Itinerary
- Day 1
London to Paris
Meet your Travel Director at St. Pancras Station and board the Eurostar train heading through the Channel Tunnel to Paris. The journey's comfortable, giving you time to relax before arrival. Once in Paris, you have the afternoon free to wander at your own pace. The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Seine riverside, Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe are all waiting for you to explore. Later in the evening, head to a local restaurant with your Travel Director for dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris)
Included Activities
- Eurostar train journey from London to Paris via Channel Tunnel
- Dinner at a local restaurant in Paris
Optional Activities
- Visit Eiffel Tower
- Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Visit Louvre Museum
- Stroll along River Seine banks and bridges
- Visit Place de la Concorde
- Drive along Champs-Élysées
- Visit Arc de Triomphe
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Notre-Dame Cathedral Louvre River Seine Place de la Concorde Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe St. Pancras Station - Day 2
Paris
Your Travel Director takes you around Paris this morning with an orientation tour covering the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Concorde. After that, the afternoon is yours to spend however you'd like. Relax at a pavement bistro, browse boutiques in the Marais, walk through the Tuileries Gardens, or check out the Louvre. When evening comes, there's an option to join a cabaret show with live music and dinner if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris)
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Paris with Travel Director including Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Concorde
Optional Activities
- Visit Louvre Museum to see masterpieces including the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory of Samothrace
- Explore the Marais district boutiques
- Stroll through Tuileries Gardens
- Explore Left Bank
- Attend Paris cabaret with dazzling costumes, live music and sumptuous dinner
Landmarks Arc de Triomphe Champs-Élysées Place de la Concorde Louvre Marais Tuileries Gardens - Day 3
Paris to Bordeaux
Drive south through the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its beautifully maintained gardens on large estates. You'll see the elegant Château de Chenonceau, which spans across the River Cher. From there, continue to Bordeaux, a bustling inland port known for its distinctive 18th-century character and architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Gare St Jean, Bordeaux)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Loire Valley
- Visit Château de Chenonceau
Landmarks Loire Valley Château de Chenonceau River Cher - Day 4
Bordeaux to San Sebastián
A Local Expert guides you through Bordeaux's 18th-century architecture, showing you the quayside facades, Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or, and Esplanade des Quinconces. These sights are why the city earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. Later, you'll travel to San Sebastián in Spain. The evening brings a progressive dinner with locals where you'll sample pintxos (small Basque snacks) and local Txakoli wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Progressive dinner with locals in San Sebastián, enjoying pintxos—a variety of snack-sized treats with regional flavour, flair and presentation—and local Txakoli wine)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux with Local Expert covering quayside facades, Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or, and Esplanade des Quinconces
- Progressive dinner in San Sebastián Old Town with pintxos and Txakoli wine, dining with locals
Landmarks Grand Théâtre of Bordeaux Esplanade des Quinconces San Sebastián Old Town - Day 5
San Sebastián to Madrid
Travel through the mountains and gorges of northern Spain before emerging onto the plateau of New Castile and reaching Madrid. As evening falls, take a drive along the city's grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains to see Madrid's lights illuminate the skyline.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Barceló Torre de Madrid)
Included Activities
- Evening drive along Madrid's grand avenues and past spectacular fountains
Landmarks Sierra de Guadarrama 
- Day 6
Madrid
Your Local Expert shows you Madrid's Old Town, the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, and Plaza de Cibeles fountain. Walk through historic neighbourhoods and the Old Quarter to understand the city's origins. You can visit the Reina Sofía Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's Guernica, or choose an alternative neighbourhood walking tour that focuses on social equity and women's history in Spain.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Barceló Torre de Madrid)
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing tour of Madrid's Old Town, Paseo de la Castellana, and Plaza de Cibeles with Local Expert
- Visit to Reina Sofía Museum with art historian to see Picasso's Guernica
Optional Activities
- Neighbourhood walking tour discussing social equity empowerment and women's movements history in Spain
Landmarks Plaza de Cibeles Paseo de la Castellana Reina Sofía Museum Guernica by Picasso - Day 7
Madrid to Barcelona
Cross the Castilian plain, passing through Zaragoza, and continue to Barcelona, a vibrant port city. Once you arrive, try delicious local Catalan cuisine. As night falls, head to the heights of Montjuïc to view the city with lights sparkling across the landscape from the mountains to the sea.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Labtwentytwo, Barcelona, Torre Melina Gran Meliá, Barcelona)
Included Activities
- Evening viewing of Barcelona from Montjuïc
Optional Activities
- Enjoy local Catalan cuisine dinner
Landmarks Zaragoza Montjuïc - Day 8
Barcelona
Your Local Expert takes you through Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and cathedral, then walks you along the Ramblas and Passeig de Gràcia to see Modernist buildings. From there, continue through the Eixample district to see the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí's masterpiece.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Labtwentytwo, Barcelona, Torre Melina Gran Meliá, Barcelona)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Barcelona with Local Expert including Gothic Quarter, cathedral, Ramblas, Passeig de Gràcia, Eixample district, and Sagrada Familia
