Romantic Europe

Welcome to Paris. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel where you can settle in and enjoy some free time at your leisure. In the afternoon, you will find important information about the start of the tour displayed on the notice boards at the hotel reception. This allows you to familiarise yourself with the upcoming itinerary 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, renowned for its impressive gardens and significant role in French history (admission not included). After returning to Paris, we explore Montmartre, a charming bohemian neighbourhood known for its artistic heritage and lively cabaret scene. To capture the full splendour of the city, we then take a panoramic tour of Paris with a local guide, witnessing the grand avenues and iconic landmarks. The day concludes with a return to the hotel, while an optional variety show is available in the evening for those who wish to attend.

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 celebrated iron structure, with tickets included. Following this, we’ll enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Seine lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, offering a fresh perspective of the city’s landmarks from the water. The afternoon is free for you to explore Paris at your own pace — please note transfers back to the hotel are not included. Should waiting times at the Eiffel Tower be too long, we may reschedule the visit for a different time or the following day to ensure your convenience.

Today we travel through the Bourgogne region, renowned for its scenic vineyards and exceptional wines. Our first stop is Beaune, a delightful town at the heart of Burgundy, known for its colourful streets, historic hospice, and wine museum. You’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch and explore. We then continue to Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul, situated on the Rhône River. Lyon’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll take a cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic views over the city, followed by some free time to discover Lyon at your own pace. Please note, on some occasions part of the group will stay overnight in Chambéry, a nearby medieval-style town with a striking castle, where you’ll have time to visit the following morning.

Today we travel from Lyon into Switzerland, arriving first in Geneva. We'll pass the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, then visit the English Garden to see its famous flower clock and admire the Jet d?Eau, Europe's tallest fountain. After lunch, we continue along scenic routes by Lake Geneva and Lake Neuch?tel, driving through the picturesque Three Lakes region, known for its vineyards set against mountain views. We'll stop in Neuch?tel, where you can stroll by the lake, explore the historic town centre, or visit the impressive 10th-century castle. Our journey concludes in Zurich, arriving in the late afternoon. Please note that, depending on the number of travellers, the section from Geneva to Zurich may be by train, in which case there will be no stop in Neuch?tel.

Today, we’ll explore Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and its financial and cultural centre. Known for its robust banking industry, Zurich has been recognised twice as the city with the highest quality of life worldwide. We’ll then enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich lasting nearly two hours, with short stops at charming lakeside villages along the way. Our cruise finishes in Rapperswil, a picturesque village noted for its medieval castle. From there, we’ll return to Zurich by train, giving you a chance to experience Swiss rail punctuality and efficiency. Transfers to and from the city centre may be by public transport, depending on the number of travellers.

Today we travel through stunning alpine landscapes in the Interlaken region. Our first stop is Grindelwald, where you’ll have time for a coffee before we take the cable car up the mountain. From there, we’ll follow a winding path to a suspended bridge that, for those feeling adventurous, offers spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers. Lunch is included on the mountain before we descend. Later, we visit Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities, where you can enjoy some free time to explore the charming streets and lakefront. We then return to Zurich. There is also an optional full-day excursion available, which includes visiting Lucerne in the morning followed by a rotating cable car ride to the summit of Mount Titlis, over 3,000 metres above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Alps and glacier.

We depart Zurich early, crossing the Alps to reach the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, famed for its three medieval castles recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These hilltop fortresses reflect Bellinzona’s historic role as a key alpine stronghold. You’ll have some free time to explore the charming old town at your own pace. We then continue into Italy, arriving in Como for lunch. Known as the jewel of Lombardy, Como boasts beautiful lakeside gardens and an impressive cathedral. Afterwards, we travel to Milan, where our guide will lead us to the striking Piazza del Duomo. You’ll have some time to explore before we transfer you to the hotel for the evening.

We continue our journey to Pisa this morning. We’ll take a short tourist train ride to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), where you’ll have time to admire the remarkable architecture of this celebrated complex, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Later, we’ll travel on to Rome, arriving in the evening.

We begin the day with a three-hour guided tour of Rome, exploring Imperial Rome on foot before continuing by coach to take in the city’s iconic landmarks. We’ll see the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla, Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour concludes around 11 a.m. at Vatican City, where an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is available. Later, we’ll transfer you to Trastevere, a lively neighbourhood known for its authentic restaurants and vibrant atmosphere. You can enjoy the evening there before returning to the hotel at approximately 8.30 p.m.

We leave Rome this morning and travel north through the beautiful Italian countryside. On arrival in Florence, we head straight to Piazzale Michelangelo for spectacular panoramic views of the city. From there, we take a guided walking tour with a local expert through the historic centre, visiting key landmarks including the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria. After some free time to enjoy lunch and explore at your own pace, you will have the afternoon and evening to discover Florence independently. The area offers a wide choice of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine for dinner.

Today, we cross the Apennine Mountains, enjoying the impressive mountain scenery en route to Venice. Upon arrival, we take a boat across the Giudecca Canal to reach the island. With a local guide, we visit the magnificent St Mark’s Square before touring the Murano Glass Factory to witness traditional glassmaking techniques. Afterwards, you will have some free time to explore Venice at your leisure. Accommodation is in the Mestre district for convenience.

We leave Venice and travel into Austria. Upon arrival in Innsbruck, you’ll have time to explore the historic city centre and enjoy lunch in the Tyrolean capital. Afterwards, we’ll follow scenic mountain roads to Kitzbühel, a picturesque village renowned as a ski resort where snow can be found most of the year. You’ll have some free time to discover its charming streets before we continue to Salzburg, arriving by the end of the day. Note: If the group is small, we may travel by train from Venice to Innsbruck.

Today we’ll delve into Austria’s rich heritage, beginning with a guided visit to Salzburg — the birthplace of Mozart. You’ll see the compact Renaissance and Baroque city centre, set beneath the imposing fortress that overlooks the town. Afterwards, we’ll journey through scenic lakes and mountains to reach St. Wolfgang, a well-known pilgrimage destination. Continuing on, we’ll arrive at Traunkirchen on the shores of Lake Traunsee, where we’ll take an included boat cruise to admire four historic castles along the lake before disembarking in Gmunden. From there, we’ll travel onwards to Vienna, arriving in the evening.

Today, we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Vienna with a local guide, taking in its grand avenues, elegant palaces, expansive parks, and bustling city centre. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. This evening, we’ll transfer you to the Grinzing district—a historic wine village now part of the city—where you can dine in one of its traditional taverns.

We’ll travel from Vienna to Budapest, a journey of around three hours. Upon arrival in the Hungarian capital, you’ll have some free time for lunch in the bustling Váci utca district. Afterwards, we’ll embark on an included boat trip along the Danube River, where you can enjoy unbeatable views of historic Buda on one bank and vibrant Pest on the other. Following this, we’ll take a panoramic tour of Budapest, often called the “Queen of the Danube.” You’ll have some free time later to explore independently. In the evening, there is an optional excursion to a traditional Magyar show, including dinner.

We depart Budapest early and travel to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital situated along the Danube River. You’ll have time to explore the charming historic centre and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Afterwards, we continue to the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague in the evening. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer you to Old Town Square—a lively and central location perfect for your first encounter with the city’s vibrant atmosphere. You’ll have the evening free to choose from a wide range of restaurants, offering Czech and international cuisines, before returning to the hotel.

Today, we explore Prague, often called the Baroque jewel of Europe. With a local guide, we’ll take a panoramic tour of the city’s most notable landmarks, including a visit to Prague Castle, with admission included. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Vltava River. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace.

After breakfast, the tour concludes, leaving you with memorable experiences to cherish from your journey.