European Capitals and Countryside Adventure - 12 Days

Welcome to Rome! Upon your arrival, we'll arrange your transfer to the hotel. Later, our guide will meet you to share essential information about your stay, which is also displayed on the hotel reception's information board. In the evening, we'll introduce you to the vibrant atmosphere of Via Cavour, offering a delightful array of dining options with Italian, Indian, Chinese, and international cuisines. 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 the second day, we delve into the wonders of Rome with a comprehensive three-hour guided tour of this historic city, famously known as the Eternal City. Our exploration begins with a walking tour through the illustrious Imperial Rome, then continues with a panoramic bus journey to uncover some of Western civilisation's most iconic sites. We’ll marvel at historical landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, the imposing exterior of the Colosseum, and the Imperial Forums. As we traverse Rome's storied past, sights like the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, and the Basilica of Saint Mary Major will further captivate us. Our journey also includes views of the Pyramid of Cestius and the intriguing Castel Sant’Angelo.

Our tour concludes at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m. Here, you have the option to further explore the Vatican Museums and the extraordinary Sistine Chapel at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll whisk you away to the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood. Known for its inviting restaurants and lively ambience, Trastevere offers a perfect setting to unwind. We’ll return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m., marking the end of an enriching day in Rome.

Today, we set off from Rome and journey northwards, relishing the picturesque landscapes along the way. Upon arriving in Florence, we’ll head straight to the stunning Piazzale Michelangelo, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the city. We then proceed on foot towards the historic centre, where you’ll have some time to enjoy lunch. Afterwards, a local expert will guide us on a walking tour, highlighting major attractions like the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria in a city that often feels like an open-air museum. Following the tour, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore Florence at your leisure. In the evening, you’ll find a wide range of dining options, with many restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines.

As we continue our journey, we'll traverse the picturesque Apennine Mountains, arriving in Venice—the City of Canals. Our adventure begins with a scenic boat ride across the Giudecca Canal to reach the enchanting Island of Venice. Here, our local guide will lead us to the splendid St. Mark’s Square, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Following this, we’ll have the opportunity to witness the intricate art of glassmaking at the famed Murano Glass Factory, learning about the ancient techniques still used today. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Venice's captivating alleyways and canals at your own pace. In the evening, you'll be accommodated in the Mestre district, offering a convenient base for further exploration.

We begin our journey from Venice and head towards Austria. Upon arriving in Innsbruck, you will have time to wander through the historic town centre and enjoy a leisurely lunch. After our visit, we continue our travels through the gorgeous landscapes of the Tyrol region, cross into Switzerland, and arrive in the vibrant city of Zurich.

On this day, we embark on a journey through the breathtaking Interlaken region, renowned for its towering mountain peaks and pristine lakes. Our first stop is the picturesque town of Grindelwald, where you can enjoy a coffee before we ascend via cable car. At the top, a short trek leads us along a winding path to a spectacular suspended bridge, offering those with a head for heights the chance to marvel at the stunning glacier views. We include a delightful mountain-top lunch before descending.

Next, we head to Lucerne, one of Switzerland's most charming cities. Here, you'll have time to explore its delightful architecture and vibrant atmosphere at your own pace. As an optional extra, our guide offers a full-day excursion to the summit of Mount Titlis. This trip, starting in the morning, features a revolving cable car ride to over 3,000 meters above sea level, promising breathtaking vistas of the Alpine glaciers. We conclude our day's adventure by returning to Zurich, ensuring you leave with memories as striking as the scenery.

Leaving Zurich behind, we embark on a journey to the picturesque French region of Alsace. Our destination is Strasbourg, a captivating city where French and German influences seamlessly blend. You will have the opportunity to explore this charming city, including its iconic half-timbered houses and the impressive Strasbourg Cathedral. As we continue our journey through scenic French landscapes, we will travel on to Paris, arriving in the evening.

We begin our day in Paris with a visit to the stunning Palace of Versailles. Known for its opulent architecture and expansive gardens, Versailles offers a glimpse into France's royal history. While admission isn't included, the grandeur of its landscaped grounds is a sight to behold. After our morning exploration, we return to Paris to savour the artistic and bohemian vibe of Montmartre. This charming neighbourhood, once a hub for renowned artists, teems with character and creativity. In the afternoon, we enjoy a panoramic city tour with a local guide, highlighting Paris's magnificent boulevards and iconic landmarks. After a day of exploration, we unwind at the hotel. For an evening of entertainment, you might choose to attend an optional variety show.

Our day starts amidst the grandeur of Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where you can ascend to the second floor of this world-famous iron structure—your entry ticket is included. Following this, we unwind with a serene boat cruise along the Seine River, taking in the city's charm from the water. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city at your own pace.

At around 4:00 p.m., we leave Paris and make our way to Normandy, arriving in the historic city of Rouen. You will have the evening free to wander the streets of this enchanting city, known for its impressive Gothic cathedral, medieval architecture, and lively cultural atmosphere. Rouen's rich history stretches back to Roman times, offering a plethora of sites to discover. Please be aware that if the wait times at the Eiffel Tower are excessive, we may reschedule our visit for your convenience.

Today, you'll have the chance to explore the charming centre of Rouen before we embark on our journey to northern France. We will cross the English Channel by ferry and arrive in the historic city of Canterbury, the religious heart of England, known for its captivating history and beautiful architecture. Following this, our travels continue to the vibrant city of London. Once there, you'll have some time to wander around the iconic Tower Bridge area, one of London’s most recognisable landmarks, before we proceed to our hotel for the night.

Experience the vibrant city of London as we embark on a panoramic tour with an expert local guide. Our journey will take you through the rich tapestry of history and culture, showcasing landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the majestic River Thames, and the iconic Buckingham Palace. If the dates align, you might even catch the Changing of the Guard, a quintessential British spectacle.

In the evening, we'll reconvene at Piccadilly, from where you'll enjoy a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets of Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho, famed for their lively ambiance, theatres, and entertainment offerings. A variety of dining options will be available to suit your taste before we return to your hotel to rest and recount the day’s discoveries.

Following a splendid breakfast, we will visit the British Museum, a treasure trove of global artefacts and one of the world's premier attractions. During lunchtime, we offer a transfer to the lively and diverse area of Camden, renowned for its eclectic market where you can discover an array of unique items from various cultures. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish, delving into London's myriad experiences. Our journey concludes here, leaving you with cherished memories of the adventures. Kindly confirm your flight time to determine if an extra night's stay might be needed.