14-day Taste of Europe Tour: France, Italy, Monaco,Switzerland,Germany and more.

Itinerary

Day 1: Saturday: Paris – Reims – Luxembourg (420 km)

Stop At: Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Reims, Marne, Grand Est
The Red Line tour leaves from Paris for a delightful scenic journey through the rolling countryside of the Champagne region, famous the world over for the sparkling white wine produced here. Enjoy seeing the historic attractions of provincial capital Reims, including the city’s cathedral – a key national heritage site, where coronations of French kings took place from the 11th century onwards.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Pont Adolphe, Luxembourg City
Your next destination is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, History and tradition are equally evident, the world’s only remaining Grand Duchy. After arriving in refined Luxembourg city, you’ll be introduced on foot to the main places of interest, including the Place de Constitution and Pont Adolphe, before having time for further exploration on your own. Overnight in Luxembourg or nearby city
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Luxembourg or nearby city.

Day 2: Sunday: Luxembourg – Trier – Koblenz – Rudesheim am Rhein – Frankfurt (400 km)

Stop At: Karl Marx House, Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate
Today we leave Luxembourg behind and head across another European border into Germany. The first stop is historic Trier, Germany’s oldest city and the birthplace of Karl Marx. You’ll have the chance to see from the outside the house where the influential philosopher was born, which now functions as the Karl Marx Haus museum.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Porta Nigra, Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate
Your walking tour then takes you into the centre of Trier; here you can look around the city’s impressive cathedral, where the celebrated Holy Robe – said to be the tunic of Christ – is preserved and occasionally displayed. Trier is also known as ‘The Second Rome’ (Constantine served as an administrator here for 10 years), and significant legacies of the once-great empire remain today. The highlight is undoubtedly Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, which you’ll get to see and photograph.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Rhine River, Rhineland-Palatinate
After an exciting morning in Trier, you’ll drive on to Koblenz, famous as the location of the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. Here you have the option of indulging in a relaxing lunch alongside the water, then afterwards you can also choose to add on a scenic Rhine boat cruise for some memorable city vistas.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Roemerberg, Frankfurt, Hesse
Back on dry land you’ll drive through the wine-making town of Rüdesheim. Then it’s on to Frankfurt am Main, where you’ll discover the delights of Römerberg, a charming plaza with a distinctive medieval town hall as its centrepiece.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Frankfurt or nearby city.

Day 3: Monday: Frankfurt – Bonn – Cologne – Amsterdam (500 km)

Stop At: Beethoven House, Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia
The morning begins with a leisurely drive north-west from Frankfurt to Bonn, the capital of the former West Germany until reunification. The national government is now run from Berlin, but Bonn retains a rich history that is well worth exploring. Discover the city’s secrets on an orientation stroll through its streets, walking past highlights such as the Rococo-fronted town hall and Ludwig Van Beethoven Haus, a museum celebrating the life of the much-loved composer.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kolner Dom, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia
Then it’s on to Cologne, where you’ll head inside the city’s glorious Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Cologne further, to do a spot of local shopping or to simply relax with a suitably refreshing German brew. After lunch the day is rounded off with a drive into the Netherlands.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Amsterdam or nearby city.

Day 4: Tuesday: Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans – Amsterdam (50 km)

Stop At: Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, North Holland Province
A day of delights begins with a leisurely trip through the Dutch countryside, where you’ll get to sample at close quarters some of the things that the Netherlands is traditionally famous for: clogs, cheese and windmills. Call in at the hugely popular model town of Zaanse Schans.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Amsterdam Canal Ring, Amsterdam, North Holland Province
Next, you’ll head from the quiet countryside to the cosmopolitan city as your journey takes you back to Amsterdam. After visiting a well-known diamond factory, where you’ll see the unique cutting techniques that have been practised here since the 16th century, you can take an optional hour-long pre-dinner canal cruise, which is a great way to discover more about this unique European city.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Dam Square, Amsterdam, North Holland Province
After disembarking you’ll walk to one of the city’s grandest areas, Dam Square, where the Royal Palace is located and the King’s birthday celebration takes place. You’ll have photo opportunities here, free time for shopping or further sightseeing, and then round the day off with dinner.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Keukenhof, Lisse, South Holland Province
And if you travel with the Red Line tour from mid-March to mid-May we will also visit Keukenhof Garden. A yearly flowerpark with more than 7 million spring-flowering bulbs.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Amsterdam or nearby city.

