European Whirl End Paris

Visit Europe

Day 1

Eurostar™ to Brussels and on to Amsterdam

A brief interlude with the British capital this morning sees us meet our Travel Director before travelling 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 dinner cruise on its canals.

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. Arriving in the Baroque city of Heidelberg, we explore its unexpected highlights before travelling to our Rhineland hotel.

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.

Day 4

Onwards to the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter

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. 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.

Day 5

All Roads Lead to Rome Connect with Locals

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.

Day 6

Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

Our first stop today sees us discover the divine beauty of the Vatican City with a Local Specialist.

Perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. We continue to Ancient Rome to view Roman Forum, the walls of 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 savouring a tasty gelato, or shop up a storm on the trendy Via Condotti.

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 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.

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.

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.

Day 9

Explore Lucerne

This morning join an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks for breath taking views of the Swiss countryside.

We have some time later to discover the best Swiss chocolates in town.

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 Light'.

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.

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, honouring those who fought for France, and Notre Dame Cathedral, then enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Our European Whirl is almost at its end, we spend the evening with fellow travellers and our Travel Director, enjoying dinner in a local bistro.

Day 12

Farewell Paris

Today bid adieu to your fellow travellers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable experience.

Dining Summary

4 Dinner (D)

11 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Florence: Eight generations of history with plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest lunch with the Landi family at their home near Florence, set within a garden of oak trees against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.

Iconic Experience

Amsterdam: Led by your Travel Director, wander the city to see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace.

Rhineland: Cruise beneath the semi-ruined castles and terraced vineyards. Sleepy villages slip by as you saunter upstream to the Lorelei Rock where the enchantress lured sailors to their doom.

Heidelberg: Explore one of Germany's most enchanting cities during an orientation with your Travel Director.

Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.

Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town and learn about its history with your Travel Director. 

Vatican: See St. Peter's Basilica located within the Vatican City.

Tuscany: View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today. 

Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.

Switzerland: Marvel at the Alpine landscape as you drive past breathtakingly beautiful mountains and valleys. 

Lucerne: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.

Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. 

Must-see Highlights

Explore Rome, Florence and Paris

Discover Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Munich, Innsbruck, Venice and Lucerne

Visit a glassblowing factory in Venice

View the canals in Amsterdam, the Golden Roof in Innsbruck, St. Mark's Square in Venice, the ancient sites in Rome, the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne and the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

See the Lorelei Rock in Germany and the vineyards of Burgundy

Scenic Cruise along the canals of Amsterdam, the Rhine River and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

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