Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
You'll arrive in Paris and have the rest of the day to settle into your hotel at your own pace. This evening, you'll join your Travel Director for a welcome dinner at a local brasserie to kick things off.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner at a local brasserie with Travel Director and fellow guests)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner at a local brasserie
Optional Activities
- Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner (EUR 165.00)
- Montmartre Village & Artists Square (EUR 37.00)
- Seine Cruise and Illuminations (EUR 38.00)
- Nouvelle Eve Dinner and Cabaret (EUR 139.00)
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Louvre Place de la Concorde Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe 
- Day 2
Paris
A guided orientation takes you through Paris starting with the Arc de Triomphe, then down the Champs-Élysées and through Place de la Concorde. The afternoon is all yours to explore, whether that means checking out the Louvre, wandering the Marais, or strolling through the Tuileries Gardens. If you're interested, there's an optional cabaret experience available in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris)
Included Activities
- Guided orientation with Travel Director visiting Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde
Optional Activities
- Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner (EUR 165.00)
- Montmartre Village & Artists Square (EUR 37.00)
- Seine Cruise and Illuminations (EUR 38.00)
- Nouvelle Eve Dinner and Cabaret (EUR 139.00)
- Explore Louvre Museum
- Browse boutiques in the Marais
- Stroll through Tuileries Gardens
Landmarks Arc de Triomphe Champs-Élysées Place de la Concorde Louvre Marais Tuileries Gardens Left Bank - Day 3
Paris to Bordeaux
You'll drive through the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Jardins de France. The route takes you to the Château de Chenonceau, which spans the River Cher, and then on to Bordeaux, an 18th-century inland port where you'll spend the night.
- 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 UNESCO World Heritage architecture, showing you the 18th-century quaysides, Grand Theatre, and Esplanade des Quinconces. After that, you'll continue to San Sebastián for an evening of pintxos dining, experiencing the Basque tradition with locals.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Guided walking tour of Old Quarter followed by pintxos dining with locals featuring variety of Basque 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 Old Town featuring pintxos and Txakoli wine
Landmarks Grand Théâtre Esplanade des Quinconces San Sebastián Old Town 
- Day 5
San Sebastián to Madrid
You'll travel through the northern mountains and gorges before reaching the plateau of New Castile and arriving in Madrid. The evening features a scenic drive through the city's grand avenues and past spectacular fountains.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Barceló Torre de Madrid)
Included Activities
- Evening drive through Madrid's grand avenues and past spectacular fountains
Landmarks Sierra de Guadarrama 
- Day 6
Madrid
A local expert walks you through Madrid's historic neighborhoods and Old Quarter. You'll visit the Reina Sofía Museum where an art historian discusses Picasso's Guernica with you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Barceló Torre de Madrid)
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing through historic Madrid neighbourhoods with Local Expert
- Visit Reina Sofía Museum with art historian to see Picasso's Guernica
Optional Activities
- Madrileño Dinner & Plaza Mayor (EUR 61.00)
- Toledo Excursion (EUR 46.00)
- Neighbourhood walking tour discussing social equity empowerment and history of women's movements in Spain
Landmarks Reina Sofía Museum Old Quarter - Day 7
Madrid to Barcelona
After crossing the Castilian plain past Zaragoza, you'll reach Barcelona. The evening includes local Catalan cuisine and views of the city lit up from the heights of Montjuïc.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Labtwentytwo, Barcelona, Torre Melina Gran Meliá, Barcelona)
Optional Activities
- Barcelona by Night with Dinner (EUR 60.00)
- Catalan Dinner & Flamenco (EUR 87.00)
- Montserrat & the Black Madonna (EUR 40.00)
Landmarks Montjuïc 
- Day 8
Barcelona
A local expert shows you Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and cathedral, then you'll travel along Passeig de Gràcia to see the flamboyant Modernist buildings. The day ends with a visit to Gaudí's Sagrada Família in the Eixample district.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Labtwentytwo, Barcelona, Torre Melina Gran Meliá, Barcelona)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Gothic Quarter and cathedral with Local Expert
- Drive through Eixample district to Sagrada Família
- Visit Sagrada Família
Optional Activities
- Barcelona by Night with Dinner (EUR 60.00)
- Catalan Dinner & Flamenco (EUR 87.00)
- Montserrat & the Black Madonna (EUR 40.00)
Landmarks Gothic Quarter Sagrada Família Passeig de Gràcia Eixample Ramblas - Day 9
Barcelona to Nice
You'll journey around the Mediterranean to reach Nice on the elegant French Riviera. There's time to stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and take in the atmosphere of this glamorous coastal destination.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Apollinaire, Nice)
Optional Activities
- Riviera '3 Corniches' & Meal (EUR 72.00)
Landmarks Bay of Angels Promenade des Anglais 
- Day 10
Nice to Monaco
The day starts with a drive along Monaco's famous Grand Prix circuit. You can choose between visiting the Oceanographic Museum or the Royal Palace and Monaco Cathedral. The afternoon gives you time to enjoy the sun-drenched elegance of the French Riviera.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Apollinaire, Nice)
Included Activities
- Drive along Monaco's Grand Prix circuit
