Grand European Metropolis & Countryside Odyssey
Begin in Prague – end in Rome on a 16 day sweep through Central Europe that blends headline sights, rivers and mountains. In Prague you’ll tour the castle and drift along the Vltava. Trace the Romantic Road to pretty Rothenburg, cruise the Rhine’s loveliest stretch and admire Cologne Cathedral. Around Amsterdam, expect canals, windmills and cosy villages. Take in Brussels’ Grand Place before Paris delivers Versailles, Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and a Seine cruise. Cross Burgundy to Lyon, then roll via Geneva into Switzerland for a Lake Zurich sailing, alpine views and time in Lucerne. Finish in Italy with Como, stylish Milan, Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Rome’s timeless icons.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Tour Overview
Duration
16 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
PragueEnds
RomeMinimum 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 Czech Republic 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
Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, ItalyPassengers
$5,219.00
$500.00
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
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
Prague
Pilsen
Rothenburg
Frankfurt
Cruise on the Rhine
Cologne
Amsterdam
Bruges
Paris
Burgundy
Beaune
Lyon
Geneva
Zurich
Lucerne
Bellinzona
Como
Milan
Pisa
Rome
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Included
Not Included
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Itinerary
Day 1 - Prague
Welcome to Prague. On arrival at the airport, we’ll transfer you to your hotel – please check the noticeboard in reception for details of the welcome meeting with your guide. In the evening we’ll provide a transfer to Old Town Square, a lively area with plenty of places to eat. You can choose where to dine, with options including Czech, Chinese, Indian and Italian cuisines. Afterwards, we’ll arrange the return transfer to the hotel.
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 - Prague
Today we explore Prague, often called the Baroque jewel of Europe. With a local guide, we take an informative panoramic tour to see the city’s key monuments, followed by entry to Prague Castle – admission included. Later, we enjoy a cruise on the Vltava River – included – for a different perspective on the historic centre. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring at your own pace.
Day 3 - Prague - Pilsen - Rothenburg - Frankfurt
We depart Prague early and drive to Pilsen in western Bohemia, renowned for its beer. You’ll have time to wander the historic centre – Old Town Square, the cathedral, the Plague Column and the Renaissance town hall are all nearby. We then cross into Germany and follow part of the Romantic Road to visit Rothenburg, considered one of the most beautiful villages in the country. Afterwards we continue to Frankfurt, Germany’s financial capital. On arrival in the evening, you’ll have free time in the historic centre for dinner, with a wide choice of Indian, Asian, Italian and international restaurants.
Day 4 - Frankfurt - Cologne - Amsterdam
From Frankfurt, we head to the Rhine Valley for a leisurely cruise between Rüdesheim and St Goar – the river’s most scenic stretch. We then continue to Cologne to see its immense Gothic cathedral. Later, we drive on to Holland, reaching Amsterdam in the evening.
Day 5 - Amsterdam
Today we explore classic Holland – first Zaanse Schans, with its canals, traditional houses and windmills. We continue to Volendam, a scenic fishing village, then take a short boat ride to Marken, once an island and now linked to the mainland by a fixed dike, where houses were traditionally built on stilts to protect against flooding.Back in Amsterdam in the afternoon, we enjoy a guided city tour that pulls together key sights – a windmill and the Rembrandt statue, the contemporary elegance of the South District, and the city’s diamond cutting heritage around Museum Square. We finish at Central Station, and your guide will share practical tips so you can explore the canals, street markets and cafés at your own pace.
Day 6 - Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris
After breakfast we travel to Belgium; just over 200 kilometres away lies Brussels – the capital and home to the main European institutions. Before we enter the city centre, we make a brief stop at the Atomium, Brussels’ most iconic landmark. We then head into the historic heart to admire the Grand Place – a jewel of Flemish Baroque – and stroll past the symbolic Manneken Pis. In the afternoon we continue into France, arriving in Paris at the end of the day.
Day 7 - Paris
We delve into France’s royal past at the Palace of Versailles – admission not included – taking time to appreciate its grand architecture and celebrated gardens. Returning to Paris, we explore Montmartre, the bohemian neighbourhood known for its artists, painters and cabarets. We then join a panoramic city tour with a local guide to take in the city’s major avenues and landmark monuments before returning to the hotel. In the evening, you can choose to attend a variety show.
Day 8 - Paris
We begin in central Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower – tickets to the second floor are included. If queues are very long, we may adjust the timing of the visit – or move it to Sunday – to keep the day running smoothly. Afterwards, we enjoy a cruise on the Seine of around one hour and fifteen minutes. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace; the transfer back to the hotel is not included, so please make your own arrangements.
Day 9 - Paris - Burgundy - Beaune - Lyon
We journey into the heart of France through Burgundy, renowned for its vineyards and world‑class wines, with our first stop in Beaune – a charming town known for its flower‑lined streets, hospice and wine museum. You’ll have time for lunch and a stroll before we continue to Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul on the banks of the Rhône. Lyon’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we take the cable car up to Notre Dame de Fourvière for sweeping views of the city. You’ll then have free time to explore at your own pace. Note: On some departures, part of the group will stay in Chambéry – a city near Lyon. In this case, we travel to Chambéry in the evening for the overnight, and in the morning you’ll have time to visit this medieval‑style city, the capital of Savoy, known for its beautiful historic centre and impressive castle.
Day 10 - Lyon - Geneva - Zurich
We travel into Switzerland, arriving in Geneva. We pass the Palace of Nations – the European headquarters of the United Nations – then visit the English Garden to see its flower clock and admire the Jet d’Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. After lunch, we continue across Switzerland along Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, following the Three Lakes region with vineyard views. We stop in Neuchâtel, where you can stroll by the lake, explore the historic centre or visit the 10th century castle. We arrive in Zurich in the late afternoon. Note – depending on passenger numbers, the journey from Geneva to Zurich may be by train, in which case there will be no stop in Neuchâtel.
Day 11 - Zurich
With our guide, we explore Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and a major financial and cultural hub, twice recognised for offering the world’s best quality of life. We then board a scenic cruise of nearly two hours on Lake Zurich, making brief stops to appreciate the lakeside villages along the way, before disembarking in Rapperswil – a picturesque town famed for its medieval castle. We return to Zurich by train, a chance to experience the efficiency and punctuality of Swiss rail travel. Note: Depending on group size, transfers to and from the city centre may be by public transport.
Day 12 - Zurich - Lucerne - Zurich
From Zurich, we travel into superb alpine scenery in the Interlaken region. We stop first in Grindelwald for a coffee, then take a cable car up the mountain. At the top, we follow a path to a suspended bridge – those who choose to cross it are rewarded with striking glacier views. We include lunch on the mountain before descending. We then continue to Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities, where you’ll have time to explore at your own pace. We return to Zurich afterwards. Note: Your guide will offer an optional full day excursion starting in the morning – after some free time in Lucerne, you can take a rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis at over 3,000 metres above sea level, with wide views of the glacier and the Alps.
Day 13 - Zurich - Bellinzona - Como - Milan
We leave Zurich early, crossing the Alps into the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, known for its three medieval castles – UNESCO World Heritage Sites overlooking the city and a reminder of its historic role as an alpine stronghold. We pause here – you will have free time to stroll the historic centre. We then continue into Italy for a lunch stop in Como, the jewel of Lombardy, noted for its lakeside gardens and impressive cathedral – you can explore before we travel on. We end the day in Milan, where our guide leads us to Piazza del Duomo; you will have a little time to look around before we transfer you to the hotel.
Day 14 - Milan - Pisa - Rome
Leaving Milan, we travel to Pisa and board the little tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli – the Square of Miracles. Here you’ll have free time to take in this remarkable complex, including the iconic Leaning Tower. We then continue to Rome, arriving later in the day.
Day 15 - Rome
In the morning we explore Rome on a three hour guided tour that blends a walk through Imperial Rome with a panoramic drive, taking in 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. Afterwards, you can join an optional visit with our guide to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. In the evening we include a transfer to Trastevere – known for its cosy restaurants and lively atmosphere – with return to the hotel at around 8:30 pm.
Day 16 - Rome
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Rome – the tour ends here. We hope you depart with lasting memories of your time with us.
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Tour Reviews
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
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 - Rome
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Prague
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
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.
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
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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