Tour Description

See Paris icons like the Champs-Élysées through the eyes of your Local Expert, enjoy the gastronomic delights of pintxos tasting tours in San Sebastian, the foodie city of Spain and try your hand at Venice glassblowing in Italy, all on the grandest of European tours. From boutique fashionista shopping in the avenues of Paris to Picasso's trail blazing masterpieces in Madrid, this cultural tour de force is all encompassing. Barcelona dazzles with Gaudi's masterpiece—La Sagrada Família, while Avignon serves up a palate tantalising taste of traditional Farm-to-Table cooking. The French Riviera offers an abundance of opulence, with harbours in Nice and Monaco packed to the brim with luxury yachts, and in Vienna the regal history of Austria's Habsburg dynasty fires up the imagination.

Priced From:

$ 15805pp ^*

From: 2025-04-19

To: 2025-09-27

Start Location: Paris, France

End Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Trip Type: European Discovery

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Itinerary

Welcome to Paris

Day 1

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris

Welcome to Paris, enjoy time at leisure to settle into your hotel. During your time here you will see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe. Later, join your Travel Director at a local brasserie in the heart of Paris for a fabulous dinner.

Paris, the City of Light

Day 2

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris

Your exploration of Paris today begins with an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city.

Onto Bordeaux

Day 3

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Novotel Gare St Jean, Bordeaux

Head southwards towards Châteaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known as the Jardins de France for the beautifully maintained gardens created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenonceau Castle, an elegant French château spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling in-land port of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character.

Bordeaux and San Sebastián

Day 4

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián

Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France's best 18th century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contributed to Bordeaux earning inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián where you will have the chance to dine with the locals in the evening. In small groups, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine.

On to Madrid Relaxed Start

Day 5

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Riu Plaza España, Madrid

Continue through the mountains and gorges of the north and emerge from the tunnel in the Sierra de Guadarrama onto the plateau of New Castile and Spain's elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains?

Madrid Relaxed Start

Day 6

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Riu Plaza España, Madrid

Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighbourhoods in the Spanish capital. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's Guernica.

Madrid and Beautiful Barcelona

Day 7

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hilton, Barcelona

Cross the Castilian plain, past Zaragoza, and continue to the vibrant port of Barcelona. In the evening, why not try delicious local Catalan cuisine and as night descends, view the city from the heights of Montjuic, with lights sparkling below from the mountains to sea.

Barcelona, City of Gaudi Relaxed Start

Day 8

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hilton, Barcelona

Join your Local Expert for a view of the Gothic Quarter and the cathedral. Travel by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.

Avignon, the City of Popes

Day 9

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Novotel Centre, Avignon

Journey to Avignon to see the famous Pont d'Avignon, once spanning the Rhône and immortalised in songs. Walk within the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to stand in the shadow of the old Palais des Papes, resembling a fortress. Learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce. After, indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner, a delicious insight into traditional French home-style cuisine.

On the shores of Nice

Day 10

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Apollinaire, Nice, Radisson Blu, Nice

Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or relax on the beach.

Monaco and Pisa

Day 11

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Villa Neroli, Florence

Travel to Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family live, the yacht-filled harbour and visit the cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Cross into Italy and follow the arc of the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. In the Square of Miracles, stop to see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa with a Local Expert, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Also see the splendid 11th century cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble.

Renaissance Florence Relaxed Start

Day 12

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Villa Neroli, Florence

Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there's free time to shop or continue exploring.

The Eternal City of Rome

Day 13

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, before passing the Apennine Mountains to arrive at the Eternal City, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant.

Exploring Papal Rome

Day 14

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome

A Local Expert introduces the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter’s Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. The afternoon is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe before our exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit.

Rome at Leisure Relaxed Start

Day 15

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome

Enjoy Rome at your own pace today. Perhaps take an optional experience to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps.

Autostrada del Sole to Venice

Day 16

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice

Journey through peaceful Tuscan landscapes, to descend past Bologna into the fertile Valley of the River Po. Arrive at the glorious city of Venice by boat and savour a cocktail at sunset whilst you are serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

The Magic of La Serenissima

Day 17

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice

Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Admire the Doge’s Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre, before taking a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where St. Mark’s Basilica exudes the city’s former wealth and power.

