Desired Europe

Welcome to Prague. Upon arriving at the airport, we will transfer you directly to your hotel. Please check the information boards in the hotel reception for details about the welcome meeting with your guide. In the evening, we will take you to the bustling Old Town Square, a lively hub full of tourist activity. Here, you can choose from a variety of restaurants offering Czech, Chinese, Indian, Italian, and other international cuisines. After dinner, we will provide a transfer back to the hotel for your convenience.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

Today we explore Prague, a Baroque gem in the heart of Europe. Our local guide will take us on a panoramic tour, showcasing the city’s most remarkable monuments. We will visit Prague Castle, with admission included, to discover its historic significance and grandeur. Following the castle visit, we will enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Vltava River. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to wander the city at your own pace and take in its unique atmosphere.

We leave Prague early and head to Pilsen in western Bohemia, famed for its beer heritage. You’ll have some time to explore the historic centre on foot, where highlights include the Old Town Square, the cathedral, the Plague Column, and the Renaissance town hall. From there, we cross into Germany to follow part of the Romantic Road. Our next stop is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a town renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, often described as one of Germany’s most picturesque villages. In the evening, we continue to Frankfurt, the country’s financial hub. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy free time in the historic city centre, which offers a wide selection of restaurants serving Indian, Asian, Italian, and international cuisine.

We begin the day with a scenic cruise along the most picturesque stretch of the Rhine River, travelling between the charming villages of Rüdesheim and St. Goar. This route offers striking views of the river’s castles and vineyards. After disembarking, we continue to Cologne, a city famed for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, which dominates the skyline. Following our visit, we drive onwards to the Netherlands, arriving in Amsterdam by evening.

Today we’ll explore some of the Netherlands’ most picturesque locations. We start with a visit to Zaanse Schans, known for its charming traditional houses, canals, and iconic windmills. Next, we travel to Volendam, a scenic fishing village offering a glimpse into Dutch maritime life. From Volendam, we take a short boat ride to Marken, a former island now connected to the mainland by a dike. Marken’s houses were historically built on stilts to guard against flooding. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of Amsterdam, highlighting landmarks such as a classic windmill, the Rembrandt statue, and the modern South District. We also visit Museum Square, famous for its history of diamond cutting. The coach tour concludes in the city centre, where you’ll have free time to explore Amsterdam’s canals, markets, and cafés at your leisure.

After breakfast, we travel to Belgium, arriving in Brussels – the nation’s capital and home to major European institutions. We admire the impressive Grand Place, a fine example of Flemish Baroque architecture, and stroll past the famous Manneken Pis statue. Brussels offers a distinctive blend of history, contemporary culture, and renowned chocolate. In the afternoon, we continue into France, reaching Paris by evening.

We’ll spend the morning at the splendid Palace of Versailles, exploring its extensive gardens (entrance not included). Returning to Paris, we’ll visit Montmartre, a distinctive bohemian district famed for its artistic heritage and lively cabaret scene. To complete the day, we’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour with a local guide, taking in Paris’s grand avenues and iconic landmarks. After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional variety show to experience Parisian nightlife.

We begin the day in central Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. You will have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this famous iron landmark – tickets are included. Following this, we will enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Seine lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, taking in key sights from the water. The afternoon is free for you to explore Paris at your leisure. Please note that, if wait times at the Eiffel Tower are lengthy, we may reschedule the visit to a different time or the following day to ensure your convenience. Transfers back to the hotel are not included this afternoon.

Today we travel through the heart of France’s Burgundy region, famous for its vineyards and exceptional wines. Our first stop is Beaune, a charming town at the centre of Burgundy known for its colourful streets, historic hospice, and wine museum. You’ll have some free time here for lunch and to explore at your own pace. We then continue to Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul, situated on the Rhône River. The city’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll take the cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière to enjoy panoramic views over Lyon. You’ll have free time afterward to discover the city’s landmarks and atmosphere. In some cases, part of the group will remain overnight in Chambéry, a nearby town with a well-preserved medieval centre and a notable castle, where you’ll have time to visit the next morning.

Today we travel to Switzerland, beginning with Geneva. Upon arrival, we'll pass the Palace of Nations?the European headquarters of the United Nations?and visit the English Garden to see its famous flower clock. We'll also admire the Jet d?Eau, Europe's tallest fountain. After lunch, we continue along scenic routes by Lake Geneva and Lake Neuch?tel, travelling through the Three Lakes region where vineyards meet mountain views. We'll stop in Neuch?tel for a walk by the lake, a chance to explore its historic centre or visit the striking 10th-century castle. Our day ends in Zurich, arriving late afternoon. Please note, depending on group size, this part of the journey may be by train, which would mean no stop in Neuch?tel.

We’ll begin the day exploring Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and its financial and cultural centre. Known for its banking industry, Zurich has twice been named the city with the highest quality of life worldwide. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a scenic cruise of nearly two hours on Lake Zurich, stopping briefly to visit charming villages along the route. We’ll disembark in Rapperswil, a picturesque town famed for its medieval castle. From there, we’ll return to Zurich by train, providing an authentic experience of Switzerland’s efficient railway system. Depending on the number of travellers, transfers to and from the city centre may be by public transport.

Today we’ll experience some of Switzerland’s most stunning landscapes, characterised by towering mountains and clear lakes. Our first stop is Grindelwald in the Interlaken region, where we’ll pause for a coffee before taking a cable car up the mountain. From there, we’ll follow a winding path to a suspended bridge, offering spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers for those who wish to cross it. Lunch on the mountain is included. Afterwards, we’ll travel to Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities, where you’ll have free time to explore its charming streets and waterfront before we return to Zurich. For those interested, the guide will offer an optional full-day excursion starting in the morning, including free time in Lucerne followed by a rotating cable car ride to the summit of Mount Titlis, which stands over 3,000 metres above sea level and presents breathtaking views of the glacier and the Alps.

We leave Zurich early, crossing the Alps to reach the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, famous for its three medieval castles, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These hilltop fortresses underscore Bellinzona’s historical role as an important alpine stronghold. You’ll have some free time to explore the town’s charming streets. Afterward, we cross into Italy and stop in the picturesque town of Como for lunch. Known as the jewel of Lombardy, Como boasts beautiful lakeside gardens and a striking cathedral. We then continue to Milan, where our guide will introduce us to the impressive Piazza del Duomo. You’ll have time to wander before we transfer you to the hotel for the evening.

Today we travel to Pisa, where we’ll take a short tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Square of Miracles. Here, you’ll have time to admire one of Italy’s most remarkable art complexes, including the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa. Later, we continue to Rome, arriving in the evening to begin exploring the Eternal City.

In the morning, we’ll take a three-hour guided tour of Rome, beginning with a walking tour through Imperial Rome and continuing with a panoramic bus ride to admire some of the city’s most iconic sites. We’ll see the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla, Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour concludes at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m., where you can join an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Later in the day, we’ll transfer you to the lively Trastevere district, renowned for its charming restaurants and vibrant atmosphere. We’ll return to the hotel at approximately 8:30 p.m.

After breakfast, your journey concludes, leaving you with wonderful memories to take home.