Lose yourself in the history and romance of Traditional Europe. You’ll see all the iconic sights and some beautiful surprises along this 3-week European trip taking in the exquisite beauty of the Rhine Valley, the snow-capped Alps and the decadently warm waters of the French Riviera.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 18 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Be welcomed to the Albert's home where their family have farmed the land for generations. Enjoy a traditional Tyrolean lunch surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Iconic Experience
- Cologne Cathedral: The towering Cathedral of Cologne is an impressive introduction to this riverside city.
- Rhineland: Cruise beneath the semi-ruined castles and terraced vineyards. Sleepy villages slip by as you saunter upstream to the Lorelei Rock where the enchantress lured sailors to their doom.
- Heidelberg: See the magnificent castle built in red sandstone, overlooking the Student Prince’s town.
- Colmar: Join your Travel Director to explore the heart of Colmar, where colorful half-timbered houses, canal-lined lanes and flower-filled squares give the town its storybook charm. As you walk, you’ll discover why this Alsatian gem has inspired artists, winemakers and visitors for centuries.
- Lucerne: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
- Vaduz: Explore Vaduz, the capital city of the Principality of Liechtenstein.
- Brenner Pass: Marvel at the stunning beauty of the Brenner Pass on your scenic drive through the Alpine landscape.
- Tuscany: View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today.
- Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
- Capri: Join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through Capri’s elegant lanes and vibrant squares. Hear how this island has long attracted artists, writers and Hollywood icons. Visit historic landmarks and local boutiques, and discover how generations of islanders have lived alongside the glamour, from Roman emperors to the jet-set names of the 1950s and beyond.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
- Monte Cassino: See the abbey on Monte Cassino, founded by Saint Benedict in 529.
- Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Pisa: In the Piazza dei Miracoli, see the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Discover the beauty of this hilltop town and gain insight into why it became a refuge for artists.
- Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
- Lyon: Take in panoramic views of Lyon from Fourvière Hill and explore the city's cobblestone streets on a sightseeing orientation.
- Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Rome, Capri, Pompeii, Florence and Paris
- Discover Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Colmar, Lucerne, Vaduz - the capital of Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Venice, Sorrento, Pisa, Monaco, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Avignon and Lyon
- Visit a glassblowing factory in Venice
- View the Lion Monument in Lucerne, the ancient sites in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower in Paris
- See the Lorelei Rock in Rhine Valley and the vineyards of Burgundy
- Cruise through Amsterdam's canals, along the Rhine River, to the Isle of Capri and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Trip Details
Product Code: 34438
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Adventure, Budget
Tour Operator: Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 736.879C
Starts: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Finishes: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 19 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- Eurostar high-speed train from Paris to London (offered on relevant tour variations)
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $8450 ($445 /day)
Itinerary
All the highlights of Europe lie ahead on this epic journey from the Netherlands to Austria, Italy to France. Spend the day exploring Amsterdam on foot, by bike or tram. Later, meet your Travel Director and travel companions and board a glass-topped boat for a Welcome Reception canal cruise, including a light dinner and a drink as you navigate the city’s labyrinthine canals lined with centuries-old gabled façades.
Accommodation: Mercure City
Meals: Dinner
Travel east, crossing the border into Germany bound for Cologne. Here, you’ll see the iconic twin spires of its imposing Cathedral, said to be the final resting place of the Three Wise Men. Cruise along the mighty Rhine, lined with medieval villages and castles that cling to the hills. This evening, you'll stay in the Rhine Valley and enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Accommodation: Maritim Darmstadt
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle feature on our drive through this vibrant university city en route to the quaint medieval town of Colmar. Here we will enjoy an orientation stroll and free time for lunch. Our journey continues through the picturesque vineyards of Alsace en route to our hotel in the stunning mountain retreat of Engelberg, with a free evening to enjoy the town.
Accommodation: Schweizerhof
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend the day exploring Lucerne. Pay tribute to the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louise XVI during the French Revolution at the mournful Lion Monument, then admire the splendor of the flower-lined Chapel Bridge with its 17th-century paintings. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience up one of the nearby peaks for spectacular panoramic views before returning to Engelberg.
Accommodation: Schweizerhof
Meals: Breakfast
Admire rugged alpine scenery en route to the Principality of Liechtenstein, stopping in its capital, Vaduz. Cross the Austrian border and continue along the Arlberg route for a journey filled with pinch-me moments. Snow-capped mountains surround you as you travel through the stunning scenery of the Tyrol. Enjoy the Tyrolean countryside while you Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience before arriving in Innsbruck. Visit the Old Town where you’ll see the famous Golden Roof completed in 1500 for Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.
