Itinerary
- Day 1
London to Paris
Meet your Travel Director and head to St. Pancras Station to catch the high-speed Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel to Paris. You'll have the afternoon free to check out landmarks on your own, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre. Later in the evening, join a welcome dinner at a local brasserie.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Dinner at a local brasserie)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris)
Included Activities
- Eurostar train journey from London to Paris via Channel Tunnel
- Welcome Dinner at a local brasserie
Optional Activities
- Visit Eiffel Tower
- Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Explore the Louvre
- Walk along the banks of the River Seine
- Visit Place de la Concorde
- Drive along the Champs-Élysées
- Visit Arc de Triomphe
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Notre-Dame Cathedral Louvre River Seine Place de la Concorde Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe - Day 2
Paris
Your Travel Director gives you an orientation covering the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Concorde. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace, whether that's grabbing lunch at a sidewalk bistro, wandering through the Marais, strolling through Tuileries Gardens, or heading to the Louvre and Left Bank. If you're interested, there's an optional cabaret experience later with live music and dinner.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris)
Included Activities
- Orientation tour with Travel Director covering Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Concorde
Optional Activities
- Visit Mona Lisa and Winged Victory of Samothrace at the Louvre
- Café experience at a sidewalk bistro
- Shopping in the Marais district
- Stroll through Tuileries Gardens
- Explore the Left Bank
- Optional Experience at a Paris cabaret with dazzling costumes, live music and sumptuous dinner
Landmarks Arc de Triomphe Champs-Élysées Place de la Concorde Marais Tuileries Gardens Louvre Left Bank - Day 3
Paris to Bordeaux
Drive south through the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful estate gardens. You'll visit Château de Chenonceau, an elegant castle that spans the River Cher. From there, continue to Bordeaux, an inland port city with distinctive 18th-century character.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Gare St Jean, Bordeaux)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Loire Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Château de Chenonceau
Landmarks Loire Valley Château de Chenonceau River Cher - Day 4
Bordeaux to San Sebastián
Start with a guided tour of Bordeaux's 18th-century architecture, including the quaysides, Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or, and Esplanade des Quinconces, all part of UNESCO's World Heritage list. Later you'll head to San Sebastián for an evening progressive dinner where you'll sample local pintxos and Txakoli wine.
- Meals
- Dinner (Progressive dinner with locals in the Basque tradition of pintxos, including a variety of finger food delicacies and local Txakoli wine)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux's 18th-century architecture with Local Expert
- Progressive dinner in San Sebastián with pintxos and local Txakoli wine
Landmarks Grand Théâtre Esplanade des Quinconces Old Town San Sebastián - Day 5
San Sebastián to Madrid
Continue through the mountains and gorges of northern Spain, passing through the Sierra de Guadarrama tunnel and onto the New Castile plateau to reach Madrid. In the evening, take a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains to see the city lit up.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Barceló Torre de Madrid)
Optional Activities
- Evening drive along grand avenues and past spectacular fountains
Landmarks Sierra de Guadarrama 
- Day 6
Madrid
Join a Local Expert for a sightseeing tour of Madrid's Old Town, moving through Plaza de Cibeles, elegant Paseo de la Castellana, and historic neighborhoods. You'll see where the city began in the Old Quarter, then visit the Reina Sofía Museum to view Picasso's Guernica with an art historian.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Barceló Torre de Madrid)
Included Activities
- Sightseeing tour of Old Town Madrid with Local Expert
- Visit to Plaza de Cibeles
- Guided tour of historic neighborhoods
- Visit to Reina Sofía Museum with art historian to see Picasso's Guernica
Optional Activities
- Neighborhood walking tour to discuss social equity empowerment and women's movements in Spain
Landmarks Plaza de Cibeles Paseo de la Castellana Old Quarter Madrid Reina Sofía Museum - Day 7
Madrid to Barcelona
Cross the Castilian plain past Zaragoza and continue to Barcelona, a vibrant port city. For dinner, sample local Catalan cuisine and enjoy views of the city from Montjuïc with lights sparkling across the mountains and down to the sea.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Labtwentytwo, Barcelona, Torre Melina Gran Meliá, Barcelona)
Optional Activities
- Evening local Catalan cuisine dinner
- Evening view of Barcelona from Montjuïc heights
Landmarks Zaragoza Montjuïc - Day 8
Barcelona
Explore Barcelona with a Local Expert, starting in the Gothic Quarter and cathedral. Travel along the Ramblas and Passeig de Gràcia, checking out flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudí's Sagrada Familia.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Labtwentytwo, Barcelona, Torre Melina Gran Meliá, Barcelona)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Gothic Quarter and cathedral with Local Expert
- Walk along the Ramblas
- Tour of Passeig de Gràcia with Modernist architecture
- Visit to Sagrada Família
Landmarks Gothic Quarter Barcelona Cathedral Ramblas Passeig de Gràcia Eixample Sagrada Família - Day 9
