Paris to Prague Europe's Grand Expedition

Welcome to your tour! After we meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Paris, you can enjoy some leisure time to settle in or begin exploring the vibrant city on your own. In the afternoon, be sure to check the hotels reception area for information on the start of our journey. Please be aware that our group may vary throughout the tour, as other travellers might join or leave us during the trip. However, we assure you that the group size will always be comfortable and within the maximum limit. Were thrilled that youve chosen to embark on this adventure with us. 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 delve into the opulence of French history with a visit to the Palace of Versailles, renowned for its spectacular gardens. While entrance is not included, the grandeur of its exterior is sure to impress. Returning to the city, we explore Montmartre, a bohemian enclave celebrated for its vibrant artistic scene, where painters and cabarets abound. Our next adventure is a guided panoramic tour showcasing iconic Parisian landmarks and grand boulevards, culminating in a return to our hotel. For those interested in further exploration, an optional variety show is available in the evening.

We begin our day in the heart of Paris with a visit to the legendary Eiffel Tower. You'll have the opportunity to admire stunning views of the city from the second floor of this iconic iron structure, with entry tickets included in your package. Following this, we embark on a serene boat cruise along the River Seine, taking approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. This leisurely cruise offers a unique perspective of Paris's famous landmarks from the water. Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to explore the city at your leisure, allowing you to delve into its captivating streets, museums, or cafes. Please note that the transfer back to the hotel is not included. If the queues at the Eiffel Tower are exceptionally long, we may adjust our schedule to visit it at a more convenient time, possibly on Sunday.

Today, we set off on a scenic journey through the heart of France, making our way through the renowned vineyards of the Burgundy region. Our first stop is Beaune, a picturesque town celebrated for its charming streets and historical sites, including the Hospices de Beaune and the wine museum. You'll have some spare time here to enjoy lunch and explore at your leisure. Next, we continue to Lyon, once the capital of Roman Gaul, beautifully located along the banks of the Rhne River. The historic centre of Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich architecture and culture. We'll ascend by cable car to the Notre-Dame de Fourvire, where you will be treated to captivating views of the city. You will then have the opportunity to discover Lyon at your own pace. Please note that occasionally, part of the group may stay overnight in Chambry, close to Lyon. In such cases, we will transfer to Chambry in the evening where you will have the chance to explore this charming medieval town, known for its historic centre and impressive castle.

Our day begins with a journey into Switzerland. Upon arrival in Geneva, we will pass the impressive Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. We'll then take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful English Garden, where you'll see the fascinating flower clock and admire the towering Jet d'Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. After lunch, we continue our adventure, travelling along picturesque routes by Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchtel. As we cruise through the Three Lakes region, enjoy stunning views of expansive vineyards with a majestic mountain backdrop. We'll stop in Neuchtel, allowing you time to explore the historical town centre, take a scenic walk by the lake or visit the 10th-century castle that adds to the town's charm. Our journey concludes in Zurich, where we will arrive in the late afternoon. Note that if passenger numbers warrant, the segment between Geneva and Zurich may be completed by train, which will not include a visit to Neuchtel.

Accompanied by our guide, we will delve into the vibrant city of Zurich, the bustling financial and cultural hub of Switzerland. Known for its prestigious banking sector, Zurich has consistently been rated as one of the best cities for quality of life. Following our city exploration, we'll embark on a delightful cruise across Lake Zurich, lasting nearly two hours. The cruise will offer short pauses to appreciate the delightful villages we encounter along the way. We will disembark in Rapperswil, a charming village renowned for its medieval castle. Our return journey to Zurich will be by train, providing a seamless experience of the Swiss railway's famed efficiency and punctuality. Please note that, depending on the group size, transfers to and from the city centre may involve public transport.

Today's adventure takes us through remarkable landscapes dotted with towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes. In the Interlaken region, we'll be amazed by the breathtaking scenery surrounding us. Our first stop is Grindelwald, where a delightful morning coffee awaits. After a short break, we'll board the cable car and ascend the mountain to experience a walk along a path that leads to a suspended bridge. Adventurous souls crossing the bridge will be treated to dramatic views of the surrounding glaciers. Lunch will be enjoyed on the mountain, fully included in your itinerary. We then descend and head to Lucerne, one of Switzerland's most picturesque cities, where youll have time to explore and savour the charming atmosphere and unique architecture. Our journey concludes as we return to Zurich. For those interested, there is an optional full-day excursion available. Starting in the morning, you can enjoy some free time in Lucerne before climbing aboard a rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis. Standing at more than 3,000 metres above sea level, Mount Titlis offers stunning alpine panoramas and a glimpse of the eternal glaciers.

We depart Zurich early in the morning, embarking on a journey across the majestic Alps into the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first destination is Bellinzona, a city renowned for its strategic medieval castles that are perched on the hills and recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These castles underscore Bellinzona's historical role as a key alpine stronghold. You will have free time to explore the charming streets and absorb the unique atmosphere of this historic centre.Continuing south, we cross into Italy, stopping for lunch in the exquisite town of Como, nestled on the shores of its eponymous lake. Known as Lombardy's jewel, Como captivates with its beautiful gardens, elegant lakeside, and striking cathedral. Our journey then takes us onwards to Milan, where you will be guided through the impressive Piazza del Duomo. Known for its awe-inspiring cathedral and vibrant surroundings, the piazza provides a perfect setting for you to wander and soak in the lively ambience before we head to your hotel for the evening.

