Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
Your Travel Director starts things off with an orientation tour covering the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde. After that, the afternoon is yours to wander around the Marais, stroll through the Tuileries Gardens or check out the Louvre on your own. In the evening, you can join an optional cabaret experience if you want dinner and live entertainment.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris)
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde with Travel Director
Optional Activities
- Browse boutiques in the Marais
- Stroll through Tuileries Gardens
- Visit Louvre Museum to see Mona Lisa and Winged Victory of Samothrace
- Explore the Left Bank
- Optional Experience: Paris cabaret with dazzling costumes, live music and sumptuous dinner
Landmarks/POIs Arc de Triomphe Champs-Élysées Place de la Concorde Tuileries Gardens Louvre Marais Left Bank 
- Day 2
Paris to Bordeaux
You'll head south through the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with scenic views the entire drive. Stop at Château de Chenonceau, which spans across the River Cher. Later you'll continue on to Bordeaux, an 18th-century inland port with plenty of character.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Gare St Jean, Bordeaux)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Loire Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visit Château de Chenonceau
Landmarks/POIs Château de Chenonceau Loire Valley River Cher 
- Day 3
Bordeaux to San Sebastián
A Local Expert guides you through Bordeaux's 18th-century architecture, including the Grand Theatre, Triangle d'Or and Esplanade des Quinconces. After that, head to San Sebastián where you'll spend the evening trying pintxos with locals and experiencing Basque food traditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (San Sebastián: Enjoy an evening of pintxos, dining with locals in this Basque tradition. Your delicious dinner includes a wide variety of finger food delicacies, each with their own regional flavour, flair and presentation.)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bordeaux with Local Expert covering quaysides, Grand Theatre, Triangle d'Or and Esplanade des Quinconces
- Walking tour of San Sebastián Old Town in small groups
- Progressive dinner with locals featuring pintxos and Txakoli wine
Landmarks/POIs Grand Theatre Esplanade des Quinconces Old Town San Sebastián - Day 4
San Sebastián to Madrid
You'll travel through mountains and gorges, then emerge onto the plateau of New Castile before arriving in Madrid. In the evening, take a drive along the grand avenues and past spectacular fountains to see the city lit up.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Riu Plaza España, Madrid), Hotel (Barceló Torre de Madrid)
Included Activities
- Evening drive along Madrid's grand avenues and past fountains
Landmarks/POIs Sierra de Guadarrama - Day 5
Madrid
A Local Expert guides you through Madrid's historic neighbourhoods and the Old Quarter. You can visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's Guernica, or join an alternative neighbourhood walking tour instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Riu Plaza España, Madrid), Hotel (Barceló Torre de Madrid)
Included Activities
- Sightseeing with Local Expert through historic neighbourhoods and Old Quarter
- Visit Reina Sofia Museum with art historian to see Picasso's Guernica
Optional Activities
- Alternative: Neighbourhood walking tour to discuss social equity empowerment and learn about the history of women's movements in Spain
Landmarks/POIs Reina Sofia Museum - Day 6
Madrid to Barcelona
Cross the Castilian plain, passing through Zaragoza along the way, and arrive in Barcelona. In the evening, try delicious local Catalan cuisine and take in city views from Montjuïc heights with lights sparkling from the mountains to sea.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton, Barcelona), Hotel (Labtwentytwo, Barcelona, Torre Melina Gran Meliá, Barcelona)
Optional Activities
- Evening meal with local Catalan cuisine at a restaurant
- View city from Montjuïc heights at night
Landmarks/POIs Montjuïc Zaragoza 
- Day 7
Barcelona
Your Local Expert takes you through the Gothic Quarter and cathedral. Then you'll travel along the Ramblas and Passeig de Gràcia to see flamboyant Modernist buildings, and continue through Eixample to see Gaudí's Sagrada Família.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton, Barcelona), Hotel (Labtwentytwo, Barcelona, Torre Melina Gran Meliá, Barcelona)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Gothic Quarter and cathedral with Local Expert
- Travel along the Ramblas
- Drive along Passeig de Gràcia viewing Modernist buildings
- Visit Sagrada Família
Landmarks/POIs Gothic Quarter Barcelona Cathedral Ramblas Passeig de Gràcia Sagrada Família Eixample - Day 8
Barcelona to Nice
Journey around the Mediterranean to the elegant French Riviera and arrive in Nice. You'll experience the iconic Bay of Angels and stroll along the Promenade des Anglais to soak in the Côte d'Azur atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Apollinaire, Nice)
Included Activities
- Stroll along Promenade des Anglais
Landmarks/POIs Bay of Angels Promenade des Anglais 
- Day 9
Nice to Monaco
You'll experience the glamorous Côte d'Azur where artists, aristocrats and film stars have long been drawn. Drive along Monaco's famous Grand Prix circuit and choose between visiting the Oceanographic Museum with over 6,000 marine species or the Royal Palace and Cathedral. The rest is yours to enjoy.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Apollinaire, Nice)
