From Paris to Amsterdam Adventure

Welcome to Paris! Upon your arrival, we provide a transfer to your hotel, allowing you some leisure time to unwind and perhaps explore the local area at your own pace. Later in the afternoon, we'll ensure you're well-prepared for the days ahead. You'll receive all the essential information about the start of your tour, which will either be provided personally or can be easily accessed via information boards at the hotel reception. As you settle into the enchanting City of Light, take this opportunity to soak in your first impressions of this vibrant city. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Paris, we'll delve into France's storied past with a visit to the splendid Palace of Versailles. While admission isn't included, the grandeur of the palace and its exquisite gardens offer an unforgettable experience. Returning to Paris, we'll explore Montmartre, renowned for its vibrant artistic scene, where painters and performers are a common sight along its streets. Later, a guided panoramic tour unveils the city's majestic boulevards and landmarks, immersing us in the essence of Paris. In the evening, we'll return to the hotel. Should you wish, an optional variety show is available to further enhance your evening in the City of Light.

We begin our day in the heart of Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. You'll have the unique opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this world-renowned iron structure tickets are included. Following this, we'll take to the waters for a serene cruise along the River Seine, offering you a different perspective on the city's landmark sites. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, discovering Paris at your own pace. By around 4:00 p.m., we set off towards Normandy and arrive in Rouen. Here, you are encouraged to explore the historical centre, a vibrant area that bears witness to Roman times and is home to exquisite medieval architecture including an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral. The city's blend of history and culture offers a fascinating backdrop for your evening stroll. Please note, if the queues at the Eiffel Tower prove lengthy, we may re-schedule this visit to a more convenient time, either later or on Sunday.

Today, you'll have some leisurely time to explore the picturesque centre of Rouen, perhaps wandering amidst its historic streets and enjoying the medieval atmosphere. Afterward, we'll journey towards northern France. Taking a ferry across the English Channel, we'll arrive in Canterburythe spiritual heart of England, renowned for its delightful historic centre and iconic cathedral. Continuing on to London, you'll have the opportunity to spend some free time around the iconic Tower Bridge areaone of the city's most recognisable landmarksbefore we proceed to our hotel for the evening.

Today, we'll embark on a captivating panoramic tour of London, guided by a local expert who will bring the city's rich culture and history to life. You'll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the majestic River Thames, and the regal Buckingham Palace, where, depending on the time, you might catch the famous Changing of the Guard. As the sun sets, we'll convene at Piccadilly, setting off on a delightful evening walk through the vibrant areas of Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho. Known for their energetic atmosphere, lively theatres, and diverse entertainment options, these districts provide an abundance of dining choices for you to savour before we return to the comfort of our hotel.

We begin our day by departing London and setting our course northwards towards the university city of Cambridge. Here, we'll take in the grandeur of its renowned colleges, famed for their architectural beauty and historic significance in education. After some time for lunch and exploration, we'll continue on to York. This city beckons with its impressive cathedral, ancient Roman walls, and bustling shopping streets, providing a rich tapestry of history and modern life for you to indulge in during your free time. As the afternoon progresses, we'll journey further north to Durham, a medieval town celebrated for its striking cathedral, seated majestically before a historic castle, offering a picturesque blend of history and charm.

Today, we travel onwards to Scotland. Our first stop is Alnwick, a picturesque town celebrated for its delightful gardens and imposing medieval castle, well known as a filming location for the Harry Potter films. After exploring Alnwick, we continue to the vibrant city of Edinburgh, arriving around midday. As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh boasts a rich history and a UNESCO World Heritage site at its monumental centre. The city's castle presides over a landscape of steep streets and verdant parks. We'll take a panoramic tour with a local guide to immerse ourselves in the unique heritage and culture of this Northern European gem.

Today promises an adventure through the majestic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. We'll start our day with a relaxing coffee and a leisurely stroll in Pitlochry, a quaint village nestled in the heart of the Highlands. Our journey continues northwards as we pass through Inverness, keeping an eye out for the mysterious Loch Ness. Here, we'll take the opportunity to visit Urquhart Castle, where admission is included. From the castle, we'll embark on a captivating boat ride on the famous dark waters of Loch Ness. As we move on, we pass through Fort Augustus, renowned for its canal locks, and Fort William, which sits at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom, known for its breathtaking scenery.As we head south, we traverse the stunning high plateaus where snow often clings to the peaks, and enjoy the serene beauty of Loch Lomond's shores. Our day concludes with an evening arrival in Glasgow. This vibrant city offers an ideal spot to unwind after a day of awe-inspiring exploration. Important: For groups visiting from 15th November to the end of February, an adjusted itinerary accounts for shorter daylight hours and potential snow. We will depart Edinburgh at 8 a.m., arriving in Pitlochry by 9:45 a.m. for a distillery visit with admission included. Next, we head to Stirling, exploring its historic centre and renowned castle (tickets included), before pausing for lunch. Well also photograph The Kelpies, colossal sculptures inspired by Scottish mythology, before reaching Glasgow at around 5 p.m., with time for a city centre stroll.

