Day 1 : DAY 1: Start of tour in Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam and the start of the Europe Jewel tour! Meet up with your tour leader this morning and start the adventure with a visit to a cheese farm for a demonstration on the traditional ways of making cheese and clogs. Next, enjoy some free time for lunch in the lakeside town of Volendam. Then it’s time to head to Zaanse Schans, known for its historic windmills and wooden houses. After arriving back in Amsterdam later, enjoy a complimentary Amsterdam canal cruise. This is one of the best ways to be introduced to Amsterdam! End the first day with a delicious group dinner.
Day 2 : DAY 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley
Continuing on to the picturesque Rhine Valley in Germany. Arrive and visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting. If the weather has been good during the harvest season, you may even get to try eiswein (ice wine)! It is a very sweet dessert wine that can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing. Next, board a riverboat and sail from Boppard to St Goar. With the highest concentration of medieval castles in all of Europe dotted along the riverbanks, this will be a boat cruise to remember!
Day 3 : DAY 3: Nuremberg - Prague
Today the tour travels to Prague! First, enjoy a visit to the Bavarian city of Nuremberg. Heavily bombed during WW2, Nuremberg was rebuilt, and today has been returned to some of its former glory. Later, arrive in Prague and get to know the city on a walking tour with a local guide. Prague is a beautiful city known for its art and architecture. This destination will keep your camera clicking! The quirky bars and cobbled lanes add to the city’s European charm. Prague is also known for its brilliant beer and abundance of art. Taste some authentic Czech cuisine at tonight’s group dinner. Na zdraví as they say in Czech!
Day 4 : DAY 4: Prague: Free Day
Explore more of this beautiful European city on today’s free day in Prague. Often described as the jewel in the crown of Central Europe, you’ll find this city is just as engaging as Barcelona, London or Amsterdam and is just as beautiful as Paris! Join the Prague+ optional to discover more about the intriguing history and magnificent sights in the city. See the dramatic story of Prague reflected in the beauty of its churchs, opera houses, concert halls and Prague Castle. Tonight, experience traditional Czech culture during an optional evening excursion filled with great food, music and dancing!
Day 5 : DAY 5: Bratislava - Vienna
It’s time to head to the grandeur of Vienna, visiting Bratislava, Capital of Slovakia, along the way. Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs and unbridled wilderness. Bratislava is a charming city. Spot the medieval castle overlooking the old town and marvel at recent Socialist-era architecture. Next stop, the beautiful Austrian city of Vienna! Arrive and enjoy a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-credited city centre. See sights like the Hofburg Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Dinner is included tonight and afterwards and choose to enjoy an orchestra performance. What could be better than experiencing music in one of the city's concert halls?
Day 6 : DAY 6: Vienna - Budapest
Wave farewell to Vienna as the tour makes its way to the striking Hungarian capital of Budapest. Sitting astride the Danube River, this scenic city is known for its singular mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture. On arrival in Budapest, get an overview of this historic city on a driving tour, guided by a local guide. The trip will start on the Buda side of the river and include glimpses of the Houses of Parliament, St Stephen’s Basilica and more. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city and all of its delights however you please. Choose to join an optional dinner cruise along the Danube this evening. It’s a memorable way to complete the day in Budapest!
Day 7 : DAY 7: Lake Balaton - Maribor - Ljubljana
Leave Budapest and visit an iconic holiday destination in Hungary - the beautiful Lake Balaton. With nearly 200km of shoreline, it is the largest lake in central Europe and popular summer holiday spot for locals! Next, visit Maribor in Slovenia. While here, enjoy free time for lunch. Then on to the final stop of the day, the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. It's filled to the brim with incredible sights. There’s a fairytale castle, beautiful architecture and plenty of natural beauty! An expert local guide will lead a walking tour showcasing all the must-see attractions. Afterwards, join the optional excursion to further explore Ljubljana and to taste traditional Slovenian food before heading back to the hotel for the night.
Day 8 : DAY 8: Ljubljana - Venice
Venice is the next stop; a city immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries. Its timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces (more per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth) make it truly unique – this is a city that will capture your heart and imagination! Being Italian, there’s no shortage of incredible food and culture either. Get to know the city on an orientation walk, ticking off sights like the world-famous Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale and more. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this unforgettable city - don't miss the opportunity to take a gondola and water taxi to explore Venice from the water!
Day 9 : DAY 9: Florence - Tuscany
Leaving Venice is never easy, but luckily the hills of Tuscany are calling! Marvel at the countryside as the coach travels towards Florence. On arrival, enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo - gorgeous! Then, take a fascinating walking tour of the city with a local guide. Learn about the history of this Renaissance city and see it’s best historical landmarks. Some of these landmarks date back to Roman times! Watch a traditional leather-making demonstration before free time this afternoon. Enjoy a traditional Italian meal at a local restaurant in Florence tonight. After exploring, travel to the Tuscan countryside for tonight’s overnight accommodation.
Day 10 : DAY 10: Pisa - Swiss Alps
Departing Tuscany, head for one of Europe's most famous buildings. Make sure your camera is charged as we head to Pisa! Learn the story behind the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and be sure to take some photos! Then it's time for a change of scenery as the tour crosses over to the Alps. Look forward to breathing in that fresh mountain air! Enjoy a scenic mountain drive and take in the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the greenery around you. Arrive at the accommodation for the next two nights in the Swiss Alps. Is there a better way to enjoy the magic of Switzerland than staying in a typical Swiss village? Enjoy an included group dinner tonight.
Day 11 : DAY 11: Swiss Alps: Free Day
The Swiss Alps are yours to expore today! Make the most of time in nature by taking a leisurely stroll through the local villages or along crystal-clear lakes. The Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe optional excursion is highly recommended! Enjoy a visit to the highest train station in Europe and spend the day playing in the snow, visiting the Sphinx Observatory, exploring the ice palace, admiring the glacier views and more! This evening, partake in a classic Swiss experience with a delicious fondue dinner optional.
Day 12 : DAY 12: Swiss Alps - Paris
It’s an early start today as the tour journeys out of the mountains. It's time for the city of lights and love: Paris! Arriving in the afternoon, embark on a riveting driving tour of the French capital. Get your cameras ready – this tour includes views of some of the city’s most treasured landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe! Take note of places to visit on tomorrow’s free day. After the driving tour, sit down for an included group dinner at a restaurant in the city before travelling back to the hotel later tonight.
Day 13 : DAY 13: Paris: Free Day
Embrace the magic of Paris on this free day! Choose to delve deeper into what makes Paris a long-term favourite with travellers on the Paris+ optional excursion which includes a visit to a world-famous macaron shop, a perfume museum tour, photo stops at the Champs-Élysées and Opéra Garnier, a sightseeing cruise on the River Seine and a visit to the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck. Later, choose to stroll the romantic streets of the Montmartre neighbourhood and enjoy a Parisian dinner. Complete the night with an optional cabaret show. This is how to do Paris in a day!
Day 14 : DAY 14: Paris - Ghent - Amsterdam
It’s the last day already! Depart Paris, sit back and relax as the tour travels to today’s first stop - the Belgian city of Ghent. Enjoy some free time to explore the medieval city centre and grab a bite to eat. Afterwards, it’s time to drive back to Amsterdam where the tour comes to an end. Be sure to take the time to exchange contact details with your fellow travellers before heading home!