Included Activities
- Drive along Monaco's Grand Prix circuit
- Wander the old town with Travel Director to see Royal Palace and yacht-filled harbour
Optional Activities
- Visit Oceanographic Museum founded by Prince Albert I in 1910, featuring over 6,000 marine species
- Visit Royal Palace of Monaco and 19th-century Monaco Cathedral, final resting place of Princess Grace
Landmarks/POIs Grand Prix Circuit Royal Palace of Monaco Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Monaco Cathedral 
- Day 10
Monaco to Florence
Cross into Italy and follow the Italian Riviera to Pisa. In the Square of Miracles, explore the Leaning Tower with a Local Expert and see the 11th-century cathedral and baptistery. Continue through Tuscany to Florence.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Square of Miracles in Pisa with Local Expert
- See Leaning Tower of Pisa
- See 11th-century cathedral and baptistery in Pisa
Landmarks/POIs Leaning Tower of Pisa Square of Miracles Pisa Cathedral Pisa Baptistery - Day 11
Florence
Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery featuring Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. The afternoon is yours to shop or keep exploring.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villa Neroli, Florence)
Included Activities
- Walking tour with Local Expert to cathedral and baptistery featuring Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise
- Visit Piazza della Signoria
Optional Activities
- Shopping
- Further exploration of the city
Landmarks/POIs Florence Cathedral Florence Baptistery Piazza della Signoria Palazzo Vecchio - Day 12
Florence to Rome
Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria before passing the Apennine Mountains and arriving in Rome. In the evening, you'll have a traditional meal at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional meal at a local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu GHR, Rome)
Landmarks/POIs Chianti Hills Umbria Apennine Mountains 
- Day 13
Rome
A Local Expert introduces you to the grandeur of Rome starting with Vatican State. You'll visit the Vatican Museums, see Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and St. Peter's Basilica. The afternoon is yours to shop or relax before an exclusive after-hours visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu GHR, Rome)
Included Activities
- Guided introduction to Vatican State and surrounding area with Local Expert
- Visit Vatican Museums
- Visit Sistine Chapel
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica
- Exclusive after-hours access to Basilica of Saint Praxedes
Optional Activities
- Shopping in trendy boutiques
- Relax at a sidewalk cafe
Landmarks/POIs Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel St. Peter's Basilica Basilica of Saint Praxedes - Day 14
Rome
Enjoy Rome at your own pace today. Consider an optional experience to Pompeii, the ancient town frozen in time after Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Alternatively, spend time shopping in the trendy boutiques of Via del Corso, Via Nazionale or near the Spanish Steps.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu GHR, Rome)
Optional Activities
- Optional experience to Pompeii, frozen in time after Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD
- Shopping on Via del Corso
- Shopping on Via Nazionale
- Shopping near Spanish Steps
Landmarks/POIs Pompeii Via del Corso Via Nazionale Spanish Steps - Day 15
Rome to Venice
Journey through peaceful Tuscan landscapes and past Bologna into the fertile Valley of the River Po. Arrive in Venice by boat and enjoy a cocktail at sunset with musicians serenading you, then have dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Venice: In St Marks Square at sunset, long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels, sip cocktails canal-side before dinner at a local restaurant.)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice)
Included Activities
- Boat arrival in Venice
- Sunset cocktail reception with serenading musicians
- Dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs River Po Valley Bologna - Day 16
Venice
Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. You'll admire the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Join an experience to watch traditional glassblowers at work, then take a private cruise to St. Mark's Square to see St. Mark's Basilica and experience the city's former wealth and power.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice)
Included Activities
- Admire Doge's Palace
- See Bridge of Sighs
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience: Witness skill of glassblowers at traditional arts centre
- Private cruise to St. Mark's Square
- Visit St. Mark's Basilica
Landmarks/POIs Doge's Palace Bridge of Sighs St. Mark's Square St. Mark's Basilica - Day 17
Venice to Ljubljana
Depart Venice by water taxi and continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital. A Local Expert shows you Prešeren Square with its Triple Bridge, baroque Franciscan Church and the lively banks of Ljubljanica River. You can join an optional experience to the tranquil shores of Lake Bled.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Lev Ljubljana), Hotel (Exe Lev Ljubljana)
Included Activities
- Water taxi departure from Venice
- Guided tour of Ljubljana with Local Expert covering Prešeren Square, Triple Bridge, Franciscan Church and Ljubljanica River banks
Optional Activities
- Optional Experience: Lake Bled featuring traditional wooden 'pletna' boat ride across turquoise glacial waters to tiny island in the middle
Landmarks/POIs Prešeren Square Triple Bridge Franciscan Church Ljubljanica River Lake Bled 
- Day 18
Ljubljana to Vienna
Follow the Drava River to reach Maribor, a 700-year-old university town. Continue past Graz through Styria's forested mountains and arrive in Vienna.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront)
Landmarks/POIs Drava River Maribor Graz Styria 
- Day 19
Vienna
In the morning, you can join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Later, enjoy a drive around the famous Ring Road showcasing architectural masterpieces like the Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament. Walk through Innere Stadt with your Local Expert and visit a traditional Viennese cafe or the Capuchins Crypt.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront)
Included Activities
- Drive around Ring Road with views of Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament
- Walking tour of Innere Stadt (first district and historic core) with Local Expert
Optional Activities
- Private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens
- Visit traditional Viennese cafe to enjoy coffee and Sachertorte
- Visit Capuchins Crypt, burial place of the Habsburg family
Landmarks/POIs Schönbrunn Palace Ring Road Vienna State Opera Hofburg Imperial Residence Austrian Parliament Building Innere Stadt Capuchins Crypt - Day 20
Vienna to Innsbruck
Pass the impressive Benedictine monastery of Melk before reaching Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. A Local Expert shows you Mirabell Palace gardens where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed, Residence Square, the fortress, cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on Getreidegasse. You can join an excursion to Eagle's Nest, then continue to Innsbruck.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (AC, Innsbruck)
Included Activities
- Pass Benedictine monastery of Melk
- Guided tour of Salzburg with Local Expert covering Mirabell Palace, Residence Square, fortress, cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on Getreidegasse
- Visit Golden Roof and Imperial Palace in Innsbruck
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Eagle's Nest
Landmarks/POIs Melk Benedictine Monastery Mirabell Palace Salzburg Residence Square Salzburg Fortress Salzburg Cathedral Mozart's Birthplace Getreidegasse Eagle's Nest Golden Roof Innsbruck Imperial Palace - Day 21
Innsbruck to Lucerne
Journey past flower-filled meadows and picturesque chalet-style villages to Liechtenstein. Spend time in its tiny capital Vaduz, then cross into Switzerland through glorious mountains to lakeside Lucerne. Visit Lucerne's Lion Monument, then choose from fine restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Lucerne: Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around evening and hand-pick your preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Astoria Lucerne)
Included Activities
- Visit Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein
- View Lucerne's Lion Monument carved into a limestone cliff
Optional Activities
- Dine-Around Evening with fine selection of restaurants in Lucerne
Landmarks/POIs Vaduz Castle Lion Monument - Day 22
Lucerne
In the morning, explore Mount Stanserhorn on an experience taking an open-top cable car powered by solar panels to the summit. Enjoy mountain air and views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest. Walk scenic pathways spotting marmots and listen to a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger. Return to Lucerne to stroll the Chapel Bridge and baroque Jesuit Church, with the rest at leisure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Astoria Lucerne)
Included Activities
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience: Mount Stanserhorn open-top cable car powered by solar panels to summit
- Walk scenic pathways on Mount Stanserhorn
- Conservation talk by Swiss ranger about local wildlife and flora
- Stroll across covered Chapel Bridge
- See baroque Jesuit Church
Optional Activities
- Shop for fine watches and chocolates
Landmarks/POIs Mount Stanserhorn Chapel Bridge Jesuit Church - Day 23
Lucerne to Königswinter
Travel through Germany and follow the Rhine Valley north to Königswinter, enjoying the scenery along one of Europe's most picturesque river routes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Maritim, Königswinter)
Landmarks/POIs Rhine Valley - Day 24
Königswinter to Amsterdam
Enjoy a private estate viewing of one of the famous Rhineland castles and learn about these living cultural monuments over a glass of wine. Continue to Amsterdam and cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, then toast your adventure at a Celebration Dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Amsterdam: Toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Apollo, Amsterdam)
Included Activities
- Private estate viewing of a Rhineland castle with wine
- Canal cruise through Amsterdam's UNESCO World Heritage canal district
- See merchant houses from 16th and 17th centuries
- See Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)
- Celebration Dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Rhineland Castles Amsterdam Canal District Magere Brug - Day 25
Amsterdam to London
In the morning, travel to Brussels for your high-speed Eurostar train journey. On arrival in London, you're transferred to the Insight Vacations hotel where your trip ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer to London hotel
