Paris to Vienna A Grand European Escape
Set off on an enchanting 16-day adventure starting in the romantic city of Paris and concluding in the imperial grandeur of Vienna. Experience France's rich history at Versailles, enjoy the bohemian charm of Montmartre, and capture iconic views from the Eiffel Tower. Journey through charming Burgundy and Lyon before crossing into Switzerland, where Geneva's lakes and Zurich's vibrant culture await. Immerse yourself in the picturesque beauty of Lucerne and the Italian flair of Bellinzona. Continue through Italy's charming Como and cultural hotspots like Milan, Pisa, and Rome. End your journey exploring Salzburg's musical heritage, lakeside wonders, and Vienna’s captivating history and culture. This tour promises a delightful blend of landscapes, cultures, and unforgettable experiences.
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
ParisEnds
ViennaMinimum 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 France 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
France, Switzerland, Italy, AustriaPassengers
€3,204.50
€450.00
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
Paris
Burgundy
Beaune
Lyon
Geneva
Zurich
Lucerne
Bellinzona
Como
Milan
Pisa
Rome
Florence
Venice
Innsbruck
Salzburg
Lake Traunsee
Vienna
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Included
Not Included
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Itinerary
Day 1 - Paris
Welcome to your tour! Upon arrival in Paris, we will provide your transfer to the hotel, allowing you some free time to relax and settle in. Later in the afternoon, make sure to check the information boards located at the hotel reception for details about the start of your exciting journey. 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 - Paris
We will begin our day by delving into the rich heritage of France at the splendid Palace of Versailles, famous for its opulent architecture and exquisite gardens ? please note that entrance fees are not included. After our ch?teau visit, we will head back to Paris and venture into Montmartre, a delightful bohemian district known for its vibrant artistic scene and historic cabarets. To further appreciate the majesty of Paris, we will embark on a panoramic city tour, guided by a local expert, to uncover the city's grand avenues and iconic landmarks. Following our insightful tour, we will return to the hotel. For those who fancy an evening of entertainment, an optional variety show is available.
Day 3 - Paris
On our third day in Paris, we begin our adventures in the heart of the city with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. You'll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this legendary iron structure, with tickets included in your experience. Following this, we will take a relaxing boat cruise along the Seine River, which lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes, allowing us to see the city from a different perspective. The afternoon will be yours to explore Paris at your leisure – whether you choose to visit more landmarks, stroll through charming streets, or enjoy a cafe, the choice is yours. Please note that transfer back to the hotel is not included. If the wait times for the Eiffel Tower are particularly long, we may adjust the visit to a more convenient time or possibly relocate it to Sunday for your comfort.
Day 4 - Paris - Burgundy - Beaune - Lyon
Today we embark on a delightful journey to the heart of France, passing through the renowned Bourgogne region, celebrated for its picturesque vineyards and exceptional wines. Our first destination is Beaune, a charming town at the centre of Burgundy known for its scenic streets adorned with flowers, its historic hospice, and the engaging wine museum. You'll have some free time to enjoy lunch and a leisurely walk. From there, we continue to Lyon, historically significant as the former capital of Roman Gaul, nestled on the banks of the Rhône River. Lyon’s historic centre is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will take the cable car to the hilltop Notre-Dame de Fourvière, offering us splendid views of the cityscape. Afterwards, you will have some free time to explore Lyon at your own pace. Note that sometimes a portion of our group may spend the night in Chambéry, a city near Lyon. In such cases, we'll proceed to Chambéry for an overnight stay. In the morning, you’ll get a chance to visit this medieval-style city, the capital of Savoy, renowned for its charming old town and striking castle.
Day 5 - Lyon - Geneva - Zurich
Today, our journey takes us from Lyon into the scenic landscapes of Switzerland. In Geneva, we'll glide past the impressive Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, before strolling through the picturesque English Garden, known for its floral clock and the spectacular Jet d'Eau fountain, Europe's tallest. After lunch, we'll continue travelling through Switzerland along the stunning shores of Lake Geneva and Lake Neuch?tel. We'll traverse the Three Lakes region, where you'll be mesmerised by the views of lush vineyards against a backdrop of mountains. Our day includes a stop in Neuch?tel, where you'll have time to wander by the lake, explore the historic centre, or visit the charming 10th-century castle. We will conclude our day in Zurich, arriving in the late afternoon. Note: Depending on the number of travellers, the journey from Geneva to Zurich may be via train, in which case the stop in Neuch?tel will be omitted.
Day 6 - Zurich
Today, we delve into the vibrant city of Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and a key hub for finance and culture. Known for its global banking presence, Zurich has earned the distinction twice as the city with the best quality of life worldwide. With our guide, we're set to explore this dynamic urban centre before enjoying a delightful experience on Lake Zurich. The nearly two-hour scenic cruise offers glimpses of charming villages that dot the lake's edge. Our journey on the water concludes in the picturesque town of Rapperswil, famous for its medieval castle and captivating views. From here, we return to Zurich via train, giving you a taste of the renowned Swiss railway system's efficiency and punctuality. Please note that depending on our group size, some transfers may utilise public transport.
