Great European
Great European
Great European
26 Days Starting in London, England and ending in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting: Paris, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Madrid, Barcelona, French Riviera, Monaco, Florence, Rome, Venice, Vienna, Prague, Munich, Vaduz, Lucerne, Rhineland, Amsterdam
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EGREZM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Great European" tour, a captivating journey through 15 countries, starting in London and concluding in Amsterdam. This adventure takes you to iconic cities like Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Vienna, and Prague, offering a blend of cultural exploration and scenic beauty. Discover the charm of Bordeaux, the elegance of Biarritz, and the allure of the French Riviera. Marvel at architectural wonders such as the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Colosseum. Enjoy unique experiences like a glassblowing demonstration in Venice and a visit to the Prado Museum in Madrid. With expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and delightful dining, this tour promises an unforgettable European odyssey filled with history, art, and breathtaking landscapes.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Vienna and Prague
- Discover Bordeaux, Biarritz, Pamplona, French Riviera, Monaco, Pisa, Passignano sul Trasimeno, Venice, Bratislava, Regensburg, Munich, Vaduz - the capital of Liechtenstein, Lucerne, Heidelberg, Cologne and Amsterdam
- Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, the Fragonard Perfumery in Grasse and a glassblowing factory in Venice
- View the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Leaning Tower in Pisa, the ancient sites of Rome, the Opera House and Hofburg Palace in Vienna, the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne and the ruins of Heidelberg Castle
- See the Somme Battlefields in France, the Lorelei Rock in Rhine Valley and Cologne Cathedral
- Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice, along the Rhine River and through Amsterdam's canals
Make Travel Matter®
Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11:Â Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Be My Guest
Villandry: Return to 17th-century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a delightful Be My Guest experience.
Florence: Eight generations of history with plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest lunch with the Landi family at their home near Florence, set within a garden of oak trees against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.
Itinerary
Day 1: Travel To Paris By Eurostar
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Evergreen Laurel
Accommodation Name: Evergreen Laurel
Meals Included: Dinner
Leaving the bright city lights of London behind us, we catch Eurostar train to Paris. Later, we join our Travel Director and travel companions for dinner, drinks and an evening drive to embrace the energy of this vibrant city.
Day 2: Explore Paris’S Sights
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Evergreen Laurel
Accommodation Name: Evergreen Laurel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Specialist for a drive along the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and view the Eiffel Tower. View Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Perhaps take in the views from the top of Montparnasse, stroll along the Seine admiring the exquisite work of street artists or consider attending one of the city's famous colourful cabaret shows.
Day 3: Journey To Bordeaux
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation: Mercure Centre Ville, Pullman Bordeaux Lac
Accommodation Name: FirstName Bordeaux
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through France's Loire Valley, stopping near Château de Villandry for a Be My Guest Experience. Continue south through one of France's most renowned wine regions, arriving in Bordeaux, celebrated for its centuries-old trading heritage and extraordinary architecture. Spend the evening exploring its historical centre or amble along the Garonne and watch how the 18th-century Place de la Bourse glitters across the river at night.
Day 4: Admire Elegant Biarritz And On To Pamplona Connect With Locals
Location: Biarritz
Accommodation: Tres Reyes
Accommodation Name: Tres Reyes Pamplona
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we delve into the heady days of La Belle Époque in the glitzy seaside resort of Biarritz, an elegant retreat for aristocrats for centuries. We continue to Pamplona, most famous for its annual Running of the Bulls Festival. Here you can choose to join an Optional walking tour with our Local Expert, tracing the steps of the 'running of the Bulls' and then savouring some Spanish Tapas and Sangria.
Day 5: Onwards To Madrid Dive Into Culture
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Meliá Castilla
Accommodation Name: Meliá Castilla
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head to the heart of Spain and its lofty capital, Madrid. Dive Into Culture and enjoy an included visit to the Prado Museum and admire the works of Rubens, Goya and El Greco. This afternoon join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the city's iconic landmarks. View the Royal Palace and the Cibeles Fountain.
Day 6: Discover Magical Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Meliá Castilla
Accommodation Name: Meliá Castilla
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, perhaps take to the waters of Retiro Park, visit the Mercado de San Miguel to indulge in the delicious flavours of Spain, or join an Optional Experience to the imperial city of Toledo. Enjoy free time this afternoon in the city that King Charles III sought to 'beautify' so that it could justifiably claim its place as one of Europe's most gracious capitals. Join your fellow travellers for dinner this evening.
Day 7: Off To Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: INNSiDE Barcelona Apolo by Melia
Accommodation Name: INNSiDE Barcelona Apolo by Melia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Driving towards Catalonia and the shores of the Mediterranean, we pass Guadalajara and the Gorges of Jalón and Aragón en route to vibrant Barcelona, where we will spend the next two nights delving into the intoxicating charm of this cultural and artistic powerhouse.
