Grand European Cities Adventure Tour - 20 Days

Upon arriving in Paris, we will organise your transfer to the hotel, where you'll have some leisure time to unwind and explore at your own pace. This afternoon, please check the hotel reception for information regarding the start of our journey together. Feel free to relax and soak up the vibrant Parisian atmosphere, setting the tone for the adventures ahead. 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, we delve into the fascinating history of France with a visit to the splendid Palace of Versailles. Known for its intricate gardens and architectural grandeur, this is a remarkable site to explore (please note that admission is not included). Upon returning to Paris, we will head to Montmartre, a delightful bohemian district celebrated for its vibrant artistic scene, including painters and cabarets. To take in the full magnificence of the city, we will embark on a panoramic city tour guided by a local expert, showcasing Paris's grand avenues and renowned landmarks. After a day of discovery, we will return to the hotel. In the evening, you have the option to enhance your experience with a variety show, sure to add a touch of Parisian entertainment to your night.

On our third day, we’ll dive into the heart of Paris with a visit to the world-famous Eiffel Tower. You’ll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this iconic iron structure, with entrance tickets included. Following this, we’ll unwind with a delightful boat cruise on the River Seine, lasting about an hour and fifteen minutes, providing a unique perspective of the city's enchanting landmarks. You’ll then have the afternoon free to explore Paris at your pace. Please keep in mind that the transfer back to the hotel is not included. Note that if the queues at the Eiffel Tower are lengthy, we may adjust the timing of our visit to ensure a more comfortable experience for you, possibly rescheduling for a later time or even on Sunday if necessary.

On Day 4, we embark on a scenic journey through the heart of France's renowned Bourgogne region, celebrated for its picturesque vineyards and exceptional wines. Our first stop is in Beaune, a delightful town in the centre of Burgundy, known for its flower-adorned streets, historic hospice, and wine museum. Here, you’ll have free time to savour lunch and wander through the charming surroundings at your own pace.

Following this, we proceed to Lyon, a city steeped in history and once the capital of Roman Gaul, elegantly positioned along the banks of the Rhône River. Lyon's historical centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into its rich past. We take a cable car ride up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, where we are treated to breathtaking views of the city below. Afterwards, enjoy some leisure time to explore Lyon further at your own rhythm.

Should your itinerary include a stay in Chambéry – a city near Lyon with a charming medieval essence – our evening will be spent there. In Chambéry, you will have time in the morning to discover its scenic historic centre and magnificent castle, nestled within the capital of the Savoy region.

Today, we journey from Lyon across the Swiss border to the city of Geneva, renowned for hosting the European headquarters of the United Nations. We will tour the city, passing important landmarks such as the Palace of Nations. Take a stroll through the charming English Garden, where you'll see the famous flower clock and the towering Jet d'Eau fountain, the tallest in Europe. After lunch, our Swiss adventure continues as we travel past the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva and Lake Neuch?tel. As we traverse the stunning Three Lakes region, you can admire the rolling vineyards set against a majestic mountainous backdrop. We will make a stop in Neuch?tel, giving you time to wander by the lake, explore the historic town centre, or visit the impressive 10th-century castle. Our adventure concludes in Zurich, where we arrive in the late afternoon. Note: Depending on the size of our group, the segment from Geneva to Zurich may be completed by train, which would not include a stop in Neuch?tel.

We will explore Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and a prominent hub for finance and culture. Known for its banking excellence, Zurich has been twice acclaimed as the city with the highest quality of life in the world. Our journey begins with a thorough exploration of the city, led by our guide. Following this, we'll embark on a delightful two-hour cruise around Lake Zurich, pausing briefly at charming villages that dot the shoreline. Our cruise concludes in Rapperswil, a picturesque town famous for its medieval castle. From there, we'll return to Zurich by train, offering a chance to experience the renowned punctuality and efficiency of the Swiss railways. Please note that, depending on group size, transfers to and from the city centre may utilise public transport.

