Paris to Budapest A Grand European Journey

Welcome to the start of your exciting tour in Paris! Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel, allowing you some time to settle in and unwind. This afternoon, you'll find information about the beginning of your tour on the boards located in the hotel reception area. Feel free to explore the vibrant city at your leisureperhaps take a stroll and enjoy the charming neighbourhoods that make Paris so enchanting. Whether you choose to relax or adventure out, the City of Light is at your fingertips. 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 the second day of our adventure in Paris, we embark on a journey through French history with a visit to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. While the splendour of its vast gardens is a sight to behold, please note that admission is not included in your tour package. Upon returning to the city, we will explore the charming district of Montmartre, known for its bohemian atmosphere, artists, and vibrant cabarets. To capture the essence of Paris, we will take a guided panoramic tour, allowing us to marvel at its grand avenues and iconic landmarks. We will then return to our hotel, providing you with the evening to enjoy as you wish. Those interested might opt to attend an optional variety show for some evening entertainment.

On the third day of our adventure, we begin in the heart of Paris with a visit to one of the world's most recognised landmarks, the Eiffel Tower. You'll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor and take in spectacular views of the city entrance tickets are included. After this, we will unwind with a leisurely boat cruise along the Seine River, lasting approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. This offers a unique perspective of the city's historic charm from the water. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your own pace and discover hidden gems. Please note, if there are extensive queues at the Eiffel Tower, we may reschedule our visit to ensure you have the best possible experience. Do remember, the transfer back to the hotel is not included.

Today, we will venture to the heart of France, travelling through the Bourgogne region, famous for its stunning vineyards and celebrated wines. Our first stop is the delightful town of Beaune, nestled in the centre of Burgundy, known for its flower-adorned streets, historic hospice, and fascinating wine museum. You'll have some free time to enjoy lunch and explore the charming surroundings at your own pace. We'll then continue our journey to Lyon, once the capital of Roman Gaul, situated by the Rhne River. Lyon's historic centre holds the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage site. We'll ascend by cable car to Notre-Dame de Fourvire, where a breathtaking panorama of the city awaits us. Afterwards, you'll have some time to wander and discover Lyon's rich history or lively culture independently. Please note, on some occasions, part of our group may proceed to Chambry for an overnight stay. This nearby city boasts a captivating medieval centre, crowned as the capital of Savoy with a notable historic castle. Those staying in Chambry might use the following morning to explore this picturesque town.

We'll set off on an exciting journey to Switzerland today. Upon arriving in Geneva, we'll drive past the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. We'll then take a leisurely stroll through the lovely English Garden, where the renowned flower clock and the Jet d'Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe, are situated.After lunch, our travels through Switzerland continue on scenic routes alongside Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchtel. As we drive through the Three Lakes region, you'll be treated to stunning views of vineyards set against a stunning mountain backdrop. We'll make a stop in Neuchtel, offering you the opportunity to enjoy a lakeside walk, explore the historic town centre, or visit the magnificent 10th-century castle.In the late afternoon, we'll arrive in Zurich. Do note that depending on the number of passengers travelling from Geneva to Zurich, this segment might be completed by train, in which case there will be no stop in Neuchtel.

In Zurich, we will embark on an exploration of this vibrant Swiss city, renowned as a hub of finance and culture. Twice named the city with the best quality of life worldwide, Zurich combines modern sophistication with historical charm. We will then enjoy a scenic two-hour cruise on Lake Zurich, pausing briefly to admire the picturesque lakeside villages along the way. Our journey continues to the medieval town of Rapperswil, famed for its impressive castle and charming setting. Returning to Zurich by train, you will have the chance to appreciate the punctuality and efficiency of the Swiss rail system. Please note that depending on our group size, we may use public transport for some city transfers.

Today's adventure promises awe-inspiring sights as we embark on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Interlaken region, known for its towering mountains and pristine lakes. Our first stop is the charming village of Grindelwald, where we'll take a moment to relax with a coffee. Following this, we board a cable car to ascend the mountain. Upon reaching the top, a scenic path leads us to a remarkable suspended bridge. For the intrepid among us, crossing the bridge offers unparalleled views of the surrounding glaciers. We will pause for lunch on the mountain, which is included in our itinerary. Our journey continues with a visit to Lucerne, a city renowned for its stunning beauty and charming urban landscape. You'll have the freedom to explore its delightful offerings before we make our way back to Zurich. Our guide can arrange an optional full-day excursion if you're interested. This excursion begins in the morning, and after some leisure time in Lucerne, it includes a ride on a revolving cable car to the top of Mount Titlis. Standing at over 3,000 metres above sea level, the summit provides breathtaking views of the glacier and the majestic Alps.

We commence our day by departing from Zurich early in the morning, setting off over the Alps into the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is the charming town of Bellinzona, famous for its trio of medieval castles, recognised collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These fortresses beautifully illustrate Bellinzonas historical significance as a key Alpine stronghold. You'll have some free time to explore the quaint streets of the town centre. We then cross into Italy, making our way to the picturesque town of Como for lunch. Often referred to as the jewel of Lombardy, Como is celebrated for its lush gardens nestled beside the serene lake and its magnificent cathedral. Following our visit, we proceed to Milan, where we'll guide you to the awe-inspiring Piazza del Duomo. You'll have some free time to explore the area at your leisure before we take you to your hotel for the evening.

