European Explorer - 18 Days

Welcome to the first day of our unforgettable European tour! This morning, we'll convene at the hotel in Amsterdam where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. Our journey begins as we head to our first destination: Ghent, Belgium. Known as one of Belgium's oldest cities, Ghent offers a treasure trove of history and charm to explore. You have free time this afternoon to discover the city at your own pace and perhaps find a charming spot for lunch.

Later, we’ll continue to Paris, where you'll experience the city's magic on an evening orientation tour. We'll drive by the city's iconic landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe, the River Seine, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Tonight, enjoy a delicious group dinner, indulging in Parisian cuisine.

Today is yours to explore the wonders of Paris at your leisure. For a quintessential Parisian experience, choose to join our optional excursions. Begin with the "Paris je t’aime" tour, featuring stunning city sights, a delightful macaron tasting at the renowned Ladurée, and a scenic cruise on the River Seine. Continue to the stylish Galeries Lafayette for a touch of high-end shopping, and enjoy some free time wandering the charming streets of the Latin Quarter.

This evening, consider the optional excursion to Montmartre, where you'll witness the iconic Moulin Rouge and indulge in a delicious three-course French meal. For those interested, the night could include an additional optional cabaret show for a truly memorable experience.

Depart from Paris to Toulouse, making a delightful stop in the medieval town of Cahors for a wine tasting. Admire the scenic journey with views of rolling fields, dense forests, and charming villages. In Cahors, sample robust regional red wines that showcase the area's winemaking heritage.

Continue to Toulouse, France's fourth-largest city, renowned for its Renaissance architecture and its location on the Compostela Pilgrimage route. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour to discover the highlights, including a remarkable 17th-century canal. This evening, we’ll enjoy a local dinner, offering a taste of Toulouse's culinary delights.

Today, we say farewell to Toulouse and head southwards, crossing the border into Andorra, one of Europe’s smallest nations. Here, you'll have some free time to find a place for lunch. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia.

In Barcelona, we delve into the city's renowned art and architecture. Visit the iconic Sagrada Família and explore more of Antoni Gaudí’s extraordinary creations. Our driving tour will take us to some of the city's top attractions, offering a rich taste of Barcelona’s unique charm.

Today is yours to explore at your own pace. For a quintessential Barcelona experience, consider joining our optional 'Highlights of Barcelona' excursion. We'll visit the iconic, still-unfinished Sagrada Família and the charming Palau Güell. Next, we wander through La Boqueria, a bustling market teeming with local flavours, before exploring the historic streets of Barrio Gótico, the city's Gothic Quarter.

Alternatively, you may prefer to relax, stroll along the beach, or indulge in some shopping. This evening, you have the option to attend a Flamenco Show, which includes a buffet dinner and unlimited drinks.

Bid farewell to Barcelona as we set off towards Avignon, with an engaging stop in Sète. While in this charming French port town, we’ll take an orientation walk to explore its famous canals, allowing you time to select a spot for lunch. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct from the first century AD, once vital for supplying water to the Roman colony of Nemausus.

Our journey continues to Avignon, nestled in the heart of Provence, which once served as the centre of the Roman Catholic world. This evening, you have the option to join our Evening in Avignon experience, featuring a delightful three-course meal with drinks. You’ll also embark on a guided tour of the town, where we will visit impressive landmarks like the Palais des Papes.

Today, we embark on a journey from Avignon to the stunning French Riviera, en route to Nice. Our first destination is the glamorous Monaco, where you have the afternoon to explore with your tour leader. Visit iconic sites such as the Prince's Palace, the Oceanography Museum, the Cathedral of Monaco, and the renowned Casino de Monte-Carlo.

Afterwards, we travel to the charming French village of Eze, where you'll partake in a workshop at the Fragonard perfume factory—a unique experience in the world of fragrance.

Finally, upon arrival in Nice, we'll have an orientation tour to familiarise ourselves with this beautiful coastal city. Highlights include the famous Promenade des Anglais, which offers stunning views of the Mediterranean.

Today, we journey inland towards Italy. Ensure your cameras are charged, as we'll be visiting the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa—perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. Afterwards, we continue to Florence, where we'll embark on an orientation tour to delve into the city's rich history. Marvel at landmarks from the Renaissance and even Roman times, including the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Florence Baptistry, and a replica of Michelangelo's David at the Palazzo della Signoria.

In the evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional family-style meal featuring delectable Tuscan dishes—a wonderful way to savour the local cuisine. Later, we'll make our way to the picturesque southern Tuscan hills, where we'll spend the night.

