Paris and the Golden Capitals of Europe

Welcome to Paris. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel where you’ll have some free time to settle in at your own pace. In the afternoon, you’ll receive all the necessary information about the start of your tour, either in person or via the details displayed at the hotel reception. This allows you to prepare comfortably for the days ahead.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

We begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, famed for its stunning gardens and rich history of France’s monarchy (admission not included). Returning to Paris, we explore Montmartre, a charming bohemian district known for its artistic heritage and lively cabarets. To capture the full essence of the city, we take a panoramic tour with a local guide, viewing Paris’s grand avenues and iconic monuments. After the tour, we return to the hotel. In the evening, there is the option to attend a variety show for those interested.

We begin the day in central Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where we include admission to the second floor for panoramic views of the city. Afterwards, we enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Seine, taking in Paris’s famous landmarks from the water. You will then have a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. At approximately 4:00 p.m., we depart Paris and travel to Normandy, arriving in Rouen. This vibrant city, with roots dating back to Roman times, offers a charming mix of medieval streets and notable sights such as its impressive Gothic cathedral. You will have free time to discover Rouen’s historic centre and cultural highlights. Please note, if queues at the Eiffel Tower are lengthy, we may reschedule that visit to a more convenient time.

This morning, we’ll take a leisurely walk through the centre of Rouen, exploring its medieval streets and notable landmarks. Afterwards, we’ll travel north through France to the coast, where we’ll board a ferry to cross the English Channel. Upon arriving in Canterbury—the religious heart of England—you’ll have the opportunity to wander its historic streets and admire the picturesque city centre. Later, we’ll continue on to London, where you’ll have some free time around the Tower Bridge area, one of the city’s most iconic sights, before heading to the hotel for the evening.

We’ll explore London on a panoramic tour with a local guide, taking in key landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, and Buckingham Palace, where you may see the famous Changing of the Guard if the schedule allows. In the evening, we’ll meet in Piccadilly for a stroll through Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho — vibrant areas known for their theatres, entertainment, and dining options. You’ll have plenty of choice for dinner before we return to the hotel.

We begin the day with a visit to the British Museum, one of the world’s oldest institutions, where we explore its extensive collections representing cultures from across the globe. Following some free time at lunchtime, we head to Camden, a lively district famed for its eclectic street market. Here, you can browse unique goods and enjoy lunch at one of the many food stalls or small restaurants. Around 4:00 p.m., we depart for Colchester, England’s oldest recorded town, where we take a leisurely stroll through its historic streets. Later, we continue to Harwich to board the ferry for an overnight crossing to the Netherlands, travelling in en suite cabins. Please note that due to limited cabin availability, the itinerary may be adjusted—with options including a daytime ferry to Amsterdam involving an overnight stay in Antwerp, or travel by train or flight to Amsterdam.

We arrive in the Netherlands at Hoek van Holland around 8:00 a.m. before visiting Volendam, a charming fishing village known for its traditional harbour and local character. Afterwards, we travel to Amsterdam for a guided tour that highlights key sights including the iconic windmill and Rembrandt statue, the modern elegance of the South District, and the historic diamond-cutting tradition at Museum Square. The tour concludes in the heart of the city centre, where you will have free time to continue exploring at your own pace.

We leave Amsterdam and travel towards Germany, stopping first in Hamelin. This charming town is famous for its connection to the Brothers Grimm fairy tale of the Pied Piper, with its quaint streets and unique shops reflecting that story. Continuing on, we pass through Marienborn, once a border crossing between East and West Germany until reunification in 1990. We arrive in Berlin in the evening, ready to begin exploring the vibrant capital.

We explore Berlin with a local guide, taking in key sights from the coach including Museum Island, the Television Tower, the main shopping streets, the ruins of the old cathedral damaged in World War II, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and the city’s extensive parks. We pause to visit the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum — two significant reminders of Germany’s 20th-century history. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, and in the early evening we’ll transfer you to the vibrant Kantstrasse area.

We’ll travel through forested landscapes to Dresden, a city celebrated for its remarkable architecture and artistic heritage, which ranks it among Germany’s prime tourist destinations. You’ll have time to visit some of its grand palaces and enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafés. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague. We’ll make our way to the lively Old Town Square, a bustling hub perfect for your first encounter with the city. You’ll find a wide choice of restaurants here, offering international cuisine alongside traditional Czech dishes. After dinner, we’ll return to the hotel.

Today, we explore Prague, often called the Baroque jewel of Europe. A local guide will lead a panoramic tour of the city, highlighting its most remarkable monuments. Included in the tour is a visit to Prague Castle, a historic complex that dominates the skyline. We will also enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Vltava River. The afternoon is yours to discover the city at your own pace, with time to wander its charming streets and soak up the atmosphere.

We’ll depart early and travel to Bavaria, arriving in Munich by midday. You’ll have free time to explore the historic city centre and enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we continue into Austria and reach Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the Alps. Here, you’ll have time to discover the Old Town and the famous Golden Roof area, with opportunities to enjoy dinner in this atmospheric setting.

We begin the day with a visit to the Swarovski Museum, included in the itinerary, where we’ll explore the stunning crystal displays and learn about the craftsmanship behind these renowned pieces. After the museum, you’ll have free time to enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic centre of Innsbruck. Later, we depart along scenic mountain roads to reach Kitzbühel, a famous Tyrolean town celebrated for its ski resort and the legendary Hahnenkamm Race, one of the world’s most prestigious alpine skiing events. We conclude the day by arriving in Salzburg.

Today, we’ll explore Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, renowned for its striking Renaissance and Baroque architecture set beneath the imposing fortress. We’ll then travel through scenic lakes and mountains to St Wolfgang, a notable pilgrimage site in Austria. Next, we’ll visit Traunkirchen on the shores of Lake Traunsee, where we’ll enjoy a included cruise to see four castles along the lake before disembarking in Gmunden. Afterward, we’ll continue to Vienna, arriving in the evening.

We’ll begin the day with a panoramic tour of Vienna, guided by a local expert. We’ll explore the city’s grand avenues, elegant palaces, expansive parks and lively city centre, gaining a clear sense of its rich history and vibrant culture. The afternoon is yours to discover Vienna at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to the Grinzing district, a former wine-growing village now part of the city, famed for its traditional taverns. You’ll have free time to enjoy dinner here, soaking in the authentic atmosphere.

We’ll travel from Vienna to Budapest, a journey of around three hours. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time for lunch in the bustling Váci utca, a vibrant pedestrian street full of shops and cafés. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy an included boat trip along the Danube, taking in views of historic Buda on one side and cosmopolitan Pest on the other. Following the cruise, we’ll begin a panoramic tour of Budapest, often called the “Queen of the Danube,” discovering its key landmarks. The afternoon offers some free time to explore independently. In the evening, there is an optional outing to a traditional Magyar show with dinner included.

We’ll depart Budapest early and journey to Bratislava, the Slovakian capital set on the Danube, known for its attractive historic centre. You’ll have time to explore the city and enjoy lunch independently. Afterwards, we’ll continue on to Prague, arriving in the evening.

After breakfast, the tour concludes, giving you time to reflect on your experiences and prepare for your onward journey.