Bohemia, Austria and Central Europe

Welcome to Paris. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel where you will have some free time to settle in. In the afternoon, you can find important information about the start of your tour on the notice boards at the 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.

We begin the day with a visit to the grand Palace of Versailles, famed for its remarkable gardens and historical significance as a royal residence (admission not included). Upon returning to Paris, we explore Montmartre, a lively bohemian district known for its artistic heritage, painters, and cabarets. To capture the full splendour of the city, we then take a panoramic tour with a local guide, passing through Paris’s broad avenues and admiring its iconic landmarks. After the tour, we return to the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional variety show for a memorable night out.

We begin the day in central Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. You’ll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this famous iron landmark, with tickets included. Following this, we’ll enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the River Seine lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, offering a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks from the water. The afternoon is then yours to explore Paris independently at your own pace. Please note that if wait times at the Eiffel Tower are excessive, we may reschedule the visit to a different time or day for your convenience. Transfers back to the hotel after your free time are not included.

Today, we travel south from Paris into the heart of Burgundy, a region celebrated for its rolling vineyards and exceptional wines. Our first stop is Beaune, a picturesque town famed for its charming streets adorned with flowers, its historic hospice, and its 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 Roman capital of Gaul, located on the banks of the Rhône. Lyon’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll take a cable car to Notre-Dame de Fourvière for impressive views over the city before you have some free time to discover the area independently. Please note that in some cases, part of the group will stay overnight in Chambéry, a nearby town with a beautifully preserved medieval centre and impressive castle, offering a chance to explore the next morning.

Today we leave Lyon and travel into Switzerland. On arrival in Geneva, we will pass the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and visit the English Garden to admire its famous flower clock. We'll also see the Jet d?Eau, Europe's tallest fountain. After lunch, we continue through the scenic Swiss countryside alongside Lake Geneva and Lake Neuch?tel, driving through the Three Lakes region with its impressive vineyards set against the mountains. We will stop in Neuch?tel, where you can enjoy a walk by the lake, explore the historic town centre, or visit the 10th-century castle. Our journey concludes in Zurich, where we arrive in the late afternoon. Depending on passenger numbers, the section from Geneva to Zurich may be by train, in which case there will be no stop in Neuch?tel.

We’ll begin the day with a guided tour of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and its main financial and cultural hub. Known for its banking industry, Zurich has been recognised twice for offering the highest quality of life worldwide. Following the city tour, we’ll enjoy a scenic cruise of nearly two hours on Lake Zurich, stopping briefly in some charming lakeside villages. Our cruise concludes in the picturesque town of Rapperswil, famed for its medieval castle. From there, we’ll take the efficient Swiss train back to Zurich, offering a chance to experience the renowned punctuality of Switzerland’s rail network. Depending on group size, transfers to and from the city centre may be by public transport.

Today we’ll experience some of Switzerland’s most stunning mountain and lake scenery in the Interlaken region. Our first stop is the charming village of Grindelwald, where we’ll have time to enjoy a coffee before taking a cable car up the mountain. From there, we’ll follow a winding path leading to a suspended bridge, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers for those who wish to cross it. Lunch is included on the mountain before we descend and continue to Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities. You’ll have free time to explore Lucerne’s delightful old town and its beautiful lakefront at your own pace. We’ll then return to Zurich for the evening. There is also an optional full-day excursion available, including a morning departure and, after some free time in Lucerne, a rotating cable car ride to the summit of Mount Titlis, standing over 3,000 metres above sea level with breathtaking alpine views.

We depart Zurich early, crossing the Alps into the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, famous for its three medieval castles perched on the hills above the town—these UNESCO World Heritage Sites demonstrate Bellinzona’s historic role as a key alpine fortress. You’ll have some free time to explore the quaint streets of the town centre. Afterwards, we cross into Italy and stop in Como for lunch. Known as the jewel of Lombardy, Como boasts lovely lakeside gardens and an impressive cathedral. We then continue to Milan, where the guide will take us to the striking Piazza del Duomo. You’ll have time to explore this vibrant square before we transfer you to the hotel for the evening.

Today we travel from Milan to Pisa, where we ride a small 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 famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Later, we continue our journey south to Rome, arriving in the evening.

In the morning, we’ll take a three-hour guided tour of Rome, combining a walking route through the heart of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride. You’ll see iconic sites including the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour concludes at Vatican City around 11.00 a.m., where our guide will offer an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Later, we’ll transfer you to the vibrant Trastevere district, known for its welcoming restaurants and lively atmosphere. You’ll have time to enjoy the area before returning to the hotel at approximately 8.30 p.m.

We leave Rome this morning, travelling north through the Italian countryside to Florence. Upon arrival, we head straight to Piazzale Michelangelo, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the city’s rooftops and landmarks. From there, we’ll walk down into the historic centre for a guided tour with a local expert, visiting highlights such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. After some time for lunch, you’ll have free time to further explore Florence at your own pace. In the evening, the area offers a wide selection of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine for you to choose from.

Today we travel through the striking Apennine Mountains en route to Venice. Upon arrival, we’ll take a boat across the Giudecca Canal to the island city itself. With a local guide, we’ll explore the magnificent St Mark’s Square, the historic heart of Venice. Afterwards, we’ll visit a Murano glass factory to observe traditional glassmaking techniques firsthand. You’ll then have some free time to discover Venice at your own pace. Accommodation is in the Mestre district.

We depart Venice and travel into Austria, arriving in Innsbruck. You’ll have time to explore the historic city centre and enjoy lunch in this Tyrolean capital. Afterwards, we’ll drive along scenic mountain roads to Kitzbühel, a picturesque village renowned as a year-round ski resort. Here, you can wander at your leisure before we continue on to Salzburg, reaching the city by evening. Note: If the group is small, we may travel by train from Venice to Innsbruck.

Today we’ll explore Salzburg, the city of Mozart, known for its beautifully preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture beneath the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress. From there, we’ll travel through scenic lakes and mountains to St Wolfgang, a well-known pilgrimage destination. Next, we continue to Traunkirchen on the shores of Lake Traunsee, where we’ll enjoy a boat cruise showcasing four historic castles before disembarking in Gmunden. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Vienna to conclude the day’s journey.

Today we’ll take a panoramic tour of Vienna with a local guide, exploring its grand avenues, impressive palaces, expansive parks and the lively city centre. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to discover the city at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll transfer you to the Grinzing district, a historic wine-growing area now absorbed into Vienna, known for its traditional taverns. You’ll have time to enjoy dinner here before returning to the hotel.

After approximately three hours’ travel, we’ll arrive in Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant capital. Our first stop is the bustling Váci utca, where you’ll have free time for lunch and to explore this lively pedestrian street. Following this, we’ll set off on an included boat trip along the Danube River, offering unmatched views of historic Buda on one side and the cosmopolitan Pest on the other. After the cruise, we’ll begin a panoramic tour of the city—often called the “Queen of the Danube”—showcasing its key landmarks. You’ll then have some free time to explore at your own pace. In the evening, there is an optional dinner outing featuring a traditional Magyar show.

After breakfast, the tour concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of your journey.