Day 1: Start of tour in Amsterdam Welcome to your 26-day tour of Europe! This aptly named Ultimate Europe tour travels to Europe’s most popular cities, sights and destinations in 14 countries. After checking in this morning, the first stop is a local farm to see cheese and clog-making in action! Next is the quaint fishing village of Volendam with free time for lunch. Then, enjoy a visit to Zaanse Schans which is known for its classic Dutch scenery. Later, return to Amsterdam and see the city’s top sights on a cruise along the idyllic canals. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner in the city. Make sure to get some rest tonight in anticipation of a free day full of Amsterdam adventures tomorrow! Day 2: Amsterdam: Free Day Discover the many delights of Amsterdam at leisure on this free day! Spend the day exploring all of the top attractions in and around the city. Wander through famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum or the MOCO Museum and marvel at their impressive collections. Browse the stunning flower market, relax in one of the idyllic parks or explore the city authentically by bicycle - just like the locals do! Finally, choose to complete the free day by joining the Dutch Pancake Soiree optional dinner for a tasty way to bid farewell to Amsterdam. Day 3: Amsterdam - Berlin The tour continues to Germany today. Admire the views as the coach travels through the Dutch and German countryside on the way to Berlin - Germany’s capital city which is full of history and a rejuvenated spirit. Having emerged from a turbulent and dark past, today Berlin bursts with positive energy and features lots to see and experience - including historic sights, intriguing museums, a vibrant cultural scene and exciting nightlife. Look forward to exploring the city’s mix of reminders of life during the Cold War and modern times on the free day tomorrow. Arrive in the city in the late afternoon. Enjoy views of Berlin during a driving tour before dinner this evening, which will be at a lively beer hall. Day 4: Berlin: Free Day Look forward to a full free day to explore Berlin! Some of the city’s most famous sites include the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Alexanderplatz and the Reichstag. Joining the Berlin optional excursion is a great way to discover this vibrant German city with your tour leader - see the East Side Gallery, visit the Museum in the Kulturbrauerei, explore the hidden sites of Hackescher Markt, taste currywurst and view the city from the iconic Berlin TV Tower! Tonight, find a local restaurant in the city to enjoy dinner. Later, make sure to stroll along the city centre streets and to get a taste of the unique atmosphere of Berlin at night! Day 5: Dresden - Prague Bid farewell to Berlin and travel onwards to the Czech Republic today. Along the way, make a stop in Dresden, a historic German town. After WW2 bombing destroyed most of the city, Dresden was carefully rebuilt from the ground up. Today, it is an immaculate and stylish German city. Enjoy free time in the city - check out the buildings and try some local German bratwurst! Next, it’s time to travel east to the Czech Republic and arrive in Prague. Join a local guide for a walking tour of the city. See the city’s most popular sights including Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. Tonight, try authentic Czech cuisine at a local restaurant. Day 6: Prague: Free Day The fairytale magic of Prague is yours to discover today! With centuries of history, castles, striking buildings and historic bridges, Prague combines old-world wisdom with an essence of youthful energy. Join the Prague optional tour and explore more of the city. Enjoy a sightseeing river cruise including lunch, plus a guided tour of Prague Castle. Alternatively, head out on your own. Visit the clock tower, leave your stamp on the city at the Lennon Wall, see Wenceslas Square, visit the Jewish Quarter or spend time in the Mala Strana district. Sip Czech brew in a beer house and try a traditional trdelnik! Later, enjoy an evening of folk music and dancing on the Traditional Czech Folk Evening optional excursion! Day 7: Bratislava - Vienna More European adventures await today! Hit the road and visit Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. Enjoy an orientation tour of the old town and free time to explore some of the city. Next, it’s time to travel to Vienna, Austria! This historic destination, known as the “City of Music”, boasts impressive architecture, a flamboyant cultural heritage and was once home to great composers including Beethoven and Mozart. Arrive and embark on a tour of Vienna with a local guide. See the UNESCO-listed city centre, as well as the Golden Mile, the Imperial Castle and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy an included group dinner in this captivating city this evening. Day 8: Ljubljana - Venice Wave farewell to Austria this morning as the tour travels onwards to Slovenia. Arrive in the capital city, Ljubljana, and join a local guide on a walking tour of the city. This fairytale-like destination is home to numerous bridges, a hilltop castle and well-preserved Baroque, Gothic and medieval architecture - truly beautiful! Afterwards, cross the border into Italy and take in the stunning scenery as the coach drives towards Venice. Welcome to Venice - Italy’s unique “floating city”! Venice is famous for its canals, gondolas, art and traditional crafts of glass-blowing and lace-making. Take it easy tonight and relax at the hotel or find a spot to enjoy dinner nearby. For a magical experience, join the “Venice by Night” optional excursion this evening! Day 9: Venice: Free Day Venture into the heart of Venice with your tour leader this morning. Enjoy an orientation walking tour of the city and see highlights including the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal. Use the rest of today to