Traditional Europe with Eurostar Extension

Day 1: Welcome to Amsterdam

All the highlights of Europe lie ahead on this epic journey from England to Austria, Italy to France. Spend the day exploring Amsterdam on foot, by bike or tram. Later, meet your Travel Director and travel companions and board a glass-topped boat for a Welcome Reception canal cruise, including a light dinner and welcome drink as you navigate the city’s labyrinthine canals lined with centuries-old gabled façades.

Day 2: Admire Cologne and Cruise in the Rhineland

Travel east, crossing the border into Germany bound for Cologne. Here, you’ll see the iconic twin spires of its imposing Cathedral, said to be the final resting place of the Three Wise Men. We cruise from Boppard and St. Goar along the mighty Rhine, lined with medieval villages and castles that cling to the hills. This evening, we stay in the Rhineland and enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Day 3: Enjoy Heidelberg then drive into the Alps

The imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle feature on our drive through this vibrant university city en route to the quaint medieval town of Colmar. Here we will enjoy an orientation stroll and free time for lunch. Our journey continues through the picturesque vineyards of Alsace en route to our hotel in the stunning mountain retreat of Engelberg, with a free evening to enjoy the town.

Day 4: Uncover Lucerne’s Treasures

Spend the day exploring Lucerne. Pay tribute to the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louise XVI during the French Revolution at the mournful Lion Monument, then admire the splendour of the flower-lined Chapel Bridge with its 17th-century paintings. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience up one of the nearby peaks for spectacular panoramic views before returning to Engelberg.

Day 5: Journey to Liechtenstein and Innsbruck

Admire rugged alpine scenery en route to the Principality of Liechtenstein, stopping in its capital, Vaduz. Cross the Austrian border and continue along the Arlberg route for a journey filled with pinch-me moments. Snow-capped mountains surround you as you travel through the Tyrol to Innsbruck. Visit the Old Town where you’ll see the famous Golden Roof completed in 1500 for Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.

Day 6: Onwards to Venice

Cross the extraordinary Europa Bridge, rising almost 200 metres above the Wipp Valley, following the Brenner Pass past alpine pastures and pine-clad peaks into Italy and the magical island city of Venice. Spend this evening at leisure, gliding by gondola through the city's canals, enjoying a Campari spritz in a quiet piazza or watching the sun set over the romantic Grand Canal.

Day 7: Discover the Floating City of Venice

Dive Into Culture and witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassmaking. This is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience which helps to preserve the strong tradition of glassblowing for which Venice is justifiably famous. You’ll learn how the talented master craftsmen use the same techniques their forefathers did to create the delicate artworks which adorn homes worldwide, perhaps inspiring you to buy a souvenir to remind you of this special visit. Later, board a private launch for your journey through the canals of Venice to St. Mark's Square where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city's centuries-old history and view the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Spend the afternoon exploring Venice your way, which could mean finding a tucked away bacaro to soak up some of the local atmosphere, a cruise around the lagoon or zigzagging up the Le Mercerie shopping street.

Day 8: All Roads Lead to Rome

Travel over the green and golden landscapes of the Apennine hills through beautiful Tuscany and Umbria, arriving in Rome where you'll spend the next two nights. This evening is yours to embrace la dolce vita. Relax in the Piazza Navona with an espresso, sit on the Spanish Steps or savour a tasty gelato.

Day 9: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

Delve into the treasures of the Vatican with a Local Specialist who will take you on a sightseeing tour through St. Peter's Basilica to see Michelangelo's sorrowful Pietà. Cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome to see the mighty Colosseum where brave gladiators once fought to the applause of exhilarated spectators, then enjoy views of Circus Maximus which once hosted chariot races. The rest of the day is yours to explore the sights and sounds of this remarkable city. Ramble through Rome's grand boulevards, shop up a storm on the Via del Corso or perhaps take an Optional Excursion to see Michelangelo's beautiful frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Day 10: The Ruins of Pompeii with Sunny Sorrento

Enjoy a scenic drive through the vineyards of Frascati into the Campania region where we'll meet a Local Specialist who will share the fascinating story of Pompeii, a city buried in ash and lost for centuries following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. We arrive in the sophisticated seaside retreat of Sorrento this evening where we will spend the night.

Day 11: Sail to Capri then Onwards to Assisi

Cross the deep blue waters of the Bay of Naples to the beautiful Isle of Capri, ascending by funicular to Capri Town where we will join our Local Specialist for a walking tour. Travelling north, we view the restored Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of a bloody World War II battle, arriving later in mystical Assisi to view the Basilica of St. Francis featuring spectacular frescoes by Giotto with a Local Specialist.

Day 12: Through Tuscany to Florence

Beautiful Tuscan and Umbrian landscapes that have inspired painters and poets for centuries follow our journey to Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. We join a Local Specialist on an included walking tour to see the city's spectacular heritage, architecture and open-air art, including views of the marble Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s political hub centuries ago, and learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft.

Day 13: Uncover Pisa, Monaco and the French Riviera

Journey to Pisa and its Square of Miracles to see the Leaning Tower and its imposing Baptistery. Leaving the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy behind, we visit the playground of Monaco and view the Royal Palace before arriving on the French Riviera.

Day 14: Discover Artistic Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Tread in the footsteps of famous French actors and artists who for centuries have regarded the medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence as a haven. Spend the afternoon at leisure or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see spectacular views of one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe and pay an aromatic visit to the historic Fragonard perfumery to learn how French fragrances are crafted before trying some specialities from the region at a local restaurant.

Day 15: Journey through Papal Avignon to Lyon

Visit what was once the centre of Christendom in the Middle Ages, the papal city of Avignon. Here, you will see the Palais des Papes, the Cathedral and famous Pont d'Avignon, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Connect With Locals next, joining Poppy Salinger on the banks of the Sorgue for a Provençal Be My Guest experience. Hear stories about her famous husband before travelling to the historically strategic city of Lyon on the Rhône. Enjoy an orientation tour including views of Fourvière Hill, the 'hill that prays', and the impressive Place Bellecour before spending the evening at leisure.

Day 16: Travel through Burgundy to Paris

Visit Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, before continuing north to Paris. The evening is yours to indulge in the sophistication and splendour of the 'City of Lights'. Enjoy a dinner cruise along the magical Seine, stroll through Montmartre or consider a trip to one of the city's most famous cabaret shows revealing French pageantry.

Day 17: Explore Magical Paris

Join a Local Specialist to see the sights and sounds of Paris, including the grand Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. View Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Our epic European adventure near its end, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a Farewell Dinner this evening.

Day 18: Catch the Eurostar™ to London

Transfers are provided to Paris Gare du Nord station, where you'll board the Eurostar™ train to London. The journey time to London St. Pancras International is 2 hours and 20 minutes. On arrival in London, you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 19: Journey Home

Enjoy an English breakfast at the end of your holiday.