European Experience - Start in Paris

Arrive in Paris, a capital that doesn’t hold back and doesn’t expect you to either. Take a walk through its grand past, dynamic present and exciting future, from the maze of streets that once nurtured great artists in Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening.

Audrey Hepburn described it best when she said: 'Paris is always a good idea.' We’re sure you’ll agree. Hit its grand boulevards on a city sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. See the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées then spend the rest of the day discovering the city on your terms. Don’t resist the urge to tread in the footsteps of Picasso and Dalí and visit Montmartre this afternoon, exploring its maze of streets and Artist’s Square. There’s time to shop for artwork and savour some local specialties before considering a real highlight this evening – an optional dinner and cabaret performance.

• Wander Parisian Boulevards

Journey through the idyllic French countryside before arriving in Lake Lucerne. You’ll want to put the 'heart' of Switzerland in your pocket and take its history, culture and epic landscapes with you.

Turn the page to a land of fairy-tale landscapes and medieval history. You have a full day to see the sights and explore Lucerne, starting with a morning orientation including the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church. No visit to Lucerne is complete without a visit to the Lion Monument, built to commemorate the brave Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution. You may be tempted to do some souvenir shopping, but a Choice Experience into the mountains will be hard to resist. Ascend Mount Pilatus by a cog-wheel railway then embark on a scenic lake cruise.

• Lucerne Orientation

Your journey heads south to the city of Florence - home to various masterpieces of Renaissance architecture and outstanding fine arts. Enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers tonight as you prepare to soak up the beauty of the city, surrounded by Tuscan countryside, that has remained unchanged throughout the centuries.

Make the most of your final morning in Florence before Rome calls. Take in the skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo, then use your time to explore Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower or browse Florence’s famous leather and gold shops. Want more Renaissance? Add a Choice Experience to the Accademia and come face to face with Michelangelo’s David, then another Choice Experience digs deeper into the city’s artistic heritage and the big thinkers who shaped it. Before leaving, see Florentine craftsmanship up close at a Peruzzi leather demonstration. This afternoon, swap Florence for Rome and settle in ready for two days of ancient icons, lively neighbourhoods and plenty more to uncover.

You could spend a lifetime exploring Rome and just scratch the surface, but with your Local Guide on hand you’ll dive right into the city’s heart and soul. Head to Vatican City to watch the pigeons and people tread on holy ground. The rest of your day is free to explore the City. This evening, why not consider an optional dinner at one of the local restaurants?

• Rome City Tour

Journey on to Venice, where glittering canals, grand piazzas and hidden corners are made for exploring your way. Highlights include a cruise on a private launch to St. Mark’s Square and views of the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge's Palace. The talents of master craftsmen are the star of the show later as you visit a traditional glassblowing workshop. There’s even time for an optional Gondola and Grand Canal Cruise – impressive palazzi, churches and ornate bridges line your journey.

• Learn about the History and Ancient Skills of Venetian Glassblowing
• Venice Orientation

Today you continue along the Inn Valley to the Austrian Tyrol and its capital, Innsbruck, where you can 'ooh and aah' at the impressive ski jump and view the famed Golden Roof, constructed from 2,657 copper tiles. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store. This evening, a Choice Experience could see you enjoy a lively evening of entertainment during a traditional Tyrolean evening.

• Innsbruck Orientation

Your first stop today is Munich, where you can admire the famous Glockenspiel in Marienplatz and the lively Hofbräuhaus beer hall. Continue on through scenic landscapes to the Rhineland region.

• Munich Orientation

Suitably inspired by its spires, you’ll board a lazy river cruise down the Rhine past terraced vineyards and fairy-tale castles. Your experience of a lifetime ends in the free-thinking capital of the Netherlands. Immerse yourself in Amsterdam's gezelligheid as you soak up the buzz of the city's canals, gabled houses and festive squares. There's no better way to see the capital than from its waterways, why not join a Choice Experience in a glass-topped boat winding through Amsterdam's historic canal ring.

• Rhine River Cruise
• Amsterdam Orientation

Say farewell to your Travel Director and travelling companions at the end of an amazing two-week tour of Europe.