Ultimate Europe

Welcome to your 26-day Ultimate Europe tour! This morning, check into the hotel before making a stop at a local farm for a traditional cheese and clog-making demonstration. Next, explore the charming fishing village of Volendam and enjoy free time for lunch. Then, discover the picturesque neighbourhood of Zaanse Schans for a glimpse of classic Dutch scenery. Afterwards, return to Amsterdam for a canal cruise and see the city’s top sights from the water. Enjoy a two-course dinner onboard as you cruise!

Embrace Amsterdam's charm with a full day of exploration, by foot or by bike, it's your choice! Spend the day in the city wandering through famous museums like the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum, meander through the flower market, or unwind in one of the parks. For art enthusiasts, the MOCO Museum is a must-visit as it houses contemporary art from renowned artists such as Banksy, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, and much more! End the day by joining the optional Diversely Dutch Dinner for a two-course taste of popular international dishes and an included wine tasting.

Continue to Germany today and enjoy the scenic countryside views on your coach journey to Berlin, the vibrant capital brimming with history and energy! From its tumultuous past, Berlin has emerged as a beacon of positivity, offering an array of historic landmarks, museums, cultural hubs, and nightlife to explore. Look forward to discovering the city’s remnants of the Cold War alongside modern marvels during tomorrow's free day. Arrive in Berlin in the late afternoon and embark on a walking tour to take in the city’s views before enjoying a lively dinner at a beer hall this evening.

Berlin is yours to explore today! Visit the city’s iconic sites such as the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz, the Reichstag, and Checkpoint Charlie. Opt for the Berlin+ excursion to discover this vibrant city with your tour leader and see the East Side Gallery, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, and explore the hidden sites of Hackescher Markt. Don’t miss the chance to taste traditional currywurst and view the city from the iconic Berlin TV Tower! Alternatively, spend the day as you wish, wandering the city at your own pace.

Bid farewell to Berlin and journey to the Czech Republic today! En route, make a stop in Dresden, a historic German town. After being meticulously rebuilt after the damage of WW2, the city has been reborn and today it stands as an immaculate and stylish German city. Enjoy free time exploring Dresden's charm and indulge in local bratwurst before continuing eastward to the Czech Republic. Arrive in Prague and set off on a walking tour with a local guide. Discover iconic landmarks like Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. Tonight, sample authentic Czech cuisine at a local restaurant.

Unveil Prague’s magic during a free day in the city today! From historic castles to picturesque bridges, the city exudes both wisdom and youthful vigour. Join the Prague+ tour to see more of the city. Enjoy a scenic river cruise with lunch and a guided tour of the Prague Castle. End the day with the Traditional Czech Folk Evening optional for an evening of folk music and dancing!

The European adventures continue today with a visit to the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava! Enjoy an orientation tour of the old town and free time to explore at your own pace before journeying to the next destination, Vienna, Austria. Known as the “City of Music”, this city is famed for being home to great composers such as Beethoven and Mozart! Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour to discover the UNESCO-listed city centre, Golden Mile, Imperial Castle, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Admire the impressive architecture and unique cultural heritage of this captivating city before enjoying an included dinner with the group tonight. After, choose to experience a classical music concert in the exquisite Schönbrunn Palace Orangery.

Say goodbye to Austria this morning and travel to Slovenia's fairytale capital, Ljubljana. Upon arrival, discover this picturesque city with charming bridges, a hilltop castle, and stunning Baroque, Gothic, and medieval architecture on a guided walking tour. Then, cross the border into Italy, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery en route to Venice. Experience the allure of the "floating city", renowned for its canals, gondolas, and traditional crafts of glass-blowing and lace-making before unwinding at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. For an enchanting end to the evening, consider joining the "Venice by Night" optional excursion.

Look forward to a full free day in Venice! See highlights such as the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, and the Grand Canal as you explore on your own. Alternatively, join the optional excursion to the colourful islands of Murano and Burano to witness how Venetian lace is made and watch traditional glass-blowing in action. Why not end the day with an optional gondola ride through Venice's enchanting waterways? This is the quintessential way to see Venice!

Swap Venice's charm for Rome's grandeur as the tour continues with the Italian leg today! Enjoy a scenic drive through the Italian countryside before arriving in Rome, the Italian capital. Embrace Rome’s vibrant energy and delve into the city's history on an evening walking tour with a local guide. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Roman Forum, and the majestic Colosseum. End the day with an included dinner, savouring the flavours of Italy with your fellow travellers.

