Europe's Enchanting Capitals and Countryside - 10 Days

On arrival in Frankfurt, we arrange your transfer to the hotel – the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel reception for details about the tour start, including timings and the meeting point. 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.

We travel from Frankfurt to the Rhine for a scenic cruise between Rüdesheim and St. Goar – the river’s most picturesque stretch. We then continue to Cologne to see its immense Gothic cathedral, before crossing into the Netherlands and arriving in Amsterdam in the evening.

A morning exploring classic Holland – we begin at Zaanse Schans, with its traditional houses, canals and windmills, then continue to the fishing village of Volendam. From here we take a short boat to Marken – once an island, now linked to the mainland by a fixed dyke – where houses were traditionally built on stilts to protect against flooding. Back in Amsterdam in the afternoon, we enjoy a guided city tour that brings together key sights: an iconic windmill and the Rembrandt statue, the contemporary feel of the South District, and the long-standing craft of diamond cutting around Museum Square. We finish at Central Station, where your guide will share practical tips so you can make the most of Amsterdam’s canals, street markets and cafés.

After breakfast we leave Amsterdam for Belgium, travelling just over 200 km to reach Brussels – the capital and home to major European institutions. Before the city centre we make a brief stop at the Atomium, the city’s most recognisable landmark. In the historic heart we admire the Grand Place, a fine example of Flemish Baroque, and stroll past the symbolic Manneken Pis. In the afternoon we continue into France, arriving in Paris at the end of the day.

We head to the Palace of Versailles – admission not included – renowned for its vast formal gardens. Returning to Paris, we explore Montmartre, the bohemian neighbourhood known for its artists and cabarets. We then take a panoramic tour with a local guide to see the city’s grand avenues and major monuments, before returning to the hotel. In the evening, you can choose to attend an optional variety show.

We start the day in central Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower – tickets included – where we go up to the second floor, followed by a relaxing cruise on the Seine. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. At around 16:00 we depart Paris for Normandy, arriving in Rouen. You’ll have free time to wander the historic centre, which dates back to Roman times and features medieval architecture and an impressive Gothic cathedral. Note: if wait times at the Eiffel Tower are too long, we may reschedule the visit to a different time – or on Sunday – for your convenience.

We begin with time to stroll through central Rouen – then travel north through France to the coast and cross the English Channel by ferry. On arrival in England, we reach Canterbury – the country’s ecclesiastical centre, known for its historic centre – before continuing to London. You’ll have free time around Tower Bridge – one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – before we head to the hotel.

We discover London on a panoramic tour with a local guide, taking in landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames and Buckingham Palace – and, depending on the date, we may see the Changing of the Guard. In the evening, we meet in Piccadilly for a guided stroll through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho – lively areas known for their theatres and nightlife. You can choose a restaurant for dinner before we return to the hotel.

After breakfast, we visit the British Museum – one of the world’s oldest and most renowned – to take in its vast collection of artefacts from around the globe. Around lunchtime, we provide a transfer to Camden, celebrated for its vibrant market, where you can browse stalls showcasing diverse cultures. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace.

After breakfast, we conclude our tour in London – our services end here. You can continue your onward journey at your own pace.