explore Venice at your own pace. Join the optional excursion to the islands of Murano and Burano to see how traditional Venetian lace is crafted and watch glass-blowing in action. Or simply while away the hours exploring the canals and historic buildings along the waterside. Complete your day in Venice with a classic gondola or water taxi trip along the canals! Day 10: Venice - Rome Today, continue with the Italian leg of this Ultimate Europe tour. Swap the vibe of Venice for the richness of Rome! Enjoy a picturesque drive through the Italian countryside before arriving in the Italian capital. Rome buzzes with activity, passion, tradition and an energy all of its own! Join a local Roman guide who will introduce you to the city’s top attractions on a walking tour this evening. See the famous sights which make this city widely loved - including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Roman Forum and the Colosseum - before enjoying an included dinner with the group tonight. Day 11: Rome: Free Day Explore Rome on the free day today! Ancient history, exquisite culture and delicious food - Rome has it all! Hit the streets and explore the city’s historic attractions and ancient sights such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Alternatively, head to the Vatican City to visit the pope’s official residence and the smallest country in the world! Here, you can explore the Vatican’s museums and galleries as well as the exquisite Sistine Chapel where you can see Michaelangelo’s famous ceiling masterpiece. Bellissimo! Day 12: Rome: Free Day Enjoy another free day in Rome to explore more of the city and surrounds. Why not head out of Rome for an adventure back in time? Join the optional day trip to Pompeii. Explore the ancient city which was destroyed nearly 2,000 years ago after Mt Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Layers of ash and pumice have preserved the city over the centuries, offering insight into life in ancient Pompeii. Enjoy an included dinner before returning to Rome. For those who remained in Rome, follow the Italian style of dolce far niente or “sweet idleness” and take it easy tonight. Find a local trattoria to enjoy a leisurely dinner. Day 13: Rome - Florence - Tuscany Enjoy a last breakfast in Rome before the European journey continues to Florence - the capital of the Tuscany region! Arrive in Florence and join a local guide for a fascinating tour of the city. Florence is home to incredible Renaissance art and architecture. See highlights including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the replica of the statue of David. After the tour, step inside the world of Italian leather-crafting as you visit a local leather shop for a demonstration. This evening, choose to join the Taste of Tuscany optional before heading into the hills of Tuscany to tonight’s accommodation in Montecatini Terme. Day 14: Pisa - French Riviera France is calling today! Before saying bonjour - enjoy a photo stop at one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks - the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Every year, this UNESCO World Heritage Site draws legions of visitors who come to see the famous building and have their picture taken with it! Enjoy the last few views of the Italian countryside before crossing the border into the South of France. Welcome to the French Riviera! Take a trip along one of the world’s most picturesque stretches of coastline and marvel at the sparkling ocean and charming French Riviera towns before arriving in Nice. Enjoy an orientation tour and free time in this gorgeous French city tonight! Day 15: Monaco - French Riviera Revel in the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera today! Stroll the streets, check out the bustling towns and admire the exquisite views. This afternoon, take a trip to world-famous Monaco - the playground of the rich and famous! En route to visit the microstate, pay a visit to a local French perfumery. Arrive in Monaco and visit some of the top spots including the Prince’s Palace and the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo where you will have the chance to win your fortune on the tables and slots! Please note, entrance is not included. During the Monaco day trip and time spent in the French Riviera, be sure to absorb the glamorous atmosphere and keep an eye out for celebrities! Day 16: Arles - Barcelona Today, it’s time to hit the road to Barcelona! En route, visit the town of Arles in France. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its historic buildings and connections to artists such as Van Gogh. Next, travel onwards to the captivating capital of Catalonia - Barcelona. Arrive in the city and enjoy a driving tour to see the highlights! Look out for top destinations including La Sagrada Família and Las Ramblas - keep a note of the spots to explore more tomorrow on the free day. Afterwards, travel to the hotel for the next few nights. Arrive, check in and sit down for an included group dinner tonight. Day 17: Barcelona: Free Day Today is for fiestas, tapas and all things Barcelona! Enjoy a free day in the city. Explore the streets of Barcelona on foot and visit more of Gaudí’s fantastical architectural creations such as Park Guell and Casa Batllo. Stroll along Las Ramblas and see the market stalls, street entertainers, and roadside cafés. Alternatively, escape the city for the day and join the Montserrat optional experience. On the trip, travel to a monastery in the mountains north of Barcelona and explore! Be sure to seek out some delicious Spanish tapas and share a few plates with your new-found travel buddies this evening! There is no shortage of things to do in this magnificent city! Day 18: Barcelona: Free Day Hola! Look forward to another free day to explore Barcelona in any way you wish. Wander through museums and art galleries in the historic and cultural centres. Indulge in some retail therapy - Barcelona boasts some of the best shopping in Europe! Football fans can visit Camp Nou, Barcelona FC’s stadium. Relax on one of the city's beautiful beaches or embark on an ocean tour along the coast. To explore more of the city join your tour leader for the Highlights of Barcelona featuring the Sagrada Família optional excursion. Tonight is your chance to get a real taste of Spanish culture with the optional Flamenco show and dinner excursion. Watch as this passionate dance is performed with Spanish flair and energy - a real fiesta and must-see experience! Day 19: Barcelona - Sète - Pont du Gard - Avignon Say adios to Barcelona this morning as it’s time to travel back to France. Enjoy a trip through the French countryside, making stops in Sète on the coast and at Pont du Gard. This historic aqueduct is 2,000 years old and was built by Ancient Rome in the first century AD. Next, head to Avignon; a city known affectionately as the “City of Popes”. Avignon has a long history seen in its stunning architecture and fortification - much of which is amazingly preserved. Arrive and embark on an orientation tour of the city and see top sights including the Papal Palace and other sights of religious significance. Enjoy an included group dinner tonight plus free time this evening to explore Avignon. Day 20: Geneva - Swiss Alps It’s time for some Swiss bliss today! Travel towards the magnificent Swiss Alps making a stop in Geneva on the way. This bustling city is home to the United Nations and Red Cross headquarters and offers stunning views of Lake Geneva. Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing to the Swiss Alps region. The coach will drive through scenic mountains where incredible views abound - forests, alpine lakes and rugged mountains! Arrive in the Swiss mountain village and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Check into the hotel and look forward to enjoying a hearty included Swiss dinner tonight. Feel free to explore the village after dinner and be sure to get some rest for more mountain adventures tomorrow! Day 21: Swiss Alps: Free Day Ready for a snow day? Enjoy a free day in the Swiss Alps region! Join the highly recommended “Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe” optional excursion where year-round snow, fun and unforgettable Swiss mountain adventures await! Enjoy a trip to the highest train station in Europe and be sure to have your cameras ready as the mountain scenery is breathtaking from every angle. For those who would like to spend their free days at lower altitudes, why not explore a local village for insight into the Swiss way of life? Join the optional Swiss dinner tonight for another delicious meal. Day 22: Vaduz - Munich - Bavaria Savour the last of the Alpine views and say “so long Switzerland” today! This morning the tour heads towards Germany. Along the way, enjoy a stopover in a brand new country - Liechtenstein! Visit Vaduz, the capital city, where you can eat, shop and see Vaduz Castle which overlooks the city and is the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Next, continue the tour to Munich; the capital of Bavaria and home of Oktoberfest! Arrive and set off on an orientation tour of the city. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a German beer hall and say prost with a local beer! After an adventure-filled day, head to the hotel in Bavaria for the night. Day 23: Bavaria - Rhine Valley Germany’s beautiful Rhine valley awaits this morning. Arrive and jump aboard a riverboat for a sightseeing cruise along the Rhine River. Take in the stunning views which include vineyards, lofty cliffs, medieval towns and the most concentrated stretch of Gothic castles in Europe! Back on dry land, it’s time to visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting - if the harvest has been good, you may be able to try eiswein (ice wine)! Enjoy an included dinner with the group in the Rhine Valley tonight. Day 24: Luxembourg - Paris Auf wiedersehen Germany - it’s time to travel once more to France! Travel towards Paris, enjoying a stop in Luxembourg along the way. Did you know that Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe? Next up, Paris! Arrive and say bonjour to the “City of Lights”! Hop onto the coach and enjoy a driving tour of the famous French capital. See some of the city’s most treasured landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc du Triomphe and the reconstructed Notre Dame. After the driving tour, enjoy an included group dinner in the city. Finally, after a delicious meal and an adventure-filled day, head to the hotel. Day 25: Paris: Free Day Make the most of a free day in this beautiful city! Paris is world-renowned for its culture, fashion, cuisine and art! Join the Paris tour to discover the city in-depth - cruise the River Seine, take in the views from Montparnasse Tower and more! Or, explore on your own. Take a trip up the Eiffel Tower, visit the Louvre or even venture outside the city to Versailles. Try French delicacies like macarons and croissants or even frog’s legs and escargot! Top it off with a glass of French wine for the full Parisian experience. Tonight, choose to explore the romantic streets of Montmartre with a local guide on an optional excursion and finish the night off with an optional cabaret show! Magnifique! Day 26: Paris - Ghent - Amsterdam After 26 incredible days and 14 countries, the final day of the tour has arrived! Enjoy the last few views of the French countryside as the tour travels back to Amsterdam. Along the way, it’s time to tick the final new country of the tour off your travel bucket list! Visit the medieval city of Ghent in Belgium and enjoy an orientation tour and free time for lunch. Finally, arrive back in Amsterdam later today where the tour comes to an end. We hope you have had the time of your life on this Ultimate European adventure!