Microstates Of Europe

Starting in Rome and ending in Antwerp, the "Microstates Of Europe" tour is a guided cultural, religious and historic sites trip that takes 20 days. You will visit Luxembourg City, Vatican City, Nice and 11 other destinations in 7 different countries. "Microstates Of Europe" is a small group tour which will include accommodation, transport, meals and others. See below for further details.

This unique San Marino, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra, Luxembourg & Vatican City tour gives an incredible overview of some of the hidden gems of Europe.

Join us as we explore the unique culture, history and scenery of these fascinating corners of Europe. These less sizable nations tend to remain under the radar, but each one boasts a distinct culture and myriad attractions and sights.

Most are so small that it is hard to even find them on a map, and few travellers know much about what they have to offer. We will examine the history, culture, and inner workings of these smallest independent countries in Europe.

These are among the oldest states on the continent and, despite their diversity, they have much in common.

Luxembourg - a landlocked country at the crossroads of Germanic and Latin cultures, and the largest of the European microstates. Both picturesque and romantic, Luxembourg has a wonderfully diverse topography.

Lush highlands and valleys merge with steep vineyards, riverside hamlets, pastel-toned houses and medieval hilltop castles. The UNESCO listed Old Town in Luxembourg City is an unexpected gem. We will stroll through the upper and lower parts of the city, and walk along the restored Wenceslas Wall and through the valley of the River Alzette.

Le Chemin de La Corniche - "Europe's most beautiful balcony" - is a pedestrian walkway built on the ramparts of the fortress-city.

Andorra - a natural fortress tucked away on the south side of the Pyrenees Mountains. This principality practically dwarfs its competitors, but it's still considered to be one of the world's smallest countries.

Located high in the mountains between France and Spain, Andorra consists mostly of mountainous terrain sliced by meandering rivers. The capital city is Andorra la Vella, and here we enjoy a tour of the Barri Antic (Old Quarter), one of the few parts of the capital that is still much as it was some centuries ago. Lined on either side by stone houses, the Old Quarter's streets are paved with cobblestones.

Liechtenstein - a pocket-sized principality nestled in the Alps, wedged between Switzerland and Austria. Many of Liechtenstein's buildings are medieval, Gothic, and baroque in style.

We will enjoy a walking tour of Vaduz - the capital and the seat of the national parliament. We tour the Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts and also head to the medieval town of Feldkirch, often referred to as the door that opens into Austria. Nearby is Appenzell in Switzerland, another step into the past. Delightfully quaint, this settlement with its old-fashioned houses seems caught in something of a time warp

Republic of San Marino - the world's oldest surviving republic, surrounded on all sides by Italy. Today, San Marino is the third smallest state in Europe after Monaco and Vatican City.

We explore the country's capital, with it's population of less than 5,000. This beautifully preserved medieval city is a delight with it's unsurpassed views and formidable towers. This truly is one of Europe's hidden gems and perhaps one of the most scenic of all microstates.

Monaco - located along the French Riviera and bounded by France and the Mediterranean Sea. This Principality has a reputation based on wealth - making money, spending it, and living the high life.

It seems almost unbelievable that a country this small could even have a border. Here we enjoy a guided tour of this City of Princes, including a visit to Casino Square and the Prince's Palace!

Vatican City - may be the world's smallest independent country, but its close proximity to Rome makes it almost synonymous with the eternal city.

Here we learn about the abundance of history, art and artifacts in the Vatican City which led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.