Summary
Encounter the highlights and hidden gems of western Europe on this fast-paced tour. Enjoy free days in Paris and Lucerne, renowned European cities. Discover the allure of France’s Champagne region and the mystical Black Forest in Germany. Gaze in awe at the Rhine Falls in Switzerland and Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. Amble along the road less travelled and enjoy bucket list experiences! Along the way, your tour leader will introduce you to locals and hand-selected destinations that epitomise each region. This is an immersive tour that's tailor-made for foodies and history buffs!
This tour forms the first-half of our full-length Best of Europe tour; consider the full tour if you'd also like to visit other top destinations in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Germany and more.
Highlights
Enjoy full free days to explore Paris and Lucerne
Experience the famous Champagne region of France and the Rhine Falls in Switzerland
Visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, Pisa and Florence
Explore Siena, Innsbruck and Heidelberg
Itinerary
Start Point : Hotel in London | 10:00 AM
End Point: Hotel in Rome | 11:00 AM
DAY 1: Start of tour in London
Welcome to London and the first day of the tour! Meet your tour leader at the starting hotel before setting off on the first excursion for today: a city tour of London! England’s buzzing capital city is full of things to see, do and enjoy! From historic monuments and world-famous landmarks to royal castles and sprawling palaces, London has it all. Tick top sites off your bucket list during a drive through the city, find a spot to enjoy London’s foodie scene with free time for lunch and embark on a tour of Westminster which is home to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey! Tonight, enjoy an included group dinner at a traditional British pub.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: London - Paris
Depart London and cross the English Channel to travel on to 'The City of Lights and Love' - Paris! Arrive and enjoy an introduction to all the key Parisian sites on a relaxing driving tour of the city. Keep an eye out for iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe - take a mental note of what you wish to explore further on the free day tomorrow. This evening, enjoy an included group dinner at a restaurant in the city. Then, after a fun-filled day of travel, it’s time to head to the hotel. Get some rest tonight to be ready for a full day of Parisian adventures tomorrow!
Meals: Breakfast - Dinner
DAY 3: Paris: Free Day
Enjoy a full free day to explore the French capital to your heart’s content! Join in the Paris+ optional for a unique and exciting experience of the city with your tour leader. The excursion includes a macaron tasting, a guided tour of a renowned perfumery, a sightseeing cruise along the River Seine with lunch on board, a trip to the top of the Montparnasse Tower for incredible views of Paris, and more! Tonight, join the Evening in Montmartre optional excursion to see famous sights including the Sacré Coeur and Moulin Rouge and enjoy dinner in this gorgeous neighbourhood. Finally, why not complete this free day with a night at a Parisian cabaret? C’est magnifique!
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: Champagne region - Luxembourg - Heidelberg
This morning depart Paris and make a stop in the Champagne region. Here, enjoy a tasting of one of France’s most famous and highly prized exports - champagne! Then, the journey continues on to Luxembourg, where there will be free time to explore the capital of one of Europe’s smallest countries. The final destination of the day is Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town which is renowned for its Altstadt (old town), ruined Renaissance hilltop castle and romantic riverside cityscape. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city centre and some free time to explore the old town before an included group dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner
DAY 5: Black Forest - Lake Titisee - Rhine Falls - Lucerne region
This morning, head into the heart of Germany’s Schwarzwald (Black Forest), home of delicious Black Forest gâteau, cuckoo clocks and Hansel and Gretel! Enjoy a stop at a local family business in the heart of the forest for the chance to purchase an authentic German cuckoo clock. Then, arrive on the shores of Lake Titisee with free time to explore the spa town of Titisee and grab some lunch. Next, travel into Switzerland and stop at the stunning Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe. Enjoy time to explore, with the option to take a boat ride on the falls. Later, arrive in Lucerne and embark on an orientation tour of the city before travelling to tonight’s accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast -Dinner
DAY 6: Lucerne: Free Day
Today is a free day to enjoy the Lucerne region. Renowned as one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, Lucerne is one place photographer’s paradise! All the ingredients for the quintessentially picturesque Swiss experience are here - a cobalt lake and well-preserved old town complete with waterfront promenades, covered bridges and perfect plazas are surrounded by the natural skyscrapers of the Swiss Alps. It's really no wonder that Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner savoured the stunning views that Lucerne has to offer! There's charm and grace around every corner, but it's not all about history - there's certainly enough of a pulse here to keep things current, with carnivals, concerts and exhibitions aplenty.
Meals: Breakfast
Four countries in one day! Depart Switzerland for the first stop in the Alpine principality of Liechtenstein, the sixth smallest nation in the world. Stopping in the capital Vaduz, take time to stroll around and enjoy the scenery. Next, it’s time for a highlight of the tour - a visit Neuschwanstein Castle! This 19th century German hilltop castle was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria and was the inspiration for the famous Disneyland castle. Entrance to the castle is included in the tour package price. Today’s final destination of the day in Innsbruck, Austria. Tonight, enjoy a taste of Austrian culture with the Tyrol Folk Evening & Dinner optional excursion.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Modena - Siena
This morning, Itay is calling! Board the coach, travel south and cross the border. One of the most visited destinations in the world, Italy serves up centuries of incredible history, rich culture and, of course, fantastic food! On the way to Siena, enjoy a visit to Modena for an included balsamic vinegar tasting for which the region is famous! Arriving in Siena this afternoon, join your tour leader for a short orientation tour of the historic city centre. Afterwards, make the most of free time in Siena to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours of this historic Italian destination.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Pisa - Florence - Siena
Visit and explore two of the undoubted highlights of the Tuscan region: Pisa and Florence! The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the first stop. It’s a classic sight in Italy that is more than 800 years old. Take a moment to explore the grounds and get that essential travel selfie with the tower. Afterwards, travel through the countryside to Florence, the capital of this region. Take an orientation walking tour of the city to explore its many iconic sights. These include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the replica of the statue of David. Then head to a genuine Italian leather factory and shop. Italian leather brands have dominated the fashion world for centuries and the quality of handmade leatherware in Tuscany is something to behold. Spend some time over lunch exploring the city at your leisure before returning to Siena.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: End of tour in Rome
After 10 experience-filled days, the tour ends today in Rome. Make sure that you have swapped contact details with your fellow travellers before you part ways! Please note: This tour includes no Rome hotel accommodation and forms the first half of the full-length Best of Europe 22-day tour, which starts and finishes in London -. There is an optional post-tour add-on to extend the Best of Western Europe tour with a 2-night post-tour stay in Rome -
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
Accommodation
9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
19 Experiences!
Explore London’s top sights on a driving tour
Enjoy dinner at a traditional British Pub
Head out on a driving tour of Paris
Champagne tasting in Reims
Spend free time in Luxembourg City
Orientation tour of Heidelberg
Overnight in Heidelberg; capital of the Romantic Road
Stop off at a cuckoo clock centre in the Black Forest
Lunch and free time in the historic centre of Titisee
Spend free time at th Rhine Falls
Orientation walk of Lucerne city centre
Stop in Vaduz; capital of Liechtenstein
Enter and explore the famous Neuschwanstein Castle
Explore Innsbruck at your leisure
Taste traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena
Visit Siena; home of the famous Palio horse race
See how Florentine leather is crafted
Visit Florence; Italy’s famous Renaissance city
Photo stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa
