Day 1 : Welcome to Amsterdam
Kick off your adventure in Amsterdam, where you’ll spend a memorable evening exploring the capital's scenic canals on a Welcome Reception cruise with your fellow travellers and Travel Director.
Accommodation : Mercure City
Day 2 : Discover Amsterdam’s Canals Dive Into Culture
Explore the maritime history, tree-lined canals and gabled façades of Amsterdam on an orientation of the city's 17th-century canal ring district. Enjoy the rich aromas and flavours of Dutch cheese this afternoon in Volendam, where you’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into traditional cheese-making and the crafting of Holland's characteristic wooden clogs.
Accommodation : Mercure City
Day 3 : Journey to the Rhineland with a Scenic Cruise
We cross the German border and board a cruise in Boppard. Journeying along the mighty Rhine past vineyard-clad hills and medieval castles, we disembark in St. Goar, avoiding the allure of the legendary Lorelei. We travel to the university city of Heidelberg to admire its magnificent ruined sandstone castle which stands imposingly overlooking the Neckar River.
Accommodation : Mercure Mannheim am Rathaus
Day 4 : Off to Alpine Innsbruck
Arriving in the Bavarian capital of Munich today, we see the Hofbräuhaus, City Hall and iconic Marienplatz with its Glockenspiel. Crossing the Austrian border, we arrive in Innsbruck for an orientation that will include views of St. Jakob's Cathedral and Emperor Maximilian I's glittering Golden Roof. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store. This evening, consider a rousing evening of Tyrolean entertainment.
Accommodation : Rumer Hof, Tivoli Innsbruck
Day 5 : South to Venice
Cross the snow-capped Alps to Italy today, travelling via the Brenner Pass to Venice, where you will join your travel companions for a delicious Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation : Novotel Mestre Castellana
Day 6 : Explore the Floating City of Venice Make Travel Matter
Gain insights into the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing during today’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at one of the city’s last remaining studios. You’ll watch spellbound how master craftsmen shape the molten glass to create delicate works of art for which Venice is justifiably famous. You’ll know that through this experience you’re helping to preserve the traditions that have been passed down through the generations, and perhaps be inspired to buy a souvenir of your visit for your own home. Later, glide through the waters of the Adriatic by private launch arriving in the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Delve into the history of this beautiful Byzantine city, see the ornate Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Spend the rest of your afternoon on your own exploring in the labyrinthine calle of this city of islands.
Accommodation : Novotel Mestre Castellana
Day 7 : Onwards to Vienna
Journey through the Veneto plains, across the Styrian Alps and to Austria's imperial capital of Vienna. Celebrate the city's iconic reputation as the world's music capital and perhaps consider an evening Optional Experience including dinner and entertainment.
Accommodation : Radisson Blu Park Royal Palace
Day 8 : Uncover the Treasures of Vienna Make Travel Matter
Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of this elegant capital, including views of the State Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg, once the home of the powerful Habsburg Dynasty. Spend the rest of your day at leisure, soaking up the cosy coffee culture or visiting such iconic sights as the Schönbrunn Palace with its exquisite gardens. This evening, perhaps indulge in Vienna's intoxicating musical talent, enjoying a concert of classical music at one of the city's concert halls, churches or palaces.
Accommodation : Radisson Blu Park Royal Palace
Day 9 : Journey to Ljubljana Make Travel Matter Connect with Locals
Leave the ‘City of Music’ behind, crossing the Slovenian border to Ljubljana. Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour and delve into the 'Beloved' city's iconic and unexpected highlights. Wander along the Baroque façades of its Old City and admire the medieval castle that stands till today, the City Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas, with its exquisite 18th century frescoes.
Good food and good company are guaranteed during a heart-warming Be My Guest experience at a Slovenian farm where you’ll Connect With Locals over dinner with a local family. Sip sweet blueberry schnapps and sample local snacks as you learn about what life is like in this traditional rural setting for the Cic family that has been farming in the area for 10 generations.
Accommodation : Four Points by Sheraton
Day 10 : Venture to Plitvice Lakes Make Travel Matter
Journey across the Croatian border and via Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park, where you'll join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour. Enjoy an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and connect with the exquisite beauty of this UNESCO-listed natural wonder, admiring the cascade of spectacular waterfalls and crystal-clear waters reflecting green, grey and blue against the lush landscape. Witness panoramic views over the park from Tomicevo Pgledalo, then settle in for your overnight stay amidst this stunning backdrop.
Accommodation : Jezero
Day 11 : On to Beautiful Dubrovnik
Journey south along the picture-perfect Dalmatian coast, past seaside villages to the ancient city of Dubrovnik – its terracotta rooftops appear to tumble into the waters of the cerulean Adriatic. Consider taking a sunset cruise along the spectacular Dalmatian coast to enjoy a delicious local dinner.
Accommodation : Croatia Cavtat
Day 12 : Discover Picture-perfect Dubrovnik
Stroll through the marble streets of the Pearl of the Adriatic on a Small Group Sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Admire the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
Accommodation : Croatia Cavtat
Day 13 : Uncover Montenegro and on to Tirana
Journey to Kotor, an enchanting medieval city, perched on the deepest natural fjord-like bay in the Mediterranean. Travel through Montenegro into Albania and overnight in its colourful capital of Tirana. Explore the previously communist-dominated capital with a Local Specialist, including such highlights as the Skanderbeg square and the Palace of Culture. Wander up the main boulevard and see the Prime Ministry building, the Presidential office and the Pyramid Building.
Accommodation : Hilton Garden Inn
Day 14 : Onwards to Kalambaka
We travel to Greece, enjoying views of the scenic Plains of Thessaly en route to Kalambaka with its gravity-defying Meteora monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers.