Rome is yours to explore today! Take advantage of this free day in the “Eternal City” to delve further into its rich culture and history. Continue exploring the city’s historic attractions and ancient sights at leisure or join the Eternal Rome optional excursion! Discover the iconic Colosseum and impressive Roman Forum ruins. Then, venture to Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, to visit the pope’s official residence. Here, you can discover its museums, galleries, and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo's masterpieces. You could also choose to either visit just the Colosseum & Roman Forum or the Vatican. Bellissimo! Be sure to book these excursions prior to the start of the tour.

Indulge in another free day in Rome! Today’s optional excursion offers a fascinating insight into some of Rome’s most stunning hidden sights, including the opulent Galleria Doria Pamphil. Or, set off on your own. Continue wandering through the historical streets of the city and its surroundings finding hidden gems. Embrace the Italian tradition of dolce far niente or “sweet idleness”, and savour the leisurely pace of life. Tonight, why not treat yourself to a relaxing dinner at a local trattoria?

Enjoy the last breakfast in Rome before departing for Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region! Upon arrival, immerse yourself in this Renaissance gem on a tour of the city led by a local guide. Explore Florence's rich heritage, marvelling at iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and a replica of Michelangelo's statue of David. After the tour, delve into the artistry of Italian leather with a demonstration at a local workshop. This evening, indulge in the Taste of Tuscany optional experience before retiring to the accommodation in Montecatini Terme, nestled in the scenic Tuscan hills, for the night.

France is calling! But before saying bonjour to the next country, pause for a photo opportunity at Italy's iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. This UNESCO Site attracts countless visitors annually, all eager to capture a snapshot with this famous landmark. Take in the final glimpses of the Italian countryside before crossing into the South of France. Welcome to the French Riviera! Visit the charming coastal town of Eze and enjoy a perfume workshop before travelling to Monaco. Here, enjoy a guided tour and discover this tiny principality’s grandeur. Tick off highlights including the Prince’s Palace and the famous Monte Carlo! Arrive in Nice, dive into an orientation tour and relish some free time in this splendid French city tonight!

Indulge in the opulence of the French Riviera today! After breakfast, enjoy an orientation tour of Nice with your tour leader and explore the sights and attractions that make Nice a widely popular city on the French Riviera. Nice has plenty on offer for travellers, from a lively atmosphere and delectable cuisine to stunning beaches! Meander on the iconic Promenade des Anglais to spot top sights like the Avenue Jean Médecin, the Fontaine du Soleil, Jardin Albert I and more! Explore at leisure for the rest of the day. Make the most of your time in Nice by joining the Exquisite Nice optional excursion, including a guided tour of the Old Town, stunning scenery and delectable local cuisine!

Barcelona beckons today! Along the way, make a stop in the charming town of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historic architecture and connections with artists like Van Gogh. Then, continue travelling to the captivating capital of Catalonia. Upon arrival in Barcelona, take a scenic driving tour to catch glimpses of iconic landmarks such as La Sagrada Família and Las Ramblas, marking places to explore further on your upcoming free day. Later, head to the hotel for the next few nights, check in, and gather for an included group dinner to kick off your stay in Barcelona!

Today is for fiestas , tapas, and embracing all things Barcelona! Enjoy the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. Wander through Barcelona's streets and marvel at more of Gaudí's whimsical architectural wonders like Park Guell and Casa Batllo. Take a leisurely stroll along Las Ramblas, where vibrant market stalls, street performers, and cosy cafés await. Alternatively, venture beyond the city limits and join the Montserrat optional experience, journeying to a mountain monastery north of Barcelona for a day of exploration. Don't forget to indulge in some delectable Spanish tapas and share the experience with your fellow travellers this evening. With so much to see and do, Barcelona promises an unforgettable adventure!

Hola! Get ready for another free day to uncover Barcelona as you wish. Dive into the city's rich history and culture by exploring museums and art galleries in its historic centres. Indulge in some retail therapy at Europe's finest shopping destinations. Football fans can visit Camp Nou, home of Barcelona FC. Relax on Barcelona's picturesque beaches or set sail on a tour along the stunning coastline. For a deeper dive into the city, consider joining your tour leader for the Highlights of Barcelona optional excursion, featuring the iconic Sagrada Família. Tonight, immerse yourself in Spanish culture with the optional Flamenco show and dinner excursion — a vibrant display of passion, energy, and authentic fiesta spirit that you won't want to miss!

