively city of Innsbruck, Austria. Known for its energetic student life, you'll enjoy a guided orientation tour to uncover the city's highlights. For a deeper cultural experience, consider joining the optional Tyrol Folk Evening & Dinner, perfect for experiencing the local traditions.

Today, our tour heads south to Italy, a country celebrated for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Our first stop is Modena, known for its world-famous balsamic vinegar. We will enjoy a tasting of this local delicacy before resuming our journey.

Upon our arrival in Siena, you'll have free time to explore its picturesque streets at your own pace. Siena is famously home to the Palio, a historic horse race that transforms the city twice a year with its excitement and tradition.

Experience the essence of Tuscany today with visits to Florence and Pisa. We start our journey at a local leather factory in Florence, witnessing the exquisite skill behind Italian leather crafting. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Florence's renowned sights, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Alternatively, you might choose to join the optional Taste of Tuscany excursion.

Later, we travel by coach to Pisa, where you'll have the chance to see the legendary Leaning Tower. Standing for over 800 years, this architectural wonder is perfect for capturing memorable photos. We conclude the day by returning to Siena for a relaxing evening.

Prepare to be captivated by the splendour of Rome. Today, we embark on a guided walking tour of Italy's capital, visiting renowned sites such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. Delight in Rome's rich history and lively ambience as we navigate its historic streets.

Remember to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain—an age-old tradition for good fortune. This evening, enjoy a delightful dinner alongside your fellow travellers.

Today, enjoy a day of freedom to explore the wonders of Rome at your leisure. Delve into the city's rich tapestry of ancient ruins, historic sites, and stunning culinary offerings. For a more guided experience, consider joining our optional excursions to Rome's iconic landmarks.

Step back in time at the Colosseum or Roman Forum, where you can marvel at the grandeur of ancient civilisations and the legacy of gladiatorial contests. Alternatively, visit Vatican City, renowned as the world's smallest country, where the Vatican Museums and the stunning Sistine Chapel await, showcasing Michelangelo's extraordinary artistic achievements.

Please note, due to their popularity, these excursions require booking prior to the start of the tour.

Today, we leave churches behind and journey to Venice, the renowned "floating city." Here, you will encounter iconic landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure.

For an unforgettable experience, consider joining the optional Evening in Venice excursion. This includes a water taxi cruise, a traditional gondola ride, and dinner—truly the best way to appreciate Venice from its famous canals.

Today, we set off for Zagreb, Croatia, with an enjoyable stop in Ljubljana, the delightful capital of Slovenia. Ljubljana, a lesser-known European treasure, offers a fascinating castle, impressive architecture, and natural beauty that belies its modest size. Upon arrival in Zagreb, we’ll take an orientation tour to familiarise ourselves with Croatia's capital.

You’ll see a unique mix of Habsburg and Communist architecture, offering insights into the city's rich history and daily life. Later, we check into our hotel, allowing you some time to refresh before joining the group for an included dinner.

Today, we set off for Budapest, widely regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Positioned along the historic Danube River, Budapest is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and famous natural geothermal springs. We'll begin with a guided driving tour, exploring Hungary's rich history through its top attractions.

Afterwards, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace. You might choose to join an optional Danube Dinner Cruise, an extraordinary experience offering stunning views of Budapest's illuminated skyline and historic landmarks from the river—an exceptional way to end your day in this captivating city.

Today, we bid farewell to the enchanting city of Budapest and set off for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Nestled amidst mountains and vineyards, Bratislava offers a delightful blend of nature and history. During our orientation tour, you will see the city's iconic castle, majestically overlooking the landscape below.

Next, we journey to Vienna, the cultural heart of Austria. A local guide will accompany us on a thorough walking and driving tour, revealing the city's vibrant artistic and musical heritage. Vienna, home to classical legends such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, is renowned for its imperial grandeur.

You will discover magnificent concert halls, quaint cafés, diverse restaurants, and lively nightlife, all contributing to Vienna's captivating charm.

Spend a free day exploring the rich heritage of Vienna, a city renowned for its imperial splendour as the centre of the Habsburg monarchy between the 16th and 18th centuries. History buffs may opt for a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture, followed by lunch at a traditional Viennese café.

For those captivated by classical music, an optional excursion offers the chance to enjoy a concert featuring the timeless compositions of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed in the atmospheric setting of the Schönbrunn Palace Orangery. This excursion includes a three-course dinner beforehand.

Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in Vienna's allure by strolling through its charming cobbled streets, discovering hidden cafés, or visiting museums that celebrate the city’s artistic achievements.

Today, we travel to the Czech Republic to explore the enchanting city of Prague. Known for its striking blend of Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Cubist architecture, Prague offers captivating city views, charming bars, winding cobblestone streets, and hidden courtyards. Our visit includes a guided walking tour led by a local expert, showcasing the city's iconic landmarks and rich history.

In the afternoon, you have free time to experience the city's renowned beer culture and uncover its many attractions at your own pace. This evening, you can choose to immerse yourself further in Czech culture with an optional traditional folk show, featuring lively music, dance, and a delicious four-course meal.

Today, we begin our journey in Dresden, a city renowned for its remarkable restoration after the devastation of WWII. As we stroll through its charming streets, you'll have the chance to sample local delights like Bratwurst.

Following our exploration of Dresden, we travel onwards to Berlin, Germany’s vibrant capital. In this city, where history meets modern vitality, we'll embark on a walking tour that takes us to iconic sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Checkpoint Charlie, each holding significant historical importance.

We conclude our day with a group dinner, included in your itinerary.

Explore Berlin's compelling history today. We'll visit the remaining section of the Berlin Wall, a striking reminder of the city’s once-divided past, now embellished with vibrant street art symbolising hope and unity.

In your free time, you can explore various complimentary museums and galleries that provide insight into Berlin’s modern history. You may opt for the Berlin+ excursion, offering a closer look at iconic sites such as the East Side Gallery, Hackescher Markt, and the Berlin TV Tower.

This morning, we bid farewell to Germany and continue our journey into the Netherlands. As we travel to Amsterdam, observe as the landscape shifts into charming views of windmills and waterways.

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a dinner featuring local cuisine. Afterwards, you have free time to explore Amsterdam's renowned cafés, bars, and restaurants, immersing yourself in the city's lively atmosphere and vibrant culture.

We begin our day with a memorable canal cruise, providing stunning views of Amsterdam's iconic bridges and captivating architecture. The remainder of the day is yours to wander the city's charming streets and visit its renowned museums at your leisure.

For a genuine Dutch experience, you might choose to join an optional countryside excursion. This includes a visit to a local farm to observe the traditional craftsmanship of cheese and clogs, followed by a trip to the historic villages of Volendam and Zaanse Schans, famous for their iconic windmills.

On the last day of our tour, the adventure continues with a visit to the charming Belgian city of Ghent. Known for its stunning architecture and picturesque views, Ghent offers a fairytale-like atmosphere for you to explore. You will have free time to wander through the city’s historic streets and perhaps discover its rich medieval heritage.

After our stay in Ghent, we begin the final journey back to London, crossing the English Channel. As the tour concludes, it's a perfect moment to exchange contact details with your fellow travellers. We wish you a safe journey home.