Grand European Tour Paris to Prague Adventure

Upon arrival in Paris, we will provide a transfer to your hotel. Here, you'll have some leisure time to settle in and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, you'll receive information about the commencement of your tour, either in person or via displays 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. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Our second day in Paris begins with a visit to the awe-inspiring Palace of Versailles, known for its opulent architecture and magnificent gardens. Please note that entry to the palace is not included. After soaking in the rich history of Versailles, we return to Paris and explore Montmartre – a bohemian haven celebrated for its vibrant art scene, street painters, and lively cabarets. As we continue to explore, our local guide will lead a panoramic tour of Paris, where we’ll admire the city’s grand boulevards and iconic landmarks. After a memorable day of sightseeing, we head back to our hotel. For those keen on experiencing more, there's an optional evening variety show available for you to enjoy.

We begin our day in the heart of Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where you'll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this renowned iron structure—tickets are included. Following this, we relax on a gentle cruise along the Seine, giving you a unique perspective of the city. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your leisure, allowing you to soak in its vibrant atmosphere and discover its delightful nooks.In the late afternoon, around 4:00 p.m., we bid farewell to Paris and embark on our journey to Normandy, arriving in the historic city of Rouen. Here, you’ll have free time to wander through the city’s enchanting centre. Rouen, with its roots in Roman times, boasts charming medieval architecture and a stunning Gothic cathedral. This evening is a perfect chance for you to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture that this vibrant city offers. Please note that if we encounter long wait times at the Eiffel Tower, we may reschedule the visit to a more convenient time, possibly on Sunday.

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the heart of Rouen, known for its rich history and architectural beauty. Following a leisurely morning in this captivating city, we’ll journey to northern France. Our travels include a ferry crossing of the English Channel, after which we’ll arrive in Canterbury. This charming city, recognised as the religious capital of England, boasts a delightful historic centre. We’ll continue onwards to London, where you’ll be free to enjoy the iconic Tower Bridge area, one of the city's most recognised symbols, before we proceed to our hotel for the evening.

Explore the vibrant city of London with us on a comprehensive panoramic tour guided by a local expert, offering insights into the city's culture and deep-rooted history. Witness iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the majestic River Thames, and Buckingham Palace. Depending on the date, you may have the chance to observe the renowned Changing of the Guard. In the evening, we will all reconvene at a designated meeting point in Piccadilly. From there, we will set off on a lively stroll through the bustling areas of Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho, celebrated for their energetic atmosphere, theatres, and diverse entertainment options. You'll have an array of dining choices available for dinner before we return to the hotel, allowing you to savour the vibrant nightlife at your leisure.

Today, we embark on our journey north from London to explore some of the most charming locations in England. Our first stop is the historic city of Cambridge, famed for its prestigious university and stunning architecture. Here, we’ll amble through the picturesque streets and admire the splendid college buildings. After a leisurely lunch, we’ll continue our journey to the walled city of York. This enchanting city boasts remarkable Roman walls, a magnificent cathedral, and bustling shopping streets that provide a tantalising glimpse into its rich history. During your free time, you’re welcome to wander through the lively streets of York. As our day progresses, we’ll travel further to the medieval city of Durham, where its imposing cathedral and adjacent castle stand proudly at the heart of the town.

Today, we set off for Scotland, with a morning visit to the charming town of Alnwick. Here, you’ll find enchanting gardens and a large medieval castle, famously featured in the Harry Potter films. Continuing our journey, we arrive in Edinburgh around midday. As the capital of Scotland and one of Northern Europe's most vibrant cities, Edinburgh boasts a stunning monumental centre that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic castle towers over the city’s dramatic streets and parks. We will enjoy a panoramic tour guided by a local expert to showcase the city's highlights.

Today, we embark on a captivating journey through the stunning Scottish Highlands. Our first stop is Pitlochry, a picturesque village where we can enjoy a coffee and a leisurely stroll. We then head towards Inverness, situated in northern Scotland near the enigmatic Loch Ness. We will explore the historic Urquhart Castle (admission included), from where we embark on a memorable boat ride over the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. Our route continues past Fort Augustus, famous for its lock system, and Fort William, a popular tourist destination located at the base of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain.As we travel southward, we'll traverse the scenic highlands where snow often dusts the landscape, and drive alongside the beautiful shores of Loch Lomond. Our day concludes as we reach Glasgow, arriving in the evening. Please note, if you are travelling between the 15th of November and the end of February, the shorter daylight hours and possible snowy conditions necessitate a modified itinerary: Departing Edinburgh at 08:00 a.m., we arrive in Pitlochry by 09:45 a.m. Here, we'll explore a traditional whisky distillery (admission included) before continuing to historic Stirling by 12:30 p.m. You'll have the opportunity to visit the grand Stirling Castle (tickets included), a site steeped in important historical events, including battles and royal coronations. After lunch, we make a short stop to photograph The Kelpies, striking sculptures inspired by Scottish folklore. Our journey wraps up in Glasgow around 5:00 p.m. with some time to stroll around the city centre.

Today, we leave Glasgow, journeying south through Scotland to the ferry terminal at Cairnryan. Boarding the ferry, we cross the sea to arrive in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Known for its vibrant history, Belfast is gradually emerging from its past conflicts and offers a fascinating glimpse into Irish culture. From Belfast, we continue our journey through the lush landscapes of Ireland, heading towards Dublin. By evening, we reach this lively city, ready to explore more of its charms the following day.