Barcelona to Nice
Journey around the Mediterranean to the French Riviera. Arrive in Nice and see the Bay of Angels. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and spend time in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Côte d'Azur.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Apollinaire, Nice)
Optional Activities
- Stroll along Promenade des Anglais
- Explore the Bay of Angels area
Landmarks Bay of Angels Promenade des Anglais Côte d'Azur - Day 10
Nice to Monaco
Drive along Monaco's famous Grand Prix circuit and explore the principality. Choose between the Oceanographic Museum with over 6,000 marine species, or the Royal Palace and Monaco Cathedral where Princess Grace is laid to rest. The rest of your day is free to relax on the French Riviera.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Apollinaire, Nice)
Included Activities
- Drive along Monaco's Grand Prix circuit
Optional Activities
- Visit the Oceanographic Museum (founded by Prince Albert I in 1910)
- Visit the Royal Palace of Monaco
- Visit 19th-century Monaco Cathedral
Landmarks Monaco Grand Prix Circuit Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Royal Palace of Monaco Monaco Cathedral - Day 11
Monaco to Pisa to Florence
Cross into Italy and follow the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. Visit the Square of Miracles to see the Leaning Tower with a Local Expert, plus the 11th-century cathedral and baptistery decorated with mosaics and marble. From there, head through Tuscany to Florence.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Neroli, Florence)
Included Activities
- Visit Leaning Tower of Pisa with Local Expert
- Visit cathedral and baptistery in Pisa
Landmarks Leaning Tower of Pisa Square of Miracles Pisa Cathedral Pisa Baptistery Tuscany - Day 12
Florence
Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise are recreated in full glory. Visit Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance art. You'll see statues like Neptune and David along the Palazzo Vecchio. The afternoon is yours to shop or continue exploring.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Neroli, Florence)
Included Activities
- Guided walk to cathedral and baptistery with Local Expert
- View Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise
- Visit Piazza della Signoria with Renaissance masterpieces
Optional Activities
- Shopping
- Further exploration of Florence
Landmarks Florence Cathedral Florence Baptistery Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise Piazza della Signoria Palazzo Vecchio - Day 13
Florence to Rome
Relax as you enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria before passing through the Apennine Mountains to reach Rome. The city is filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque churches. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional meal at a local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu GHR, Rome)
Included Activities
- Traditional dinner at a local restaurant
Optional Activities
- Scenic journey through Chianti hills
- Scenic journey through Umbria
- Pass through Apennine Mountains
Landmarks Chianti Umbria Apennine Mountains - Day 14
Rome
A Local Expert introduces you to Rome's grandeur, starting with Vatican State. Visit the Vatican Museums with priceless papal treasures, then see Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Visit St. Peter's Basilica to view Michelangelo's Pieta and Bernini's Papal Altar. The afternoon is yours to shop in trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk café.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu GHR, Rome)
Included Activities
- Visit Vatican Museums with priceless treasures
- Visit Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo's ceiling
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica
- See Michelangelo's 'Pieta'
- See Bernini's Papal Altar
Optional Activities
- Shopping in trendy boutiques
- Relax at a sidewalk café
Landmarks Vatican State Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel St. Peter's Basilica - Day 15
Rome
Enjoy Rome at your own pace. If you're interested, visit the town of Pompeii, frozen in time after Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Or spend time shopping in Via del Corso, Via Nazionale, or designer stores near the Spanish Steps.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu GHR, Rome)
Optional Activities
- Optional experience to Pompeii, frozen in time by Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD
- Shopping in Via del Corso
- Shopping in Via Nazionale
- Shopping in designer stores near Spanish Steps
Landmarks Pompeii Mount Vesuvius Via del Corso Via Nazionale Spanish Steps - Day 16
Rome to Venice
Journey through peaceful Tuscan landscapes past Bologna into the fertile Valley of the River Po. Arrive at Venice by boat and have a cocktail at sunset with serenading musicians, then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at a local restaurant in Venice)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice)
Included Activities
- Arrive in Venice by boat
- Sunset cocktail with musical serenade
- Dinner at a local restaurant
Landmarks Tuscany Bologna River Po - Day 17
Venice
See the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Watch glassblowers at a traditional arts center. Take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where St. Mark's Basilica shows the city's former wealth and power.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice)
Included Activities
- Visit Doge's Palace
- View Bridge of Sighs
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience: Visit traditional glassblowing arts center
- Private cruise to St. Mark's Square
- Visit St. Mark's Basilica
Landmarks Doge's Palace Bridge of Sighs St. Mark's Square St. Mark's Basilica - Day 18