Landmarks Gothic Quarter Barcelona Cathedral Ramblas Passeig de Gràcia Sagrada Familia Eixample - Day 9
Barcelona to Nice
Travel around the Mediterranean Sea to the French Riviera and arrive in Nice. You'll experience the view of the Bay of Angels. Later, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and take in the atmosphere of this popular, cosmopolitan area on the Côte d'Azur.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Apollinaire, Nice)
Included Activities
- Stroll along Promenade des Anglais
Landmarks Bay of Angels Promenade des Anglais - Day 10
Nice to Monaco
Today you're ready to check out the glamorous Côte d'Azur. Drive along part of Monaco's famous Grand Prix circuit, where Formula 1 cars have raced since 1929. You can visit the Oceanographic Museum with over 6,000 marine species, or the Royal Palace of Monaco and the 19th-century Monaco Cathedral. Spend the rest of the day soaking in the sun-drenched elegance of the French Riviera.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Apollinaire, Nice)
Included Activities
- Drive along Monaco's Grand Prix circuit
Optional Activities
- Visit Oceanographic Museum of Monaco with grand aquariums of Mediterranean and tropical seas and polar research insights
- Visit Royal Palace of Monaco and see the 19th-century Monaco Cathedral, final resting place of Princess Grace
Landmarks Monaco Grand Prix Circuit Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Royal Palace of Monaco Monaco Cathedral - Day 11
Nice to Pisa to Florence
Cross into Italy and follow the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. Stop at the Square of Miracles to see the Leaning Tower with a Local Expert, learn about Galileo's physics experiments, and see the splendid 11th-century cathedral and baptistery decorated with marble mosaics. Continue through Tuscany to Florence.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Neroli, Florence)
Included Activities
- Visit Leaning Tower of Pisa with Local Expert in the Square of Miracles
- View 11th-century cathedral and baptistery in Pisa with marble mosaics and designs
Landmarks Leaning Tower of Pisa Square of Miracles Pisa Cathedral Pisa Baptistery 
- Day 12
Florence
Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery where Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise have been recreated. You'll visit Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence, an open-air gallery with Renaissance masterpieces including the statues of Neptune and David along the Palazzo Vecchio. The afternoon is free to shop or keep exploring.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Neroli, Florence)
Included Activities
- Guided walk to Florence cathedral and baptistery with Local Expert to see Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise
- Visit Piazza della Signoria with Local Expert to view Renaissance masterpieces and Palazzo Vecchio
Landmarks Florence Cathedral Baptistery of Florence Gates of Paradise Piazza della Signoria Palazzo Vecchio Neptune statue David statue - Day 13
Florence to Rome
Relax as you drive through the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria before passing the Apennine Mountains to reach Rome, the Eternal City. 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
- Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional meal at a local restaurant in Rome)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu GHR, Rome)
Included Activities
- Traditional meal at a local restaurant in Rome
Landmarks Chianti Hills Umbria Apennine Mountains - Day 14
Rome
A Local Expert introduces the grandeur of Rome, starting with Vatican State. You'll visit the Vatican Museums filled with priceless papal treasures, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, then check out St. Peter's Basilica to see Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Papal Altar. The afternoon is free to shop in boutiques or relax at a sidewalk café.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu GHR, Rome)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Vatican Museums with Local Expert
- Visit to Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo's ceiling
- Visit to St. Peter's Basilica to see Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Papal Altar
Landmarks Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel St. Peter's Basilica Pietà by Michelangelo Papal Altar - Day 15
Rome
Today Rome is yours to explore at your own pace. You can take an optional excursion to Pompeii, the town frozen in time when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, or spend time shopping in boutiques along Via del Corso, Via Nazionale, or the designer stores near the Spanish Steps.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu GHR, Rome)
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to Pompeii, the ancient town preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD
- Shopping at Via del Corso boutiques
- Shopping at Via Nazionale boutiques
- Shopping at 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 and descend past Bologna into the fertile Valley of the River Po. Arrive at Venice by boat. Once there, have a cocktail at sunset while talented musicians serenade you, then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at a local restaurant in Venice, at sunset with cocktails and musical serenade in St. Mark's Square)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice)
Included Activities
- Arrival in Venice by boat
- Sunset cocktails with musical serenade in Venice
- Dinner at a local restaurant in Venice
Landmarks Tuscany Bologna River Po 
- Day 17
Venice
Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Admire the Doge's Palace and the adjoining Bridge of Sighs. See the ancient skill of glassblowing at a traditional arts centre and learn about the 15th-century craft. Then take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where the Basilica shows off the city's former wealth and power.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice)
Included Activities
- View Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