Day 8: Uncover Colourful Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: INNSiDE Barcelona Apolo by Melia
Accommodation Name: INNSiDE Barcelona Apolo by Melia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Specialist today and delight in the whimsical world of GaudÃ, whose characteristic Art Nouveau architecture is dotted throughout the city. See his unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, before spending the rest of the day embracing the energy of Barcelona. Pay tribute to Columbus and his brave exploration of the New World, wander down to La Barceloneta for some tasty tapas treats, or ramble up Las Ramblas watching street performers entertain crowds. This evening, you could choose to witness Spanish passion, power and drama unfold at an unforgettable foot-stomping flamenco evening including a delicious Spanish buffet.
Day 9: Journey Along The French Riviera Dive Into Culture
Location: French Riviera
Accommodation: Indigo Cagnes-sur-Mer
Accommodation Name: Indigo Cagnes-sur-Mer
Meals Included: Breakfast
From the rugged Costa Brava to the stylish shores of the French Riviera, we travel through the South of France, stopping to Dive Into Culture during a guided visit to Fragonard Perfumery where we’ll learn how fragrances are crafted. Later, we arrive in the glamorous French Riviera, home to the famous Cannes Film Festival.
Day 10: Enjoy French Riviera Your Way
Location: French Riviera
Accommodation: Indigo Cagnes-sur-Mer
Accommodation Name: Indigo Cagnes-sur-Mer
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tread in the footsteps of showbiz royalty, savouring a full day at leisure in the French Riviera. Admire the irresistible backdrop of the Mediterranean and Estérel Hills or consider joining an Optional Experience to the medieval hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, renowned for its museums and galleries.
Day 11: Explore Monaco And Pisa On The Way To Florence
Location: Monaco
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel along the sophisticated Cote d'Azur to the Principality of Monaco, where you'll see the Royal Palace and the cathedral where Princess Grace is buried. Cross into Italy and pass Genoa, the birthplace of Columbus, before arriving in Pisa to admire its Leaning Tower and Baptistery, the largest in Italy. This evening we arrive in the Renaissance city of Florence.
Day 12: Discover Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Grand Mediterraneo
Accommodation Name: Grand Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour of one of the cultural capitals of the world. Enjoy views of the marble Duomo, the Baptistery with its famous bronze doors, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Visit Piazza della Signoria, once the political hub of the city, and in your free time perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Tuscan hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as Italy’s Medieval Manhattan. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore Florence your way, but you’ll be tempted to head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best views of the cityscape as the sun begins to set over magical Florence
Day 13: All Roads Lead To Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Barceló Aran Mantegna
Accommodation Name: Barceló Aran Mantegna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Italy’s ‘Eternal City’ beckons and we head south to Rome stopping in Passignano Sul Trasimeno to admire its beautifully preserved centre tucked within a circuit of medieval walls. Arriving in Rome you’ll have an evening to enjoy a Regional Dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 14: Uncover Ancient Rome And The Vatican City
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Barceló Aran Mantegna
Accommodation Name: Barceló Aran Mantegna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Specialist to see the centre of Christianity - the Vatican City, then cross the Tiber River for views of the mighty Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once home to exhilarating chariot races. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city's history and culture that span almost two millennia. Admire the Spanish Steps, shop up a storm on the Via del Corso or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome. After an afternoon of sightseeing on your terms, complement your day with an optional experience this evening.
Day 15: Cruise The Canals Of Venice Make Travel Matter
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Viktoria Palace Lido
Accommodation Name: Le Boulevard Lido
Meals Included: Breakfast
Witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassmaking during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at one of the city’s last remaining studios. You’ll watch spellbound as the master craftsmen shape the molten glass the same way their forefathers once did to create the delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world. Inspired by the talent and skill of these glassblowers, you’ll want to buy a souvenir to remind you of this very special experience. Next, take to the water and cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Join your Travel Director to see the iconic and unexpected highlights of the city - the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile with its five bells. Cross the Rialto bridge, enjoy a sunset over the Grand Canal or ascend the Campanile for panoramic views.
Day 16: On The Road To Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation: Viktoria Palace Lido
Accommodation Name: Renaissance Wien
Meals Included: Breakfast
A scenic drive from Italy to Austria takes us through the Carnic Alps to the imperial capital of Vienna, where we'll spend the next two nights exploring a city famous for its musical heritage and elegance.
Day 17: Explore Vibrant Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation: Renaissance Wien
Accommodation Name: Renaissance Wien
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist this morning to explore the sights, including views of the famous Opera House, Stadtpark, Parliament, Imperial Boulevards and Hofburg Palace, once home to the powerful Habsburg Dynasty. Spend the rest of the day delving into Vienna's cosy coffee culture, perhaps visit the exquisite Schönbrunn Palace or discover the harmonies of the world's music capital, enjoying one of the city's many musical performances.
Day 18: Journey To Prague
Location: Prague
Accommodation: Renaissance Wien
Accommodation Name: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave the song of Vienna behind, bound for Prague, the Golden City of a Hundred Spires. Traversing the lush landscapes of Slovakia, we arrive in the capital, Bratislava, with its eclectic Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco architecture. There’s time for an orientation with your Travel Director and lunch, perhaps an opportunity to sample the local bryndzové halušky potato dumplings. Arriving in Prague this afternoon, you’ll want to get right into the heart of this fairy-tale city.
