European Tour Itinerary

The Grand European Loop Itinerary

(Inclusions in italics)

The duration of you European tour itinerary can be anywhere from 5 to 50 days. It can start at any time, can be shortened, extended or combined with any of our other tours to create a unique itinerary.

London - 2 days

Day 1 - London: After your long flight you will be met by your chauffeur in the arrival hall and driven in comfort to your hotel in the city centre.

Day 2 - London: Explore the city and its many famous sites in a red double-decker ‘hop-on hop-off’ bus. Watch the ‘Changing of the Guard’ at Buckingham Palace during a guided walking tour.  See the Tower, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Stroll through Hyde Park, Soho, Notting Hill, Piccadilly Circus or along the Thames. In the afternoon choose from either the‘Rock ‘n Roll’ or the ‘Jack the Ripper’ walking tour. Enjoy High Tea at Claridge’s or a drink in a historic pub. Take it easier in the evening and view some of London’s attractions, the London Eye and Big Ben, from the comfort of a river cruise boat.

See London options for extra sightseeing to extend your European tour itinerary.

Paris - 3 Days

Day 3 - Paris: Start the familiarization of the city with the ‘Paris Grand Tour’ and enjoy the view from the open top deck of the sightseeing bus with a local, multi-lingual tour guide.  See the Champs-Elysees, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Eiffel Tower and many other attractions.

Day 4 - Paris: View the city in all its glory from the viewing platform of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Then spend some time to explore the many treasures of Paris, Montmartre, Sacre Coeur or the many open-air fresh food, collectibles and arts markets and take the ‘Grand Boulevard Tour’. In the evening enjoy a meal and some music in the Latin Quarter.

Day 5 - Paris: The day is yours to spend at your leisure. Visit the vibrant open air markets, spend the day at Versailles or knock yourself out at Eurodisney.

See Paris Options for extra sightseeing and extensions.

Nice/Provence - 3 Days

Day 6 - Nice: Be exhilarated by the speed of one of Europe's fastest trains that takes you from Paris to Nice.

After arriving in Nice take a stroll along the Promenade de Anglais and enjoy the azure blue sea of the Bay of Angels. 

Day 7 - Nice and the Provence: The full-day bus trip into Provence will be one of the many highlights of your European holidays. In Cannes walk the famous Croisette Boulevard, by the Film Festival Palace. Then be driven through the charming countryside of Provence to Grasse, world capital of the perfume industry, for a guided tour of a perfumery or free time to visit the old town.

View the Alps, valleys and spectacular coastline from the amazing perched medieval village of Gourdon. After lunch winding down charming Loup Gorges, and taste Riviera’s speciality flower sweets at traditional Florian Confectionary. Photo stop by a provencal jewel: Tourrettes-sur-Loup. End the tour in the second most visited village in France: St Paul de Vence with ancient cobblestone lanes, fortified walls and art galleries, home of impressionist painters.

Day 8 - Nice: The day is yours to just relax or explore more of the countryside. In the morning make your way into ‘Old Nice’ and be overwhelmed by the abundance of the colours and fragrances of the flower and food market. In the afternoon take some local transport to Monaco – see the palace, luxurious Monte Carlo casino, mega yachts, chic boutiques, Formula One Grand Prix circuit or on to the ramparts of charming Antibes or take a short cruise to St. Tropez .

See Nice options for extra sightseeing and extensions.

Cinque Terre - 2 Days

Day 9 - Cinque Terre: After a breathtaking train ride along the Côte d’Azur arrive in Monterosso, your base from where you explore Cinque Terre.  

Day 10 - Cinque Terre:  Walk the scenic Via Dell'Amore that connects the 5 villages of Cinque Terre and take in the dramatic views of the coastline and fishing villages. Taste one of Liguria’s specialties – razor clam soup in nearby Porto Venere and take a boat trip to the tiny island of Palmaria and its grottoes.

See Cinque Terre options for extensions. See Lake Como side excursion if you can add 2 extra days to your European holidays.

Florence - 2 Days

Day 11 - Florence: In just a few hours of train journey through the delightful Tuscan countryside you will arrive in the midst of artistic splendour in Florence. In the afternoon you can choose one of 3 options to familiarize yourself with this splendid city by either a luxury coach tour with English speaking local guide, a hop-on hop-off bus or by joining a small group guided bicycle tour

Day 12 - Florence: During a full day excursion into Tuscany take in the spectacular countryside views and landscapes. You have plenty of time to explore Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa at your own pace. Get up-close to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Take part in a guided tour through Siena and enjoy a hearty lunch with wine served at an organic wine estate in Chianti.                                                        

See Florence and Tuscany options for extra sightseeing and extensions.

