All About Europe 2020

What do you expect from your European tour? Historic treasures, amazing architecture, scenic beauty, and exciting cities? Whatever it is, this European vacation offers it to you! You’ve heard about a tiny but powerful state with a treasure cove of masterpieces, Vatican City? Now it’s your chance to visit St Peter’s Square. You’ve seen photos of the Leaning Tower in Pisa? Here’s your opportunity to take a photo of yourself pushing back at it. You’ve heard of the French Riviera? Drive along both the French and the Italian Riviera’s. You’ve watched the Olympics? Visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Greece. You’ve heard how gorgeous the Swiss Alps are? Now is the time to see them in person. You’ve heard how the countries in Eastern Europe have transformed into wonderful vacation destinations? See it for yourself and visit Budapest, Bratislava, Sofia, and Belgrade.

All of this and much more is included on this European tour that starts in London, ends in Amsterdam, and travels through France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Spend time in the French Riviera and France’s beautiful wine region. Experience lively Barcelona and visit some of the world’s oldest sights, including Athens’ Acropolis, dating back to the 5th century BC; the towers, cobblestones, and turrets in Carcassonne, perhaps Europe’s best-preserved medieval fortified town; Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge, built in 1333 as part of the city’s fortifications; Niš in Serbia, one of the oldest cities in the Balkans; and much more.

But that’s not all…you’ll also witness gorgeous scenery throughout this Europe tour—from the rolling hills in Tuscany to the majestic Swiss Alps, Greece’s Peloponnese coast and the Danube valley. It’s a dream vacation for value-minded travelers!

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MEALS

ITINERARY

Day 1 ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND.

Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts and the CosmosGO app are available to help you make the most of your stay

Day 2 LONDON.

Enjoy free time for independent activities. Take a panoramic tour of London’s famous landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, we recommend our optional “Taste of London” excursion with dinner, followed by a guided illumination cruise on the Thames River
Breakfast

Day 3 LONDON–PARIS, FRANCE.

Transfer to the railway station and board the EUROSTAR TRAIN to Paris with your Tour Director. Transfer to your hotel. Today’s Distance: 305 mi/ 492 km
Breakfast

Day 4 PARIS.

Enjoy a day of sightseeing in Paris starting with an included guided tour to see the sites and monuments
Breakfast

Day 5 PARIS–TOURS–CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY–BORDEAUX.

Travel south to Blois and along the Loire Valley, stopping in Tours to see the well-preserved historic center. Continue to Poitiers, beautifully situated on a rocky plateau. South again to the Grande Champagne wine-growing area. Spend the night in Bordeaux on the banks of the Garonne. Today’s Distance: 373 mi/ 600 km
Breakfast Dinner

Day 6 BORDEAUX–CARCASSONNE–BARCELONA, SPAIN.

From the vineyards of the Gironde and the Garonne, travel eastward to Carcassonne in the foothills of the Pyrenées. Spend some time to admire what is perhaps the best-preserved medieval fortified town in Europe. Later, cross the Spanish border and travel through Catalonia to Barcelona. Today’s Distance: 404 mi/ 650 km
Breakfast Dinner

Day 7 BARCELONA.

Your guided city tour includes a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city center to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces (entrance fees not included)
Breakfast

Day 8 BARCELONA–ARLES, FRANCE–FRENCH RIVIERA.

Back in France, head into the vineyard-covered region of the Hérault for a stop in Arles. This is where Vincent van Gogh lived from 1888-1889, and produced more than 300 paintings and drawings. Continue skirting the stunning shoreline of the Mediterranean to arrive in the heart of the world-famous French Riviera. Today’s Distance: 429 mi/ 690 km
Breakfast

Day 9 FRENCH RIVIERA.

