Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll arrive in Amsterdam and have the day to yourself for wandering around at your own pace. By evening, join your Travel Director and the group for a welcome dinner cruise along the canals. You'll see architectural highlights from Amsterdam's Golden Age while having dinner and wine at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam, served with wine)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton, Amsterdam)
Included Activities
- Canal cruise along tree-lined canals to explore the Old City
Landmarks Amsterdam Canal System 
- Day 2
Amsterdam to Heidelberg
Drive through the Rhine Valley, passing quaint villages and hilltop castles while learning about the legend of Lorelei Rock. Head to Heidelberg and check out Heidelberg Castle with a local expert, who'll walk you through the red sandstone fortress and its historic rooms.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Marriott, Heidelberg)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Rhine Valley
- Visit to Heidelberg Castle with Local Expert - includes interior tour with views of the Heidelberg Tun (1591), Apothecary Museum, and panoramic views of Heidelberg and Neckar Valley
Landmarks Rhine Valley Lorelei Rock Heidelberg Castle Neckar River 
- Day 3
Heidelberg to Innsbruck
Travel through the Black Forest toward the Bavarian Alps, stopping to see Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein castles (King Ludwig's fortress that allegedly inspired Disney's castle). Cross into Austria and reach Innsbruck, where you'll walk through the Imperial Palace, see the Golden Roof, and explore the Gothic and Baroque buildings in the Old Town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (AC, Innsbruck)
Included Activities
- Drive through Black Forest and Bavarian Alps with views of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein castles
- Orientation of Innsbruck with Travel Director - stroll the picturesque Old Town and learn about its history and architecture
Optional Activities
- Tyrolean Evening & Dinner - Lively evening including dinner with dancers in national costume, yodelling and entertainment typical of Tyrolean traditions, drinks included (EUR 67.00 per adult)
Landmarks Hohenschwangau Castle Neuschwanstein Castle Innsbruck Old Town Imperial Palace (Hofburg), Innsbruck Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), Innsbruck 
- Day 4
Innsbruck to Venice
Cross the Italian border and drive through the Dolomites. Stop at a local family winery in Conegliano Veneto to learn how prosecco is made and taste some of their sparkling wines. Then head to Venice and have dinner with wine in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner with wine)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice)
Included Activities
- Drive through the Dolomites
- Visit to local family winery in Veneto - prosecco tasting and learn how this local drink is produced
Landmarks Dolomites Conegliano Veneto Venice 
- Day 5
Venice
Spend the day in Venice exploring its charm. Watch glassblowing at a traditional workshop where craftspeople demonstrate techniques dating back to the 15th century. Take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square to see St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. The afternoon is free to wander, or you can take an optional boat trip to Burano for local specialties and wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice)
Included Activities
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Visit to traditional glassblowing workshop to witness the skill of master glassblowers
- Private cruise to St. Mark's Square with views of St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and Bridge of Sighs
Optional Activities
- Gondolas and the Grand Canal - Scenic cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal viewing magnificent palazzi, Rialto Bridge, and St. Mark's Square, followed by gondola ride along narrow waterways (EUR 70.00 per adult)
- Hidden Venice - Guided walk through lesser-known quarters with a Local Expert exploring back lanes and small squares, experiencing local life (EUR 34.00 per adult)
- Burano Excursion & Meal - Private cruise around the Venetian lagoon islands to Burano island, featuring candy-coloured houses and artisan lace makers, plus superb meal with local specialities and wine included (EUR 72.00 per adult)
Landmarks St. Mark's Square St. Mark's Basilica Doge's Palace Bridge of Sighs Burano Island Grand Canal Rialto Bridge - Day 6
Venice to Rome
Head south through the Apennine Mountains, driving through Tuscany and Umbria along the Tiber River to reach Rome. Visit the 9th-century Basilica of Saint Praxedes for an after-hours visit to see the well-preserved Byzantine mosaics and Bernini's first sculpture. Have dinner at a local Roman family's home for an authentic experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Invitation from local host to join them for a truly Italian, home-cooked meal - experience Italian hospitality with food, family and friends central to Italian way of life)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Room 007 Select, Rome)
