Paris and the Imperial 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 and relax. In the afternoon, we’ll provide essential information about the start of your tour, either through a personal briefing or via information displays at the hotel reception. This is a good opportunity to familiarise yourself with the schedule and prepare 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 grand history and expansive gardens (admission not included). On the return journey to Paris, we explore Montmartre, a distinctive bohemian district known for its artistic heritage and lively cabarets. To capture the full scale of the city, we enjoy a panoramic tour with a local guide, viewing Paris’s impressive avenues and iconic landmarks. We conclude with a transfer back to the hotel. In the evening, you can choose to attend an optional variety show.

We begin the day in central Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, including admission to the second floor, allowing you to enjoy spectacular views of the city. Following this, we take a relaxing boat cruise along the Seine River, offering a unique perspective of Paris’s landmarks. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the city at your leisure. At around 4:00 p.m., we depart Paris and travel to Normandy, arriving in Rouen. Here, you’ll have time to discover the historic city centre, famous for its medieval architecture and impressive Gothic cathedral, reflecting Rouen’s rich heritage dating back to Roman times. Please note, should there be long wait times at the Eiffel Tower, we may reschedule the visit to later in the day or to Sunday for your convenience.

We’ll spend the morning strolling through the historic centre of Rouen, taking in its medieval streets and notable landmarks. Afterwards, we’ll travel north through France to the coast, crossing the English Channel by ferry. Upon arrival in Canterbury, you'll have the chance to explore this English city renowned for its rich religious heritage and charming old town. We’ll then continue on to London, where you’ll have some free time around the iconic Tower Bridge area before we make our way to the hotel for the night.

We begin the day with a panoramic tour of London led by a local guide, highlighting the city’s rich culture and history. You’ll see iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, and Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard, depending on the schedule. In the evening, we’ll gather in Piccadilly for a leisurely walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho—areas famous for their vibrant atmosphere, theatres, and entertainment. This is a great opportunity to choose from a variety of restaurants for dinner before we return to the hotel.

This morning, we’ll visit the British Museum, one of the world’s oldest museums, home to artefacts representing cultures from across the globe. After some free time for lunch, we’ll explore Camden, a vibrant district known for its eclectic street market where you can browse unique goods and enjoy a meal at one of the many stalls or cafés. Later, around 4:00 p.m., we’ll travel to Colchester, England’s oldest recorded town, and take a leisurely walk through its historic streets. We’ll then continue to Harwich to board the ferry for an overnight crossing to the Netherlands, with comfortable en suite cabins provided. Please note that, due to limited cabin availability, the itinerary may be adjusted. In some cases, travel to Amsterdam may involve a daytime ferry and overnight stay in Antwerp, or travel by train or flight instead.

We arrive in the Netherlands at Hoek van Holland around 8:00 a.m. and visit Volendam, a charming fishing village known for its traditional harbour and distinctive Dutch character. Afterwards, we travel to Amsterdam for a guided city tour that highlights several key sites – from the iconic windmill and the Rembrandt statue to the modern elegance of the South District and the historic diamond-cutting district around Museum Square. The tour concludes in the city centre, where we leave the coach. You’ll then have free time to explore Amsterdam at your leisure.

We depart Amsterdam and travel towards Germany, stopping first in Hamelin, a charming town famed for its association with the Pied Piper legend. Here, we’ll have time to explore the shops and streets that reflect this captivating tale. Continuing our journey, we pass through Marienborn, the site of the former border between East and West Germany until reunification in 1990, before arriving in Berlin in the evening.

We begin the day with a guided tour of Berlin, Germany’s vibrant capital. From the coach, we’ll take in key sights including Museum Island, the Television Tower, the city centre’s main shopping streets, the partially ruined old cathedral, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and the city’s expansive parks. We’ll pause to visit the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum – two poignant landmarks that reflect Germany’s complex history. The afternoon is yours to explore Berlin at your leisure. As evening approaches, we’ll transfer you to the lively Kantstrasse district, known for its vibrant dining and nightlife options.

We’ll travel through scenic forested areas to reach Dresden, a city celebrated for its outstanding architecture and artistic heritage, making it one of Germany’s premier destinations. You’ll have time to explore some of its magnificent palaces and enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants or cafés. Later, we’ll continue to the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague. We’ll visit the lively Old Town Square, a bustling hub filled with history and activity — a perfect introduction to the city. Dinner is at your leisure, with a variety of restaurants offering Czech and international cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, and Italian. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel.

Today we explore Prague, renowned as the Baroque jewel of Europe. A local guide will lead a panoramic city tour, showcasing the capital’s most remarkable landmarks. We’ll visit Prague Castle, with admission included, followed by a boat ride on the Vltava River. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, offering plenty of opportunities to discover the city independently.

We depart early for Bavaria, arriving in Munich around midday. You’ll have free time to explore the historic city centre and enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we continue to Austria and arrive in Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the Alps. There will be time to explore the Old Town and the Golden Roof area, where you can have dinner before we retire for the night.

Today we visit the Swarovski Museum, renowned for its exquisite crystal creations, with admission included. We’ll explore the impressive gardens and learn about the craftsmanship behind these intricate pieces. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to wander through Innsbruck’s historic centre. Our journey continues along scenic mountain roads to Kitzbühel, a famous Tyrolean town known for its ski resort and the legendary Hahnenkamm Race, one of the world’s most prestigious alpine skiing events. By the end of the day, we’ll arrive in Salzburg.

We begin the day with a guided exploration of Salzburg, famed as Mozart’s birthplace. The city’s Renaissance and Baroque architecture is highlighted by the imposing fortress that overlooks the old town. From there, we travel through picturesque lakes and mountain scenery to St Wolfgang, a well-known pilgrimage destination in Austria. Continuing to Traunkirchen on the shores of Lake Traunsee, we take a included boat cruise to admire four of the lake’s castles before disembarking at Gmunden. Our journey concludes as we make our way to Vienna, arriving in the evening.

We’ll begin the day with a panoramic tour of Vienna, guided by a local expert. Together, we’ll explore the grand avenues, elegant 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 provide a transfer to the Grinzing district, a historic wine-growing village now part of Vienna, known for its traditional taverns. You’ll be free to enjoy dinner in this charming area before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your time in Vienna and beyond.