
Journey Through Europe's Iconic Capitals
Begin in Rome and finish in Paris on a 16 day journey – through Italy, Central Europe and the Low Countries. You’ll explore Rome and the Vatican, stroll Florence’s historic heart, and glide into Venice for St Mark’s Square and Murano glass. Expect Alpine scenery en route to Innsbruck and Salzburg, a lake cruise near Traunkirchen, and Vienna’s grand boulevards. In Budapest enjoy a Danube cruise before charming Prague and its castle. Drift along the Rhine, discover windmills and canal houses near Amsterdam, drop by Brussels’ Grand Place, then cap it all with Versailles, Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower – and a Seine cruise.
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
RomeEnds
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 Italy 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
Italy, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, FrancePassengers
R 59 606,25
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

Rome

Florence

Venice

Innsbruck

Salzburg

Lake Traunsee

Vienna

Budapest

Bratislava

Prague

Pilsen

Rothenburg

Frankfurt

Cruise on the Rhine

Cologne

Amsterdam

Bruges

Paris
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Included
Not Included
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Itinerary
Day 1 - Rome
Welcome to Rome. On arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel and help you get settled. Look for the information sign in reception – it lists the timings and activities for your stay. Your tour guide will meet you there at the scheduled time to answer questions and outline what’s ahead.In the evening, we’ll head to Via Cavour – a lively first taste of the city – where you can choose from a wide range of restaurants serving Italian, Indian, Chinese and international cuisine.
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 - Rome
This morning we’ll set out on a three‑hour guided tour of the Eternal City, combining a walk through Imperial Rome with a panoramic coach drive. We’ll take in the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the 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, where your guide will offer an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel if you wish to explore further.In the evening we’ll include a transfer to Trastevere – a lively neighbourhood known for its cosy restaurants – and return to the hotel around 20:30.
Day 3 - Rome - Florence
We leave Rome and travel north through scenic landscapes to Florence. On arrival, we head straight to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of the city. We then walk into the historic centre, where you’ll have time for lunch before we set off on a guided walking tour with a local expert, taking in the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria – Florence truly feels like an open air museum. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. In the evening, you’ll find plenty of dinner options nearby – this district offers many restaurants with a range of international cuisines.
Day 4 - Florence - Venice
Departing Florence, we cross the Apennines with sweeping mountain views en route to Venice. On arrival, we take a boat across the Giudecca Canal to the island of Venice, then meet a local guide in St Mark’s Square. We visit a Murano glass factory to see traditional techniques in action—afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Accommodation is in the Mestre district.
Day 5 - Venice - Innsbruck - Salzburg
We depart Venice and cross into Austria. On arrival in Innsbruck – the Tyrolean capital – you’ll have time to wander the historic centre and enjoy lunch. We then continue along scenic mountain roads to Kitzbühel. Here, you’ll have free time to explore this picturesque village, a renowned ski resort where snow can be enjoyed for much of the year. We travel onward to Salzburg, arriving by the end of the day. Note: if the group is small, we may take a train from Venice to Innsbruck.
Day 6 - Salzburg - Lake Traunsee - Vienna
Today we get to know Austria better. In the morning we explore Salzburg – Mozart’s city – its Renaissance and Baroque centre set in the shadow of the grand castle. We then travel through lakes and mountains to St Wolfgang, a renowned pilgrimage site, before continuing to Traunkirchen beside Lake Traunsee. Here we take an included cruise to see four of the lake’s castles, disembarking in Gmunden, and then continue to Vienna, arriving in the evening.
Day 7 - Vienna
Vienna – This morning we take a panoramic tour with a local guide, taking in the city’s grand avenues, elegant palaces, large parks and lively centre. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. In the evening we include a transfer to the Grinzing district – once a wine–growing village and now part of the city – known for its traditional taverns, where you’ll have free time to choose where to dine.
Day 8 - Vienna - Budapest
After around three hours on the road, we arrive in Budapest, Hungary’s capital. We head first to Váci utca – a lively central street – where you’ll have free time for lunch. We then take an included boat trip on the Danube to admire the city from the water, with historic Buda on one bank and cosmopolitan Pest on the other. Afterwards, we begin a panoramic tour of the Queen of the Danube. You’ll have free time later to continue exploring at your own pace. In the evening, you can choose to join an optional Magyar show with dinner included.
Day 9 - Budapest - Bratislava - Prague
We leave Budapest early and travel to Bratislava – Slovakia’s capital on the Danube with an attractive historic centre. You’ll have free time to explore the old streets and choose a spot for lunch. Afterwards, we continue into the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague in the evening.
Day 10 - Prague
We explore Prague, the Baroque jewel of Europe, on a panoramic tour with a local guide, taking in its standout landmarks. We include admission to Prague Castle, followed by an included boat ride on the Vltava River for a different perspective of the city. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring at your own pace.
Day 11 - Prague - Pilsen - Rothenburg - Frankfurt
We leave Prague early and pause in Pilsen – renowned for its beer – where you’ll have time to stroll the historic centre, taking in 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 visit Rothenburg, considered one of the most beautiful villages in the country, before continuing to Frankfurt, the financial capital of Germany. We arrive in the evening and you’ll have free time to explore the historic centre and choose somewhere for dinner – there are plenty of international options.
Day 12 - Frankfurt - Cologne - Amsterdam
From Frankfurt, we travel to the Rhine for a scenic cruise between Rüdesheim and St. Goar – the most picturesque stretch of the river. After disembarking, we continue to Cologne, known for its immense Gothic cathedral, then on to Holland, arriving in Amsterdam in the evening.
Day 13 - Amsterdam
We spend the day exploring the Holland of our dreams. We start at Zaanse Schans, known for its traditional houses, canals and windmills, then continue to Volendam, a scenic fishing village. From here we take a short boat ride to Marken – once an island, now connected to the mainland by a fixed dyke – where houses were traditionally built on stilts to protect against flooding.In the afternoon, we return to Amsterdam for a guided city tour that brings together classic and contemporary highlights. We see a traditional windmill and the Rembrandt statue, pass through the South District, and visit Museum Square to discover the craft of diamond cutting. The tour ends at Central Station – your guide will share practical tips so you can explore Amsterdam’s canals, street markets and cafés.
Day 14 - Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris
After breakfast we travel to Belgium – just over 200 km brings us to Brussels, the capital and seat of major European institutions, known for its blend of elegance and multiculturalism. Before reaching the centre we make a brief stop at the Atomium – the city’s most iconic landmark. In the historic heart, we admire the magnificent Grand Place – a Flemish Baroque masterpiece – and stroll past the emblematic Manneken Pis. In the afternoon we continue into France, arriving in Paris towards the end of the day.
Day 15 - Paris
We begin at the Palace of Versailles – admission not included – renowned for its expansive gardens. Back in Paris, we visit Montmartre, the city’s bohemian neighbourhood celebrated for its artists and cabarets, then continue with a panoramic tour led by a local guide to take in the city’s grand avenues and iconic monuments. We return to the hotel afterwards. In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional variety show.
Day 16 - Paris
We begin in central Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower – tickets are included to ascend to the second floor of this iconic iron landmark. We then enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Seine lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace – please note the transfer back to the hotel is not included. If queues at the Eiffel Tower are too long, we may reschedule the visit to a different time – or on Sunday – for your convenience. Our journey concludes today; please check your flight time in case you require an additional night.
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 - Rome

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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