We start our day in Milan, heading towards Pisa. Upon our arrival, we'll board a charming tourist train that takes us to the Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Square of Miracles. Here, there's ample time to explore this captivating ensemble of art and architecture, where the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa stands as a testament to engineering and artistry. After soaking up the history and beauty of Pisa, we continue our journey to Rome, reaching the Italian capital later in the day providing you ample opportunity to relax or start exploring this iconic city in your own time.

Well begin the day with an insightful three-hour guided tour of Rome, one of the most ancient and culturally significant cities in Western civilisation. This journey through the so-called Eternal City will blend a walking exploration of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride, allowing us to appreciate its historical magnificence. Key highlights include the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, and the Baths of Caracalla. Youll also see the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant'Angelo. Our tour will conclude in Vatican City around 11:00 a.m. an independent enclave within the city and the heart of the Catholic Church. Youll have a free afternoon to further explore or perhaps consider joining an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel for a closer look at these marvels. Later, well transfer you to the vibrant neighbourhood of Trastevere, renowned for its delightful restaurants and dynamic ambiance. Well return to the hotel at around 8:30 p.m., rounding off the day in Rome.

Today, we set off from Rome, heading north through Italy's stunning landscapes towards the city of Florence. Upon arrival, we will make our way to Piazzale Michelangelo, where you'll be treated to magnificent panoramic views of the city. Following this, we will wander towards Florence's historic centre, one of the most captivating open-air museums in the world. After a break for lunch, a local expert will guide us on a walking tour, leading us to iconic sites such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria. In the afternoon, you will have some leisure time to further explore the charming streets and discover the many treasures that Florence has to offer. As evening falls, you will find numerous dining options available, with restaurants serving a wide array of international cuisines to suit every palate.

As we begin day 12, we revel in the magnificent mountain views while crossing the Apennines, making our way to the enchanting city of Venice. Upon arrival, we'll take a boat ride across the Giudecca Canal to the heart of the Venetian islands. With a local guide, we'll explore the beauty of St. Mark's Square, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Following this, we will visit the renowned Murano Glass Factory to witness the traditional glassmaking techniques that have been perfected over centuries. You will then have some leisure time to wander and discover Venice's charms at your own pace. Our accommodation for the evening is arranged in the Mestre district.

Today, we embark on a journey from Venice to Austria. Our first stop is Innsbruck, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the historic city centre and enjoy a leisurely lunch in this charming Austrian Tyrolean capital. Following this, we'll travel along scenic mountain roads to the picturesque village of Kitzbhel. Known as a world-famous ski resort, Kitzbhel is a beautiful place to visit all year round, offering stunning views and a quaint atmosphere. After some time to explore, we continue our journey, arriving in Salzburg by the end of the day. Please note that if our group is small, we may opt for train travel from Venice to Innsbruck.

Today, we delve deeper into Austria's charm, beginning with a morning tour of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. You'll be captivated by the city's Renaissance and Baroque architecture, set against the backdrop of a magnificent castle. Our journey then takes us through picturesque lakes and mountains to the quaint town of St. Wolfgang, an esteemed pilgrimage destination in Austria. Continuing on, we visit Traunkirchen, nestled by the serene Traunsee Lake. Here, we embark on a scenic cruise to admire four of the lake's stunning castles, concluding our cruise in the town of Gmunden. From there, we travel onward to Vienna, where we'll arrive by evening, ready to explore the vibrant capital of Austria.

We will start the day by immersing ourselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Vienna with a guided panoramic tour. Our route will take us along the city's grand avenues, where we'll marvel at the opulent palaces, expansive parks, and the bustling city centre. In the afternoon, free time is yours to explore Vienna at your own pace be it visiting a museum, sampling local delicacies at a caf, or simply strolling through its vibrant streets. As evening descends, we'll whisk you away to the charming Grinzing district, once a quaint wine-centric village now part of the citys fabric. Known for its traditional taverns, Grinzing offers the perfect backdrop for a leisurely dinner, allowing you to savour the local cuisine amidst a congenial atmosphere.

After approximately three hours on the road, we'll reach Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary. Our first visit is to the bustling area of Vci utca, where you'll have some free time to enjoy lunch and soak in the lively atmosphere. Afterwards, we'll embark on a delightful boat trip along the Danube River, dividing the city into the historic Buda on one side and the cosmopolitan Pest on the other. The vistas are truly remarkable. Following the river cruise, we'll continue with a panoramic tour of Budapest, often referred to as the "Queen of the Danube." The citys charm is undeniable. You'll have additional free time to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, an optional excursion is available that includes a traditional Magyar show with dinner, offering a deeper taste of local culture.

Following breakfast, our adventure draws to a close, allowing you to reflect on the wonderful memories made throughout the journey. Enjoy some final moments in Budapest before you depart, cherishing the experiences and cultures we've encountered along the way.