Included Activities
- Drive through Apennine Mountains, Tuscany, and Umbria
- Exclusive after-hours visit to Basilica of Saint Praxedes with the Rector - tour of 9th-century basilica featuring world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics (illuminated for the visit) and Bernini's first sculpture
Optional Activities
- Piazzas & Fountains - Guided stroll through backstreets and secrets of Pedestrian Rome with Local Expert, seeing the Pantheon, 17th-century fountains, and beautiful piazzas (EUR 33.00 per adult)
- Guided Visit to the Colosseum - Explore Roman history with Local Expert, see the Arch of Constantine, priority reserved entrance to the Colosseum with tales of gladiatorial combat and the Roman Empire (EUR 53.00 per adult, subject to availability with 50% cancellation fee if cancelled)
- Roman Dinner Party and Trevi Fountain - Evening of delicious Roman cuisine with drinks and Italian ambiance, followed by visit to the restored Trevi Fountain (EUR 61.00 per adult)
Landmarks Apennine Mountains Tiber River Basilica of Saint Praxedes Pantheon Trevi Fountain 
- Day 7
Rome
Join a local expert for a full tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel frescoes. Then check out St. Peter's Basilica, one of the world's largest churches. Cross the Tiber to see the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater from the Roman Empire. The afternoon is free to explore on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Room 007 Select, Rome)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Vatican Museums with Local Expert
- Tour of Sistine Chapel frescoes
- Exploration of St. Peter's Basilica
- Visit to Colosseum exterior - learn history, construction and legends of this iconic Roman structure
Landmarks Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel St. Peter's Basilica River Tiber Colosseum Arch of Constantine 
- Day 8
Rome to Florence
Drive to the Chianti Hills and arrive in Florence. A local expert will guide you to the Duomo with its multicolored marble exterior and the baptistery with Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Walk through Piazza della Signoria, the political center of the city, lined with Renaissance fountains and statues. Spend the afternoon shopping for gold and leather goods. Later, have dinner at a local trattoria in the city center.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Authentic meal at a local trattoria in the heart of Florence - traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner in the city known for its delicious cuts of steak)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Adler Cavalieri, Florence)
Included Activities
- Drive through Chianti Hills to Florence
- Guided visit with Local Expert - Duomo with multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower, and baptistery adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise
- Visit to Piazza della Signoria - political heart of Florence with fountains and statues forming a virtual open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces
- Tour of the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for quality luxury goods
Optional Activities
- Jewels of the Renaissance - Priority reserved entry to the Accademia Gallery (Academy of Fine Arts) with Local Expert, viewing 15th & 16th Century Florentine paintings by Uccello, Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Michelangelo's four unfinished 'Prisoners', and the highlight - Michelangelo's 'David' (EUR 47.00 per adult, involves reservations and entrance prepayments with 50% cancellation fee if cancelled)
- Dinner in the Tuscan Hills - Fabulous dinner of Tuscan specialities in the hills surrounding Florence with typical Florentine meal, Chianti wine, music and entertainment (EUR 65.00 per adult)
Landmarks Chianti Hills Florence Duomo Piazza della Signoria Santa Croce Basilica Accademia Gallery 
- Day 9
Florence
The day is completely free in Florence. Wander through the museums and galleries with some of the world's most famous art, walk around historic piazzas and streets, browse shops, or sit at a street cafe and soak in the city's atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Adler Cavalieri, Florence)
Optional Activities
- Pisa and the Arno Valley - Visit the historical city of Pisa with Local Specialist insight into its leaning tower, medieval squares and markets, with plenty of free time to shop and explore (EUR 43.00 per adult)
Landmarks Pisa Leaning Tower of Pisa - Day 10
Florence to Lucerne
Head across the Swiss border to Lucerne. See the Lion Monument carved into a limestone cliff as a memorial to Swiss Guards who died in the French Revolution. Walk across the Chapel Bridge and see the ornate Jesuit Church. The afternoon is free, so you can optionally cruise on Lake Lucerne for views of dramatic mountain scenery.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Astoria, Lucerne)
