From Dublin to Rome Grand European Odyssey

Welcome to the beginning of your exciting journey! Upon arrival in Dublin, we will provide you with a convenient transfer to your hotel. You'll then have some leisure time to explore or unwind after your travels. In the afternoon, please stop by the hotel reception to find important information regarding the start of your tour. 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.

We begin our second day in Dublin with a comprehensive panoramic tour of this serene capital city. We will wander alongside the River Liffey, taking in the city’s picturesque parks, the historic university precinct, and bustling streets filled with vibrant life. As part of our exploration, we will have the opportunity to see the exterior of the prestigious Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells. The afternoon is at your disposal, offering you the chance to delve deeper into Dublin’s local culture and attractions at your leisure. Please note that occasionally, subject to our arrival time in Dublin and the availability of daylight, this tour might be conducted on the previous afternoon.

On the third day of our journey, we embark on an early morning ferry from Dublin and, after a crossing of approximately three to three and a half hours, we touch down on the shores of Wales. Our first destination is the historic town of Caernarfon, which is notably marked by its imposing castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll have the chance to enjoy some leisure time for lunch and a pleasant stroll through the town. Following this, we make our way to Liverpool, one of Britain's most storied cities, celebrated for having the second-largest port in the UK. As we arrive, we'll take a brief tour by bus, offering a snapshot of Liverpool's rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. For music enthusiasts, an afternoon visit to The Beatles Museum can be a highlight to explore at your own pace.

Today, we set out to explore the heart of England, beginning with a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. Here, you will have free time to enjoy lunch and wander through this charming town filled with literary history. Our journey continues to Oxford, a city revered for its prestigious university and cultural legacy, having nurtured numerous influential figures in various fields. Later, we make our way to London, where we will arrive in the evening, allowing time to settle in and plan your explorations of this vibrant capital.

In the morning, we embark on an exciting city tour of London, taking in the sights of Westminster, the iconic Parliament, the financial district known as The City, and the ever-famous River Thames. The afternoon allows you some freedom to explore the city at your own pace, or you might choose to join our optional excursion to the picturesque Thames Valley. This includes a visit to Windsor, home to the majestic Windsor Castle, a residence of the British monarch. Come evening, we'll reconvene at Piccadilly for a leisurely walk through bustling Leicester Square, colourful Chinatown, and dynamic Soho, celebrated for its lively theatre district and entertainment options. Please note that this evening programme may sometimes be rescheduled to the previous evening, depending on our arrival in London. To conclude the day, we'll return to our hotel by bus, offering you a chance to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.

On your sixth day, embrace the freedom to explore London at your own pace. This day is entirely yours to uncover the delights of this vibrant city. Whether you're drawn to the iconic landmarks, the world-class museums, or the charming streets, there's no shortage of memorable places to discover. It's an opportunity to tailor your own adventure in a city renowned for its rich history and cultural dynamism. Take this chance to create your unique London experience.

On day seven, we leave the bustling city of London and set off on a ferry journey across the Channel to France. Following a brief stop in Calais to stretch our legs, we continue onward to Amiens, a city renowned for its majestic Gothic cathedral. Here, you'll have the opportunity to meander through its vibrant, narrow streets, perhaps visiting the floating gardens or the former residence of the famous author Jules Verne. As the day draws to a close, we will proceed to Paris, where we are scheduled to arrive in the evening, ready to explore all that this iconic city has to offer.

We will delve into the fascinating history of France with a visit to the stunning Palace of Versailles, renowned for its breathtaking gardens—please note that entrance fees are not included. Upon returning to Paris, we will explore Montmartre, a charming neighbourhood celebrated for its bohemian atmosphere, artists, and vibrant cabarets. To appreciate the splendour of Paris, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of the city with a knowledgeable local guide who will introduce us to its impressive avenues and iconic landmarks. After our tour, we will return to the hotel. For those interested, there is an optional evening variety show to enjoy.

In the heart of Paris, our day commences with a visit to the legendary Eiffel Tower, where you will have the chance to ascend to its second floor and take in the breathtaking views of the city below. Your ticket includes this iconic experience. Afterwards, we embark on a leisurely cruise along the Seine River, a journey lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, providing a unique perspective of Paris's most famous landmarks. The afternoon is yours to explore the enchanting streets and vibrant culture of Paris at your leisure. Please note that transport back to the hotel is not included. If our schedule at the Eiffel Tower changes due to wait times, we may rearrange the visit to fit more conveniently into your itinerary, possibly even rescheduling it to Sunday.

