Great European (End Amsterdam, 27 Days)

We depart from the vibrant city of London and board the Eurostar train to Paris. Upon arrival, join our Travel Director for a warm welcome reception, followed by a delightful dinner and drinks. As the evening unfolds, we embark on a drive to soak in the lively atmosphere of this romantic city.

Start the day with a local specialist guiding you through the iconic landmarks of Paris. Drive along the Champs-Élysées, view the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Latin Quarter. You may also choose to enjoy the panoramic views from Montparnasse or consider attending one of the city's famous colourful cabaret shows.

Spend the morning exploring Madrid at your own pace. You may choose to visit Retiro Park, indulge in the delicious flavours of Spain at Mercado de San Miguel, or join an Optional Experience to the imperial city of Toledo. Enjoy free time in the afternoon in the city that King Charles III sought to 'beautify'. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a delightful dinner.

We drive towards Catalonia and the shores of the Mediterranean, passing Guadalajara and the Gorges of Jalón and Aragón en route to vibrant Barcelona. Spend the next two nights immersing yourself in the intoxicating charm of this cultural and artistic powerhouse.

Join a Local Specialist today and explore the whimsical world of Gaudí, whose characteristic Art Nouveau architecture is dotted throughout the city. Visit his unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, then spend the rest of the day embracing the energy of Barcelona. Wander down to La Barceloneta for some tasty tapas treats, or ramble up Las Ramblas watching street performers entertain crowds.

From the rugged Costa Brava to the stylish shores of the French Riviera, we travel through the South of France. Stop to dive into culture during a guided visit to Fragonard Perfumery where we'll learn how fragrances are crafted. Later, we arrive in the glamorous French Riviera, home to the famous Cannes Film Festival.

Spend a full day at leisure in the French Riviera. Admire the irresistible backdrop of the Mediterranean and Estérel Hills. You may also consider joining an Optional Experience to the medieval hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, renowned for its museums and galleries.

Join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour of one of the cultural capitals of the world. Enjoy views of the marble Duomo, the Baptistery with its famous bronze doors, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Visit Piazza della Signoria, once the political hub of the city. In your free time, you may choose to join an Optional Experience to the Tuscan hilltop town of San Gimignano. As the sun begins to set over magical Florence, head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best views of the cityscape.

Italy's 'Eternal City' beckons and we head south to Rome, stopping in Passignano Sul Trasimeno to admire its beautifully preserved centre tucked within a circuit of medieval walls. Upon arriving in Rome, you'll have an evening to enjoy a Regional Dinner with your fellow travellers.

Join a Local Specialist to delve into the centre of Christianity - the Vatican City. Visit St. Peter's Basilica, then cross the Tiber for views of the mighty Colosseum and Circus Maximus. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city's history and culture that span almost two millennia. Admire the Spanish Steps, shop on the Via del Corso or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome.

We journey across the Tuscan countryside bound for Venice. The city's canals and bridges beckon, but not before we Connect With Locals at lunch amidst the olive groves and vineyards of Tuscany for a Be My Guest experience. Arriving in Venice, you'll have time to explore Lido Island your way. Go in search of a lively piazza where a refreshing Campari Spritz awaits.

Witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassmaking at one of the city's last remaining studios. Next, take to the water and cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Join your Travel Director to see the iconic and unexpected highlights of the city - the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile with its five bells. Cross the Rialto bridge, enjoy a sunset over the Grand Canal or ascend the Campanile for panoramic views.

A scenic drive from Italy to Austria takes us through the Carnic Alps to the imperial capital of Vienna. Spend the next two nights exploring a city famous for its musical heritage and elegance.

Join your Local Specialist this morning to explore the sights, including views of the famous Opera House, Stadtpark, Parliament, Imperial Boulevards and Hofburg Palace. Spend the rest of the day delving into Vienna's cosy coffee culture, perhaps visit the exquisite Schönbrunn Palace or discover the harmonies of the world's music capital, enjoying one of the city's many musical performances.

Leave the song of Vienna behind, bound for Prague, the Golden City of a Hundred Spires. Traversing the lush landscapes of Slovakia, we arrive in the capital, Bratislava, with its eclectic Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco architecture. There's time for an orientation with your Travel Director and lunch before arriving in the fairy-tale city of Prague.

Join your Local Specialist this morning to explore the jewels of Prague's Castle District and Old Town. You'll stroll around the Old Town Square and see the 15th-century Astronomical Clock. Spend your afternoon exploring Prague your way, tracking down the city's quirky side, from its famous wall of peace to one of the world's narrowest streets. Don't forget to stop and sample a steaming street food favourite, Trdelník.

You may be tempted to stay in this enchanting city, but Munich promises its own adventures. First stop today however is the UNESCO-listed town of Regensburg with its beautifully preserved medieval centre. Spend some time getting lost in centuries of history, perhaps sampling some of the local Regensburger Wurst. Then it's time to continue to the Bavarian capital of Munich, where we'll see the Glockenspiel and Marienplatz on an orientation with our Travel Director. The afternoon is free to explore before we have dinner at our hotel.

We leave Germany for Switzerland, stopping in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. We continue to Lucerne, our home for the next two nights.

Pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending King Louis XVI in the French Revolution and see the famous mournful Lion Monument. Walk along the wooden Chapel Bridge and marvel at its decorative ceilings. Then spend the rest of the day admiring the colourful façades of the Old Town or join an Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks.

View the ruins of Heidelberg Castle perched above the Neckar River and board a relaxing cruise down the mighty Rhine from St. Goar to Boppard – fantasy castles and hillside vineyards line your scenic journey.

Enjoy an orientation of Amsterdam and spend the rest of the day exploring the city on foot, by bike or tram. Consider delving into the tragic story of Anne Frank, admire the works of Van Gogh or people-watch in Vondelpark. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your travel companions on board a glass-top boat. Cruise through the city's canals looking up at the centuries-old gabled façades for which Amsterdam is so famous.

After breakfast, it's time to say a fond farewell to your fellow travellers and Travel Director as you return home with wonderful memories.