Grand European Adventure London to Venice
Begin in London and finish in Venice on a 17 day adventure mixing headline sights with relaxed exploring. You’ll tour royal London and the British Museum, hop across to the Netherlands for canals and windmills in Amsterdam, then stop at Brussels’ Grand Place. Paris brings Versailles, Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and a Seine cruise. Drift through Burgundy to Switzerland – think Geneva’s Jet d’Eau and a Zurich lake cruise with mountain views. Swing into Italy via Bellinzona and Lake Como, then Milan and Pisa, before Rome’s ancient icons and Florence’s Renaissance treasures. Wrap up amid St Mark’s Square and Murano glass in Venice.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
17 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
LondonEnds
VeniceMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in United Kingdom that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, ItalyPassengers
$4,063.00
$400.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
London
Colchester
Colchester - Volendam Ferry
Volendam
Amsterdam
Bruges
Paris
Burgundy
Beaune
Lyon
Geneva
Zurich
Lucerne
Bellinzona
Como
Milan
Pisa
Rome
Florence
Venice
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Welcome to London – we’ll transfer you to the hotel, and the rest of the day is free for you to settle in or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, we’ll post details about the start of the tour on the information boards at hotel reception.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - London
We discover London on a panoramic tour with a local guide, taking in key sights such as the Parliament, the River Thames and Buckingham Palace – and, depending on dates, we may see the Changing of the Guard. In the evening we meet in Piccadilly for a guided stroll through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho – lively areas known for their theatres and entertainment. You’ll have plenty of restaurant options for dinner before we return to the hotel.
Day 3 - London - Colchester - Colchester - Volendam Ferry
This morning we visit the British Museum – one of the world’s oldest – to explore artefacts from cultures across the globe. Around lunchtime we head to Camden, renowned for its lively street market. You can browse the stalls for unique finds and choose lunch from the many eateries and food stands. At about 4 pm we depart for Colchester, England’s oldest recorded town, where we enjoy a short walk through its historic centre, then continue to Harwich to board the ferry for an overnight sailing to the Netherlands, staying in en suite cabins.Important note: Because ferry cabins are limited, the route may be adjusted – we may travel from London to Amsterdam on a daytime ferry with an overnight stay in Antwerp, or alternatively take a train or flight to Amsterdam.
Day 4 - Colchester - Volendam Ferry - Volendam - Amsterdam
We dock at Hoek van Holland around 8:00 and travel to Volendam, a traditional fishing village, for a short visit. Afterwards, we continue to Amsterdam for a guided tour that takes in classic windmill views and the Rembrandt statue, the contemporary feel of the South District, and the long-standing tradition of diamond cutting around Museum Square.The tour ends at the central station, where your guide will share practical tips so you can explore the city’s canals and street markets at your own pace.
Day 5 - Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris
After breakfast, we drive to Belgium – just over 200 kilometres to Brussels, the capital and home to major European institutions, where elegance meets multicultural energy. Before reaching the city centre, we pause at the Atomium, then continue to the historic heart to admire the Grand Place and walk past the Manneken Pis. The city brings together history, chocolate and modernity. In the afternoon, we continue into France, arriving in Paris towards the end of the day.
Day 6 - Paris
Today we travel to the Palace of Versailles – admission not included – renowned for its magnificent gardens. Returning to Paris, we visit Montmartre, the city’s bohemian neighbourhood famous for its artists and cabarets. We then take a panoramic tour with a local guide to admire Paris’s grand avenues and iconic monuments before returning to the hotel. In the evening, you can opt to attend a variety show.
Day 7 - Paris
We start in central Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower – tickets to the second floor are included. After taking in the views, we continue with a relaxing cruise on the Seine lasting around 1 hour 15 minutes. The afternoon is free for you to keep exploring the city at your own pace – the return transfer to the hotel is not included. Note – if waiting times at the Eiffel Tower are too long, we may reschedule the visit to a different time, or to Sunday, to keep the day running smoothly.