Accommodation : Amalia Kalambaka
Day 15 : Explore Delphi and Athens
We cross the fertile Thessaly region and see the battle site at Thermopylae, where the heroic Leonidas and brave Spartans battled against the invading Persians. We arrive at the centre of the world and Mount Parnassus, joining a Local Specialist to explore the ancient sanctuary of Delphi and seat of the most important oracle in the ancient classical world. Wander through the centuries-old ruins of the Sacred Way to the 5th-century BC Temple of Apollo and marvel at the site where athletes once competed in the Pythian Games held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. We arrive in Athens this evening.
Accommodation : Divani Palace Acropolis
Day 16 : Enjoy Athens
Spend the day discovering the birthplace of democracy – a centre for the arts, learning and philosophy. Stroll through the tiny, colourful alleyways of Plaka and join Athenians for a noisy coffee stop at an open-air café.
Accommodation : Divani Palace Acropolis
Day 17 : Athens Your Way
Today is yours to embrace the spirited atmosphere of the Greek capital. Perhaps, venture by funicular to Mount Lycabettus for the most magnificent views of the sprawling city below, watch the pageantry of the changing of the Evzoni or join an Optional Experience.
Accommodation : Divani Palace Acropolis
Day 18 : Admire Athens
Soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling Central Market this morning. Maybe admire the remarkable antiquities and remnants of Ancient Greece at the fascinating Acropolis Museum or wander through the colourful stalls of Monastiraki Square.
Accommodation : Divani Palace Acropolis
Day 19 : Uncover Athens’s Ruins and a Night at Sea
Travel to the heart of ancient Athens, back to a time of philosophers and great thinkers. Join a Local Specialist to marvel at the ancient Acropolis, see the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, and view the stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896. We cross the Corinth Canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea and board our overnight ferry in Patras en route to Italy.
Day 20 : Onwards to Amazing Assisi
Spend today worshipping the sunshine, as we sail up the dramatic Adriatic coast towards Ancona. This evening we arrive in the mystical medieval town of Assisi, the home and final resting place of beloved St. Francis.
Accommodation : Casa Leonori
Day 21 : Off to Sunny Sorrento
Join your Local Specialist today and enjoy a sightseeing tour to see the Basilica of St. Francis. We pass the Benedictine Abbey in Monte Cassino before arriving in the sophisticated seaside retreat of Sorrento.
Accommodation : Grand Parco del Sole
Day 22 : Uncover Pompeii’s Ruins then off to Rome
We join a Local Specialist in Pompeii to hear the story of this remarkable ancient Roman settlement buried under ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Continuing through the green and golden countryside of Lazio, we arrive in Rome, the 'Eternal City' this evening.
Accommodation : Barceló Occidental Aurelia
Day 23 : Discover Ancient Rome and Vatican City Dive Into Culture
We venture to the centre of Christianity and the great square that bears the name of the first 'bishop of Rome', St. Peter. Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that includes a visit to St. Peter's Basilica, where we will have an opportunity to see Michelangelo's sorrowful Pietà hewn from the most perfect block of Carrara marble. We cross the Tiber River to see the ancient sites of Rome, including Circus Maximus and a visit to the mighty Colosseum. Imagine the thunderous roar of thousands of exhilarated spectators cheering their chosen chariots to victory. This afternoon there is time to explore the city on your terms. Perhaps toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your return to Rome or embark on an Optional Experience to visit the Sistine Chapel. This evening, we enjoy a delicious Regional Dinner in Rome.
Accommodation : Barceló Occidental Aurelia
Day 24 : Journey to Florence
Journeying north through the beautiful landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany, we arrive in the Renaissance city of Florence. Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of some of the city's iconic sites. View Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its renowned bronze doors, and visit Piazza della Signoria. Learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city’s historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft.
Accommodation : Nilhotel
Day 25 : Onwards to Alpine Engelberg
Travel north across the snow-capped Alps into Switzerland, past beautiful Lake Lugano, continuing along the scenic St. Gotthard route into central Switzerland. We spend the next two nights in the popular winter sports resort town of Engelberg.
Accommodation : H+ Hotel & Spa
Day 26 : Treasure Lucerne’s Sights
The lakeside setting of Lucerne is ours to explore today. Pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards at the Lion Monument and admire the wooden Chapel Bridge with its exquisite ceiling. Spend the rest of the day ambling through the medieval streets with their characteristic painted façades, or perhaps embark on an Optional Experience up one of the surrounding peaks.
Accommodation : H+ Hotel & Spa
Day 27 : Venture to Paris
We cross into France and traverse the rolling Burgundy vineyards en route to the glittering capital of Paris. The 'City of Lights' shines brightly tonight as you explore the grand boulevards on your terms. Enjoy dinner at a cosy bistro or consider attending a colourful Parisian Cabaret performance.
Accommodation : Crowne Plaza Neuilly
Day 28 : Explore Magical Paris
Join a Local Specialist today for an informative sightseeing tour of the French capital. Drive along the Champs Élysées and see the Place de la Concorde. View Notre Dame and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. This evening, we celebrate an epic European voyage with newfound friends and our Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation : Crowne Plaza Neuilly
Day 29 : Catch the Eurostar™ to London
Transfers are provided to Paris Gare du Nord station, where you'll board the Eurostar™ train to London. The journey time to London St. Pancras International is 2 hours and 20 minutes. On arrival in London, you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation : DoubleTree by Hilton Angel Kings Cross
Day 30 : Journey Home
Enjoy an English breakfast at the end of your holiday.