Day 7 - Zurich - Lucerne - Zurich
Experiencing breathtaking landscapes today, we travel through the picturesque Interlaken region, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine lakes. Our first stop is Grindelwald, where you can enjoy a coffee before we ascend the mountain by cable car. At the summit, we stroll along a meandering path towards a suspended bridge, offering the adventurous among you unparalleled views of the surrounding glaciers. Lunch is included at this scenic locale before we descend back to the village. Our journey then takes us to Lucerne, one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, where you will have free time to discover its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere. We conclude the day with a return to Zurich. Note: A full-day optional excursion is available, which includes a rotating cable car journey to the summit of Mount Titlis. At over 3,000 metres above sea level, this alpine peak provides spectacular views of the glacier and the expansive Alps.
Day 8 - Zurich - Bellinzona - Como - Milan
We depart from Zurich early in the morning, making our way through the stunning Swiss Alps to Bellinzona, a city known for its trio of medieval castles that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These historic strongholds, perched dramatically on the hills, are a testament to Bellinzona's strategic importance in times past. Enjoy some free time to explore the quaint town centre at your leisure before we journey into Italy. Our next stop is the charming town of Como, nestled in the Lombardy region. Known for its remarkable gardens lining the lakeside and the striking cathedral at its heart, Como offers a picturesque setting for lunch. After soaking up the atmosphere, we continue onwards to the vibrant city of Milan. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Piazza del Duomo, where a stunning cathedral awaits your admiration. Take some time for a leisurely stroll before we transfer you to your hotel for the evening.
Day 9 - Milan - Pisa - Rome
Today, we journey from Milan to Pisa, where we will board a small tourist train that takes us to the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles. Here, you can admire the remarkable architectural ensemble, which includes the renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa. After taking in the sights, we will continue our travels to Rome, arriving later in the day for an evening at leisure.
Day 10 - Rome
In the morning, we will embark on a captivating three-hour tour of Rome, offering both a bus journey and a walking segment through the storied heart of Imperial Rome. Our tour includes viewing the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, and the Imperial Forums, once the political and social hub of the ancient world. As our bus traverses the city, you will also see notable landmarks such as the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and the exterior of Castel Sant’Angelo. Our exploration concludes at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m. Here, you have the option to delve deeper with a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel for a more detailed look. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. As the day winds down, we will provide a transfer to the vibrant Trastevere district, celebrated for its inviting restaurants and lively ambiance. You'll return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m., providing a perfect end to your day in this enchanting city.
Day 11 - Rome - Florence
Today, we will depart from Rome and journey north, enjoying the picturesque landscapes Italy has to offer. Our first destination upon arrival in Florence is the breathtaking Piazzale Michelangelo, which provides sweeping views over the city. We will then make our way to the historic centre, where you can utilise some time for lunch. Following this, we will embark on a guided walking tour led by a local expert, which will take us through Florence's rich historical centre. We will visit landmarks including the iconic Ponte Vecchio, the majestic Duomo, and the bustling Piazza della Signoria—a city that feels like an open-air museum. After the tour, you will have free time to explore further at your own pace. Come evening, you'll find numerous dining options in the area, offering a wide array of international cuisines.
Day 12 - Florence - Venice
As we set off today, we'll traverse the picturesque landscapes of the Apennines en route to Venice. Upon arrival, we'll take a boat across the Giudecca Canal, bringing us to the enchanting Island of Venice. Our day begins with a guided exploration of the magnificent St. Mark’s Square, a site rich with Venetian history and charm. Following this, we have the opportunity to tour the Murano Glass Factory. Here, you can witness the intriguing techniques of glassmaking, a craft perfected over centuries. Afterward, you're free to wander and uncover the wonders of this iconic city at your own pace. We'll conclude our day with accommodation arranged in the Mestre district.
Day 13 - Venice - Innsbruck - Salzburg
Today, we depart from Venice, embarking on a picturesque journey to Austria. Our first stop is the charming city of Innsbruck, where you can wander through its historic centre and enjoy lunch in the heart of the Austrian Tyrolean capital. After a leisurely break, we continue our adventure along scenic mountain roads to the delightful village of Kitzbühel. Renowned as a top ski resort, Kitzbühel offers year-round alpine beauty. You'll have time to explore its quaint streets before we resume our journey to Salzburg, arriving in the evening. Please note, if the number of travellers is small, we may travel by train from Venice to Innsbruck instead.
Day 14 - Salzburg - Lake Traunsee - Vienna
Today, we'll delve deeper into the charm of Austria, starting with a morning exploration of Salzburg, famously known as the birthplace of Mozart. The city's Renaissance and Baroque architecture casts an enchanting spell, set against the backdrop of its grand castle. Our journey then takes us through picturesque lakes and mountains to St. Wolfgang, a revered pilgrimage destination. Next, we head to the tranquil shores of Lake Traunsee at Traunkirchen. Here, an included boat cruise awaits, offering breathtaking views of four castles that adorn the lake's edges. We'll disembark at Gmunden before continuing our journey to the elegant city of Vienna, arriving in the evening.
Day 15 - Vienna
Today, we'll discover the grandeur of Vienna on a panoramic tour led by a local guide. Experience the city's impressive avenues, elegant palaces, and expansive parks as we explore the vibrant heart of this historic capital. The afternoon is yours to uncover Vienna's charms at your own pace. Later, join us for an evening transfer to Grinzing, a quaint former wine-growing village now part of the city, famous for its inviting traditional taverns. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy dinner in a delightful setting.
Day 16 - Vienna
Following breakfast, our memorable journey concludes in Vienna. Reflect on the wonderful experiences and lasting memories as you prepare for your onward travels or head home. Safe travels!
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 - Vienna
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Paris
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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