Today, we set off towards the celebrated city of Pisa. Upon arrival, we will board a quaint tourist train that will transport us to the Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Square of Miracles. Here, you'll have ample time to admire one of the most enchanting and renowned art complexes in Italy, home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. After soaking in the architectural splendour, we will continue our journey to Rome, reaching the historic city later in the day. As we travel, take in the beautiful Italian landscapes and anticipate the rich history and culture that await you in the Eternal City.

In the morning, we embark on a three-hour guided exploration of Rome, the 'Eternal City'. This tour seamlessly combines a walking experience through the heart of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus journey, revealing the history and grandeur of one of Western civilisations oldest and most influential cities. We will visit notable landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, and the Imperial Forums. Our tour also takes in the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant'Angelo. The tour concludes at Vatican City at approximately 11:00 a.m. For those interested, our guide will offer an optional excursion to explore the treasures of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. To wrap up the day, we will transfer you to the lively Trastevere neighbourhood. Known for its cosy eateries and spirited ambience, Trastevere promises an enjoyable evening. The return to the hotel is scheduled for around 8:30 p.m.

We will depart from Rome, travelling north through picturesque landscapes until we reach Florence. Our first stop will be the breathtaking Piazzale Michelangelo, offering panoramic views of this enchanting city. Following this, we will make our way to the heart of Florence for lunch. Once refreshed, a knowledgeable local guide will lead us on a walking tour through the citys historic centre, providing insights into landmarks like the iconic Ponte Vecchio, the majestic Duomo, and lively Piazza della Signoria. You'll then have some leisure time to explore Florence at your own pace. For dinner, you can choose from a variety of restaurants showcasing diverse international cuisines in this vibrant district.

Today, we will traverse the stunning mountain vistas of the Apennines as we make our way to Venice. Upon arrival, we will board a boat across the Giudecca Canal to reach the Island of Venice. Accompanied by a local guide, we will visit the remarkable St. Marks Square, a hub of Venetian history and culture. Following this, we'll explore the Murano Glass Factory, where you'll gain insight into the captivating art of glassmaking. The remainder of the day offers free time for you to wander at your leisure and soak in the enchanting atmosphere of Venice. Our overnight stay will be in the Mestre district.

Today, we will leave Venice and set out for Austria. Upon our arrival in Innsbruck, take the opportunity to explore the historic city centre and enjoy a leisurely lunch in this charming Tyrolean capital. Following our visit, we'll continue our journey through the breathtaking mountain landscapes, eventually reaching the picturesque village of Kitzbhel. Known as a popular ski resort, it boasts enchanting scenery and snow throughout much of the year. You'll have time to wander and soak in the alpine atmosphere. As the day winds down, we will travel to Salzburg, arriving by evening. Please keep in mind that if our group is small, we may opt for a train journey from Venice to Innsbruck for part of the trip, ensuring a comfortable and scenic experience.

We commence our day by delving into the cultural charm of Salzburg, famously known as the birthplace of Mozart. The citys Renaissance and Baroque architecture is wonderfully preserved, dominated by the grand fortress overlooking the area. Our adventure continues as we wind through the scenic landscapes of lakes and mountains, arriving at St. Wolfgang, a well-known pilgrimage destination in Austria. From here, we proceed to Traunkirchen, nestled beside the picturesque Traunsee Lake. Enjoy a serene cruise on the lake, featuring the captivating views of its four impressive castles. We disembark at Gmunden before continuing our journey to Vienna, reaching the vibrant city in the evening.

Today, we will embark on a guided panoramic tour of Vienna, where we'll explore its majestic avenues, grand palaces, expansive parks, and the lively city centre. In the afternoon, you'll have the freedom to discover the city at your own pace. In the evening, we will provide a transfer to the district of Grinzing, a quaint village once known for its vineyards, now part of the city and famous for its traditional taverns. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy dinner in this charming area.

We will set out from Vienna and head to Budapest, the captivating capital of Hungary, which is roughly a three-hour drive. Upon arrival, you'll have some time to explore and have lunch in the bustling area of Vci utca, known for its vibrant atmosphere and myriad dining options. Our afternoon begins with an included boat ride on the Danube River, presenting unparalleled views of historic Buda on one riverbank and the cosmopolitan Pest on the other. This is a fantastic way to take in the city's remarkable skyline. We will then embark on a panoramic city tour of Budapest, famously dubbed the "Queen of the Danube," to uncover its rich architectural and cultural heritage. You'll have some leisure time afterward to wander and discover more of Budapest on your own. As the day winds down, there's an optional evening excursion available, where you can enjoy a traditional Magyar show accompanied by dinner, offering a taste of Hungary's vibrant cultural scene.

We depart from Budapest early in the morning and travel to Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, located along the Danube River. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the picturesque historic centre and enjoy lunch in one of its inviting cafes. Following our visit to Bratislava, we continue our journey to the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague by evening. Once in Prague, we offer a transfer to the vibrant Old Town Square, the ideal starting point for your adventure in this captivating city. The square's lively atmosphere is complemented by a wide selection of restaurants, offering diverse international cuisines. After a delightful dinner, we will return you to the hotel.

On day 18, we are set to explore the captivating city of Prague, often celebrated as the Baroque jewel of Europe. Our day begins with a guided panoramic tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide who will introduce us to Pragues most iconic landmarks. Among the highlights is a visit to Prague Castle, where admission is included in our days activities. Following this, we will embark on a serene boat ride along the Vltava River, offering a unique perspective of the city from its famous waterways. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing you time to delve further into Pragues rich culture and history, whether by strolling through its charming streets or discovering its hidden gems.

As the day begins with breakfast, we arrive at the conclusion of our delightful journey, leaving you with cherished memories that will linger long after you return home.