Today, we travel to the capital city. Once we arrive in Rome, a local guide will lead us on a walking tour through the heart of this magnificent city, once the epicentre of the Roman Empire. We'll visit iconic landmarks such as the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. This evening, enjoy a group dinner, included in your itinerary.

Today, enjoy free time to explore Rome at your leisure. The city offers a wealth of discoveries, from ancient ruins and historical landmarks to religious sites and a bustling atmosphere.

You might choose to join an optional excursion to the renowned Colosseum, where you'll step back into a world of gladiators and chariots. This tour also includes a visit to the Roman Forum. Alternatively, visit Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state and the seat of the Pope. Here, you can immerse yourself in the Vatican Museums, admire the Sistine Chapel, and revel in the grandeur of its ornate architecture.

Ensure you book these captivating excursions in advance, or consider the 'Eternal Rome' package, which combines both experiences in guided tours.

Today, we begin our journey in the Tuscan gem of Siena, renowned for its exquisite cuisine, exceptional wines, and captivating medieval architecture. It's also the site of the famous Palio horse race, a thrilling tradition dating back centuries.

After exploring Siena, we travel onward to Venice, a city celebrated in literature, film, and art. Known as the "Floating City," Venice offers a unique backdrop of historic canals, stunning art, and vibrant culture.

This evening, you're free to relax at the hotel or opt for an exhilarating water taxi cruise through the Venetian canals.

Spend a full day exploring the unforgettable city of Venice at your own pace. For a quintessential Venetian experience, you can opt for a gondola ride through the picturesque canals. Additionally, consider the optional lagoon trip to the vibrant islands of Murano and Burano, where you can witness traditional glass-blowing and lace-making demonstrations amidst the brightly coloured houses. For a truly remarkable day in Venice, we suggest participating in both excursions.

Today, we journey into the awe-inspiring Swiss Alps, entering Switzerland for the next stage of our adventure. Along the way, we stop at the picturesque city of Lucerne. Upon arrival, we’ll have an orientation tour to acquaint ourselves with the city, followed by some free time for you to explore independently.

Next, we continue our ascent towards the Jungfrau region, renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery. As we travel, admire the stunning mountain views unfolding around us. This evening, we'll gather for an included group dinner at our hotel, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and prepare for another exciting day in the Alps.

Today, we have the stunning Swiss Alps to explore. For an unforgettable experience, consider the optional Jungfraujoch excursion. This journey takes you to Europe’s highest train station, where you can admire breathtaking views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks throughout the year.

While there, be sure to visit the Ice Palace—a great spot for memorable photos. Later, at lower altitudes, you might opt for the Alpine Dinner Experience, available as an evening option.

Today, we journey from Switzerland to Germany, leaving behind the splendid alpine landscapes for the enchanting Black Forest. As we depart Interlaken by coach, prepare to be captivated by the scenic beauty en route.

We'll make a brief stop at Lake Titisee, perfect for capturing photos of its serene waters. Then, we continue to Triberg, a charming Black Forest town where you can choose a spot for lunch. Here, you'll also have the chance to see the world's largest cuckoo clock, a testament to the region's rich tradition of clockmaking.

Upon arriving in Freudenstadt, you’ll have free time to explore its impressive market square, the largest of its kind in Germany. In the evening, unwind at the hotel in the Black Forest region, where we'll share an included group dinner.

Today, we head into the heart of Germany’s Rhine Valley. Our first stop is the charming town of Saint Goar, where we board a cruise to Boppard. As we sail along the river, you'll admire striking scenery, including vibrant vineyards, captivating castles, and lush forested riverbanks.

Later, experience the Rhine Valley’s renowned wines, with a tasting session featuring celebrated varieties such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

Our day concludes with a journey to Amsterdam, a city pulsing with life and culture.

Start your day with a canal cruise in Amsterdam, offering a memorable perspective of the city’s charm and architecture. Afterwards, spend the day exploring at your leisure. Choose from visiting renowned museums, cycling through picturesque streets, relaxing in local cafes, or wandering along the scenic canals.

Alternatively, you might opt for an optional tour of the Dutch countryside, where you can visit the fishing village of Volendam, view the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans, and attend demonstrations at a local cheese farm and clog factory. In the evening, we’ll reconvene for an included farewell dinner.

This morning marks the end of our unforgettable 18-day journey across Europe. Enjoy one final breakfast with your fellow Europe Explorer travellers in Amsterdam. Before saying your goodbyes, consider exchanging contact information to share memories and photos from your adventure. We look forward to crossing paths on European roads once more.