A full day at leisure allows you to take advantage of everything the splendid Côte d’Azur has to offer. You might like to explore the Old Town, climb up Castle Hill for panoramic views of Nice, or spend some time in the Marc Chagall National Museum. Tonight, consider joining our optional Monte Carlo by Night excursion to the nearby Principality of Monaco
Breakfast

Day 10 FRENCH RIVIERA–VENICE AREA, ITALY.

Enjoy a scenic drive along the French and Italian Flower Rivieras. Then, cross the fertile Po River plains to the shores of the Adriatic to reach the Venice area. Today’s Distance: 360 mi/ 580 km
Breakfast

Day 11 VENICE AREA.

Your day begins with a BOAT RIDE to monumental St. Mark’s Square. Time at leisure here enables you to explore and absorb the unique atmosphere of this unforgettable city built on water. Watch a skilled GLASSBLOWER at work. How about a romantic optional gondola trip?
Breakfast Dinner

Day 12 VENICE AREA–FLORENCE.

Today, cross the verdant Apennine hills into Italy’s most popular region—Tuscany! Arrive in Florence, the renowned “Cradle of the Renaissance.” An included walking tour with a Local Guide features all the most important sites, including Piazza della Signoria and the copy of the “David” by Michelangelo. Today’s Distance: 186 mi/ 300 km
Breakfast Dinner

Day 13 FLORENCE–PISA–ROME.

Today, hop on a mini train in Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today’s Distance: 280 mi/ 450 km
Breakfast

Day 14 ROME.

The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts with St. Peter’s Square and Basilica. Other highlights are the iconic Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built, and Circus Maximus
Breakfast

Day 15 ROME–ANCONA (EMBARKATION)–OVERNIGHT FERRY CROSSING TO PATRAS, GREECE.

A day of scenic beauty awaits as you travel through the rugged Apennines past quaint, old-world villages on your way to Ancona on the Adriatic Sea. This afternoon, embark an overnight FERRY for your Mediterranean Sea crossing. Today’s Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km
Breakfast

Day 16 PATRAS (DISEMBARKATION)–OLYMPIA.

Awaken surrounded by fresh sea air this morning as you cross the Mediterranean. This afternoon, disembark in Patras and make your way south for a visit to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, first held in 776 BC. Today’s Distance: 93 mi/ 150 km (B,D) (excluding overnight ferry)
Breakfast Dinner

Day 17 OLYMPIA–TRIPOLI–ATHENS.

This morning, discover the Olympia archaeological site with a Local Guide. Learn about the sacred precinct of Zeus, whose temple once housed a statue that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Later, travel through the mountains of Arcadia into the heart of the Peloponnese peninsula. Cross the mighty Corinth Canal, then to Athens, capital of Greece and one of the world’s oldest cities. This evening, bask in the lively atmosphere of the old Plaka district with its welcoming tavernas and festive bouzouki music, or you could choose to join an optional Greek dinner. Today’s Distance: 180 mi/ 290 km
Breakfast

Day 18 ATHENS.

The cradle of Western civilization and birthplace of democracy, Athens offers so much to see and experience. Included city sightseeing this morning features the highlights and a visit to the ACROPOLIS and the Parthenon. Later, explore the shops and museums or spend the afternoon swimming off the coast
Breakfast Dinner

Day 19 ATHENS–DELPHI–THERMOPYLAE–THESSALONIKA.

On the way to Delphi, your Tour Director will tell you all about the area’s fascinating history rooted in Greek mythology. Enjoy a guided tour of Delphi’s ancient sanctuary, dedicated to the god Apollo. Hear about the mystical Oracle and tour the EXCAVATION SITE, then visit the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. Next is Thermopylae, site of the famous battle between the Spartans and Xerxes’ overwhelming Persian forces in 480 BC. See the LEONIDAS MONUMENT, commemorating the Spartan king. Travel along the coast to Thessalonika for an overnight. Today’s Distance: 342 mi/ 550 km
Breakfast Dinner

Day 20 THESSALONIKA–SOFIA, BULGARIA.