On day ten, we'll venture into the heart of France, travelling through the renowned Bourgogne region, famous for its idyllic vineyards and exceptional wines. Our first destination is Beaune, a delightful town in the centre of Burgundy. Here, you'll have time to wander the flower-adorned streets, explore the hospice and the intriguing wine museum, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Later, we'll continue to Lyon, once the capital of Roman Gaul, situated along the majestic Rhône River. Lyon's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we'll enhance our visit with a cable car ride to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, from where you can relish a breathtaking view of the city. You'll have some free time to explore Lyon at your own pace. Please note, on certain occasions, some travellers may stay in Chambéry, a charming town near Lyon, for the night. If this is the case, we'll travel to Chambéry in the evening and you'll have the opportunity to visit this medieval city, known for its atmospheric old town and impressive castle, in the morning.

Today, our adventure takes us to Switzerland. Upon arriving in Geneva, we'll drive past the Palace of Nations, home to the European headquarters of the United Nations. Next, we'll stop by the charming English Garden to marvel at its famous flower clock and the impressive Jet d?Eau, Europe's tallest fountain. Feel free to relax and have lunch before we continue our journey through the picturesque Swiss landscape, skirting the shores of Lake Geneva and Lake Neuch?tel. The scenic route through the Three Lakes region offers splendid views of vineyards set against the alpine backdrop. We shall make a stop in Neuch?tel, where you can wander along the lake, explore the historic town centre, or visit the remarkable 10th-century castle. Our day concludes in Zurich, where we'll arrive in the late afternoon. Note that if there are fewer travellers making the journey from Geneva to Zurich, this portion may occur by train, and we may omit the stop in Neuch?tel.

Today, we will delve into Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, celebrated for its role as a financial and cultural hub. Twice recognised for offering the highest quality of life globally, Zurich promises a remarkable experience. Accompanied by our guide, we will explore the city's highlights before embarking on a delightful cruise around Lake Zurich. This picturesque journey lasts nearly two hours with short stops in charming lakeside villages along the way. We then disembark in Rapperswil, famous for its medieval castle, before returning to Zurich by train—an excellent opportunity to experience Switzerland's highly efficient railway system. Please note that depending on group size, transfers to and from the city centre might involve public transport.

Today promises an awe-inspiring journey through Switzerland's picturesque landscapes, brimming with majestic peaks and crystal-clear lakes. We will venture into the Interlaken region, renowned for its stunning vistas. Our first stop is Grindelwald, where there will be time to enjoy a coffee before ascending the mountain by cable car. Once at the top, we will trek along a winding path leading to a suspended bridge. For the adventurous, crossing this bridge provides breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers. A mountain lunch awaits us before our descent. Next, we visit Lucerne—one of Switzerland’s most enchanting cities—where you’ll have time to discover its charming surroundings at your leisure. We’ll conclude our day by returning to Zurich. For those seeking an extra thrill, the guide offers an optional full-day excursion that begins in the morning. After some free time in Lucerne, we will ascend Mount Titlis via a rotating cable car. At over 3,000 metres above sea level, the summit offers stunning alpine and glacier views.

We start our day early, departing from Zurich and crossing the stunning landscapes of the Alps to reach the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, a town famous for its trio of medieval castles, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These impressive fortifications, perched on hills overlooking the town, underscore Bellinzona's historical role as a vital alpine stronghold. You'll have some free time to explore the town’s charming centre at your own pace.Continuing our journey, we enter Italy and arrive in the picturesque town of Como, often referred to as the jewel of Lombardy. Here, you'll enjoy lunch while taking in the views of its beautiful lakeside gardens and the magnificent cathedral, a true architectural gem.Our day concludes in Milan, where we visit the renowned Piazza del Duomo. You'll have a chance to explore this vibrant area and admire the grandeur of the Milan Cathedral. Later, we will transfer you to your hotel for an evening of relaxation.

Today, we'll embark on a journey from Milan to the historic city of Pisa. After a leisurely drive, we'll hop onto a charming tourist train that takes us directly to the Piazza dei Miracoli, where you can marvel at one of Italy's most remarkable artistic complexes. Here, you will have time to appreciate the architectural wonders, including the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once we have soaked in the beauty of this renowned site, we'll continue our travels to Rome, reaching the capital later in the day, ready to immerse ourselves in its timeless allure.

In the morning, we will embark on a three-hour guided tour of Rome, offering a combination of a walking tour through Imperial Rome and a panoramic bus journey. As we explore one of the world's most historic cities, you'll discover iconic landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, and the Imperial Forums. Our tour will also take in the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant’Angelo. Our exploration concludes at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m. Afterward, our guide will offer you the chance to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Later in the day, we'll provide a transfer to the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood, famous for its inviting restaurants and bustling atmosphere. We will return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m.

Following breakfast, our adventure reaches its conclusion, leaving you with wonderful memories to cherish.