Day 8 - Paris - Burgundy - Beaune - Lyon
We leave Paris for the heart of France, crossing Burgundy’s vineyard country. Our first stop is Beaune, a compact town known for its flower‑lined streets, historic hospice and wine museum. You have free time for lunch and a stroll before we continue to Lyon, once the capital of Roman Gaul on the banks of the Rhône. Lyon’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site – we take the cable car up to Notre‑Dame de Fourvière for panoramic city views – then you have time to explore at your own pace.Note: On some departures part of the group stays overnight in Chambéry, near Lyon – in this case we travel there in the evening. The following morning, you have time to visit this medieval‑style city, the capital of Savoy, known for its beautiful historic centre and impressive castle.
Day 9 - Lyon - Geneva - Zurich
We travel into Switzerland. On arrival in Geneva, we’ll drive past the Palace of Nations – home to the United Nations Office at Geneva – then explore the English Garden with its flower clock and admire the Jet d’Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. After lunch, we continue along scenic roads by Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, following the Three Lakes region with views of vineyards set against the mountains. We pause in Neuchâtel, where you can stroll by the lake, explore the historic centre or visit the 10th century castle. We reach Zurich in the late afternoon. Note: Depending on passenger numbers between Geneva and Zurich, this sector may be by train – in which case there will be no stop in Neuchâtel.
Day 10 - Zurich
We explore Zurich with our guide – Switzerland’s largest city and a key financial and cultural centre. We then board a scenic cruise of almost two hours on Lake Zurich, making brief stops at villages along the way. We disembark in Rapperswil – a picturesque town known for its medieval castle – and return to Zurich by train, a chance to experience the efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss rail network. Note: Depending on group size, transfers to and from the city centre may be by public transport.
Day 11 - Zurich - Lucerne - Zurich
We leave Zurich for a day of Alpine scenery in the Interlaken region. Our first stop is Grindelwald, where we pause for coffee before taking the cable car up the mountain. At the top, we follow a walkway that leads to a suspended bridge – you can choose to cross it for far‑reaching glacier views. We include lunch on the mountain, then descend and continue to Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities, where you’ll have time to explore before we return to Zurich.If you prefer, the guide may offer an optional full‑day excursion starting in the morning – after some free time in Lucerne, you take a rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis, over 3,000 metres above sea level, for striking views of the glacier and the Alps.
Day 12 - Zurich - Bellinzona - Como - Milan
We leave Zurich early, crossing the Alps into the Italian speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona – renowned for its three medieval castles, UNESCO World Heritage sites set on the hills above the town and a reminder of its historic role as an Alpine stronghold. You’ll have free time to wander the streets of the centre. We then continue into Italy and stop in Como for lunch – a lakeside town noted for its gardens and impressive cathedral. The day ends in Milan, where our guide leads us to Piazza del Duomo – you’ll have time to look around before we transfer to the hotel.
Day 13 - Milan - Pisa - Rome
We leave Milan for Pisa, where we take the small tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli – home to one of Italy’s most striking ensembles, including the famous Leaning Tower. You’ll have time to explore the square and take in the views at your own pace. We then continue to Rome, arriving later in the day.
Day 14 - Rome
In the morning, we take a three-hour guided tour of Rome, combining a walk through Imperial Rome with a panoramic coach drive. We view key landmarks – the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour ends at Vatican City at around 11:00 – you can join an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The afternoon is free. In the evening, we include a transfer to the Trastevere neighbourhood – known for its lively atmosphere and cosy restaurants – with return to the hotel at around 20:30.
Day 15 - Rome - Florence
Leaving Rome, we travel north to Florence, enjoying the scenery en route. On arrival we head straight to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of the city. We then walk towards the historic centre and, after some time for lunch, meet a local expert for a guided walking tour, taking in Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria – the city feels like an open air museum. After the tour, you have free time to explore at your own pace. In the evening, you’ll find plenty of places for dinner in the area, with a range of international cuisines.
Day 16 - Florence - Venice
Today we cross the Apennines – enjoy sweeping mountain scenery en route to Venice. On arrival, we board a boat across the Giudecca Canal to the island of Venice. With a local guide, we explore St Mark’s Square – the city’s main piazza – then visit a Murano glass factory to see traditional glassmaking techniques in action. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. We stay overnight in the Mestre district.
Day 17 - Venice
After breakfast, our journey concludes in Venice – thank you for travelling with us, and we wish you a smooth onward journey with wonderful memories of your trip.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Venice
Pre-Tour Accommodation - London
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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