European Expedition
- 13 Nights/14 Days
- France
- Paris- Lucerne – Zurich – Rhine Falls – Titisee – Frankfurt- Prague – Bratislava- Budapest – Vienna – Mondsee –Munich – Mount Titlis – Lucerne – Venice – Vatican – Arezzo-Genoa – Monaco – Nice – Cannes – Avignon
Day 1: Paris – Lucerne (approx. 405 Miles / 6.5 Hours)
After boarding the coach in Paris, sit back and enjoy a scenic journey across classic French countryside en route to mountainous Switzerland.
You'll pass through Basel, which is located at the point where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, before arriving at the picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne, nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Swiss Alps. Here you'll get to see famous landmarks in Lucerne, including Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and some wonderfully preserved Baroque and Gothic architecture, followed by some free time to shop or take pictures. Overnight in Lucerne or a city nearby.
Day 2: Lucerne – Zurich – Rhine Falls – Titisee – Frankfurt
Today begins in Zurich, a city with a reputation as a leading global financial center. There is a chance for a picture stop at the impressive Lake Zurich, before moving on to Rhine Falls, Europe's biggest waterfall.
Next, we'll cross back into Germany and the Black Forest, the ancient fir-covered mountain range which is famous for its creepy folklore and mythical tales. Here you will see the beautiful lake Titisee, where you can stop at one of the many lakeside cafés to enjoy some of the region's best Black Forest cherry gateaux. Cuckoo clocks are made in Titisee, making this the ideal place to pick up a few souvenirs from the local shops, and you'll also get to see a demonstration of how these magical mechanisms work.
Finally, you'll head back to Frankfurt or a nearby city for the night.
Day 3: Frankfurt – Prague
After boarding the coach in Frankfurt, we will sit back and enjoy a scenic ride through some classic German countryside to Prague -- the capital of the Czech Republic.
You will arrive in the afternoon, ready to discover this charming capital city with its fairy-tale architecture, the following morning. Overnight in a Prague or a city nearby.
Day 4: Prague – Bratislava
Your Prague adventure begins with a spectacular walk along the Royal Route, following the traditional coronation path of the kings and queens of old Bohemia.
You'll start from the top of Castle Hill in the Hradcany district, famous for its views over the red-roofed old city, and then tour Prague Castle.
Your exploration then heads off around the imposing gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and along Golden Lane, an ancient thoroughfare lined with some wonderful traditional buildings.
Later you will stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, which arches gracefully over the Vltava, and on through the winding alleys to the Old Town Square, where you can see the City Hall and one of Prague's most well-known sights, the Astronomical Clock.
After lunch in the square, you'll make the scenic transfer from Prague to the hotel in or near the Slovakian capital, Bratislava.
Day 5: Bratislava – Budapest
Today we will arrive in Hungary. Its capital, Budapest, is known as the Pearl of the Danube. One of the best ways of seeing this unique location is by taking a river cruise. After a morning of activity, you'll relax over lunch at Buda Palace, and then have a chance to look at the exhibitions in the Budapest History Museum and Hungarian National Gallery, or do a spot of souvenir shopping. You'll explore both sides of the city on a cultural and historical tour. We will first explore the western half of the city, where we will see Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. We will then cross to the eastern side, where we will stop at Heroes' Square and Hungary's Parliament Building. In the evening, you can choose to round off an eventful day with an optional dinner in the heart of Budapest, where you can sample traditional dishes such as goose liver, goulash, duck leg and local wine, accompanied by Hungarian folk dance and music.
Overnight in Budapest or a city nearby.
Day 6: Budapest – Vienna
Today starts with a short journey to another of Europe's grand capitals, Vienna, where you'll get to explore the Austrian city's resplendent palaces, striking churches and prestigious art museums. Your Vienna adventure begins at one of the city's most popular attractions, Schönbrunn Palace. After lunch, you will take a driving tour past many grand, famous buildings, including the City Hall, the Austrian Parliament, Hofburg Palace, and Heroes' Square. In the afternoon, you'll have some shopping time, before adding the Wiener Staatsoper (opera house) to your checklist of key Vienna buildings. Later, opt for dinner in the heart of the city or visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, before taking a stroll in Stadtpark, which is known for its range of sculptures, including the famous gilded bronze statue of Johann Strauss II. Later, you can visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, before taking a stroll in Stadtpark, including the famous gilded bronze statue of Johann Strauss II. In the evening, we recommend the option of attending a Viennese waltz concert, which will allow you the unforgettable experience of hearing the music of Mozart and Strauss in the place where it was composed. Overnight in Vienna or a city nearby.
Day 7: Vienna – Mondsee – Munich
From Vienna, it’s on to another Austrian gem, Mondsee.
After lunch group will continue to cross the German border to Munich. After arriving in Munich, you'll visit Marienplatz and New Town Hall. Marienplatz is a central square in the city center of Munich since 1158. The New Town Hall is at the northern part of Marienplatz. It hosts the city government including the city council, offices of the mayors and part of the administration since 1874. Or you can enjoy a German beer in one of the beer gardens before going to the hotel.