We begin our exploration of Dublin with a panoramic tour of Ireland's serene capital, where we take a leisurely stroll along the River Liffey. During our walk, we explore the serene parks, admire the architecture of the historic university, and wander through the bustling streets of the vibrant city centre. You'll catch a glimpse of the exterior of Trinity College, home to Ireland’s oldest university. The afternoon is yours to enjoy Dublin at your own pace, allowing you to delve deeper into the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Please note that occasionally, due to arrival times and daylight variations, this tour might be arranged for the previous afternoon.

We'll embark on a ferry in the early morning, with a journey spanning three to three and a half hours before reaching the picturesque coast of Wales. Our first port of call is Caernarfon, a charming seaside town recognised as a World Heritage Site, where you'll find the imposing Caernarfon Castle. Take some time to enjoy lunch and a leisurely stroll through this historic locale before we continue our journey. Next, we'll head to Liverpool, one of the United Kingdom's most culturally rich and historically significant cities, which boasts the second-largest port in the nation. Here, we'll take you on a brief bus tour, offering a glimpse into the city's unique landmarks and vibrant atmosphere. If you're a music enthusiast, we recommend considering a visit to The Beatles Museum, which showcases the city's profound musical heritage.

On Day 12, we embark on a journey through the heart of England, beginning in Liverpool and making our way to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of the literary icon, William Shakespeare. Here, you’ll have leisure time to savour lunch and wander around the town, soaking in its rich Shakespearean heritage. Next, our travels take us to the historic city of Oxford, famed for its prestigious university which has moulded numerous influential figures throughout history. We’ll explore the city's blend of academic excellence and vibrant culture before continuing towards London, where we’ll arrive in the evening.

On day 13, we'll begin our exploration of London with a visit to the esteemed British Museum, among the world's most venerable institutions, showcasing artefacts from various global cultures. Later in the day, you'll have free time to wander and perhaps grab lunch in Camden, known for its vibrant and diverse street market filled with unique, eclectic items and an array of international food options.As the afternoon progresses, we'll set off for Colchester, Britain's earliest recorded town. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk through its quaint historical streets, absorbing the town's rich heritage. Our journey will then continue to Harwich, where we'll embark on an overnight ferry to the Netherlands. Accommodation for the night will be in en suite cabins on board. Please note that changes might occur based on cabin availability. In some cases, we could opt for alternative routes, such as a daytime ferry crossing with an overnight stay in Antwerp, or even a train or flight to Amsterdam.

At approximately 8 a.m., you'll disembark in the Netherlands at Hoek van Holland, ready to explore Volendam, a picturesque fishing village renowned for its charming atmosphere. Following this, we'll continue to Amsterdam, where a guided tour awaits. This tour will unveil several of the city's highlights, including the iconic windmills, the striking Rembrandt statue, the modern allure of the South District, and the historical art of diamond cutting at Museum Square. After we conclude our guided tour on foot through the heart of Amsterdam, you’ll have free time to delve deeper into this vibrant city at your own pace.

We leave Amsterdam behind and embark on our journey into Germany, where our first destination is the enchanting town of Hamelin. Renowned for its connections to the timeless fairy tale of the Pied Piper, Hamelin invites you to explore its charming shops and historic streets. With delightful scenery and captivating stories, this stop promises to be a memorable beginning to our day. Continuing our adventure, we pass through Marienborn, a poignant reminder of Germany's division until 1990, as it served as the border between East and West. Our day concludes as we arrive in Berlin by evening, ready to immerse ourselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of Germany's capital.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Berlin, the remarkable capital of Germany, with an insightful tour guided by a local expert. From the comfort of our coach, we'll introduce you to significant landmarks, including Museum Island and the iconic Television Tower. As we explore the heart of the city, you'll see its bustling shopping streets, the reconstructed old cathedral, the historic Brandenburg Gate, and the imposing Reichstag, all surrounded by Berlin's expansive parks. Our tour includes poignant stops at the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum, both of which offer powerful reflections on Germany's complex history in the 20th century. The afternoon will be yours to discover the city at your leisure, and as evening approaches, we'll provide a transfer to the vibrant Kantstrasse area, known for its lively atmosphere.

We set off from Berlin towards the enchanting city of Dresden, travelling through scenic forests along the way. Dresden is celebrated for its outstanding architectural and artistic heritage, making it a must-visit destination in Germany. You'll have time to explore the city's impressive palaces or relax over lunch at one of its inviting restaurants and coffee shops. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to the Czech Republic, where we'll arrive in the vibrant city of Prague. Here, you'll find the Old Town Square, bustling with energy and offering a perfect introduction to Prague's charm. It's a great spot to dine, with a variety of international cuisines to choose from, including local Czech fare, Chinese, Indian, and Italian. After a delightful evening, we'll head back to the hotel to rest.

Today, we delve into Prague, the exquisite Baroque gem of Europe. Accompanied by our knowledgeable local guide, we will embark on a panoramic tour that introduces the city's most remarkable landmarks. Included in this tour is a visit to Prague Castle, where you can immerse yourself in the city's rich history and architectural beauty. Following the castle visit, we will embark on a scenic boat ride along the Vltava River, offering a unique perspective of Prague's majestic skyline. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your leisure, allowing you to discover more of its cultural and historic treasures at your own pace.

After enjoying breakfast, our adventure concludes. As we bid farewell to Prague, we hope your journey has left you with unforgettable memories. Safe travels!