Included Activities
- Travel to Switzerland
- Visit to Lion Monument - emotive memorial carved into limestone cliff honouring Swiss Guards who died in the French Revolution
- Stroll across Chapel Bridge
- View of ornate Jesuit Church
Optional Activities
- Lake Lucerne Cruise and Drinks - Cruise on Lake Lucerne, widely considered the loveliest mountain lake, viewing spectacular shoreline and homes, with two drinks served (CHF 49.00 per adult)
Landmarks Lion Monument Chapel Bridge Jesuit Church Lake Lucerne 
- Day 11
Lucerne
Take a cable car to the summit of Mount Pilatus for pristine mountain air and views of snow-capped peaks. The rest of the day is yours to explore the traffic-free Old Town for Swiss chocolate and watches, take an optional horse-drawn carriage into the countryside to meet local farmers, or just relax. In the evening, choose from hand-picked local restaurants through the Dine-Around Experience, each with its own cuisine and feel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dine-Around Evening - choose from selection of hand-picked local restaurants with your own preferred cuisine and ambience)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Astoria, Lucerne)
Included Activities
- Scenic journey by cable car to Mount Pilatus summit - spectacular panorama of snow-capped peaks with pristine mountain air and views
Optional Activities
- Carriages & Countryside - Horse-drawn carriage ride through bright green pasture in a typical rural community, meeting local farmers, viewing traditional white church spire and wooden storehouses, with homemade drinks and snacks served at a local farm (CHF 67.00 per adult)
Landmarks Mount Pilatus Lucerne Old Town - Day 12
Lucerne to Paris
Travel through the rural countryside of Alsace and Burgundy, known for vineyards and wines, arriving in Paris. See the Eiffel Tower, walk along the Seine with its many bridges, see Place de la Concorde, and drive the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. The evening is free to explore, and you can visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows if you'd like.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique.)
Included Activities
- Drive through Alsace and Burgundy wine regions
- Sightseeing in Paris - Eiffel Tower, Seine banks and bridges, Place de la Concorde obelisk, Champs Élysées drive to Arc de Triomphe
Optional Activities
- Seine Cruise and Illuminations - Specially-designed sightseeing boat cruise along the Seine beneath famous bridges appreciating Left and Right Banks and Île de la Cité and St Louis, followed by illuminations tour viewing Champs Élysées and Eiffel Tower at night (EUR 38.00 per adult)
- Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner - Dinner and cabaret with wine and champagne at the original Moulin Rouge, featuring 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes (EUR 165.00 per adult)
- Montparnasse Tower & the Right Bank - Take Europe's fastest elevator to the Panoramic Observation Deck for views of Eiffel Tower and all iconic monuments without queues, with 360-degree view from highest rooftop terrace, then explore hidden gems on the Rive Droite with Local Expert including stroll across Seine to Notre Dame Cathedral (EUR 38.00 per adult)
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Seine River Place de la Concorde Champs Élysées Arc de Triomphe Moulin Rouge Montparnasse Tower Notre Dame Cathedral Île de la Cité 
- Day 13
Paris
Choose your own Paris experience. Either take a guided walk through Montorgueil to experience community life, or join a local food enthusiast exploring where Parisians shop and live, visiting small shops and sampling local treats. In the evening, meet up with the group at the historic La Coupole restaurant for French dinner and wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole featuring French cuisine and delicious wine)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique.)
Included Activities
- Insight Choice - Select one of two activities: (1) Explore the picturesque Montorgueil district - see the school, food stores, housing, heritage landmarks, sports facilities and theatres in this car-free, pedestrianized neighbourhood including passages couverts and Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir' and Napoleonic 'Egyptian' district; OR (2) Join a local food lover on a walk through Paris streets - visit patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies
Landmarks Montorgueil District La Coupole Restaurant - Day 14
Paris to London
Say goodbye to your traveling companions in the morning as the trip ends. Take the high-speed Eurostar train from Paris back to London. After arriving, you'll be transferred to your hotel where your journey concludes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
