Discover Europe's Rich Heritage Tour

Upon your arrival in Dublin, we'll ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel, giving you some free time to relax or explore as you wish. Later in the afternoon, look out for important details about the start of your tour displayed on the boards 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.

We begin our day with a panoramic tour of Dublin, the tranquil capital of Ireland. Our stroll will take us along the picturesque banks of the River Liffey, and we'll explore some of the city's beautiful parks. We'll also visit the bustling streets of the city centre and view the impressive exterior of Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university. With its rich history and vibrant culture, this university area offers an intriguing glimpse into Irish academic life. In the afternoon, you are free to discover Dublin at your own pace. Whether you choose to delve into its thriving cultural scene or simply enjoy its welcoming atmosphere, the city offers a myriad of experiences to explore. Please note that depending on our arrival time in Dublin and the availability of daylight, the city tour may be rescheduled to the previous afternoon.

We set off early in the morning as we board a ferry from Dublin, preparing for a journey across the sea to Wales. The crossing will take about three to three and a half hours. Once we've reached the Welsh coast, our first port of call is Caernarfon, a charming seaside town and a designated World Heritage Site, dominated by its magnificent castle. Here, you'll have the opportunity to grab some lunch and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the area. Later, we continue our adventure to the lively city of Liverpool. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a brief bus tour to introduce you to the city's highlights. Liverpool, another World Heritage Site, is home to the second largest port in the United Kingdom and is steeped in maritime history. If The Beatles have piqued your interest, consider visiting The Beatles Museum during your time here.

Today, we delve into the heart of central England. Our journey begins in Stratford-upon-Avon, the charming town renowned as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You'll have the leisure to enjoy lunch and explore the town's rich literary history. Later, we venture to Oxford, famously known for its prestigious university and significant contributions to education and culture. This city has nurtured the minds of monarchs, politicians, philosophers, and scientists throughout history. As evening approaches, we'll continue our journey to London, arriving in the capital to settle in for the night.

Today, we embark on a captivating morning tour of London, discovering landmarks such as Westminster, the iconic Parliament, the historic City, and the bustling Thames. In the afternoon, you’re free to explore, with an option to join us on a visit to the Thames Valley, including a trip to Windsor, where the imposing castle stands as a testament to British history. Come evening, we'll convene at Piccadilly for a stroll through some of London's liveliest areas: Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho, renowned for their vibrant nightlife and theatrical flair. Should your arrival in London permit, this evening's engagements might take place a day earlier for greater flexibility. At the end of our cultural expedition, we’ll return to the hotel by bus.

Take advantage of a full day in London to explore the city's captivating charm at your own pace. Whether you choose to delve into its storied history, enjoy a leisurely stroll through one of its verdant parks, or discover hidden gems nestled in its bustling streets, this day is yours to curate as you wish. Embrace the opportunity to see what makes London truly unforgettable.

We’ll say farewell to London as we cross the English Channel by ferry to France. Once in Calais, we will have a brief stop before continuing to Amiens, a city famed for its striking Gothic cathedral. Delve into the charm of its bustling narrow streets, explore the floating gardens, and perhaps visit the house of famed author Jules Verne. As the day draws to a close, we’ll journey to the iconic city of Paris, arriving by evening.

In the morning, we’ll delve into the historical grandeur of France at the Palace of Versailles, famous for its spectacular gardens. Please note that admission is not included. After returning to Paris, we'll explore Montmartre, a bohemian enclave celebrated for its artists, painters, and cabarets. Following this, we’ll embark on a panoramic city tour with a local guide, allowing you to take in the city's majestic avenues and iconic monuments. After our tour, we'll return to the hotel. For the evening, we offer an optional variety show for those keen to experience vibrant Parisian entertainment.

Begin your day in the heart of Paris with a visit to the world-renowned Eiffel Tower, where you will ascend to the second floor to enjoy spectacular views of the city (tickets included). Following this, you can unwind on a leisurely boat cruise along the River Seine, lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, offering a unique perspective of Paris's iconic landmarks. The afternoon is yours to explore the city's vibrant streets and cultural treasures at your own pace (note that the transfer back to the hotel is not included). Please be aware, in the event of extended waiting times at the Eiffel Tower, we may reschedule the visit for your convenience.

As we head into the heart of France today, we will traverse the renowned Bourgogne region, celebrated for its exquisite vineyards and exceptional wines. Our first destination is Beaune, a delightful town nestled in the centre of Burgundy. Known for its flower-strewn streets, hospice, and wine museum, Beaune offers a perfect opportunity for a leisurely lunch and a pleasant stroll. From here, we will journey onward to Lyon, a city steeped in history as the former capital of Roman Gaul, charmingly situated along the Rhône River. The UNESCO-listed historic centre of Lyon beckons us to explore. We'll ascend via cable car to the Notre-Dame de Fourvière, where the panoramic view over the city is sure to astound. You'll then have some free time to explore this vibrant city at your leisure. Kindly note that in some instances, part of our group might spend the night in Chambéry, a city close to Lyon with a medieval charm and a castle worth exploring. Should this be the case, we will travel to Chambéry in the evening, where you will have the morning to discover its delightful historic centre and notable sites.