Venice to Ljubljana
Depart Venice by water taxi and continue to Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital. A Local Expert shows you Prešeren Square with the Triple Bridge, the baroque Franciscan Church, and the lively banks of the Ljubljanica River. Optionally visit Lake Bled and ride a traditional wooden pletna across the turquoise glacial waters to the island.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Exe Lev Ljubljana)
Included Activities
- Guided tour with Local Expert of Ljubljana
- View Prešeren Square
- View Triple Bridge
- View Baroque Franciscan Church
- Walk along banks of Ljubljanica River
Optional Activities
- Optional Experience to Lake Bled
- Traditional wooden 'pletna' boat ride on Lake Bled
Landmarks Prešeren Square Triple Bridge Franciscan Church Ljubljanica River Lake Bled - Day 19
Ljubljana to Vienna
Follow the Drava River to reach Maribor, a 700-year-old university town. Continue past Graz through Styria's forested mountains and on to Vienna.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront)
Landmarks Drava River Maribor Graz Styria - Day 20
Vienna
Optionally join a private tour of Schönbrunn Palace and its formal gardens in the morning. Later, drive around the famous Ring Road to see architectural masterpieces like the Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, and Parliament. Walk through Innere Stadt and visit a traditional Viennese café for coffee and Sachertorte, or explore Capuchins Crypt, burial place of the Habsburgs.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront)
Included Activities
- Drive around the Ring Road
- Walk through Innere Stadt with Local Expert
Optional Activities
- Private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens
- Visit traditional Viennese café for coffee and Sachertorte
- Visit Capuchins Crypt, burial place of Habsburg family
Landmarks Schönbrunn Palace Ring Road Vienna Opera House Hofburg Imperial Residence Parliament Innere Stadt Capuchins Crypt - Day 21
Vienna to Salzburg to Innsbruck
Pass the impressive Benedictine monastery of Melk before reaching Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and the musical The Sound of Music. A Local Expert shows you Mirabell Palace's formal gardens with fountains and statues, Residence Square, the fortress, cathedral, and Mozart's birthplace on Getreidegasse. Continue to Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (AC, Innsbruck)
Included Activities
- View Benedictine monastery of Melk
- Guided tour with Local Expert of Salzburg
- Visit Mirabell Palace and formal gardens
- View Residence Square
- View fortress in Salzburg
- View Salzburg Cathedral
- Visit Mozart's birthplace on Getreidegasse
- Visit Golden Roof in Innsbruck
- View Imperial Palace in Innsbruck
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to famous Eagle's Nest
Landmarks Benedictine monastery of Melk Mirabell Palace Residence Square Salzburg Fortress Salzburg Cathedral Getreidegasse Mozart's Birthplace Eagle's Nest Golden Roof Imperial Palace Innsbruck - Day 22
Innsbruck to Lucerne
Journey past flower-filled meadows and picturesque chalet-style villages to Liechtenstein's tiny capital, Vaduz. Cross into Switzerland through glorious mountains to lakeside Lucerne. Visit the Lion Monument carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI. Tonight, enjoy a Dine-Around Evening with restaurant choices.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Astoria Lucerne)
Included Activities
- Visit Lucerne's Lion Monument
Optional Activities
- Time in Vaduz, Liechtenstein
- Dine-Around Evening with choice of restaurants
Landmarks Liechtenstein Vaduz Vaduz Castle Lion Monument - Day 23
Lucerne
In the morning, explore Mount Stanserhorn with a solar-powered open-top cable car to the summit. Take in pristine mountain air with views reaching Alsace and the Black Forest. Walk scenic pathways, spot marmots and native animals, and hear a conservation talk from a Swiss ranger. Return to Lucerne to stroll the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit church. The rest of your day is free to shop for watches and chocolates.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Astoria Lucerne)
Included Activities
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience: Mount Stanserhorn excursion on solar-powered open-top cable car
- Scenic walks on mountain pathways
- Conservation talk by Swiss ranger
- Stroll across covered Chapel Bridge
- View baroque Jesuit church
Optional Activities
- Shopping for fine watches
- Shopping for delectable chocolates
Landmarks Mount Stanserhorn Alsace Black Forest Chapel Bridge Jesuit Church - Day 24
Lucerne to Königswinter
Travel through Germany and follow the Rhine Valley north to Königswinter.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Maritim, Königswinter)
Landmarks Rhine Valley - Day 25
Königswinter to Amsterdam
Visit a private estate and sample local wine as you explore one of the Rhineland's historic castles, a cultural landmark along the Middle Rhine. Continue to Amsterdam, best experienced from the water. Step aboard a canal cruise to admire the UNESCO-listed canal district with elegant 16th and 17th century merchant houses. Shimmering city lights and graceful bridges create a memorable end to your journey, with dinner served on board.
- Meals
- Dinner (Special dinner served on board canal cruise through Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed waterways)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Apollo, Amsterdam)
Included Activities
- Private estate visit of Rhineland castle
- Glass of local wine
- Canal cruise through UNESCO-listed canal district
- Dinner on board canal cruise
Landmarks Rhineland Castles Middle Rhine Amsterdam Canal District 
- Day 26
Amsterdam
After breakfast, transfers will take you to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 
