Europe Jewel Christmas & New Year

Are you ready to kick off this captivating Christmas and New Year tour of Europe? Today, the seasonal experiences begin in Amsterdam after meeting up with your tour leader and group. Two Dutch staples are first up on the attractions list – cheese and clogs! After a demonstration of how these Dutch classics are made, enjoy a visit to Zaanse Schans, known for its iconic windmills and historic wooden houses. This afternoon, journey to Volendam and enjoy lunch and free time to explore before heading back to Amsterdam. Experience the city from the best vantage point – its canals! Watch the sights pass you by as you enjoy dinner onboard.

Visit a new country today! After breakfast, cross the German border en route to the breathtaking Rhine Valley. Upon arrival, savour a wine tasting at Boppard and board a riverboat to St Goar. Marvel at the picturesque views as you cruise and pay special attention to the section that's home to the most concentrated stretch of medieval castles in the entire Europe! Back on land, visit a captivating stein and cuckoo clock workshop. Arrive at this evening's accommodation before enjoying an included dinner at the hotel with the group.

Journey to Prague through Nuremberg today and enjoy a rest stop in this Bavarian city en route. This city used to be the residence of many German kings over the centuries and is also considered a pinnacle of architecture and art. After extensive damage during WWII, this city has been tenaciously rebuilt to reflect some of its former self. Next, journey to the beautiful city of Prague, known for ornate Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture. This lively city is home to many clubs, cobbled streets and charming squares. It's also renowned for its beer and local art scene, so you're bound to find something exciting around each turn. This evening, celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive group dinner!

The Czech Republic wishes you a Veselé Vánoce ! This morning, start the festivities with a guided walking tour around the fairytale city of Prague. A local guide will teach you more about some of the top attractions, including Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Spend Christmas Day discovering the best of picturesque Prague! Choose to join the Prague+ optional excursion for a tour of the Prague Castle complex and the enchanting Mala Strana neighbourhood before enjoying a cruise on the Vltava River including a buffet lunch. This evening, you have the option to take part in a true Czech experience, complete with traditional cuisine, folk music and dancing!

Today, Vienna awaits! Journey to the capital of Austria with a stop in Bratislava, the Slovakian capital, en route. Bratislava is a truly captivating city, with marvellous mountains, vineyards, ski slopes and unbridled nature on the one hand and an impressive medieval castle overlooking the old town as well as Socialist-era architecture on the other. Up next is Vienna! Upon arrival in this UNESCO-listed Austrian capital, embark on a guided walking tour of the stunning city centre. Marvel at the top attractions such as the Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This evening, enjoy dinner in a historical Viennese wine cellar before choosing to join the optional orchestra performance excursion in the Schönbrunn Palace Orangery!

Today, leave Vienna behind and journey onwards to the stunning capital of Hungary, Budapest! Located astride the Danube River, this is truly a spectacular city with a blend of natural beauty and impressive architecture, including Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau. Arrive in Budapest and embark on a locally-guided driving tour of the city. Start on the Buda side of the Danube and see marvellous sights such as the Houses of Parliament. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the city to wander at leisure. This evening's optional dinner cruise on the Danube river comes highly recommended!

Say goodbye to Budapest and journey towards the widely popular holiday destination of Lake Balaton in Hungary! It's considered central Europe's largest lake, with around 200km of shoreline. Up next is a stop in Maribor, Slovenia. Enjoy a short orientation tour and a delicious local wine tasting before free time for lunch. Today's final stop is the capital of Slovenia - Ljubljana. It's a world of its own, comprising a fairytale castle, dreamy architecture and boundless natural beauty! Join an expert local guide on a walking tour of the top sights. Next, enjoy free time or make the most of this stunning capital city on the optional Taste of Ljubljana excursion; an unmissable exploration of local wine and traditional cuisine!

Say a final farewell to Slovenia with the option to visit Postojna Cave, one of the country's must-see wonders, before crossing into Venice, Italy. Nicknamed the "Floating City", this unmissable destination is known worldwide for its stunning canals, Gondola rides and masterworks of art. Not to mention its famous landmarks such as Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco and Palazzo Ducale. This destination is bound to capture your heart and leave you with lasting memories! This evening, explore during some free time or take the opportunity to head out on the Venetian canals for a Gondola ride and water taxi trip on the An Evening in Venice optional excursion!

The hills of Tuscany are calling today! Journey towards Florence and soak up the scenery en route. Once in Florence, marvel at the panoramic city views from Piazzale Michelangelo. Meet up with an expert local guide for a guided walk through the city. Tick top historical landmarks off your bucket list, all of which will be even more magical during the festive season! Learn more about the Renaissance history of Florence before attending a leather-making demonstration to see fine Italian leather being crafted. This evening, tuck into a traditional Italian meal at a local restaurant before spending the night in a Tuscan countryside hotel.

Today, leave Tuscany behind and travel towards the mountains! But first, enjoy a photo stop at arguably one of the world's best-known buildings, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Have your cameras ready and get creative with vantage points to look like you're "holding" it up. Next, it's time to journey into the Alps. After crossing the Swiss border and soaking up the scenic drive, arrive in a quaint Swiss Alpine town where the tour touches down for the night to celebrate the arrival of the new year! Enjoy an idyllic New Year's Eve with the group in the breathtaking Swiss Alps!

Happy New Year in the stunning Swiss Alps! Hit the new year running by enjoying the grandeur of the Alps on today's free day. Spend the day as you wish; why not stroll through the local villages and along the crystal-clear lakes? Or, strap in for some skiing if you're brave! For the ultimate Alps experience, join today's optional excursion - it's one of the most popular on tour! Journey to the top of Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station, for the most striking views of the ever-snowy mountain peaks. What a way to ring in the new year. This evening, enjoy a cosy end to the day by joining the optional Swiss fondue dinner!

Say so long to Switzerland because it's time to peruse Paris! After an early start, journey along the French countryside and admire the views before this afternoon's arrival in Paris. Get ready to take some incredible photos of the "City of Lights"! Enjoy a driving tour of the top attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Afterwards, enjoy an included group dinner at a Parisian restaurant. After a true taste of French cuisine, travel back to the hotel and rest up for an exciting day tomorrow.

Seize the opportunity to soak up the ambience of Paris at leisure today! Or, for the ultimate immersion into the city, join today's Paris+ optional excursion. Visit a world-renowned macaron shop, delight your senses at a parfumerie and hop aboard a River Seine cruise for unmatched city views. Lastly, soak up the incredible vistas from the Montparnasse Tower and visit the Latin Quarter. After the excursion, the city still has much to explore! Why not join an optional evening in Montmartre? This vibrant village is home to the Moulin Rouge! End the day by choosing to join an authentic Paris Cabaret. Ce'st la vie en rose!

After two weeks of festive fun, this tour comes to an exciting end today with a last stop in one more country! Bid Paris “ adieu” and journey to Ghent, Belgium. Here, use your free time to explore the medieval city or grab lunch. Next, continue onwards to Amsterdam - the tour's final stop. Remember to exchange contact details with your newfound tour family before parting ways! We hope this Christmas and New Year tour of Europe made all of your festive dreams come true.