- Witness glassblowing at traditional arts centre and learn about the 15th-century craft
- 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
Leave Venice by water taxi and travel to Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital. A Local Expert shows you Prešeren Square with the Triple Bridge, baroque Franciscan Church, and the lively banks of the Ljubljanica river. There's an option to visit the tranquil shores of Lake Bled and ride in a traditional wooden pletna boat across the turquoise glacial waters towards the island in the middle.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Exe Lev Ljubljana)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Ljubljana with Local Expert including Prešeren Square, Triple Bridge, baroque Franciscan Church, and Ljubljanica river banks
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to Lake Bled and traditional wooden pletna boat ride across turquoise glacial waters to the island
Landmarks Prešeren Square Triple Bridge Franciscan Church of Ljubljana 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.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront)
Landmarks Drava River Maribor Graz Styria 
- Day 20
Vienna
In the morning, there's an option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Later, get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road showcasing the Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, and Parliament. Join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, Vienna's historic first district, then visit a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local coffee and Sachertorte, or visit Capuchins Crypt, the burial place of the Habsburg family.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront)
Included Activities
- Drive around the Ring Road with views of Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament
- Guided 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 the Habsburg family
Landmarks Schönbrunn Palace Ring Road Vienna State Opera House Hofburg Imperial Residence Austrian Parliament Building 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 iconic musical 'The Sound of Music'. A Local Expert shows you Mirabell Palace's formal gardens where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed, Residence Square with its fountain where Maria sings 'I Have Confidence', the fortress, cathedral, and Mozart's birthplace on Getreidegasse. There's an optional visit to Eagle's Nest. Continue to Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (AC, Innsbruck)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Salzburg with Local Expert including Mirabell Palace formal gardens, Residence Square, fortress, cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on Getreidegasse
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Eagle's Nest
Landmarks Melk Abbey Mirabell Palace Residence Square Salzburg Fortress Salzburg Cathedral Mozart's Birthplace Getreidegasse Eagle's Nest Golden Roof Innsbruck Imperial Palace - Day 22
Innsbruck to Liechtenstein to Lucerne
Journey past flower-filled meadows and picturesque chalet-style villages to the Principality of Liechtenstein. Spend time in its tiny capital, Vaduz, then cross into Switzerland and through glorious mountains to lakeside Lucerne. On arrival, visit the Lion Monument carved into limestone and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards. Tonight, enjoy a Dine-Around Evening with a choice of restaurants.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dine-Around Evening with choice of restaurants, hand-picking preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for intimate culinary experience)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Astoria Lucerne)
Included Activities
- Visit Lion Monument in Lucerne
- Dine-Around Evening in Lucerne with choice of restaurants
Optional Activities
- Explore Vaduz capital of Liechtenstein
Landmarks Liechtenstein Vaduz Vaduz Castle Lion Monument 
- Day 23
Lucerne
In the morning, explore Mount Stanserhorn on an open-top solar-powered cable car, taking in pristine mountain air and viewing as far as Alsace and the Black Forest on clear days. Walk along scenic pathways looking for marmots and native animals, with a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger about local wildlife and flora. Back in Lucerne, stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit church. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for watches and chocolates.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Astoria Lucerne)
Included Activities
- Mount Stanserhorn open-top solar-powered cable car experience to summit
- Scenic pathways walk on Mount Stanserhorn
- Conservation talk by Swiss ranger about local wildlife and flora
- Visit Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
- Visit baroque Jesuit Church in Lucerne
Optional Activities
- Shopping for fine watches in Lucerne
- Shopping for chocolate in Lucerne
Landmarks Mount Stanserhorn Chapel Bridge Jesuit Church Alsace Black Forest - Day 24
Lucerne to Königswinter
Travel through Germany and follow the Rhine Valley north to Königswinter.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Maritim, Königswinter)
Landmarks Rhine Valley - Day 25
Königswinter to Amsterdam
Enjoy a private estate visit and have a glass of local wine as you check out one of the Rhineland's historic castles along the Middle Rhine. Continue on to Amsterdam, where the city is best from the water. Board a cruise to see the UNESCO-listed canal district, gliding past elegant 16th- and 17th-century merchant houses. Celebrate your journey with dinner served on board, passing beneath graceful bridges and alongside illuminated gables and churches as shimmering city lights bring your adventure to a close.
- Meals
- Breakfast, 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 with local wine tasting
- Scenic cruise through Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canal district with dinner on board
Landmarks Rhineland Castles Middle Rhine Amsterdam Canal District - Day 26
Amsterdam to London
In the morning, travel to Brussels for your high-speed Eurostar train journey. Once you arrive in London, you'll be transferred to the Insight Vacations hotel where your trip ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Eurostar train journey from Brussels to London
Landmarks Brussels