This morning, say adios to Barcelona as the tour travels back to France! Enjoy a trip through the picturesque French countryside with stops in Sète, nestled on the coast, and at the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard. This historic aqueduct, constructed by Ancient Rome in the first century AD, stands as a testament to ancient engineering prowess, dating back over 2,000 years. Next, arrive in Avignon, affectionately known as the "City of Popes" and delve into its rich history on an orientation tour. During the tour, admire its well-preserved architecture and fortifications, including the iconic Papal Palace and other significant religious landmarks. Tonight, enjoy an included group dinner and embrace the opportunity to explore Avignon at your own pace!

The tour makes its way to Switzerland today for some Swiss bliss! Journey towards the majestic Swiss Alps, with a delightful stopover in Geneva along the way. This vibrant city is home to the United Nations and Red Cross headquarters and offers picturesque vistas of Lake Geneva. Take advantage of free time here for lunch before continuing to the Swiss Alps region. Admire the breathtaking mountain landscapes aboard the coach, where every turn reveals stunning vistas of forests, alpine lakes, and rugged peaks. Arrive in the Swiss mountain village and check into the hotel. Tonight, enjoy a hearty Swiss dinner, followed by an opportunity to explore the village at leisure. Rest up for more mountain escapades awaiting you tomorrow!

Get set for a fun-filled day in the Swiss Alps! Join the top-rated “Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe” optional excursion for year-round snow, and unforgettable memories. Enjoy a trip to the highest train station in Europe with breathtaking vistas at every turn, and be sure to have your cameras handy to capture the awe-inspiring mountain scenery. Alternatively, for those preferring lower altitudes, venture into a local village to gain insight into the Swiss way of life. End the day with another delicious meal by joining the optional Swiss fondue dinner tonight!

Take in the final Alpine vistas before bidding Switzerland adieu today! This morning, the tour sets course for Germany, with a stopover in the charming principality of Liechtenstein. Explore Vaduz, its capital city, where you can grab a bite to eat, shop for souvenirs, and see the iconic Vaduz Castle, the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Next, continue to Bavaria's capital, the home of Oktoberfest. Arrive in Munich and set off on an orientation tour of the city. Tonight, enjoy a traditional German three-course dinner at a historic restaurant in Munich. After a day brimming with adventure, retire to your hotel in Bavaria for a restful night.

Embark on a scenic journey to Germany's picturesque Rhine Valley this morning. Arrive and step aboard a riverboat for a sightseeing cruise along the Rhine River. Admire the breathtaking views which include green vineyards, towering cliffs, medieval towns, and Europe's most concentrated stretch of Gothic castles! Back on the mainland, venture to a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting. If the harvest has been good, you might even have the chance to sample eiswein (ice wine)! Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with the group in the Rhine Valley.

As the tour says “ Auf Wiedersehen Germany”, it makes its way to France once more! En route to Paris, make a stop in Luxembourg, one of Europe's smallest countries, before continuing to the enchanting "City of Lights". Arrive in Paris and embark on a driving tour to see some of the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the restored Notre Dame Cathedral. After the driving tour, enjoy an included group dinner in the city, savouring the delectable flavours of French cuisine! Finally, retire to your hotel after a day filled with delicious meals and captivating adventures.

Embrace the Parisian delights on this free day in Paris! Famous for its culture, fashion, and art, today presents the opportunity to take it all in! Join the optional Paris je t’aime tour for a scenic cruise along the River Seine and panoramic views from Montparnasse Tower. Alternatively, explore on your own! Ascend the iconic Eiffel Tower, wander through the Louvre, or venture to the grandeur of Versailles. Delight your taste buds with French delicacies like macarons, croissants, or even frog legs and escargot! Complete the Parisian experience with a glass of French wine. This evening, consider joining an optional excursion to explore the romantic streets of Montmartre with a local guide, followed by an optional cabaret show.

As the tour draws to a close after 26 remarkable days spanning 14 countries, enjoy the remaining glimpses of the French countryside as the tour travels back to Amsterdam. Along the way, pause in Belgium to check off the last country of the tour on your travel list! Discover the medieval allure of Ghent on an orientation tour and enjoy free time for lunch. Finally, arrive back in Amsterdam, marking the end of your unforgettable Ultimate European Adventure!