Today, we depart from Glasgow and make our way towards southern Scotland to board a ferry at Cairnryan. Our voyage takes us across the water to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. This monumental city has been rejuvenating itself from its historical religious conflicts, presenting a compelling blend of past and present. Once we've explored Belfast, we continue our journey into the Republic of Ireland, concluding our day in Dublin by the evening. This bustling capital city will be our stop for the night.

Today we'll explore Dublin, Ireland's peaceful capital. Our morning begins with a panoramic tour where we'll leisurely stroll along the River Liffey, taking in the sights of its enchanting parks, the historic university, and the lively downtown streets. A highlight of our tour is a visit to the exterior of Trinity College, known for its rich academic history. The afternoon is free for you to delve deeper into Dublin at your own pace. Enjoy the city's unique charm as you explore its cafs, shops, or cultural landmarks. Note: Depending on our arrival time in Dublin and the daylight hours, this tour may sometimes occur the previous afternoon.

We begin our day with an early ferry ride from Dublin, taking three to three and a half hours to reach Wales. Once we arrive, we'll stop at Caernarfon, a town celebrated for its impressive castle and its status as a World Heritage Site. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and explore the area at your leisure. Our journey then continues to Liverpool, where we'll experience a brief bus tour of this vibrant city, which boasts the second-largest port in the United Kingdom and is recognised as a World Heritage Site. Should you be a fan of The Beatles, you can choose to visit The Beatles Museum to delve deeper into the history of this iconic band.

Embark on a charming journey through the heart of England as we begin our day in Liverpool. We will make our way to Stratford-upon-Avon, celebrated as the birthplace of the remarkable playwright William Shakespeare. Here, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the town's rich literary legacy, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and perhaps pay a visit to some of its quaint shops. After lunch, our adventure continues to Oxford, a city renowned for its prestigious university and its impressive history of academic brilliance. Explore this vibrant town where influential figures, including kings and famed intellectuals, have walked its storied streets. We'll then proceed to London, arriving in the evening, where the day's travels conclude with the prospect of more exciting adventures ahead.

In the morning, we will visit the renowned British Museum, one of the world's most historic and prestigious museums, housing artefacts from diverse global cultures. After some free time around midday, we'll travel to the vibrant district of Camden. Known for its eclectic street market, you'll have the opportunity to explore a variety of unique items and enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries or food stalls. Around 4:00 p.m., we'll set off for Colchester, celebrated as the oldest recorded town in England. Here, we'll enjoy a leisurely walk through its charming historic streets. Our journey then continues to Harwich, where we'll board a ferry for an overnight voyage to the Netherlands, staying in en suite cabins. Please note that due to the limited availability of cabins on the ferry, some adjustments to the itinerary may be necessary. We might opt for a daytime ferry from London to Amsterdam, with a night spent in Antwerp, or alternatively, a train or flight may be arranged to Amsterdam.

We will begin our day by docking at Hoek van Holland, arriving around 8:00 a.m. Our first stop will be in Volendam, a charming fishing village that offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch life. After exploring this picturesque locale, we will continue to Amsterdam. On our panoramic tour of the city, you will discover its most renowned landmarks and the famed diamond-cutting technique that the city is known for. In the evening, we will head to Rembrandtplein, a lively square offering a diverse range of restaurants serving global cuisines and a short distance from the famous Red Light District, known for its vibrant nightlife.

On day 15, we depart Amsterdam and journey to Bruges, a medieval city affectionately known as the "Venice of the North" due to its enchanting canals. Bruges captivates with its charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and delightful bridges, creating a truly magical atmosphere. If you wish, you can climb the Belfry Tower for sweeping views of the city. While in Bruges, why not savour some renowned Belgian chocolate or enjoy a taste of the local craft beer? After our visit, we continue to Paris, arriving by the end of the day.

Following breakfast, our journey together concludes. We hope you've gathered a treasure trove of wonderful memories from your travels. Safe travels onward!