Day 5: Wednesday: Amsterdam – Brussels – Paris (500 km)

Stop At: Atomium, Brussels
After leaving Amsterdam in the morning you’ll head south across the border into Brussels, the Belgian capital and political centre of the European Union. On the way, the tour stops to see the distinctive Atomium monument, a cell-shaped structure of stainless steel spheres and tubes built for the 1958 World’s Fair.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Manneken Pis, Brussels
In the centre of Brussels itself an orientation tour will call in at the exquisite Grand Place, as well as seeing the famous impish Manneken Pis Statue. After some free time you can try some mouth-watering Belgian delights. Then from Brussels we will head south again across the French border and on to the bright lights of Paris.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Paris or nearby city.

Day 6: Thursday: Paris – Versailles – Paris (60 km)

Stop At: Champs-Elysees, Paris, Ile-de-France
Paris is your oyster over the next two days as you enjoy guided tours around one of the world’s most celebrated cities. Your Parisian adventures get off to a spectacular start with a drive along the famous Champs Élysées to the Place de la Concorde, which played such a key part in the French Revolution.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Place de la Concorde, Paris, Ile-de-France
Paris is your oyster over the next two days as you enjoy guided tours around one of the world’s most celebrated cities. Your Parisian adventures get off to a spectacular start with a drive along the famous Champs Élysées to the Place de la Concorde, which played such a key part in the French Revolution.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Arc de Triomphe, Paris, Ile-de-France
You’ll also get to see the iconic Arc de Triomphe here too, the imposing monument that sits near the western end of the avenue and commemorates the fallen of the revolution and Napoleonic wars.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Eiffel Tower, Paris, Ile-de-France
You’ll take in another significant historical building next as you head to L’Hôtel National des Invalides, where Napoleon’s tomb is located, followed by a stop at the most legendary of all Paris’s icons: the Eiffel Tower.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Palace of Versailles, Versailles, Yvelines, Ile-de-France
You can either take time to explore the neighbourhood and have some lunch or scale the Eiffel Tower. Choice is yours. Finally, you’ll travel on the coach out through the Parisian suburbs to the splendid Palace of Versailles, the vast regal château that was the residence of the royal family until the start of the revolution in 1789. Today the palace is another popular Parisian attraction. In the evening, you can enjoy one of our optional Paris evening shows.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Paris or nearby city.

Day 7: Friday: Paris

Stop At: Louvre Museum, Paris, Ile-de-France
The second day of your Parisian experience begins with a visit to the Louvre, one of the world’s greatest art museums. Here you’ll set your eyes upon some of history’s most famous masterpieces, including the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace (also called Nike of Samothrace), and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Opt for a guided gallery tour, which will enhance your experience and allow you to browse through hundreds of works in just a few hours.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Seine River, Paris, Ile-de-France
You can then take a leisurely cruise along the river Seine, a great sightseeing option that offers splendid views of iconic Parisian landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and Pont Alexandre III.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris, Paris, Ile-de-France
After an exhilarating morning of walking the gallery corridors, replenish your energy levels with lunch in the museum before heading to the area surrounding the Palais Garnier, Paris’s opera house.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, Paris, Ile-de-France
Afterwards, you have an option of having a French 4 course dinner and show experience or spend time shopping at the legendary department stores Galeries Lafayette. For some members of the group it will be time to say goodbye to new-found friends, while others will opt to stay another night in this French city of delights before picking up the Green Line tour the next day.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Paris or nearby city.

