European Art, Cultures, and Sceneries Tour - 13 Days

Upon your arrival in Paris, we will organise your transfer to the hotel, allowing you to settle in and unwind. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Whether you choose to relax at a café or embark on a small exploratory adventure, the afternoon offers the perfect opportunity to acquaint yourself with the romantic charm of Paris. Later, you will find essential information regarding the start of your tour displayed on the boards located at the hotel reception. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Paris, we delve into the grandeur of French history with a visit to the Palace of Versailles. Famous for its opulent architecture and immaculate gardens, the palace offers a glimpse into the majestic past of France. Entry tickets to the palace are not included, so you may wish to arrange this in advance to fully explore this iconic site. Upon returning to Paris, we will explore the vibrant area of Montmartre, renowned for its bohemian spirit, bustling with artists, painters, and lively cabarets. Our day continues with a panoramic city tour guided by a local expert, allowing us to appreciate Paris's celebrated boulevards and landmarks. Following the tour, we'll head back to the hotel. For those keen on further experiences, an optional evening variety show is available for your enjoyment.

On day three, we'll immerse ourselves in the heart of Paris, beginning with a visit to the renowned Eiffel Tower. Here, you'll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this iconic iron structure – a truly memorable experience with your ticket included in the plan. Following this, we'll take a leisurely boat cruise along the River Seine, lasting approximately an hour and fifteen minutes, offering a different perspective of the city's beautiful architecture and landmarks. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your leisure, allowing you to delve into its fascinating corners as you wish. Please note that a return transfer to the hotel is not included. If the queues at the Eiffel Tower prove too lengthy, we may reschedule our visit to ensure your comfort and convenience.

Today, we embark on a picturesque journey through the heart of France, travelling through Burgundy, celebrated for its lush vineyards and acclaimed wines. Our first destination is Beaune, a delightful town famous for its flower-bedecked streets, the historic hospice, and the wine museum. You will have some free time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely stroll through this charming locale.

Afterwards, we proceed to Lyon, once the capital of Roman Gaul, beautifully situated along the Rhône River. Lyon's historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We ascend by cable car to Notre-Dame de Fourvière for a breathtaking view of the city. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Lyon at your own pace.

Please note that in certain cases, part of the group may stay in Chambéry, a city near Lyon. If so, we will travel to Chambéry in the evening to spend the night. The following morning, you will have time to discover this medieval-style city, the capital of Savoy, renowned for its stunning historic centre and impressive castle.

Today, we venture into the scenic landscapes of Switzerland. Our first destination is Geneva, where we'll have a brief tour featuring the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. We'll also stroll through the picturesque English Garden, famous for its flower clock and the awe-inspiring Jet d?Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. After lunch, our journey continues along Switzerland's beautiful routes, passing Lake Geneva and Lake Neuch?tel. We'll travel through the stunning Three Lakes region, where sprawling vineyards blend harmoniously with majestic mountain views. A stop in Neuch?tel provides a chance to stroll by the lake, explore the charming historic town centre, or visit the impressive 10th-century castle. Our day's journey concludes in Zurich, with our expected arrival in the late afternoon. Please note, if traveller numbers permit, we may travel by train from Geneva to Zurich, which would not include a stop in Neuch?tel.

Today, we'll delve into the vibrant city of Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and a global financial hub. Renowned for its banking institutions, Zurich consistently ranks as a city with one of the highest qualities of life worldwide. Our guide will lead us on an exploration of the city's dynamic cultural and economic heartbeat. Following our city discovery, we will set out on a picturesque two-hour cruise on Lake Zurich. As we glide along the water, we'll make brief stops to admire the charming villages dotting the lakeshore. Our journey will take us to Rapperswil, known as the 'Town of Roses', where its medieval castle stands as a testament to its storied past. We'll return to Zurich by train, offering a glimpse into the efficiency and punctuality of Switzerland's renowned railway system. Please note that depending on the number of travellers, some transfers to and from the city centre may involve public transport.

Today's journey takes us through a landscape of majestic mountains and pristine lakes. We'll start by exploring the breathtaking Interlaken region, pausing in the charming village of Grindelwald. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a coffee before we ascend by cable car to an elevated vantage point. A scenic walk along a winding path will lead us to a suspended bridge, perfect for those seeking adventure and an awe-inspiring view of the glaciers. Our lunch, which is included, will be served on the mountain before we descend. Our next stop is Lucerne, considered one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities, where you'll have time to wander and soak in its delightful character. To conclude the day, we'll return to Zurich. For those interested, there is an optional full-day excursion that includes a journey to the summit of Mount Titlis via a rotating cable car, offering stunning vistas of the glacier and the Alps from over 3,000 metres above sea level.

Leaving Zurich early, we journey across the Alps into the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, arriving first at Bellinzona. This city, famous for its three medieval castles – designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites – offers a glimpse into the area's historic role as a strategic alpine fortress. You will have some leisure time to stroll through Bellinzona's picturesque streets before we cross the border into Italy. Our next stop is the delightful town of Como, often called the jewel of Lombardy. Enjoy lunch here amidst beautiful lakeside gardens and take in the impressive sight of the Como Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. In the afternoon, we proceed to Milan, where our guide will lead a visit to the iconic Piazza del Duomo. You’ll have a chance to explore at your own pace before we head to the hotel.

On our ninth day, we continue our adventure by travelling to the historic city of Pisa. Upon arrival, we’ll hop on a quaint tourist train that will whisk us away to the Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles. Here, you'll have the opportunity to behold one of Italy’s most remarkable architectural ensembles, including the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. After soaking in the sights of Pisa, our journey takes us onwards to Rome, arriving later in the day.

Our day in Rome begins with a captivating three-hour guided exploration of the Eternal City. We'll start with a walking tour through Imperial Rome, followed by a panoramic bus journey to indulge in the grandeur of one of Western civilisation's most storied cities. Along our route, we'll visit renowned landmarks including the Arch of Constantine and the exterior of the Colosseum, as well as the Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant'Angelo. Our tour comes to a close at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m., where you have the option to join an additional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. As evening descends, we'll make our way to the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood, renowned for its inviting restaurants and lively atmosphere. We will return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m.

Today, we depart from Rome, journeying northwards through the picturesque Italian landscape. Upon our arrival in Florence, we will head straight to the awe-inspiring Piazzale Michelangelo, offering magnificent panoramic views of this historic city. Once we've taken in the scenery, we will make our way towards the city centre, where you will have time to enjoy lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon, we'll join a local expert for a guided walking tour through the heart of Florence. We will visit iconic landmarks, including the charming Ponte Vecchio, the grand Duomo, and the lively Piazza della Signoria. Florence is renowned as a city that functions like an open-air museum, and we’ll have the opportunity to explore its rich artistic heritage.

After the tour, you will have free time to discover more of Florence at your own pace. As evening falls, the vibrant district offers a diverse selection of restaurants, inviting you to enjoy dinner from a variety of international cuisines.

Today, we'll traverse the Apennine Mountains, soaking in the spectacular scenery as we make our way to Venice. Upon arrival, we'll board a boat and cross the Giudecca Canal to reach the Island of Venice. Once there, a local guide will accompany us to the magnificent St. Mark's Square, a highlight of this enchanting city. We will also visit the Murano Glass Factory, where you'll witness the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating Murano glass, a tradition spanning centuries. You'll then have some free time to wander through the city's charming streets at your own pace. Our accommodation for the night will be located in the Mestre district.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey.