18D17N Traditional Europe

All the highlights of Europe lie ahead on this epic journey from the Netherlands to Austria, Italy to France. Spend the day exploring Amsterdam on foot, by bike or tram. Later, meet your Travel Director and travel companions and board a glass-topped boat for a Welcome Reception canal cruise, including a light dinner and a drink as you navigate the city’s labyrinthine canals lined with centuries-old gabled façades.

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Travel east, crossing the border into Germany bound for Cologne. Here, you’ll see the iconic twin spires of its imposing Cathedral, said to be the final resting place of the Three Wise Men. Cruise along the mighty Rhine, lined with medieval villages and castles that cling to the hills. This evening, you’ll stay in the Rhine Valley and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

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The imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle feature on our drive through this vibrant university city en route to the quaint medieval town of Colmar. Here we will enjoy an orientation stroll and free time for lunch. Our journey continues through the picturesque vineyards of Alsace en route to our hotel in the stunning mountain retreat of Engelberg, with a free evening to enjoy the town.

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Spend the day exploring Lucerne. Pay tribute to the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louise XVI during the French Revolution at the mournful Lion Monument, then admire the splendour of the flower-lined Chapel Bridge with its 17th-century paintings. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience up one of the nearby peaks for spectacular panoramic views before returning to Engelberg.

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Admire rugged alpine scenery en route to the Principality of Liechtenstein, stopping in its capital, Vaduz. Cross the Austrian border and continue along the Arlberg route for a journey filled with pinch-me moments. Snow-capped mountains surround you as you travel through the stunning scenery of the Tyrol. Enjoy the Tyrolean countryside while you Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience before arriving in Innsbruck. Visit the Old Town where you’ll see the famous Golden Roof completed in 1500 for Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.

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Cross the extraordinary Europa Bridge, rising almost 200 metres above the Wipp Valley, following the Brenner Pass past alpine pastures and pine-clad peaks into Italy and the magical island city of Venice. Spend this evening at leisure, gliding by gondola through the city’s canals, enjoying a Campari spritz in a quiet piazza or watching the sun set over the romantic Grand Canal.

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Witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassmaking. This is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience which helps to preserve the strong tradition of glassblowing for which Venice is justifiably famous. You’ll learn how the talented master craftsmen use the same techniques their forefathers did to create the delicate artworks which adorn homes worldwide, perhaps inspiring you to buy a souvenir to remind you of this special visit. Later, board a private launch for your journey through the canals of Venice to St. Mark’s Square where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city’s centuries-old history and view the ornate Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Spend the afternoon exploring Venice your way, which could mean finding a tucked away bacaro to soak up some of the local atmosphere, a cruise around the lagoon or zigzagging up the Le Mercerie shopping street.

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2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City.

Travel over the green and golden landscapes of the Apennine hills through beautiful Tuscany and Umbria, arriving in Rome where you’ll spend the next two nights. This evening is yours to embrace la dolce vita. Relax in the Piazza Navona with an espresso, sit on the Spanish Steps or savour a tasty gelato.

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Explore Rome with a Local Specialist who will take you on a sightseeing tour. Cross the Tiber River into Ancient Rome to see the mighty Colosseum where brave gladiators once fought to the applause of exhilarated spectators, then enjoy views of Circus Maximus which once hosted chariot races. The rest of the day is yours to explore the sights and sounds of this remarkable city.

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Embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque vineyards of Frascati, heading south past the historic, hilltop Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of a pivotal and tragic World War II battle. Cross the shimmering blue waters of the Bay of Naples to reach the enchanting Isle of Capri. Upon arrival, ascend by funicular to Capri Town, where you’ll join your Local Specialist for a walking tour. Cruise to the sophisticated seaside retreat of Sorrento, where you will spend the night, soaking in the beauty of this sophisticated coastal haven.

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Continue through the beautiful Campania region, where you’ll meet a Local Specialist who will share the fascinating story of Pompeii, a city buried in ash and lost for centuries following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Journey through the beautiful Umbrian landscape to Assisi.

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Beautiful Tuscan and Umbrian landscapes that have inspired painters and poets for centuries follow our journey to Florence, the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’. We join a Local Specialist on an included walking tour to see the city’s spectacular heritage, architecture and open-air art, including views of the marble Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s political hub centuries ago, and learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city’s historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft.

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Journey to Pisa and its Square of Miracles to see the Leaning Tower and its imposing Baptistery. Leaving the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy behind, we visit the playground of Monaco and view the Royal Palace before arriving on the French Riviera.

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Tread in the footsteps of famous French actors and artists who for centuries have regarded the medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence as a haven. Spend the afternoon at leisure or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see spectacular views of one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe and pay an aromatic visit to the historic Fragonard perfumery to learn how French fragrances are crafted before trying some specialities from the region at a local restaurant.

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Visit what was once the centre of Christendom in the Middle Ages, the papal city of Avignon. Here, you will see the Palais des Papes, the Cathedral and famous Pont d’Avignon, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn about the spiritual significance of this place. You’ll travel next to the historically strategic city of Lyon. This is a city that lights up magically at night, so be sure to take to the streets and admire its beauty.

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Drive through the vineyards and countryside of Burgundy, before continuing north to Paris. This afternoon, explore Paris with your Local Specialist. Wonder at the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées and magnificent bridges over the river Seine and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Perhaps consider joining a cruise along the famous river Seine.

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Start your morning at leisure, perhaps stroll along the famous Champs-Élysées and people-watch from a local cafe, or take an Optional Experience to explore the gilded Palace of Versailles. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.

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Today bid adieu to your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable holiday.

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