Your travel adventure starts in London, where old taverns sit alongside trendy cocktail bars and historic buildings rub shoulders with towering skyscrapers. Rush out and discover her many treasures during your free time today - from visiting one of the city's celebrated museums to paying your respects to Admiral Nelson in Trafalgar Square.
Kickstart your grand European journey with a full free day to explore all the surprises London has to offer. There's no shortage of things to do as you'll come to discover yourself - from the tranquility of the Royal Parks to the shopping frenzy on Oxford Street, the pomp and pageantry of the city's royal landmarks to one of London's locals for a pint or two.
Amsterdam welcomes you with open arms and that signature gezelligheid—a cozy, feel-good vibe you won’t forget. But first, journey south from London with your Travel Director and fellow guests, through the Kent countryside to Dover. Here, you’ll board your ferry to Calais, then wind your way through Belgium and the Netherlands, before reaching your first stop: Amsterdam. This evening, get a feel for the place on an orientation tour, exploring Amsterdam’s charming canals and historic streets. Want to kick off the Dutch experience in style? Take to the water for a Choice Experience canal cruise, floating past centuries-old townhouses and buzzing waterfront cafes. The perfect way to soak up the atmosphere on your first night in Amsterdam!
It won’t take long to fall in love with the Dutch capital, but why stop at just a glance? Take your pick from some epic Choice Experiences! Step into a fairytale at Muiderslot Castle, wandering its medieval halls and gorgeous gardens. Or, go fully Dutch with a trip to the Zuider Zee—think cheese tasting, wooden shoe making, windmills, and the charming fishing village of Volendam.
You won’t want to blink as you head east into the lush landscapes of Germany, where a cruise down the Rhine River serves up nonstop views of medieval villages, steep vineyards and storybook castles. This region’s rich history and epic scenery make it one of Europe’s top sightseeing experiences. After drifting past riverside gems through the Rhine Valley on this laid-back ride, you’ll head to your hotel for dinner.
Slice through the heart of Switzerland bound for Lucerne on your very own 'Grand Tour' of Europe. Take a step back in time when you join your Travel Director for an orientation tour, exploring the Old Town, the ancient wooden Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. The mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock commemorates the sacrifice made by the Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution. This afternoon, you’ll have some time to explore the city your way, perhaps with some retail therapy. You could choose to ascend to the alpine heavens instead, joining an optional scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne to Stans, then traveling by railway and cable car up into the mountains for exhilarating mountain views.
Today, you’ll journey via the scenic Gotthard Tunnel into Italy. On your journey south, the soul-stirring landscapes of the Italian lakes stretch ahead as you venture to Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic'. The Winged Lion of St. Mark stands guard over the city. There’s no better way to see the sights than gliding gracefully through its canals on a gondola – a Choice Experience that captures the essence of Venice like no other.
Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square. All the main attractions are within walking distance of the Piazza so you'll have easy access to view the famous Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark. Spend your time wandering the calle of Venice before we visit a glassblowing workshop, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Watch talented master craftsmen at work, engaged in the same craft as their ancestors from centuries ago. Witness them crafting the beautiful glass creations that are characteristic of Venice. This afternoon, consider taking an optional cruise across the lagoon to the colorful island of Burano.
This Europe value tour just keeps getting better and today the 'Eternal City' beckons as you cross the Apennines through Tuscany to Rome. There's time to hit the streets on your own or go for a leisurely stroll to one of the city's thronging piazzas for a spot of people watching. Or consider joining an optional guided sightseeing tour of Rome. Whatever you choose, it’s all about embracing life lived the Italian way – to the fullest.
Meet your Local Guide for a guided sightseeing tour that begins in the Vatican City. The dome of St. Peter's Basilica looms over the expansive St. Peter's Square - the impressive backdrop of the world's smallest country. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps join an optional light-hearted meal in the evening, revealing all the flavors that would make any Italian mamma proud.
Set your sights firmly on Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and a city that has inspired poets, authors and artists for centuries. There are few cities in the world with an artistic legacy equal to that of Florence and now's your chance to experience it in all its glory. Experience the heart of the city and see the Fountain of Neptune in Piazza della Signoria. Later, you can spend a lovely evening in the Tuscan countryside by joining a Choice Experience dinner.
If you’ve always dreamed of visiting that famous leaning tower, we’ll take you to snap a few strategic photos featuring you and the extraordinary Leaning Tower of Pisa. Admire Pisa's Romanesque Square of Miracles in all its striped marble glory. Its structures are said to symbolize the three main stages of human life – the Baptistery (birth), the Cathedral (life) and the Camposanto (death). Next, head west to the stylish shores of Monaco. Keep your eyes peeled as you drive along its glitzy boulevards and take in all the sophistication that seems to ooze from every corner. Next stop, the glamorous French Riviera.
What a treat! You have a full free day to do as you wish on the French Riviera. There's no shame in spending the day sprawled out on a sun lounger with a cocktail, but if you can tear yourself away from the beach, you may choose to join your fellow travelers for an optional exploration of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Life is rather idyllic in this enchanting walled hill-town and, like some of its famous residents, you'll want to linger here a little longer. You never know who you might spot seated in those sleek Ferraris and private yachts dotted around the French Riviera.
Today you'll travel to the heart of Provence and the city of Avignon. A brief brush with the Papacy in the 14th century has gifted Avignon with one of the world's most incredible religious architectural legacies. While it may no longer hold the importance that the Vatican does today, views of its Palace of the Popes and St. Bénezet Bridge are just as inspiring. Later today, you’ll arrive in Lyon.
We've then got another treat in store for you today - our Choice Experience Palace of Versailles tour, where you’ll join a Local Specialist to explore the grand Palace of Versailles. Its splendor and beauty was created to reflect the self-proclaimed majesty of King Louis XIV, the 'Sun King'. See the exquisite sprawling gardens and the Hall of Mirrors with its impressive chandeliers and glinting mirrors. Carry on to Paris later to enjoy the city by night.
The Parisians know a thing or two about beauty, elegance and a life well lived - and you’ll see it all up close with your full day in Paris. Take to the streets on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director, to see the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and Eiffel Tower. Then spend the rest of the day discovering the city on your terms. Don't resist the urge to tread in the footsteps of Picasso and Dalí during an optional visit to Montmartre this afternoon, exploring its maze of streets and Artist's Square. There's time to shop for artwork and savor some local specialties before a real highlight this evening – an optional dinner and cabaret performance.
This morning, after breakfast, say farewell to your fellow travelers.