Cross the Bulgarian border and head north through the Struma River Valley, Spartacus’ mountainous homeland. In Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, join your Local Guide for a city tour that includes the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Theater, and St. Sophia Church. Today’s Distance: 205 mi/ 330 km
Breakfast Dinner

Day 21 SOFIA–NIŠ, SERBIA–BELGRADE.

On to Serbia. In Niš, visit the well-preserved 18th-century Ottoman FORTRESS. Continue to Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Today’s Distance: 255 mi/ 410 km
Breakfast

Day 22 BELGRADE–SZEGED, HUNGARY–BUDAPEST.

Cross into Hungary. Stop at the border town of Szeged, with fabled ties to Attila the Hun and the ancient home of paprika. Later, arrive in Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km
Breakfast Dinner

Day 23 BUDAPEST.

Included sightseeing with a Local Guide today features Buda Castle, which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube River. See Heroes’ Square with its iconic monument and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Also see the Royal Castle, the awe-inspiring Hungarian Parliament, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Matthias Coronation Church
Breakfast

Day 24 BUDAPEST–GYÖR–BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA–VIENNA, AUSTRIA.

Head toward the Austrian border today and, along the way, stop in colorful Györ with its narrow lanes, characteristic corner balconies, and baroque town center. Continue to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, where medieval towers, fortifications, St. Michael’s Gate, and gothic St. Martin’s Church await your discovery. Cross into Austria and arrive in its dazzling capital—Vienna. Today’s Distance: 174 mi/ 280 km
Breakfast

Day 25 VIENNA.

Once the seat of the mighty Habsburg Empire and home to Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven, Hadyn, and Mozart, Vienna blends ornate baroque architecture with an irresistible musical heritage. On the included sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, admire the fabulous State Opera House and Parliament, and stroll through Heroes’ Square for views of splendid Hofburg Palace. In your free time, be sure to pop into one of the traditional coffee houses for a slice of heavenly Sachertorte, or you can join one of our exciting optional excursions!
Breakfast

Day 26 VIENNA–SALZBURG–MUNICH, GERMANY.

Travel along the Danube to Mozart’s splendid hometown, Salzburg. There’s time here to discover the charming Getreidegasse, the town’s elegant main shopping street. On to Germany through green Bavarian landscapes to arrive in Munich. Today’s Distance: 286 mi/ 460 km
Breakfast

Day 27 MUNICH–BREGENZ, AUSTRIA–LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND.

Your day begins with an orientation drive. See Munich’s beautiful main square, Marienplatz, and marvel at the world-famous Glockenspiel. Later, stop in Bregenz before skirting Lake Constance, then cross into Switzerland to head for Lucerne. Today’s Distance: 255 mi/ 410 km
Breakfast

Day 28 LUCERNE.

This morning’s visit introduces you to one of Switzerland’s finest cities. See the impressive city walls; CHAPEL BRIDGE, Europe’s oldest covered bridge; and the LION MONUMENT, a masterful stone sculpture honoring Louis XVI’s heroic Swiss Guard. A selection of optional activities is available to perfectly complete your day
Breakfast

Day 29 LUCERNE–STRASBOURG, FRANCE–TRIER, GERMANY.

Cross into France today and spend some time at leisure in magical Strasbourg, seat of the European Parliament. See the monumental gothic cathedral; taste the unique Franco-German cuisine; or explore the city’s historic heart in the magical La Petite France district. Return to Germany and head to ancient Trier for an overnight. Today’s Distance: 286 mi/ 460 km
Breakfast

Day 30 TRIER–AMSTERDAM AREA, HOLLAND.

Through the industrial Ruhr region and then into the canal-crossed countryside of Holland to Amsterdam, vibrant capital of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On an included CANAL CRUISE, experience Amsterdam from water level, then stop to watch skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones at a DIAMOND CENTER. Discover the main sites with a Local Guide and spend some time at leisure Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km
Breakfast Dinner

Day 31 AMSTERDAM AREA.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Accommodations