Tour 9 European countries and 15 cities on an expansive guided holiday

T​his tour departs from London

Day 1 -  Eurostar from London to Brussels and on to Amsterdam

A brief interlude with the British capital this morning sees us meet our Travel Director before traveling to London's St. Pancras International where we will board the Eurostar™ for a high-speed train journey to Brussels and a luxury coach journey to Amsterdam. Enjoy an orientation of this historic Dutch city before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception dinner cruise on its canals.

• S​tay: Mercure Amsterdam City
• M​eals: Welcome Reception

Day 2 - Journey to the Rhineland and a Scenic Cruise

Driving through the lush landscapes of the Netherlands and Germany, we arrive in Boppard where we board a cruise along the Rhine to St. Goar, passing vineyard-clad hills and medieval castles perched above riverside towns. Onwards via coach to the Baroque city of Heidelberg, we explore its iconic and unexpected highlights before traveling to your hotel.

• S​tay:Leonardo Hotel, Heidelberg
• M​eals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Off to Innsbruck

Crossing the Swabian Alps on the edge of the Black Forest, we arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich. Our orientation takes us past the Hofbrauhaus, reputedly the most famous Beerhall in the world, and the neo-Gothic Town Hall which dominates the Marienplatz. We cross the Austrian border next, arriving in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Old Town, including Emperor Maximilian's famous Golden Roof with its ornate façade and consider an evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment.

• S​tay: Grauer Bar Hotel Innsbruck OR Alphotel Innsbruck
• M​eals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Onwards to the Canals of Venice

Journey through the emerald-green landscape along the Brenner Pass into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains to Venice. We cruise the beautiful Venetian lagoon by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. View the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound made by condemned prisoners as they took one last longing look at their beautiful city before meeting their fate. Then, enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness the centuries-old craft of Venetian glassblowing. You’ll learn how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass to make the exquisite and delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir as a reminder of this special visit. There’s time later to enjoy the city your way. Get lost in Venice, cross bridges and discover hidden campi where locals share their daily stories over a glass of Venetian Spritz.

• S​tay: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana Venice
• M​eals: Breakfast

Day 5 - All Roads Lead to Rome

Travel south across the Veneto Plain, passing Bologna and the dramatic Apennine Mountains as well as the green and golden fields of Lazio before reaching Rome, the 'Eternal City'. En-route, we Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience and enjoy true Tuscan hospitality with a local family on their private estate in the Chianti countryside.

• S​tay: Barcelo Aran Mantegna Rome
• M​eals: Breakfast, Be My Guest - Lunch

Day 6 - Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

Our first stop today sees us discover the divine beauty of the Vatican City. We'll visit St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist to view Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. We continue to Ancient Rome to view the iconic Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races centuries ago. The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your terms. Sit on the Spanish Steps savoring a tasty gelato, shop up a storm on the trendy Via Condotti or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

• S​tay: Barcelo Aran Mantegna Rome
• M​eals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Continue to Renaissance Florence

From Rome, we travel north through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and along the Arno valley to the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', Florence. Delve into the rich Medici heritage of this beautiful medieval city with your Local Specialist. Visit what was once the political hub of the city, Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi. View the imposing Duomo, crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome, and the Baptistery, renowned for its sculptured bronze doors.

• S​tay: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
• Meals: Breakfast

 Day 8 - Across the Alps to Lucerne

Drive via the scenic Italian Lakes District, across the Alps into beautiful Switzerland, where we'll spend the next two nights in the medieval lakeside city of Lucerne. Tonight, why not consider an optional Swiss Folklore Show?

• S​tay: Hotel Astoria Lucerne
• M​eals: Breakfast

 Day 9 - Explore Lucerne

This morning, view the mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI. Walk along the flower-lined 14th-century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the river Reuss. Or join an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks for breathtaking views of the Swiss countryside. We have some time later to discover the best Swiss chocolates in town.

• S​tay: Hotel Astoria Lucerne
• M​eals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - On to Captivating Paris

Crossing the border into France this morning, we travel past the picturesque vineyards and country towns of Burgundy en route to the 'City of Lights'. Spend some time this evening strolling along the Seine and grand boulevards in search of a cosy bistro for fine French cuisine or consider an Optional Experience to a colourful Parisian cabaret.

• Stay: Renaissance Paris La Defense
• M​eals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Discover the Sights of Paris

Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour of this romantic city. View the sophisticated Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, the 19th-century Arc de Triomphe, honoring those who fought for France, and Notre Dame Cathedral, then enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Our European Whirl almost at its end, we spend the evening with fellow travellers and our Travel Director, enjoying a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro

• Stay: Renaissance Paris La Defense
• M​eals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 12 - Farewell Paris

Today bid adieu to your fellow travellers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable experience.  Your coach returns from Paris to London, you are welcome to use this complimentary transfer.

M​eals: Breakfast

Interested in extending you stay in Europe? Ask one of our travel advisors to help you plan your holiday. Call now on 1300 414 198

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Ready to travel to Europe? Book before 15 December 2022 and SAVE!

T​ravel 22 February - 05 March 2023

• T​win Share from $3,686 per person
• S​olo Traveller from $4,216

Travel 01 March - 12 March 2023

• Twin Share from $4,150 per person
• S​olo Traveller from $4,680

T​ravel 22 March - 02 April 2023

• T​win Share from $3,735 per person
• S​olo Traveller from $4,265

Other dates and great prices are available call today on 1300 414 198 to learn more.

Why not extend your stay and see more of Europe? Interested in booking a River Cruise to extend your European adventure? Ask us for details.

We can book your flights and accommodation and arrange your travel insurance.

​Accommodation during your tour includes:

• Mercure Amsterdam City
• Leonardo Hotel Heidelberg
• Grauer Bär Hotel Innsbruck or Alphotel Innsbruck
• Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana Venice
• Barceló Aran Mantegna Rome
• Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
• Hotel Astoria Lucerne
• Renaissance Paris La Défense

Will I need a passport/visa?
Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.