Day 8: Munich – Mount Titlis – Lucerne – Zurich
You'll leave the big cities behind on Saturday morning and head for one of the world's most famous mountain ranges – the Swiss Alps. The first destination is Engelberg, the stunning Swiss resort. From here you can opt to board a cable car that takes you to the summit of the impressive Mount Titlis. To reach the top of the permanently snow-covered Mt. Titlis is a combination of gondolas over 3 stages. You'll ascend the last stage by the world's first revolving gondola the Titlis Rotair, that delivers spectacular views of the valleys, glaciers, lakes, and forests below, and 360˚ vistas of the surrounding mountains. At the summit, the sun terrace is the perfect place to pause and appreciate the breathtaking panoramas. There's a 150-meter ice cavern through the core of a glacier to explore at the top. Other highlights include walking across Europe's highest suspension bridge for more phenomenal views from Mt. Titlis. You'll come down from the hills to the lakeside for your next stop: Lucerne. Here you will have time to wander through the charming streets and see the famous Lion Monument. This is a great place to get souvenirs like Swiss watches and fine chocolates, before traveling to the overnight stop of Zurich or a city nearby.
Day 9: Lucerne – Milan – Venice
Head south from Lucerne through spectacular Switzerland and into northern Italy, where your first stop will be Milan, the fashion capital of the world. Your orientation tour will introduce you to the city's iconic sights, including the Milan Cathedral (Duomo) -- the epitome of Gothic architecture. You'll also see the planet's oldest shopping mall, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where you can wander among the boutique shops and eat lunch in one of the refined cafes.
After enjoying the many delights of Milan, you'll head to another vintage Italian city: Venice. Overnight outside Venice Island or a city nearby.
Day 10: Venice – Rome
Spend the morning in the company of a knowledgeable local guide as you explore Venice, the most magical of cities. Begin with a water bus ride to San Marco Island, a memorable crossing of the lagoon that gives you a real taste of the city's charm as you approach the dreamy spires and distinctive waterside buildings. Once on the island, you'll be led around some of Venice's best-known locations, beginning in the Piazza with the Basilica di San Marco, a stunning piece of Byzantine architecture. You'll also see the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Afterward, you'll have a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at close quarters with a demonstration by Murano glassblowers; their exquisite creations make excellent souvenirs. Of course, the ultimate Venice activity is to ride through the warren of waterways on a gondola ride, and for most people, this optional excursion is a must. Step aboard, relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We will transfer to Rome in the afternoon. Overnight in Rome or a city nearby.
Day 11: Rome – Vatican – Arezzo
Your day in Rome starts with a visit to one of the smallest countries in the world, The Vatican City, which lies at the heart of the Italian capital. Here you'll marvel at St Peter's Basilica. Alternatively, you can choose to add on the optional Sistine Chapel tour to view Michelangelo's famous painted ceiling. Next, you'll see the famous Trevi Fountain, the lavish Baroque showpiece where people flock to throw coins into the water – an action which is said to ensure that you'll return to the city again one day. After lunch, take a step even further back in time as you visit Italy's unrivaled Roman relics. An optional guided tour of the Colosseum is highly recommended. After the Colosseum, we will get up close to the nearby Arch of Constantine, and then spend some further free time enjoying Rome.
Next, you can choose to visit the magnificent Basilique Santa Maria Degli Angeli e dei Martiri near Piazza Della Repubblica before transferring to Arezzo in the late evening. Overnight in Arezzo or a city nearby.
Day 12: Arezzo – Florence – Pisa – Genoa
Begin the day by taking in a wonderful panoramic overview of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo, which boasts glorious vistas over the red roofs, Arno river, and ancient city walls out towards the surrounding countryside
Next, you can see a demonstration of the traditional craft of leather working at close quarters in a local workshop, and you'll also have the opportunity to purchase some of the high-quality leather items for which the city is famous. From here you'll enjoy a guided walk around Florence's many highlights, including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo, and Campanile Tower, passing by the Uffizi Gallery.
You'll have free time to see the city further, to shop or to watch the world go by from a streetside cafe, before traveling on to your next destination, Pisa. Here you are free to wander, but be sure to have your camera ready to get a shot of the iconic Leaning Tower.
Then, we will head to Genoa or a near city for the night.
Day 13: Genoa – Monaco – Nice – Cannes – Avignon
A breathtaking drive along one of Europe's most famous stretches of Mediterranean coastline awaits as you say arrivederci to Italy and head for Monte Carlo.
A walking sightseeing tour here takes you to the grand Prince's Palace, where you'll have some free time to soak up the refined atmosphere, before continuing on to view the 1920s Courthouse, the cliffside Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral, where Grace Kelly is buried. We then travel a little further to visit the famous Fragonard Perfume Factory. Here you'll be taken on a fascinating guided tour around this working factory.
Next, it's Nice, where you'll stop for lunch to sample some excellent local cuisine and warm-hearted hospitality. Your journey continues to Cannes. Be sure to take the opportunity to take some photos of the Palais des Festivals, home to the city's annual international film festival, before transferring to the hotel in Avignon or a nearby city.
Day 14: Avignon – Paris - Departure Transfer
After breakfast, we will return from Avignon to Paris. You will arrive in Paris in the early evening. Return Time. You will arrive at Place d'Italie around 7:00 pm. The time is an estimate and varies based on traffic and weather conditions.
Inclusions
- 3-star hotel accommodations for 13 nights (twin room with private facilities)
- Daily Continental Breakfast (Coffee, tea, juice, bread, jam)
- English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation via modern air-conditioned tour coach
Exclusions
- Lunch & Dinner (Vegan food options available)
- Mandatory Tips/Service Fee (Min. €4/person/day for tour guide and €3/person/day for a driver). Any child / Infant reserving a seat will have to pay the service fees as well.
- All personal expenses, such as laundry, phone, and travel insurance
- City Tax per person per day (Must be paid in cash euros prior to entering the cities; no concessions available. Adult pricing applies to all travelers.)
Tour Notes
- Above rates are subject to availability
- Incase we are not able to provide the same hotels as mentioned, then we shall provide similar alternate properties, change in the cost if any will be advised