Rome - 2 Days

Day 13 - Rome: In Rome you will be staying right in the historic heart of the city. Choose from either exploring the city and some of Rome's best known ancient sights, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona in the afternoon with a ‘hop-on-hop-off’ bus or with a 3 hour ‘Classic Rome Tour’ led by a local guide.

Day 14 - Rome:  During your days in Rome  you will also have the ‘Roma Pass’, which entitles you for admission into 2 of the historic sights, like the Colosseum and free transport in the inner city. 

See Rome options for extra sightseeing and extensions.

Venice - 2 Days

Day 15 - Venice: Your first view of Venice will make you feel like you have arrived on a movie set. Nothing can prepare you for that first moment when you see Venice and the Canale Grande spread out before you. Spend the day in awe just walking around and loosing yourself in Venice and its tiny cobble-stoned alleyways, canals, bridges and piazzas. 

Day 16 - Venice: Choose between one of 3 walking tours: The ‘Hidden Venice Walking tour’, the 'Venice walking tour with St. Mark's Basilica' or in the evening the ‘Venice Ghost walking tour’. In the afternoon enjoy a canal cruise and a visit to a glass blowing factory.

See Venice options for extra sightseeing and extensions.

Austrian Alps - 2 Days

Day 17 and 18 - Austrian Alps/Bad Hofgastein: After spending 16 days in several of Europe’s most exciting cities it is now a good time to take a break and enjoy some of Europe’s awe-inspiring scenery and landscape – the Austrian Alps. Pamper yourself in the Spa Resort of Bad Hofgastein; enjoy walking, hiking or mountain biking through alpine meadows and hills. Take the cable car to the summit of one of the surrounding mountains and gasp at the views to glacier-covered mountain peaks of up to 3500m height. Participate in a guided hike (when available) and experience Austrian hospitality in a rustic alpine inn. Cross Europe’s first hanging bridge at an altitude of 2,300 m on foot (optional). Enjoy a traditional Austrian 4- course dinner every evening.

See Austrian Alps/Bad Hofgastein options for extensions.

Salzburg - 2 Days

Day 19 - Salzburg:  Your hotel in Salzburg is close to the Mirabell Park where scenes from the 'Sound of Music' were filmed.

In the afternoon take the cogwheel train to the fortress overlooking Salzburg, visit  Mozart's birthplace and St.Peter's magnificent cemetery with its catacombs of the early Christians. In the evening enjoy a relaxing river cruise on the Salzach River while admiring the fortress, churches, bridges and the view of the stunning mountain ranges in the Salzburg Province.

Day 20 - Salzburg: The morning is yours to further explore the sites of Salzburg. Visit Hellbrunn Palace and the Archbishop's trick fountains.

In the afternoon you have the choice of one of two guided coach tours. The famous ‘Sound of Music Tour’ during which you can sing your heart out while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes and locations where the famous musical was filmed. Or choose to go on the ‘Austrian Lakes and Mountain Tour’, starting with a scenic view of Salzburg before touring the historical landmarks of the beautiful Lake District, see the impressive hunting castle Fuschl, take refreshments at the White Horse Inn and enjoy a boat ride on lake Wolfgang. 

See Salzburg options for extra sightseeing and extensions. See Munich for a 2 day side excursion.

Vienna - 2 Days

Day 21 - Vienna: You will be enchanted by its spectacular architecture, cozy coffeehouses, atmospheric wine taverns and musical tradition, which you hear everywhere as musical events take place all the time.

Day 22 - Vienna: Spend the day visiting the Imperial Palace or the magnificent baroque palace Schoenbrunn. Visit the colourful Hundertwasser village or taste-test as many light and flaky applestruddles as you can manage and still walk back to the hotel – or the next atmospheric wine tavern.

See Vienna options for extra sightseeing to enhance your European tour itinerary.

Prague - 3 Days

Day 23 - Prague: After a delightful train journey through the bohemian countryside spend the afternoon and evening and familiarize yourself with this UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage listed inner city and its amazing architecture, winding streets and famous sights.

Day 24 - Prague: A local guide will take you on a leisurely tour around the historical buildings of ‘Old Prague’, the famous Charles Bridge and the Castle. Enjoy the views of  the fully lit Prague castle and bridges. Enjoy a delightful farewell dinner on your last evening.

See Prague options for extra sightseeing and extensions.

Day 25 - Prague: After breakfast take another leisurely stroll through this delightful city before your European holidays come to a conclusion.