Today's journey promises awe-inspiring views of towering mountains and pristine lakes. We will travel through the picturesque Interlaken region, starting with a stop in Grindelwald. Here, you can take a break for a comforting coffee before we ascend the mountain via cable car. At the top, we will follow a winding path leading to a suspended bridge. Adventurous souls can traverse the bridge for breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers. A delicious lunch awaits us on the mountain, included in the day's programme. After descending, we move on to Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities. Here, you will have time to wander through the charming streets and soak in the city’s delightful atmosphere. We will wrap up our day's adventures by returning to Zurich. Your guide will present an optional full-day excursion for those interested: after some time in Lucerne, you could take a rotating cable car ride to the summit of Mount Titlis, where at over 3,000 metres above sea level, the view of the glacier and Alps is simply stunning.

We’ll depart Zurich early, making our way across the Alps to the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, famous for its trio of medieval castles that are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Set splendidly on the hills, these castles serve as a historic reminder of Bellinzona’s strategic importance as an alpine stronghold. Enjoy some time to explore the quaint streets of the town centre. Then, we'll venture into Italy, stopping in Como for lunch. Known as the jewel of Lombardy, Como boasts picturesque lakeside gardens and a magnificent cathedral. Our journey will continue to Milan, where our guide will lead us to the stunning Piazza del Duomo. Here, you’ll have some time to wander before we transfer you to your hotel.

Our adventure continues as we journey from Milan to Pisa. Upon arrival in Pisa, we will take a charming tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you will have the opportunity to admire the stunning architecture of one of Italy's most famous landmarks, including the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. After taking in the sights, we will set off for Rome, arriving later in the day. Relax and reflect on the day's sights as we make our way to the storied capital of Italy.

In the morning, we'll embark on a three-hour guided exploration of Rome, one of the world's most ancient and impactful cities. Our tour commences with a stroll through Imperial Rome, complemented by a panoramic bus journey offering insights into the city's storied past. Among the landmarks we will explore are the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant'Angelo. The morning tour will conclude around 11:00 a.m. at Vatican City. After the tour, an optional excursion is available for those interested in visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. As the day winds down, we'll provide a transfer to Rome's Trastevere district, celebrated for its inviting restaurants and vibrant atmosphere. Return to the hotel is scheduled for around 8:30 p.m.

Today, we depart from Rome, travelling northwards to embrace the lovely landscapes en route to Florence. Our first stop offers a spectacular view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, a perfect introduction to Florence’s enchanting skyline. As we descend into the city's historic heart, you’ll have time for lunch before joining us on a guided walking tour led by a knowledgeable local. We’ll explore key sites like the elegant Ponte Vecchio, the impressive Duomo, and the vibrant Piazza della Signoria, feeling as if we are wandering through an open-air museum. After the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to discover Florence further at your own leisure. In the evening, the district spoils you for choice with its diverse array of dining options where you can enjoy international cuisine.

Today, we continue our journey across the picturesque landscapes of the Apennine Mountains. Arriving in Venice, we’ll take a boat across the Giudecca Canal, providing a unique perspective of this iconic city built on water. Once on the Island of Venice, a local guide will lead us through the enchanting St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice, known for its stunning Byzantine architecture. You will then have the opportunity to visit the Murano Glass Factory, where you can observe skilled artisans at work, demonstrating the intricate process of glassmaking—a tradition that dates back centuries. After the tour, enjoy some free time to wander through the charming alleyways and canals at your leisure. Our accommodation tonight will be in the Mestre district, a short distance from the island, offering a perfect base to explore both mainland and island treasures.

We begin our day departing from Venice as we set our sights on Austria. Our first stop is Innsbruck, where you'll have some time to wander through the charming historic city centre and savour a delightful Austrian lunch. Following lunch, we continue our journey through the breathtaking mountain scenery towards Kitzbühel. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this picturesque village, known for its renowned ski resort where snow can often be enjoyed throughout the year. We then proceed to Salzburg, arriving by the end of the day. In the event of a smaller group of travellers, our route may shift from road to rail, taking a train from Venice to Innsbruck.