Day 19: Discover Prague’S Sights
Location: Prague
Accommodation: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Prague.
Accommodation Name: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist this morning to explore the jewels of Prague’s Castle District and Old Town. You’ll stroll around the Old Town Square and see the 15th-century Astronomical Clock with its mesmerising Walk of the Apostles. Spend your afternoon exploring Prague your way, tracking down the city’s quirky side, from its famous wall of peace to one of the world’s narrowest streets at just 50cm wide. Don’t forget to stop and sample a steaming street food favourite, TrdelnÃk.
Day 20: Off To Munich
Location: Munich
Accommodation: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Prague.
Accommodation Name: Leonardo City Olympiapark
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You may be tempted to stay in this enchanting city, but Munich promises its own adventures. First stop today however is the UNESCO-listed town of Regensburg with its beautifully preserved medieval centre. Spend some time getting lost in centuries of history, perhaps sampling some of the local Regensburger Wurst. Then it’s time to continue to the Bavarian capital of Munich, where we'll see the Glockenspiel and Marienplatz on an orientation with our Travel Director. The afternoon is free to explore before we have dinner at our hotel.
Day 21: Uncover Liechtenstein And Lucerne
Location: Vaduz
Accommodation: Leonardo City Olympiapark
Accommodation Name: Grand Europe
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave Germany for Switzerland, stopping in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. We continue to Lucerne, our home for the next two nights.
Day 22: Uncover Lucerne’S Treasures
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation: Grand Europe
Accommodation Name: Grand Europe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending King Louis XVI in the French Revolution and see the famous mournful Lion Monument. Walk along the wooden Chapel Bridge and marvel at its decorative ceilings. Then spend the rest of the day admiring the colourful façades of the Old Town or join an Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks.
Day 23: Enjoy A Scenic Cruise In The Rhineland
Location: Rhineland
Accommodation: Grand Europe
Accommodation Name: Diehls Hotel Koblenz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
View the ruins of Heidelberg Castle perched above the Neckar River and board a relaxing cruise down the mighty Rhine from St. Goar to Boppard – fantasy castles and hillside vineyards line your scenic journey.
Day 24: Onwards To Cologne And Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation: Diehls Hotel Koblenz
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Admire the tall twin Gothic spires of the Cologne Cathedral this morning, before crossing into the Netherlands and on to Amsterdam where we spend the next two nights. Sit under the leafy canopy at Leidseplein indulging in Dutch beer and kroketten, hire a bike and hit the city’s tree-lined streets or bask in the warm glow and gezelligheid of one of the city's renowned bruin cafés.
Day 25: Explore Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark, Leonardo Royal
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy an orientation of Amsterdam and spend the rest of the day exploring the city on foot, by bike or tram. Consider delving into the tragic story of Anne Frank, admire the works of Van Gogh or people-watch in Vondelpark. This evening enjoy dinner with your travel companions on board a glass-top boat. Cruise through the city's canals looking up at the centuries-old gabled façades for which Amsterdam is so famous.
Day 26: Farewell Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s time to say a fond farewell to your fellow travellers and Travel Director as you return home with wonderful memories.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
The tour covers all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Travel is provided by a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
In London, the services of a Trafalgar Local Host are included when staying at Trafalgar's recommended hotel.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional excursions
Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Flights to and from the starting and ending points
Flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 26 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Madrid: Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, where you'll have time to admire its extraordinary collection of European art dating from the 12th to early 20th centuries.
- Provence: The scents of France are yours to enjoy at Fragonard, a famous French perfumery that has been creating perfumes since the 1920s.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries, or enjoy alternative transportation like rail journeys. Experience the Eurostar high-speed train from London to Paris and scenic cruises along the Rhine River and through Amsterdam's canals.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Evergreen Laurel in Paris, FirstName Bordeaux, Tres Reyes Pamplona, and Meliá Castilla in Madrid, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey. Enjoy the elegance of Grand Mediterraneo in Florence and the charm of Le Boulevard Lido in Venice.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Prado Museum in Madrid to admire its extraordinary collection of European art, and a guided visit to Fragonard Perfumery in the French Riviera to learn how fragrances are crafted. Additionally, there is a 'Be My Guest' experience with the de Montferrier family near Château de Villandry and a traditional lunch with the Landi family near Florence.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include exploring major cities like Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Vienna, and Prague. The tour also features visits to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Colosseum. Scenic cruises are included in Venice, along the Rhine River, and through Amsterdam's canals.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach transportation with Wi-Fi in most countries, and includes a Eurostar high-speed train journey from London to Paris. There are also private launch cruises in Venice and along the Rhine River.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of the evening meals. There is also a 'Be My Guest' lunch experience included.
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What is the 'Make Travel Matter' experience in Venice?
In Venice, the 'Make Travel Matter' experience involves discovering the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing at one of the city's last remaining studios. This visit supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Trafalgar allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform trafalgar, 90 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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