Grand European Odyssey From Paris to Prague
Start in Paris and finish back in the City of Light on a 23–day grand tour linking France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Germany and the Netherlands. You’ll explore Versailles and Montmartre, sail the Seine and Lake Zurich, ride alpine cable cars near Grindelwald with a mountain lunch, and roam Lucerne. Expect to see Milan and Como, Pisa’s Leaning Tower, Rome’s icons with time for the Vatican, Florence’s masterpieces and Venice’s St Mark’s and Murano. Continue via Innsbruck and Salzburg to Vienna and Budapest for a Danube cruise, then Prague Castle. Cap it with a Rhine cruise, Cologne and Amsterdam, plus Brussels en route back to Paris.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Tour Overview
Duration
23 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
ParisEnds
ParisMinimum 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, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, BelgiumPassengers
R 87 269,50
R 5 000,00
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
Budapest
Bratislava
Prague
Pilsen
Rothenburg
Frankfurt
Cruise on the Rhine
Cologne
Amsterdam
Bruges
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Included
Not Included
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Itinerary
Day 1 - Paris
Welcome to Paris – we’ll transfer you to the hotel and the rest of the day is free for you to unwind or start exploring at your own pace. In the afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel reception for details about 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.
Day 2 - Paris
We begin with the Palace of Versailles – admission not included – celebrated for its magnificent formal gardens. Returning to Paris, we explore Montmartre, the bohemian neighbourhood known for its artists, painters and cabarets. To appreciate the city’s scale, we continue with a panoramic tour led by a local guide, taking in grand avenues and key monuments, before returning to the hotel. In the evening, you can choose to attend an optional variety show.
Day 3 - Paris
We begin in central Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower – tickets to the second floor are included. Afterwards, we enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Seine lasting around one hour and fifteen minutes. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace – please note that the transfer back to the hotel is not included. If queues at the Eiffel Tower are exceptionally long, we may adjust the timing of the visit or move it to Sunday to keep the day running smoothly.
Day 4 - Paris - Burgundy - Beaune - Lyon
We travel south into the Bourgogne wine country, pausing in Beaune – a charming town known for its flower‑lined streets, historic hospice and wine museum. You’ll have free time for lunch and a stroll before we continue to Lyon on the Rhône, once the capital of Roman Gaul and home to a UNESCO‑listed historic centre. We’ll take the cable car up to Notre‑Dame de Fourvière for panoramic views, then you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Note: In some cases, part of the group will continue in the evening to stay overnight in Chambéry, near Lyon – in this instance, you’ll have time the next morning to discover this medieval‑style city, the capital of Savoy, with its attractive historic centre and castle.
Day 5 - Lyon - Geneva - Zurich
We leave Lyon for Switzerland, arriving in Geneva to pass the Palace of Nations, stroll the English Garden with its flower clock and admire the Jet d’Eau – the tallest fountain in Europe. After lunch, we continue along scenic lakeside routes beside Lakes Geneva and Neuchâtel through the Three Lakes region, with vineyard views framed by mountains. We stop in Neuchâtel, where you can wander the lakeside, explore the historic centre or visit the beautiful 10th–century castle. We arrive in Zurich in the late afternoon.Note: Depending on passenger numbers from Geneva to Zurich, this section may be by train – in which case there will be no stop in Neuchâtel.
Day 6 - Zurich
With our guide, we explore Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and a major financial and cultural hub, known for its banks and twice recognised for outstanding quality of life. We then board a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich – nearly two hours with brief stops to appreciate the lakeside villages along the way. We disembark in Rapperswil, a picturesque town noted for its medieval castle, and return to Zurich by train – a chance to experience the efficiency and punctuality of Swiss rail. Please note: depending on the group size, transfers to and from the city centre may be by public transport.
Day 7 - Zurich - Lucerne - Zurich
Today we travel through dramatic mountain and lake scenery in the Interlaken region. Our first stop is Grindelwald for a short coffee break before we take the cable car up the mountain. At the top, we follow a path to a suspended bridge – those who wish can cross for striking views of the surrounding glaciers. We include lunch on the mountain, then descend and continue to Lucerne, where you’ll have free time to explore, before returning to Zurich. If you wish, you can join an optional full day excursion – after free time in Lucerne, take the rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis, over 3,000 metres above sea level, for views of the glacier and the Alps.
Day 8 - Zurich - Bellinzona - Como - Milan
We leave Zurich early, crossing the Alps into Switzerland’s Italian speaking region. Our first stop is Bellinzona, renowned for its three medieval castles – UNESCO World Heritage sites overlooking the town. You’ll have free time to wander the historic centre. We then continue into Italy and stop in Como for lunch, a lakeside town in Lombardy known for its elegant gardens and impressive cathedral. We travel on to Milan, where our guide will lead us to Piazza del Duomo for a first look at the city’s landmark square. You’ll have some time to stroll before we transfer to the hotel.
Day 9 - Milan - Pisa - Rome
We leave Milan for Pisa and, on arrival, take the small tourist train to Piazza dei Miracoli – the Square of Miracles. Here, you’ll have free time to take in the remarkable ensemble, including the famous Leaning Tower. We then continue to Rome, arriving later in the day.
Day 10 - Rome
This morning we take a three-hour guided introduction to Rome, combining a walk through Imperial Rome with a panoramic coach tour. We’ll see major landmarks – the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour ends at Vatican City around 11:00. You can join an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. In the evening, we include a transfer to the Trastevere neighbourhood – known for its cosy restaurants and lively atmosphere – with return to the hotel around 20:30.
Day 11 - Rome - Florence
We leave Rome and travel north to Florence. On arrival, we head straight to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of the city, then walk towards the historic centre. After time for lunch, we join a guided walking tour with a local expert to see the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria – Florence truly feels like an open air museum. Afterwards, you have free time to explore at your own pace. In the evening, you can choose from many restaurants in the district offering a range of international cuisines.
Day 12 - Florence - Venice
We cross the Apennines today, enjoying scenic mountain views on the way to Venice. On arrival, we take a boat across the Giudecca Canal to the island centre, where a local guide shows us St Mark’s Square. We then visit the Murano Glass Factory to see the traditional techniques behind Venice’s renowned glassmaking. You’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Accommodation is in the Mestre district.
Day 13 - Venice - Innsbruck - Salzburg
We leave Venice and cross into Austria. On arrival in Innsbruck – the Tyrolean capital – you’ll have free time to wander the historic centre and choose a spot for lunch. We then follow scenic mountain roads to Kitzbühel, where you’ll have time to explore this picturesque village – a renowned ski resort where snow can be enjoyed for most of the year. We continue to Salzburg, arriving by the end of the day. Note: if the group is small, we may take the train from Venice to Innsbruck.
Day 14 - Salzburg - Lake Traunsee - Vienna
We spend the morning in Salzburg – Mozart’s city – exploring its Renaissance and Baroque centre beneath the hilltop fortress. We then travel through lakes and mountains to St Wolfgang, a noted Austrian pilgrimage site. Continuing to Traunkirchen on Lake Traunsee, we take an included cruise to view four of the lake’s castles, disembarking in Gmunden. We end the day in Vienna, arriving in the evening.
Day 15 - Vienna
In Vienna, we’ll begin with a panoramic tour led by a local guide, taking in grand avenues, elegant palaces, expansive parks and the lively city centre. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll include a transfer to Grinzing – once a wine growing village and now part of the city – known for its traditional taverns where you can choose somewhere to dine.
Day 16 - Vienna - Budapest
We travel for around three hours to Budapest and head first to the lively Váci utca area, where you’ll have free time for lunch. We then take an included boat trip on the Danube – with historic Buda on one bank and cosmopolitan Pest on the other – for excellent city views. After the cruise, we begin a panoramic tour of Budapest, often called the Queen of the Danube. You’ll have some free time afterwards to explore at your own pace. In the evening, you can choose to join an optional Magyar show with dinner included.
Day 17 - Budapest - Bratislava - Prague
We leave Budapest early and travel to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital on the Danube, known for its compact historic centre. You’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch at your own pace. We then continue into the Czech Republic, reaching Prague in the evening. On arrival, we include a transfer to Old Town Square – an ideal first look at the city with its lively atmosphere and plenty of dining choices. You can pick a restaurant for dinner, with options ranging from Czech to Chinese, Indian and Italian, before we return to the hotel.
Day 18 - Prague
Today we explore Prague, the Baroque jewel of Europe. With a local guide, we take a panoramic tour of the city’s key sights, including a visit to Prague Castle – admission included. We then board a boat for a cruise on the Vltava – also included – to view the city from the water. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to continue exploring at your own pace.
Day 19 - Prague - Pilsen - Rothenburg - Frankfurt
We depart early from Prague and stop in Pilsen in western Bohemia, famed for its beer. We’ll have time to wander the historic centre – the Old Town Square, the cathedral, the Plague Column and the Renaissance town hall.We then cross into Germany and follow part of the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved town with a fairy‑tale feel. After time to explore, we continue to Frankfurt, Germany’s financial capital.We arrive in the evening – you can spend your free time in the historic centre, where restaurants offer Indian, Asian, Italian and international cuisines.
Day 20 - Frankfurt - Cologne - Amsterdam
We begin with a scenic cruise on the Rhine between Rüdesheim and St. Goar – the river’s most picturesque section. After disembarking, we travel to Cologne, known for its immense Gothic cathedral. We then continue into Holland, arriving in Amsterdam in the evening.
Day 21 - Amsterdam
Today we explore classic Dutch scenery – Zaanse Schans with its wooden houses, canals and windmills – before continuing to Volendam, a picturesque fishing village. From Volendam we take a short boat to Marken, once an island and now connected to the mainland by a fixed dike, where traditional houses were built on stilts to protect against flooding. In the afternoon we return for a guided tour of Amsterdam, taking in highlights such as a historic windmill and the Rembrandt statue, the refined South District and the long-standing tradition of diamond cutting around Museum Square. The tour ends at Central Station, after which you can use your guide’s suggestions to explore the canals, street markets and cafés at your own pace.
Day 22 - Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris
After breakfast, we travel into Belgium – just over 200 km to Brussels, the national capital and home to key European institutions. Before reaching the city centre, we’ll pause at the Atomium, the city’s most recognisable landmark. In the historic heart of Brussels, we’ll take in the magnificent Grand Place – a masterpiece of Flemish Baroque – and stroll past the famous Manneken Pis. In the afternoon, we continue into France, arriving in Paris towards the end of the day.
Day 23 - Paris
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Paris – we hope you leave with wonderful memories of your 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 - Paris
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.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in France to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?