Overview
In Amsterdam, Rome, Florence, and Paris, local experts will bring the cities alive, and among other famous sights, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower in Paris;...read more Piazza Signoria in Florence, renowned for its ornate and famous statues; and St. Peter’s Square in Rome, the heart of the Vatican. Other interesting experiences include a boat ride to Venice’s St. Mark’s Square; a visit to Assisi’s Basilica, burial site of St. Francis and home to frescoes by Giotto and see Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II’s fairy-tale castle nestled in the beautiful Bavarian Alps.
It is not just the cities you’ll see on this European tour; you’ll also see some of Europe’s beautiful scenery. A fascinating drive along the Rhine River features quaint towns, castles from the Middle Ages, and villages lining the countryside. Marvel at the gorgeous Swiss Alps. Enjoy the beautiful Tuscany countryside, with its rolling hills, and journey through France’s famous vineyards.
Overnight in romantic Lake Como, regarded as one of Europe’s most picturesque lakes; spend time in Lucerne, nestled between the Alps and the fjord-like lake; and stop in Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by three mighty mountains. Europe’s highlights—including historic monuments, must-see attractions, and scenery—are all available on this splendid, value-minded Europe tour!
Itinerary
Check into your hotel, and start exploring this exciting city with your CosmosGo app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)
Enjoy sightseeing in Amsterdam with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights, as you discover the city from water level on an included canal cruise. Then, watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a diamond centre. Time in the afternoon to explore on your own or join an optional excursion. (B)
Travelling through Germany, choose an included scenic drive along the shores of the Rhine or, even more thrilling, the optional Rhine cruise with vistas of the Lorelei rock, hilltop castles, half-timbered wine villages, and terraced vineyards. Today's Distance: 336 mi/ 540 km (B)
Drive through Baden-Wuttenberg to the foot of the Alps to see King Ludwig's magnificent Neuschwanstein castle, Germany's fairytale castle. Carry on into the verdant Austrian Tyrol, where you will spend one night. Today's Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (B/D)
Cross the border into Italy to the unique floating city of Venice. This afternoon's orientation includes a boat ride to St. Mark's Square, followed by a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop. Don't miss out on the romantic optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. Today's Distance: 242 mi/ 390 km (B/D)
An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then through the gentle Umbrian hills to medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous St. Francis Basilicas with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome. Today's Distance: 345 mi/ 555 km (B)
The "Eternal City" is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome's landmarks from St. Peter's Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. (B)
This morning, you'll have the opportunity to visit Vatican City and to join our optional excursion visiting the Vatican Museum and with the spectacular Sistine Chapel. Say goodbye to Rome and drive on the Highway of the Sun to Pisa. Hop on a mini train to the Square of Miracles and admire the curious Leaning Tower, a world-renowned photographic subject. Overnight in the spa town of Montecatini, recently added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today's Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (B/D)
Arrive in Florence. This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Don't miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide that features most of the city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi. To top it all, see Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile (belltower), and the magnificently carved East Door of the Baptistry, known as the "Gate of Paradise."
Journey northward through the Tuscan hills and across the Apennines to the shores of romantic Lake Como. Today's Distance: 252 mi/ 405 km (B)
Leave beautiful Lake Como and cross the border into Switzerland for a stop in the Italian-speaking town of Lugano. Continue north and, once through Gotthard Tunnel, see more magnificent alpine scenery as you descend to the shores of Lake Lucerne. Today's Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km (B)
Spend some time in beautiful Lucerne. Stroll through the old town and see the distinctive covered wooden bridge (Kapellbrucke) crossing the river Reuss. Later, stop in idyllic Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland and then follow the shoreline of deep blue Lake Thun, continuing for a few more miles to Lausanne, overlooking Lake Geneva. Today's Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km (B)
Enjoy vistas of the celebrated Burgundy vineyards on the way to Beaune. Visit the medieval town, known all over the world for its wine production. Take the autoroute to Paris. Today's Distance: 385 mi/ 620 km (B)
Get to know the city of romance with a local expert and see many of the Parisian sites, such as the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees. An optional excursion is available to the palace and gardens of Versailles. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 13 Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
- Amsterdam Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Karlsruhe Ibis Styles Karlsruhe Ettlingen (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Innsbruck Alphotel (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Venice Delfino (First-Class)
- Venice Poppi (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Rome Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia (First-Class)
- Montecatini Settentrionale Esplanade (First-Class)
- Lake Como B&B Como City Center (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Lucerne Ibis Kriens (Tourist Class)
- Lausanne Ibis Lausanne Crissier (First-Class)
- Paris Hotel Ibis Styles Paris Porte D'Orleans (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Enjoy inside visits to Europe's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their holidays, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Trip Reviews (11) View All Most Recent 'Europe's Highlights' Reviews
We took all of those extra tour inclusions and they seemed to be well chosen by Cosmos given the limited time of visiting six countries within 12 days. We were impressed with Tour Director's enthusiasm and friendly attitude. Though we were from diverse background, we all seemed to enjoy each other company during the 12 day bus trip.
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Cosmos. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
