Traditional Europe
Tour Type: Discovery
Brochure Type: TT & BV Europe Summer 2024 v1
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.
Dining Summary
Brochure Type: TT & BV Europe Summer 2024 v1
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.
Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 17 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 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: Stroll through the medieval streets of Colmar on a sightseeing orientation with your Travel Director.
- 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 and admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital.
- 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.
- Vatican: Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pieta.
- Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
- Capri: Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
- Monte Cassino: View the abbey on Monte Cassino, founded by Saint Benedict in 529.
- Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
- 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: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you 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 Fourviere Hill and explore the city's cobblestone streets on a sightseeing orientation.
- Beaune: Marvel at Beaune's famous renaissance roofing style during an orientation of this wine capital.
- Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
- Venice: Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
- : Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi, Florence and Paris with a Local Specialist
- : Discover Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Colmar, Lucerne, Vaduz - the capital of Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Venice, Sorrento, Pisa, Monaco, Nice, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Avignon, Lyon and Beaune
- : Visit a glassblowing factory in Venice, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the excavations in Pompeii
- : See the Lorelei Rock in Rhine Valley, the Benedictine Abbey of Monte Cassino and the vineyards of Burgundy
- : Scenic Cruise through Amsterdam's canals, along the Rhine River, by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice and to the Isle of Capri
- : 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 and surprise extras
- : 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
- : On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- 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 and surprise extras
- 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
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Call 410-638-5822 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18076030
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 6/30/2024
- Duration
- 18 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Amsterdam | Welcome to Amsterdam: 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 welcome drink as you navigate the city's labyrinthine canals lined with centuries-old gabled facades. Mercure City |
| Day 2 | Cologne | Admire Cologne and Cruise in the Rhineland: 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. We cruise from Boppard to St. Goar along the mighty Rhine, lined with medieval villages and castles that cling to the hills. This evening, we stay in the Rhineland and enjoy dinner at our hotel. Maritim Darmstadt |
| Day 3 | Engelberg | Enjoy Heidelberg then drive into the Alps: 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. Schweizerhof |
| Day 4 | Lucerne | Uncover Lucerne's Treasures: 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. Schweizerhof |
| Day 5 | Innsbruck | Journey to Liechtenstein and Innsbruck: 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 Tyrol to 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. Grauer Bar |
| Day 6 | Venice | Onwards to Venice: 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. Le Boulevard Lido |
| Day 7 | Venice | Discover the Floating City of Venice Make Travel Matter: 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. Le Boulevard Lido |
| Day 8 | Rome | All Roads Lead to Rome: 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. Midas Palace Hotel |
| Day 9 | Rome | Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City: Delve into the treasures of the Vatican with a Local Specialist who will take you on a sightseeing tour through St. Peter's Basilica to see Michelangelo's sorrowful Pieta. Cross the Tiber 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. Ramble through Rome's grand boulevards, shop up a storm on the Via Condotti or perhaps take an Optional Excursion to see Michelangelo's beautiful frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Midas Palace Hotel |
| Day 10 | Sorrento | The Ruins of Pompeii with Sunny Sorrento: Enjoy a scenic drive through the vineyards of Frascati into the Campania region where we'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. We arrive in the sophisticated seaside retreat of Sorrento this evening where we will spend the night. Johanna Park |
| Day 11 | Assisi | Sail to Capri then Onwards to Assisi: Cross the deep blue waters of the Bay of Naples to the beautiful Isle of Capri, ascending by funicular to Capri Town where we will join our Local Specialist for a walking tour. Traveling north, we view the restored Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of a bloody World War II battle, arriving later in mystical Assisi to view the Basilica of St. Francis featuring spectacular frescoes by Giotto with a Local Specialist. Casa Leonori |
| Day 12 | Florence | Through Tuscany to Florence: Beautiful Tuscan and Umbrian landscapes that have inspired painters and poets for centuries follow our journey to Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. We 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. Grand Mediterraneo |
| Day 13 | Pisa, Monaco and the French Riviera | Uncover Pisa, Monaco and the French Riviera: 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. Novotel Aeroport Cap 3000 |
| Day 14 | Saint-Paul-de-Vence | Discover Artistic Saint-Paul-de-Vence: 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. Novotel Aeroport Cap 3000 |
| Day 15 | Lyon | Journey through Papal Avignon to Lyon Make Travel Matter Connect with Locals: 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. Connect With Locals next, where you'll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest lunch of original, regional dishes made with produce from local farmers and markets. You'll travel next to the historically strategic city of Lyon on the Rhone where you'll enjoy an orientation tour including views of Fourviere Hill, the 'hill that prays', and the impressive Place Bellecour before spending the evening your way. This is a city that lights up magically at night, so be sure to take to the streets and admire its beauty. Mercure Center Saxe Lafayette |
| Day 16 | Paris | Travel through Burgundy to Paris: Visit Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, before continuing north to Paris. Our epic European adventure near its end, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a Farewell Dinner this evening. Evergreen Laurel |
| Day 17 | Paris | Explore Magical Paris: Join a Local Specialist to see the sights and sounds of Paris, including the grand Champs-Elysees and the Eiffel Tower. View Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. After, why not consider joining a cruise along the famous river Seine or a trip to one of the city's most famous cabaret shows revealing French pageantry. Evergreen Laurel |
| Day 18 | Journey Home | Journey Home: Today bid adieu to your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable holiday. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Please note that France is hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics in July and August 2024. All travel through Paris during this time will be subject to possible itinerary and accommodation changes. (StartDate:08/06/2024, EndDate:08/23/2024) (StartDate:07/23/2024, EndDate:08/09/2024)
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
