Overview
See Amsterdam’s canals; Rome’s St Peter Square; Florence’s Renaissance old city centre with a replica of the “David” by Michelangelo; Pompeii, where you’ll see what life was like during the Roman Empire before Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD; Paris’s famous landmarks, and much more. On this comprehensive European tour, you’ll also enjoy spectacular scenery. You’ll drive through the picturesque Rhineland with its scenic countryside, historic castles, and charming villages, and you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Italian and French Rivieras.
Sit back and relax as you drive past the Burgundy vineyards in France and through gorgeous alpine scenery from Switzerland to Italy. Marvel at the beauty of Tuscany with its rural villages, rolling hills, vineyards, rows of cypress trees, and olive groves. You’ll stand in awe as you witness the blue sea and amazing views on the Sorrento coast and on the legendary island of Capri, and you’ll love the green hills and valleys as you travel through Umbria to visit Assisi. All of this and more awaits you on this dream European holiday designed for value-minded travellers!
Itinerary
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts and the CosmosGO app are available to help you make the most of your stay.
London's calling with a free day to explore on your own or join in the brilliant fun of an optional excursion. Rise and shine this morning for an optional guided excursion to see the sights of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and more, crowned by a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral.
This afternoon, consider an optional visit to Windsor Castle or the Tower of London - home of the Crown Jewels. This evening, a traditional dining experience followed by a guided nighttime cruise along the Thames River delivers some of the capital's most beautiful, illuminated sights. (B)
Transfer to the railway station and board the Eurostar train to Brussels with your Tour Director. Take a seat on your luxury motorcoach for the drive to the Amsterdam area. Today's Distance by coach: 127 mi/ 203 km (B)
Today, enjoy an included canal cruise to see the city from water level with a Local Guide, then stop at a diamond centre to watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones. This afternoon, continue your journey to Wiesbaden. Today's Distance: 258 mi/ 415 km (B)
Drive through the picturesque Rhineland and enjoy splendid scenery as you skirt the Rhine River. Visit Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town, located near the confluence of the Neckar and Rhine Rivers, then continue to Switzerland. Today's Distance: 270 mi/ 435 km (B)
Lucerne is nestled amid snowcapped Alps, surrounded by a lake, and graced by the clear mountain waters of the Reuss River. Your orientation includes the wooden Chapel bridge and the Lion monument, erected in memory of the 800 Swiss Guards who defended Louis XVI and his wife. A choice of optional activities completes the day. (B)
More wonderful alpine scenery as you drive into the mountain ranges that surround the massive St. Gotthard Pass. Continue to the warmer and sunnier ambiance of Canton Ticino, then cross into Italy and drive across the Po Valley to Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Stroll around the picturesque market square (Piazza delle Erbe) and the cobblestone streets. Today's Distance: 317 mi/ 510 km (B)
Venice is more like a marvellous film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and busy little piazzas (squares). Your included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark's Square and is followed by free time to soak up the city's unique atmosphere and a chance to visit a glassblowing workshop. Discover the Venice lagoon on a relaxing optional boat trip, with time to explore colourful streets of Burano, the island known for hand-made lace. (B/D)
An interesting drive southward, crossing the rolling Apennines. Stop in medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182, and visit the world-famous St. Francis Basilicas with the beautiful frescoes by Giotto. Then, head for Rome. Today's Distance: 317 mi/ 510 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 the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. * (B)
* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Travel south all the way, with the Vesuvius volcano in the distance. Visit Pompeii, where time stopped in 79 AD when the Vesuvius eruption buried the city. On your guided visit to the archaeological site, see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theatre, and forum. From here, it's just a few more miles to reach the lively Sorrento area. Today's Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km (B)
Cross the blue sea for a full-day excursion to the legendary island of Capri. Surrounded by rose-tinted rocks, Capri has incredibly beautiful coves of translucent blues and greens. The town, with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and cozy restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. Ah, Capri! There's more than meets the eye on this stunning island. Join your Local Guide who shares the best sights and stories on an optional tour. (B/D)
An early journey north to Florence. Vistas of rolling hills, austere rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Arrive in Florence in the afternoon in time to enjoy its magnificent architectural and artistic treasures; discover all the highlights on the included walking tour with a Local Guide. Today's Distance: 320 mi/ 515 km (B)
Stop in Pisa, and hop on a mini train to reach the Square of Miracles to see the famous Leaning Tower. Bypassing the great port of Genoa, drive northwest for glimpses of the Italian and French Rivieras. Visit a typical perfume workshop in Eze and later reach the shores of the charming Cote d'Azur. Tonight, roll the dice and rub elbows with the high rollers of Monte Carlo on an optional "Monte Carlo by Night" excursion to experience the glitz and glamour of Monaco. Today's Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km (B)
Leave the French Riviera and travel through the Provence, stopping in Orange, a hidden treasure featuring an outstanding Roman heritage, and on the more frivolous side, some first-class wines. Overnight in Grenoble - an alpine sports mecca and site of the 1968 Winter Olympic Games. Today's Distance: 296 mi/ 476 km (B/D)
Enjoy the very heart of the Burgundy wine- growing region, making a stop in lovely Beaune, surrounded by some of the world's finest vineyards. Continue northward to the exciting city of Paris, capital of France. Today's Distance: 358 mi/ 577 km (B)
Paris is a world-class romantic city with many familiar landmarks. This morning, see the main sights during the included city tour with a Local Guide. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 17 Breakfasts
- 3 Dinners
- London Novotel London West (First-Class)
- Amsterdam Holiday Inn Express Arena Towers (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Wiesbaden Holiday Inn Express Wiesbaden (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Lucerne Drei Koenige (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Venice Delfino (First-Class)
- Venice Poppi (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Rome BV Oly Hotel (First-Class)
- Rome Grand Fleming Hotel (First-Class)
- Sorrento Grand Hotel Moon Valley (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Florence B&B Firenze City Center (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Florence Diana Park (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Nice Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Grenoble Mercure Alpotel (First-Class)
- Paris Novotel Paris Charenton Le Pont
- 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.
- For operational reasons, changes to the Paris and Rome programs cannot be excluded.
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 (40) View All Most Recent 'The Best of Europe' Reviews
Booking on the optional dinners & excursions meant that "extra" highlights and surprises were sometimes included too.... views of the coast at Nice and Monte Carlo at twilight, sunset on the Eiffel Tower, viewing St Peter's Basilica from a bridge over the Tiber River at sunset, stunning views over Lucerne and surrounds while ascending Mount Stanserhorn by cable car are all memorable. A highly recommended tour.
There were too many 'optional excursions' and not enough 'included excursions'. If I had done all the optional excursions it would have cost me almost as much as the tour itself! On a positive note the coach was very comfortable and our driver was careful and experienced however I do think if the coach is going into town for an evening tour they should have been able to give a lift in, so I wouldn't have to rely on public transport. The local guides were excellent and our tour guide was pleasant and informative, however I must add that the coach did leave without me one day as I lost our small group walking amongst the crowds of people, and a proper head check was not done on the coach. They only came back 15 minutes later because the 10 year old in our group noticed me missing! Certainly learnt my lesson to not put your head down for a second!
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.