Accommodation: Grauer Bär
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cross the extraordinary Europa Bridge, rising almost 200 meters above the Wipp Valley, following the Brenner Pass past alpine pastures and pine-clad peaks into Italy and the magical island city of Venice. Spend this evening at leisure, gliding by gondola through the city's canals, enjoying a Campari spritz in a quiet piazza or watching the sun set over the romantic Grand Canal.
Accommodation: Albergo Quattro Fontane Lido
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassmaking. This is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience which helps to preserve the strong tradition of glassblowing for which Venice is justifiably famous. You’ll learn how the talented master craftsmen use the same techniques their forefathers did to create the delicate artworks which adorn homes worldwide, perhaps inspiring you to buy a souvenir to remind you of this special visit. Later, board a private launch for your journey through the canals of Venice to St. Mark's Square where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city's centuries-old history and view the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Spend the afternoon exploring Venice your way, which could mean finding a tucked away bacaro to soak up some of the local atmosphere, a cruise around the lagoon or zigzagging up the Le Mercerie shopping street.
Accommodation: Albergo Quattro Fontane Lido
Meals: Breakfast
Travel over the green and golden landscapes of the Apennine hills through beautiful Tuscany and Umbria, arriving in Rome where you'll spend the next two nights. This evening is yours to embrace la dolce vita. Relax in the Piazza Navona with an espresso, sit on the Spanish Steps or savor a tasty gelato.
Accommodation: Midas Palace
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Rome with a Local Specialist who will take you on a sightseeing tour. Cross the Tiber River into Ancient Rome to see the mighty Colosseum where brave gladiators once fought to the applause of exhilarated spectators, then enjoy views of Circus Maximus which once hosted chariot races. The rest of the day is yours to explore the sights and sounds of this remarkable city.
Accommodation: Midas Palace
Meals: Breakfast
Embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque vineyards of Frascati into the Campania region. Cross the shimmering blue waters of the Bay of Naples to reach the enchanting Isle of Capri. Upon arrival, ascend by funicular to Capri Town, where you'll join your Local Specialist for a walking tour. Cruise to the sophisticated seaside retreat of Sorrento, where you will spend the night, soaking in the beauty of this sophisticated coastal haven.
Accommodation: Johanna Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue through the beautiful Campania region, where you'll meet a Local Specialist who will share the fascinating story of Pompeii, a city buried in ash and lost for centuries following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Traveling north see the historic, hilltop Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of a pivotal and tragic World War II battle, journey through beautiful Tuscan and Umbrian landscapes that have inspired painters and poets for centuries before arriving in Florence.
Accommodation: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Wake up in the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Join a Local Specialist on an included walking tour to see the city's spectacular heritage, architecture and open-air art, including views of the marble Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s political hub centuries ago, and learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft.
Accommodation: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to Pisa and its Square of Miracles to see the Leaning Tower and its imposing Baptistery. Leaving the sights, sounds and flavors of Italy behind, we visit the playground of Monaco and view the Royal Palace before arriving on the French Riviera.
Accommodation: Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Meals: Breakfast
Tread in the footsteps of famous French actors and artists who for centuries have regarded the medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence as a haven. Spend the afternoon at leisure or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see spectacular views of one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe and pay an aromatic visit to the historic Fragonard perfumery to learn how French fragrances are crafted before trying some specialties from the region at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Meals: Breakfast
Visit what was once the center of Christendom in the Middle Ages, the papal city of Avignon. Here, you will see the Palais des Papes, the Cathedral and famous Pont d'Avignon, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn about the spiritual significance of this place. You'll travel next to the historically strategic city of Lyon. This is a city that lights up magically at night, so be sure to take to the streets and admire its beauty.
Accommodation: Mercure Center Saxe Lafayette
Meals: Breakfast
Drive through the vineyards and countryside of Burgundy, before continuing north to Paris. This afternoon, explore Paris with your Local Specialist. Wonder at the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées and magnificent bridges over the river Seine and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Perhaps consider joining a cruise along the famous river Seine.