- Choice of visit: Oceanographic Museum founded by Prince Albert I with over 6,000 marine species OR Royal Palace of Monaco and 19th-century Monaco Cathedral
Optional Activities
- Riviera '3 Corniches' & Meal (EUR 72.00)
Landmarks Oceanographic Museum Royal Palace of Monaco Monaco Cathedral 
- Day 11
Nice to Pisa to Florence
You'll cross into Italy along the Italian Riviera and reach Pisa. A local expert shows you the Square of Miracles with the Leaning Tower, plus the splendid 11th-century cathedral and baptistery. From there, you'll travel through Tuscany to Florence.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Leaning Tower of Pisa with Local Expert
- Visit 11th-century cathedral and baptistery in Pisa
Landmarks Leaning Tower of Pisa Square of Miracles Pisa Cathedral Pisa Baptistery - Day 12
Florence
Walking with a local expert, you'll see the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery featuring Ghiberti's recreated Gates of Paradise. At Piazza della Signoria, you'll view Renaissance masterpieces including the Neptune and David statues. Free time follows for shopping or further exploration.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Neroli, Florence)
Included Activities
- Guided walk to cathedral and baptistery with Local Expert to see Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise
- Visit Piazza della Signoria with statues including Neptune and David
Optional Activities
- Jewels of the Renaissance - priority entry to Accademia di Belle Arti with local guide to see Michelangelo's David (EUR 47.00)
- Dinner in the Tuscan Hills (EUR 65.00)
Landmarks Florence Cathedral Baptistery of Florence Piazza della Signoria Palazzo Vecchio - Day 13
Florence to Rome
The route takes you through the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, crossing the Apennine Mountains before arriving in Rome. You'll have a traditional meal at a local restaurant this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional meal at a local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu GHR, Rome)
Included Activities
- Traditional meal at a local restaurant
Landmarks Chianti Umbria Apennine Mountains 
- Day 14
Rome
A local expert introduces you to Vatican State and the Vatican Museums' priceless treasures. You'll see Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and visit St. Peter's Basilica to view Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Papal Altar. Afternoon time allows for shopping and café time, then you'll get exclusive after-hours access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu GHR, Rome)
Included Activities
- Guided introduction to Vatican State and Vatican Museums with Local Expert
- Visit Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo's ceiling
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica to see Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Papal Altar
- Exclusive after-hours access to Basilica of Saint Praxedes featuring Byzantine mosaics
Optional Activities
- Rome by Night - Illuminations Drive (EUR 19.00)
- Roman Dinner Party (EUR 62.00)
- Guided Visit to the Colosseum with priority reserved entrance (EUR 53.00)
- Piazzas & Fountains guided passeggiata visiting Trevi Fountain and Pantheon (EUR 33.00)
Landmarks Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel St. Peter's Basilica Basilica of Saint Praxedes 
- Day 15
Rome
Today Rome is yours to explore at your own pace. Optional experiences include a visit to the archaeological site of Pompeii or shopping in trendy boutiques near the Spanish Steps.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu GHR, Rome)
Optional Activities
- Pompeii and the Bay of Naples excursion (EUR 100.00)
- Shopping in Via del Corso, Via Nazionale or designer stores near Spanish Steps
Landmarks Pompeii Via del Corso Spanish Steps - Day 16
Rome to Venice
You'll travel through peaceful Tuscan landscapes past Bologna into the fertile Valley of the River Po. Arriving in Venice by boat, you'll have a cocktail at sunset with live music before heading to dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at a local restaurant at sunset in St. Mark's Square, after sunset cocktail serenaded by ensemble musicians)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice)
Included Activities
- Arrival in Venice by boat with sunset cocktail and live ensemble serenades
- Dinner at a local restaurant
Landmarks River Po 
- Day 17
Venice
You're ready to embrace this romantic city. The day takes you to see the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, then you'll visit a traditional arts centre to watch skilled glassblowers at work. A private cruise brings you to St. Mark's Square and St. Mark's Basilica.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice)
Included Activities
- Visit Doge's Palace
- View Bridge of Sighs
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience: Visit traditional arts centre to witness skill of glassblowers
- Private cruise to St. Mark's Square
- Visit St. Mark's Basilica
Optional Activities
- Hidden Venice walking tour through lesser known quarters (EUR 34.00)
- Burano Excursion & Meal - private cruise around Venetian lagoon islands with superb meal and local specialities (EUR 72.00)
- Experience Venice by Gondola Serenade (EUR 44.00)
Landmarks Doge's Palace Bridge of Sighs St. Mark's Square St. Mark's Basilica - Day 18
Venice to Ljubljana
You'll depart Venice by water taxi and continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia. A local expert shows you Prešeren Square with the Triple Bridge, the baroque Franciscan Church, and the lively Ljubljanica river banks. An optional experience to Lake Bled is available if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Exe Lev Ljubljana)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Ljubljana with Local Expert visiting Prešeren Square, Triple Bridge, and Franciscan Church
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Lake Bled - traditional wooden pletna boat across turquoise glacial waters to island church (EUR 56.00)