Today, we journey from Lyon to the beautiful landscapes of Switzerland. Upon reaching Geneva, we'll pass by the distinguished Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, before wandering through the picturesque English Garden, famous for its flower clock and the towering Jet d?Eau, Europe's tallest fountain. After a leisurely lunch, we continue our Swiss adventure, travelling along the scenic paths by Lake Geneva and Lake Neuch?tel, revelling in the expansive views of vineyards framed by majestic mountains. Our travels take us to Neuch?tel, where you can choose to stroll by the shimmering lake, explore the historic town centre, or visit the captivating 10th-century castle. We conclude the day's exploration in Zurich, arriving by late afternoon. Note: Depending on our group size, the segment from Geneva to Zurich might be travelled by train, which may result in skipping the stop in Neuch?tel.

Today, we begin our exploration of Zurich, Switzerland's bustling financial and cultural hub, accompanied by our guide. Recognised twice as the city offering the highest quality of life globally, Zurich is also renowned for its banks. Following our city tour, we’ll set off on a nearly two-hour cruise on Lake Zurich, making brief stops to enjoy the quaint villages that dot the shoreline. Our destination is the charming village of Rapperswil, famous for its striking medieval castle. After exploring Rapperswil, we’ll return to Zurich by train, allowing us to experience the renowned efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss railway system. Please note that, depending on the group size, public transport may be used for transfers to and from the city centre.

Today, we will journey through some of the most stunning landscapes Switzerland has to offer. Our adventure begins in the picturesque Interlaken region, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery. We'll make our first stop at the charming village of Grindelwald, where you can enjoy a coffee break before we take a cable car ride up the mountain. Once there, you'll have the opportunity to explore a winding path leading to a suspended bridge. If you're feeling adventurous, crossing this bridge will reward you with spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers.Lunch will be served on the mountain, enhancing the experience with a memorable backdrop. Afterwards, we'll descend and proceed to Lucerne, a city celebrated for its beauty and charm. You'll have free time here to wander through its historic streets, admire the medieval architecture, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. After exploring Lucerne, we'll head back to Zurich.For those interested, our guide will offer an optional full-day excursion in the morning. This will include additional free time in Lucerne and a unique opportunity to ascend Mount Titlis. With a rotating cable car journey, we'll reach over 3,000 metres above sea level, where you'll be greeted by awe-inspiring views of the glacier and the Alps. As the day concludes, we'll return to Zurich, reflecting on the natural splendour we've encountered.

We depart Zurich early this morning, venturing into the picturesque Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, famous for its trio of medieval castles that grace the hillsides – these are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and serve as a testament to the area's strategic importance throughout history. You'll have time to explore the charming streets and appreciate the town's unique character. Leaving Switzerland behind, we cross into Italy and make our way to the enchanting town of Como, situated on the lake's banks and hailed as the jewel of Lombardy. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch while admiring the stunning lakeside gardens and the grandeur of Como's cathedral. Our journey then takes us to Milan, renowned for its vibrant culture and fashion. Upon arrival, our guide will lead you to the striking Piazza del Duomo, the heart of the city, where you'll have some free time to soak in the atmosphere. Later, we escort you to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Today, we continue our journey with a visit to Pisa. We'll take a charming little tourist train to the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, the Square of Miracles, where you will have the opportunity to marvel at one of Italy's most stunning collections of art and architecture, including the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. After soaking in the beauty and history of this remarkable site, we'll set off for Rome, arriving later in the day.

In the morning, we embark on a three-hour guided tour of Rome, affectionately known as the Eternal City. Our immersive journey combines a walking exploration through Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus tour, offering you glimpses into one of Western civilization’s most storied and influential cities. We'll visit iconic landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, gaze upon the formidable Colosseum, and stroll through the ancient Imperial Forums. Our exploration continues past the sweeping Circus Maximus, the historic Baths of Caracalla, and the majestic Basilica of Saint Mary Major. You will also see the intriguing Pyramid of Cestius and the imposing Castel Sant'Angelo. Our tour culminates at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m., where your guide will be available to offer an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. As the day winds down, we include a transfer to the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood, famed for its charming restaurants and lively ambiance. You'll return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m., enriched by the day's experiences.

As we bid farewell to Rome today, we’ll travel north through Italy's picturesque landscapes. Our first destination is Florence, where we’ll pause at the magnificent Piazzale Michelangelo, offering sweeping views of this iconic city. Following the scenic stop, we’ll head to the historic centre. After enjoying a leisurely lunch, a local guide will lead us on a walking tour, traversing the historic heart of Florence. We’ll visit the renowned Ponte Vecchio, the majestic Duomo, and the vibrant Piazza della Signoria, each echoing stories of a rich past. This splendid city, often likened to an open-air museum, promises an enchanting experience. Post-tour, you’ll have time to explore further at your own pace. The evening holds a variety of dining opportunities, with numerous restaurants offering international flavours in Florence’s bustling district.

Today, we’ll traverse the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Apennines on our way to Venice. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a boat ride across the Giudecca Canal to the charming Island of Venice. Guided by a local expert, we’ll explore the splendour of St. Mark’s Square. Our visit continues with a tour of the renowned Murano Glass Factory, where we’ll witness the captivating glassmaking techniques that have been cherished for centuries. You’ll then have the afternoon free to wander and soak in the unique atmosphere at your leisure. We’ll be staying in the Mestre district for the night.

After a delightful breakfast, your journey with us comes to a close. Leave with cherished memories of an unforgettable adventure, enriched by the captivating landscapes and cultural experiences encountered along the way.