Day 1: Journey to Bruges
Depart London and make your way to the medieval charm of Bruges. Meet your Local Specialist to explore the enchanting canals lined with centuries-old gabled houses, then enjoy dinner and drinks with your Travel Director and fellow travellers in a picturesque setting.
Day 2: Discover Amsterdam’s Canals
Travel through the scenic Dutch countryside to Amsterdam, where you’ll see the city's iconic landmarks from the comfort of a canal boat. This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at the Pauw family dairy farm, connecting with locals over dinner.
Day 3: Scenic Cruise in the Rhineland
Head to Germany and arrive in Boppard, where you'll embark on a Rhine cruise past stunning hilltop castles. En route, admire the magnificent ruins of Heidelberg Castle overlooking the Neckar River, before reaching your Rhineland hotel for dinner.
Day 4: Admire the Black Forest and Lucerne
Today, journey through the enchanting landscapes of the Black Forest, inspired by tales from the Brothers Grimm, as you continue to the Swiss border. Stop to see the majestic Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen before arriving in the medieval city of Lucerne, where you’ll stay for two nights.
Day 5: Explore Lucerne
This morning, visit Lucerne's poignant Lion Monument, a somber tribute to the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. Stroll along the flower-lined Chapel Bridge and explore the vibrant Old Town. Consider an optional mountain and cruise experience. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 6: Discover Liechtenstein and Innsbruck
Continue your Rhine journey to the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein, visiting its capital, Vaduz, before crossing into Austria. Travel through the scenic Arlberg Pass to Innsbruck, where you’ll see the iconic Golden Roof during an orientation tour. Don't miss the fascinating crystal installations at Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
Day 7: Visit Salzburg and Vienna
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour featuring sights from the film "The Sound of Music." Later, arrive in the stunning Baroque city of Vienna, where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Day 8: Explore Vienna’s Highlights
Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Vienna, taking in the State Opera House, City Hall, Parliament, and the Hofburg Palace, former home of the Habsburg dynasty. Spend your evening enjoying the musical charm of the city at open-air concerts and palaces.
Day 9: Journey to Venice
Travel through the picturesque Austrian Lake District and cross into Italy, heading to the Byzantine city of Venice, where you'll spend the next two nights.
Day 10: Discover Venice
Experience a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience as you witness the centuries-old tradition of glassblowing. Learn from master craftsmen who use ancient techniques to create exquisite art. Then, navigate Venice’s bustling waterways to St. Mark's Square, exploring landmarks like the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, whether that means finding the best Venice Spritz or considering a cruise to Burano.
Day 11: Journey to Assisi
Head south to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Stroll through its streets with a Local Specialist and visit the Basilica of St. Francis. Afterward, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 12: Explore Pompeii en Route to Sorrento
Travel past the site of the historic Battle of Monte Cassino to the Bay of Naples. Join a Local Specialist at the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Continue to the beautiful seaside resort of Sorrento for the night.
Day 13: Isle of Capri and Rome
Cross the sparkling waters of the Bay of Naples to the Isle of Capri. Ascend to the town via funicular and enjoy a guided walking tour. Spend a leisurely afternoon in the piazza before returning to the mainland and arriving in Rome, the 'Eternal City,' where you'll stay for two nights.
Day 14: Discover Ancient Rome
Explore Rome with a Local Specialist, visiting Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica. Cross the Tiber River to see the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Dine at Ristorante Pancrazio, located near the ruins of the Theater of Pompey, where Julius Caesar is said to have been assassinated.
Day 15: Explore Florence
Travel to Florence and join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the city, including the Piazza della Signoria and the stunning Duomo. Learn about the craftsmanship of Florentine leather during a demonstration. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the Uffizi Gallery or relax in the Boboli Gardens.
Day 16: Visit Pisa, Monaco, and the French Riviera
Stop in Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower before continuing to the glamorous French Riviera, with a visit to Monaco. Enjoy an orientation drive along the scenic Promenade des Anglais before spending the evening at leisure.
Day 17: Artistic Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Explore the medieval hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, then spend the afternoon soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of the French Riviera. Stroll along the promenade, shop at local boutiques, or join an optional visit to Fragonard perfumery to learn about French fragrances.
Day 18: Journey Through Avignon to Burgundy
Travel to Avignon, viewing the Papal Palace and Pont d'Avignon, before arriving in Beaune, the capital of Burgundy wine. Explore the Old Town and its characteristic tiled roofs.
Day 19: Onwards to Paris
Travel north through Burgundy's vineyards to Paris, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. Discover the grandeur of the 'City of Lights' with its charming boulevards and the Seine.
Day 20: Explore Paris
Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour, including the Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Latin Quarter. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, concluding with a memorable dining experience at a local restaurant.
Day 21: Farewell Paris
Bid farewell to your fellow travellers and your Travel Director as your unforgettable journey comes to an end.