Day 8: Saturday: Paris – Lucerne (650 km)

Stop At: Chapel Bridge, Lucerne
After boarding the luxury coach in Paris, sit back and enjoy a scenic journey across classic French countryside en route to mountainous Switzerland. You’ll pass through Basel, which is located at the point where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, before arriving at the picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne, nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Swiss Alps. Here you’ll get to see Lucerne’s famous landmarks, including Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and some wonderfully preserved Baroque and Gothic architecture, followed by some free time to shop or take pictures.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Lucerne or nearby city.

Day 9: Sunday: Lucerne– Milan –Venice (400 km)

Stop At: Duomo di Milano, Milan, Lombardy
Head south from Lucerne through spectacular Switzerland and into northern Italy, where your first stop will be Milan, fashion capital of the world. Your orientation tour will introduce you to the city’s iconic sights, including the vast Gothic cathedral (Duomo).
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Lombardy
You’ll also see the planet’s oldest shopping mall, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where you can wander among the boutique shops and take lunch in one of the refined cafes. After enjoying the many delights of Milan, you’ll head to another vintage Italian city: Venice.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Venice or nearby city.

Day 10: Monday: Venice – Rome (550 km)

Stop At: Basilica di San Marco, Veneto
Spend the morning in the company of a knowledgeable local guide as you explore Venice, the most magical of cities. Begin with a waterbus ride to San Marco Island, a memorable crossing of the lagoon that gives you a real taste of the city’s charm as you approach the dreamy spires and distinctive waterside buildings. Once on the island you’ll be led around some of Venice’s best-known locations, beginning in the Piazzo with the Basilica di San Marco, a stunning piece of Byzantine architecture.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: New Murano Gallery, Veneto
You’ll also see the legendary Bridge of Sighs, which appears on many a postcard or picture of Venice and connects the old prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace. Afterwards you’ll have a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at close quarters with a demonstration by Murano glassblowers; their exquisite creations make excellent souvenirs. Of course, the ultimate Venice activity is to ride through the warren of waterways on a gondola, and for most people this optional excursion is a must. Step aboard, relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Transfer to Rome in the afternoon.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Rome or nearby city.

Day 11: Tuesday: Rome – Vatican –Arezzo (280 km)

Stop At: Vatican City, Vatican City, Lazio
Your day in Rome starts with a visit to the smallest country in the world, The Vatican City, which lies at the heart of the Italian capital. Here you’ll marvel at St Peter’s Basilica, home to Pope Francis and arguably the most significant site in Christianity. The exquisitely beautiful Basilica has been present here for almost 1,700 years and contains a bewildering collection of paintings, frescoes and design crafted by some of humanity’s most famous artists, which you can explore.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Lazio
Your day in Rome starts with a visit to the smallest country in the world, The Vatican City, which lies at the heart of the Italian capital. Here you’ll marvel at St Peter’s Basilica, home to Pope Francis and arguably the most significant site in Christianity. The exquisitely beautiful Basilica has been present here for almost 1,700 years and contains a bewildering collection of paintings, frescoes and design crafted by some of humanity’s most famous artists, which you can explore.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, Lazio
Alternatively, you can choose to add on the optional Sistine Chapel tour to view Michelangelo’s famous painted ceiling.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Trevi Fountain, Rome, Lazio
Next you’ll see the famous Trevi Fountain, the lavish Baroque showpiece where people flock to throw coins into the water – an action which is said to ensure that you’ll return to the city again one day.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Colosseum, Rome, Lazio
After lunch, take a step even further back in time as you visit Italy’s unrivalled Roman relics. An optional guided tour of the Colosseum, built in AD 72, is highly recommended. History comes to life as you imagine yourself witnessing gladiatorial combat inside the spectacular Amphitheatre, or alternatively you can walk at your leisure around the outside to admire the facade of this ancient wonder.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Rome, Lazio
After the Colosseum, get up close to the nearby Arch of Constantine, which dates back to the fourth century AD, then spend some further free time enjoying Rome, sampling the rich and creamy delights of “gelato” Italian ice cream. Next, you can visit the magnificent Basilique Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri near Piazza della Repubblica before transferring to Arezzo in the late evening for stay.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Arezzo or nearby city.