Landmarks Prešeren Square Triple Bridge Franciscan Church Ljubljanica River Lake Bled 
- Day 19
Ljubljana to Vienna
Following the Drava River, you'll reach Maribor, a 700-year-old university town. The route continues past Graz through Styria's forested mountains, arriving in Vienna.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront)
Landmarks Drava River Maribor Graz Styria 
- Day 20
Vienna
Optional morning visits to Schönbrunn Palace and its formal gardens are available. Later, you'll drive around the famous Ring Road seeing the Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, and Parliament. A local expert guides you through Vienna's historic Innere Stadt, stopping at a traditional Viennese café or the Capuchins Crypt.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront)
Included Activities
- Drive around Ring Road showcasing Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament
- Guided walk through Innere Stadt (historic first district) with Local Expert
- Choice of: traditional Viennese café experience with coffee and Sachertorte OR visit to Capuchins Crypt, burial place of the Habsburg family
Optional Activities
- Private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens (EUR 47.00)
- Dinner in a Country Mansion with serenading musicians (EUR 63.00)
- Vienna Woods & Heurigen Dinner in traditional tavern with live Schrammelmusik (EUR 58.00)
- Gala Viennese Concert of classical music with champagne (EUR 58.00)
Landmarks Schönbrunn Palace Ring Road Vienna State Opera Hofburg Palace Austrian Parliament Innere Stadt Capuchins Crypt - Day 21
Vienna to Salzburg to Innsbruck
Passing the Benedictine monastery of Melk, you'll reach Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. You'll explore the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed, see Residence Square, view the fortress and cathedral, and walk Getreidegasse where Mozart was born. Later, you'll travel to mountain-ringed Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (AC, Innsbruck)
Included Activities
- Visit Mirabell Palace formal gardens including fountains and statues from 'The Sound of Music'
- View Residence Square and fountain from 'The Sound of Music'
- Visit fortress and cathedral
- Visit Mozart's birthplace on Getreidegasse
- Visit Golden Roof in Innsbruck
- Visit Imperial Palace in Innsbruck
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Eagle's Nest & the Bavarian Alps (EUR 55.00) - weather dependent and subject to seasonal closures
- The Sound of Music tour revisiting film locations (EUR 29.00)
Landmarks Melk Abbey Mirabell Palace Residence Square Salzburg Cathedral Salzburg Fortress Mozart's Birthplace Getreidegasse Golden Roof Imperial Palace Innsbruck 
- Day 22
Innsbruck to Lucerne
The journey takes you through flower-filled meadows and picturesque chalet-style villages to Liechtenstein. You'll spend time in Vaduz, then cross into Switzerland through glorious mountains to reach lakeside Lucerne. You'll visit the Lion Monument carved into a limestone cliff, then enjoy a Dine-Around Evening with fine dining options.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dine-Around Evening with selection of restaurants)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Astoria Lucerne)
Included Activities
- Visit Lion Monument in Lucerne
Optional Activities
- Lake Lucerne Cruise and Drinks (CHF 49.00)
- Carriages & Countryside - horse-drawn ride with local farmers (CHF 67.00)
- Swiss Evening with fondue, wine and folklore show (CHF 99.00)
Landmarks Vaduz Castle Lion Monument 
- Day 23
Lucerne
A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience brings you to Mount Stanserhorn with a solar-powered open-top cable car ride to the summit. You'll enjoy pristine mountain air, far-reaching views, and scenic pathways where you might spot marmots and other wildlife. A conservation talk from a Swiss ranger adds local insight. Back in Lucerne, you'll stroll the Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit Church, with the rest of the day at leisure for shopping.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Astoria Lucerne)
Included Activities
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience: Mount Stanserhorn journey on solar-powered open-top cable car to summit
- Walk scenic pathways at Mount Stanserhorn with wildlife observation
- Conservation talk by Swiss ranger about local wildlife and flora
- Visit Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
- Visit baroque Jesuit Church in Lucerne
Optional Activities
- Lake Lucerne Cruise and Drinks (CHF 49.00)
- Carriages & Countryside - horse-drawn ride with local farmers (CHF 67.00)
- Swiss Evening with fondue, wine and folklore show (CHF 99.00)
Landmarks Mount Stanserhorn Chapel Bridge Jesuit Church - Day 24
Lucerne to Königswinter
You'll 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
A visit to a Rhineland castle estate includes learning about these cultural monuments and enjoying a glass of wine. Then you'll head to Amsterdam for a canal district cruise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with elegant merchant houses from the 16th-17th centuries and iconic sights like the Skinny Bridge. A Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant toasts the end of your adventure.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Celebration Dinner at local restaurant toasting adventure and new-found friends)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Apollo, Amsterdam)
Included Activities
- Private estate viewing of a Rhineland castle with wine and cultural commentary
- Private cruise through Amsterdam canal district, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Celebration Dinner at local restaurant
Optional Activities
- In the Valley of the Loreley cruise with wine or beer (EUR 32.00)
Landmarks Amsterdam Canal District Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) 
- Day 26
Amsterdam
After breakfast, you'll depart for Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with transfers arriving at scheduled times.
- Meals
- Breakfast