Today, we'll delve into the enchanting city of Salzburg, renowned as the birthplace of Mozart. The city's Renaissance and Baroque architecture nestles beneath the shadow of its impressive fortress, offering a picturesque backdrop. Later, we'll traverse scenic landscapes of lakes and mountains to the charming town of St. Wolfgang, a well-known pilgrimage destination in Austria. Our journey continues to Traunkirchen, beautifully located by Lake Traunsee. Here, we'll embark on a lake cruise that provides an opportunity to admire four stunning castles lining the shores. Finally, we'll disembark in Gmunden before heading off to Vienna, where we'll arrive by evening.

Today, we'll enjoy a panoramic tour of Vienna, showcasing its grand avenues, stunning palaces, expansive parks, and lively city centre with the expertise of a local guide. Following the tour, you'll be free to explore this magnificent city at your own pace—perhaps visit some of its renowned museums or indulge in local culinary delights. In the evening, we include a transfer to the Grinzing district, a quaint wine-growing area now enveloped by the city, famous for its traditional taverns. You're encouraged to enjoy an evening meal at one of these charming establishments in Grinzing.

We begin our travels today heading to the vibrant city of Budapest, Hungary's captivating capital. With a journey of about three hours, we make our way to the lively Váci utca district, where you'll have the chance to enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst its bustling atmosphere. From here, we invite you to join us for an included boat trip on the Danube River, where you can take in the spectacular vistas that differentiate historic Buda from cosmopolitan Pest. Following this scenic river journey, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Budapest, often heralded as the "Queen of the Danube," allowing you to explore the city’s rich heritage. After the tour, you'll have some free time to continue your own discovery of Budapest’s beautiful landmarks. For those interested in experiencing the local culture further, we offer an optional evening excursion to enjoy a traditional Magyar show, complete with dinner.

Today, we depart Budapest, making our way to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. This charming city on the banks of the Danube boasts an inviting historic centre, perfect for a leisurely stroll and a bite to eat. After exploring Bratislava, we journey to Prague, arriving by evening. Once in the Czech capital, we will transfer you to the Old Town Square. This vibrant area offers a perfect introduction to the city, with its lively ambience and a plethora of dining options. You can choose to dine from a variety of international cuisines, including Czech, Chinese, Indian, and Italian. After an enriching evening in the square, we'll head back to the hotel for the night.

Today, we dive into the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, celebrated as a Baroque masterpiece of Europe. Our day begins with a guided panoramic tour, during which our knowledgeable local guide will introduce us to the city’s most remarkable landmarks. We’ll visit Prague Castle, with your entrance included, offering you the chance to explore the storied history and stunning architecture of this majestic complex. Following the castle visit, we'll take a leisurely boat ride on the Vltava River—also included—offering a unique perspective of the city from the water. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing you to delve deeper into the city’s charm, whether that means meandering through quaint streets, visiting local cafés, or discovering hidden gems at your own pace.

We depart early from Prague and make our way to Pilsen, located in western Bohemia, a city famed for its beer. You'll have the opportunity to explore its historic centre, featuring attractions like the Old Town Square, the elegant cathedral, the Plague Column, and a town hall dating back to the Renaissance. Crossing the border into Germany, we continue along a segment of the Romantic Road, renowned for scenic beauty. Our destination is Rothenburg, a picturesque town that seems to be plucked from the pages of a fairy tale and is often regarded as one of Germany's most charming villages. Following our visit, we proceed to Frankfurt, Germany’s financial hub. Arriving in the evening, you'll have some free time to explore the historic city centre, where a wide selection of restaurants offers a choice of Indian, Asian, Italian, and international cuisines.

As your journey concludes in Frankfurt, we hope you've created a multitude of cherished memories from all the fascinating places you’ve explored. After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell, carrying with you the experiences and highlights of your adventure. Safe travels as you continue on to your next destination, and we hope to see you on another journey soon.