Accommodation: Occidental Levallois
Meals: Breakfast
Start your morning at leisure, perhaps stroll along the famous Champs-Élysées and people-watch from a local cafe, or take an Optional Experience to explore the gilded Palace of Versailles. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Occidental Levallois
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfers are provided to Paris Gare du Nord station, where you'll board the Eurostar™ train to London. The journey time to London St. Pancras International is 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Accommodation: The Tower
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy an English breakfast at the end of your holiday.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Karen Ross - Traveled, August 2024
Full on fast pace not alot of down time & free time to do your own things.....especially if you do all the optionals however I enjoyed my trip. The Travel Director Kevin was very informative and always helpful. The coach driver Giuseppe was a fantastic driver & at no time was I worried. Only 1 issue was a few very high bathes to climb in to to shower......not good when you have a dodgy knee. Food was excellent everywhere we went.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2024
Christina De Bellis - Traveled, September 2024
European Tour - Amazing! As previously stated. Fast paced but allows you to experience a taste of a lot of places which gives you the opportunity to explore in more depth at a later date if you wish to take another holiday. Well worth the cost of the tour and the tour director was well organized, friendly, knowledgeable and make the most of every opportunity.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2024
Glenn Eckardt - Traveled, August 2024
Traditional Europe - An Amazing Experience. We were delighted with the service provided by Trafalgar throughout the Traditional Europe Tour. Hotel rooms were comfortable. Collection of luggage to and from the Coach each day was an unexpected bonus. The Tour Director, Brent, was very professional and provided many helpful tips for us to get the most out of our visit to each place. It was a wonderful experience and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Trafalgar to others, if you are considering an overseas tour. The Traditional Europe tour was a wonderful experience. We had an excellent Tour Director, Brent, who arranged the itinerary to achieve maximum benefit for the touring group. The hotels we stayed in were of a high standard. The local specialists provided insights into the places we visited that enhanced our understanding of the history of each destination. The included activities were fabulous but I was so grateful that I decided to choose the additional optional extras that were offered. These added to the enjoyment of the trip and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the local cultures. I spent a magical 18 days that will live me for the rest of my life.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2024
Lisa Kramer - Traveled, August 2024
Europe in a Flash! The service was impeccable! All of our hotels staff, our tour director, and our bus driver were so nice and helpful! I was very excited to see so many countries and must see tourist excursions! I was not prepared for the fast pace of everything. Changing hotels almost daily was hard. There wasn’t much time to enjoy each site, nor shop leisurely. The heat and humidity in Italy was almost unbearable, especially with the amount of walking we did. I turned 60 on this trip and our tour group did make me feel special! I ended up running myself down and got sick. I would suggest warning older people that this particular tour requires stamina. Now I’m reminiscing of all that I actually saw! The Eiffel Tower did not disappoint! It has been my dream to see Paris since I was 12! I loved the Be My Guest dinners! The cathedral’s were amazing! The food was delicious! The boat rides and cruises were so fun! Our tour director and our bus driver went above and beyond! Seeing and learning all the history of sites was awesome! I welcomed the rain in Amsterdam and in Paris! My favorite countries were Switzerland and France!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2024
Wayne Goffin - Traveled, August 2024
A review of Traditional Europe Tour. We had a fabulous time on this trip and not only saw some beautiful things but also learned a lot of history and how the people of other times and other lands lived. Ivy was an active trip that kept you going in an effort to see as much as possible with the time available and built in some down time as well. Out tour guide was well l versed in the the history and workings of each country we visited as well as a charming sense of humor to keep the mood light. The only critique I would like to mention that as non alcohol drinkers there was few options for us as others enjoyed different wines we had few choices at most venues. Nether the less we have incredible memories for the trip of a lifetime and would recommend Trafalgar to anyone wanting to really see Europe and experience what it has to offer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Wonderful Traditional Europe Tour. Service was great. I liked the included tours and also the optional tours. The hotels were all of a good standard and not too far away from the town centres.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Make sure you get what your paying for. The optional experiences are not as they show in the travel itinerary I was disappointed and upset about the Sisteen Chapel. We were told that we were not going because Trafalgar could not purchase tickets it was sold out. The gondola ride in Venice was a joke so much for being romantic and getting serenaded there were 5 of us shoved in one boat, no serenading no room to move our legs. Huge disappointment.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2024
Eric William Anderson - Traveled, July 2024
Fast-paced journey through the best parts of Western Europe.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/12/2024
Gabriella Belgiovane - Traveled, August 2024
The Itinerary appeared to be excellent but Trafalgar did not deliver what I paid for!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
The itinerary itself was fantastic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2024
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