Venice to elegant Ljubljana Relaxed Start

Day 18

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Lev Ljubljana

Depart Venice by water taxi and continue your journey to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. A Local Expert shows you Prešeren square with the Triple bridge, baroque Franciscan Church and and the lively banks of Ljubljanica river. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the tranquil shores of Lake Bled? Ride in a traditional wooden 'pletna' across the turquoise glacial waters towards the tiny island that rises in the middle.

Ljubljana to Vienna

Day 19

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront

Follow the Drava River and cross over the Slovenian border to reach the 700-year-old university town of Maribor. Continue past Graz through Styria's forested mountains and on to Vienna.

Vienna and the Habsburgs Relaxed Start

Day 20

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park, Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront

In the morning, there is the option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Later, get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built alongside the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament. Later, join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. Visit a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialities of coffee and Sachertorte or visit Capuchins' Crypt, the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.

Salzburg and onto Innsbruck

Day 21

Duration: 1

Accommodation: AC, Innsbruck

Pass the impressive Benedictine monastery of Melk before reaching the enchanting city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and the iconic musical 'The Sound of Music'. A Local Expert will show you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, including the fountains and statues where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed. Cross Residence Square with its fountain, where Maria sings 'I Have Confidence' and see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart’s birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. Perhaps join an excursion to the famous Eagle's Nest? Continue to the mountain ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.

Liechtenstein to Lucerne Relaxed Start

Day 22

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Astoria Lucerne

Journey past flower-filled meadows and picturesque chalet-style villages to the Principality of Liechtenstein. Spend some time in its tiny capital, Vaduz, then cross into Switzerland and through glorious mountains to lakeside Lucerne. On arrival, visit Lucerne's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution.

Lucerne and Mt Stanserhorn

Day 23

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Astoria Lucerne

In the morning, explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels takes you up to the summit. Take in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora.Upon return to Lucerne, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit church. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for fine watches and delectable chocolates. Tonight, enjoy a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.

Legends along the Rhine

Day 24

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Maritim, Königswinter

Enjoy travelling through Germany and follow the Rhine Valley north to Königswinter.

The Canals of Amsterdam

Day 25

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Apollo, Amsterdam

Delight in a private estate viewing of one of the famous Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments situated along the Middle Rhine over a glass of wine. Continue your travels to Amsterdam. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. In the evening, toast your adventure and new-found friends during a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.

Depart Amsterdam

Day 26

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Apollo, Amsterdam

After breakfast, transfers arrive at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.

Dates & prices

Start Date: 2025-05-03

End Date: 2025-05-28

twin

Child Price: 15090

Adult Price: 16860

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16860

triple

Child Price: 14810

Adult Price: 16580

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 21490

Start Date: 2025-05-17

End Date: 2025-06-11

twin

Child Price: 15090

Adult Price: 16860

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16860

triple

Child Price: 14810

Adult Price: 16580

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 21880

Start Date: 2025-05-31

End Date: 2025-06-25

twin

Child Price: 15165

Adult Price: 16935

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16935

triple

Child Price: 14885

Adult Price: 16655

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 22005

Start Date: 2025-06-28

End Date: 2025-07-23

twin

Child Price: 15065

Adult Price: 16835

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16835

triple

Child Price: 14785

Adult Price: 16555

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 21505

Start Date: 2025-07-12

End Date: 2025-08-06

twin

Child Price: 14635

Adult Price: 16405

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16405

triple

Child Price: 14355

Adult Price: 16125

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 20705

Start Date: 2025-07-26

End Date: 2025-08-20

twin

Child Price: 14315

Adult Price: 16085

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16085

triple

Child Price: 14035

Adult Price: 15805

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 20145

Start Date: 2025-08-23

End Date: 2025-09-17

twin

Child Price: 14990

Adult Price: 16760

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16760

triple

Child Price: 14710

Adult Price: 16480

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 21320

Start Date: 2025-09-06

End Date: 2025-10-01

twin

Child Price: 15135

Adult Price: 16905

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16905

triple

Child Price: 14855

Adult Price: 16625

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 21835

Start Date: 2025-09-27

End Date: 2025-10-22

twin

Child Price: 15015

Adult Price: 16785

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16785

triple

Child Price: 14735

Adult Price: 16505

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 21345

European Grandeur – Start Paris, End Amsterdam, Classic Group

Tour Advisors

Itinerary

Dates & prices