Day 12: Wednesday: Arezzo – Florence – Pisa – Genoa nearby city (250 km)

Stop At: Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Tuscany
Your voyage of cultural discovery continues as you get to know Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to some fabulous architecture and fine art. Begin the day by taking in a wonderful panoramic overview of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, which boasts glorious vistas over the red roofs, Arno River and ancient city walls out towards the surrounding countryside.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Tuscany
Next you can see a demonstration of the traditional craft of leather working at close quarters in a local workshop, and you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase some of the high-quality leather items for which the city is famous. From here you’ll enjoy a guided walk around Florence’s many highlights, including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo and Campanile Tower.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Tuscany
Next you can see a demonstration of the traditional craft of leather working at close quarters in a local workshop, and you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase some of the high-quality leather items for which the city is famous. From here you’ll enjoy a guided walk around Florence’s many highlights, including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo and Campanile Tower.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Campanile di Giotto, Florence, Tuscany
From here you’ll enjoy a guided walk around Florence’s many highlights, including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo and Campanile di Giotto Tower.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gallerie Degli Uffizi, Florence, Tuscany
You’ll pass the Uffizi Gallery, which contains one of the most notable art collections in Florence. You’ll have free time to see the city further, to shop or to watch the world go by from a street side cafe, before travelling on to your next destination, Pisa.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Province of Pisa, Tuscany
Here you are free to wander, but be sure to have your camera ready to get a shot of the iconic Leaning Tower, the famous bell tower in the ‘Square of Miracles’, which also contains the centuries-old Cathedral and Baptistery, after that we are transferring towards a city nearby Genoa in the late evening for stay.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Genoa or nearby city.

Day 13: Thursday: Genoa nearby city – Monaco – Nice – Cannes –Avignon nearby city (450 km)

Stop At: Monaco Grand Prix, Monte-Carlo
A breath-taking drive along one of Europe’s most famous stretches of Mediterranean coastline awaits as you say arrivederci to Italy and head for Monaco. This small principality, enclaved in François chicane’s beautiful, home to the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix. A walking sightseeing tour here takes you to the grand Prince’s Palace, where you’ll have some free time to soak up the refined atmosphere, before continuing on to view the 1920s Courthouse, the Cliffside Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral, where Grace Kelly is buried.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Palais des Festivals et des Congres of Cannes, Cannes, French Riviera - Cote d'Azur, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
We then travel a little further to visit the famous Fragonard Perfume Factory. Here you’ll be taken on a fascinating guided tour around this working factory. Next it’s Nice, where you’ll stop for lunch to sample some excellent local cuisine and warm-hearted hospitality. Your journey continues to Cannes, where many a movie star has enjoyed the sweet smell of success. Be sure to take the opportunity to snap some photos of the Palais des Festival, home to the city’s annual international film festival, before transferring to overnight in a city nearby Avignon.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel, twin room with private facilities in Avignon or nearby city.

Day 14: Friday: Avignon nearby city – Paris (700 km)

Stop At: Place d'Italie, Paris, Ile-de-France
Take a well-earned rest today as you sit back and enjoy great views of the changing rural charms of the French countryside on the journey north to Paris, where the Green Line tour finish. For some guests it will be time to say a fond farewell to new friends upon arrival back in the capital, while others may choose to extend their European adventure with another night in the capital and then continue on with the Red Line tour the following day.
Please note: hotel-accommodation is not provided on the last day of the tour
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
No accommodation included on this day.