Europe Jewel

Welcome to Amsterdam, the beginning of the Europe Jewel tour! This morning, meet up with your tour leader and start the adventure with a visit to a local cheese farm. Witness a demonstration of traditional cheese-making and clog-making methods before enjoying free time for lunch in Volendam, a picturesque lakeside town. Then, head to Zaanse Schans, renowned for its historic windmills and wooden houses. Return to Amsterdam for a complimentary canal cruise, an ideal introduction to the city! End the day with a delightful group dinner.

The tour makes its way to the charming Rhine Valley in Germany today! Upon arrival, visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting. Sample local wines and, if the weather has been good during harvest, you may even get to sample eiswein , a sweet dessert wine that can only be harvested during below-freezing temperatures. Then, embark on a scenic riverboat journey from Boppard to St. Goar. Admire the highest concentration of Gothic castles in all of Europe lining the riverbanks, making this cruise an unforgettable experience!

Today, the tour journeys to Prague! First, enjoy a visit to Nuremberg, a beautiful Bavarian city rebuilt after WW2. Later, arrive in Prague and embark on a walking tour with a local guide to discover the city’s stunning architecture, quirky bars, and cobbled lanes. Known for its beer and abundance of art, Prague is full of cultural highlights to experience! Tonight, enjoy a group dinner and savour authentic Czech cuisine!

Discover more of Prague’s charm on today’s free day and see why it is often described as Central Europe's gem. Join the optional Prague+ tour to delve into the city's rich history and magnificent sights. Witness the dramatic architecture of this city reflected in its stunning churches, concert halls, opera houses, and Prague Castle. Head out on this afternoon’s Prague Tastes & Tales to uncover Prague’s history and enjoy a premier Slivovitz distillery tasting tour. Tonight, immerse yourself in Czech culture with an optional evening of traditional Czech food, music, and dance!

Travel towards the grandeur of Vienna today, visiting Bratislava, the Capital of Slovakia, along the way. Bratislava is surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs, and untamed wilderness, making it a sight to see! Explore the city's medieval castle and unique Socialist architecture before continuing to Vienna. Later, arrive in Austria's grand capital and set off on a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed city centre. Discover the city’s top sights such as the Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner before choosing to experience the magic of Vienna with an optional orchestra performance in the stunning Schönbrunn Palace Orangery!

Leaving Vienna behind, the tour makes its way to Budapest, Hungary's captivating capital. Straddling the Danube River, the city boasts a unique blend of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architecture. Upon arrival, embark on a driving tour led by a local guide through Budapest's historic heart. Start by exploring the Buda side, catching glimpses of the Houses of Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica, and other landmarks. The afternoon is yours to discover the city at your own pace. In the evening, consider an optional dinner cruise along the Danube for a magical way to end your Budapest experience!

Depart from Budapest and journey to Lake Balaton, Hungary's iconic holiday destination. With nearly 200km of shoreline, it is the largest lake in central Europe and a popular summer holiday spot for locals! Next, visit Maribor in Slovenia and enjoy free time for lunch. The final stop is Ljubljana, Slovenia's captivating capital. Discover its fairytale castle, stunning architecture, and natural wonders on a guided walking tour led by a local expert. Afterward, join the optional excursion to delve deeper into Ljubljana's delights and savour traditional Slovenian cuisine before returning to the hotel for the night.

Make one more stop before leaving Slovenia. Make a stop in Postojna for an exciting optional guided tour through the spellbinding Postojna Cave. Next, enchanting Venice Awaits! Immerse yourself in this city immortalised for centuries in literature, film, and art. With its timeless canals and artistic treasures (denser than anywhere on Earth!), Venice is a feast for the senses and will surely capture your heart. Discover its charm and visit iconic landmarks like the world-famous Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco and Palazzo Ducale during your free time! Don't miss the chance to experience Venice from the water on the An Evening in Venice optional excursion. This excursion includes a water taxi cruise, gondola ride and delicious Italian dinner.

Farewell, Venice! Embrace the allure of the hills of Tuscany as the tour heads to Florence today. En route, admire the scenic countryside before arriving at Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of the city. Then, embark on a captivating walking tour led by a local guide, discovering Florence's rich Renaissance history and ancient Roman landmarks. Witness a traditional leather-making demonstration before enjoying free time this afternoon. This evening, indulge in a traditional Italian meal at a local restaurant in Florence. Later, travel to the tranquil Tuscan countryside for tonight’s overnight accommodation.

Today, leave Tuscany behind and journey to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Capture memorable photos and learn about its intriguing story before continuing to the majestic Swiss Alps. Breathe in the crisp mountain air as the tour winds through scenic landscapes, and admire snow-capped peaks and lush greenery along the way. Arrive at the Swiss Alps accommodation, nestled in a picturesque village, and indulge in an included group dinner tonight!

Embrace the beauty of the Swiss Alps on today’s free day! Enjoy a leisurely stroll through charming villages or along pristine lakes. Consider the Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe optional excursion to visit Europe's highest train station. Delight in snow activities (it’s always a snow day atop Jungfraujoch!), explore the Sphinx Observatory and the Ice Palace and marvel at glacier vistas on this optional trip. This evening, opt for a classic Swiss fondue dinner experience for the perfect end to a day in the Swiss Alps!

It’s an early start to the day as the tour heads for Paris! Upon arrival, get ready to explore the City of Lights on a captivating driving tour. See the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Capture these Parisian gems and take note of places to explore on tomorrow's free day! This evening, enjoy an included group dinner at a local restaurant before travelling to the hotel later tonight.

Immerse yourself in the Parisian charm on this free day! Join the Paris+ optional excursion to uncover the city's highlights and partake in Parisian delights. Visit a renowned macaron shop, tour a perfume museum, embark on a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River, and ascend the Montparnasse Tower for panoramic views. Afterward, wander the romantic streets of Montmartre and savour a Parisian dinner. Complete the evening with an optional cabaret show for a perfect day in Paris!

Today is the final day of this Europe Jewel tour! Sit back and relax as the tour travels to today's first stop, the Belgian city of Ghent. Enjoy free time here to explore the medieval city centre and grab a bite to eat. Afterward, journey back to Amsterdam, where the tour comes to an end. Don't forget to swap contact details with your newfound friends before heading home!