European Discovery

Welcome to Amsterdam. Spend the day at leisure before joining your Travel Director in the evening. Cruise the city’s charming, tree-lined canals and explore the heart of the Old City, then share a delightful dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant.

If you choose, you could start the morning by visiting the Van Loon Museum. Later, visit the newly refurbished Rijksmuseum with a Local Expert, Amsterdam's famed treasure trove of Dutch art, housing Rembrandt's ‘Night Watch.'

Cross into Germany and travel through the Rhine Valley to Boppard, where you’ll board a cruise along one of Europe’s most storied stretches of river. Sail towards Sankt Goar, past hillside castles, vineyard-covered slopes and the steep Lorelei Rock, long tied to legends of river sirens and sailors. A wine tasting on board will bring the flavours of the valley into the moment Later, there’s time to stroll the cobbled lanes of Würzburg’s Old Town and admire the stone saints that line the 16th-century Alte Mainbrücke.

Venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most well-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Continue east to the Czech border, passing the town of Pilsen, renowned for its beer, before arriving in the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a river cruise through the heart of the city.

Explore Prague with Insight Choice. Choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join your Local Expert through the Jewish Quarter and hear about the history, traditions and legends of the Jewish people and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry. In the afternoon, see the mighty Marienburg Fortress - the immense baroque palace of the Prince Bishops and one of the most important landmarks in Germany. Then, the city is all yours to explore. In the evening, why not enjoy an Optional Experience in the Czech countryside?

Journey through the Czech Republic and continue south over the Austrian border and onto Salzburg, the city of Mozart and the ‘Sound of Music.’ A Local Expert shows you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace which includes the fountains and statues where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed. Later see Residence Square and its fountain, where Maria sings 'I Have Confidence'. Witness the imposing fortress, immense cathedral and Mozart’s birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. In the evening, experience authentic Farm-to-Table dining at a restaurant in Salzburg and enjoy the flavours of homemade dishes.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Salzburg to shop for local marzipan specialities. Perhaps take the opportunity to marvel at impressive views atop Kehlsteinhaus - the Eagle’s Nest - a unique example of historic architecture in a stunning alpine setting? Later, stunning scenery surrounds you as you travel down the Tauern Mountains to cross the Italian border. Continue to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic, where your hotel is perfectly located in one of the quietest peaceful and authentic Venetian districts.

In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. See the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace on St. Mark's Square, connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialities and wine?

Head into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria. Your journey continues as you follow the course of the Tiber to your hotel in the Eternal City of Rome. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces, and your morning walking tour with a Local Expert includes this in abundance. Toss a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain and see the best-preserved monument from the Roman period - the Pantheon, before enjoying free time to do as the Romans do, in Piazza Navona. This evening, enjoy a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Admire the stunning 9th-century Byzantine mosaics illuminated for this exclusive visit as you view the legendary well and renowned chapels.

Your Local Expert will introduce you to 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. Enjoy fast-track entry to avoid the crowds and admire the Papal art collection. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Your travels continue through peaceful Umbria and Tuscany, to arrive at the city of Florence. A Local Expert will accompany you to the Duomo, where the Gates of Paradise adorn the baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city. Lined with fountains and statues, it acts as an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Take time to gaze at Neptune and David as you explore the historic city centre.

The famous Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre are a highlight of your journey. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat (weather permitting). Spend time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. Continue on to your resort in Santa Margherita Ligure.

Pass Milan as you head north for the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world. Travel alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, down to scenic Lake Lucerne, where you are leisure for the rest of the afternoon.

Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up 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, see the town'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. Then, 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.

Journey through the rural French country side of Burgundy, famous for its vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. With the evening free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Why not visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows?

Your exploration of Paris today starts with an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join 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.  In the evening, indulge in refined French cuisine during dinner at the iconic restaurant L'Alsace, frequently visited by the French entertainer Josephine Baker.

Bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport.