17-Nights Traditional Europe from $4,501

Trafalgar

OFFER ID 1478235

Traditional Europe
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

8 Dinner (D)
15 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: 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: See St. Peter's Basilica located within the Vatican City.
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.
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 Fourvière 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.

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, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi, Florence and Paris
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
View the ancient sites in Rome, the Lion Monument in Lucerne, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower in Paris
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

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 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.

17 nights from $4,501 per person

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

Trafalgar Tours: Traditional Europe

Day 1 - 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 a drink as you navigate the city’s labyrinthine canals lined with centuries-old gabled façades.
Accommodations: Mercure City
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - 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.
Accommodations: Maritim Darmstadt
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - 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.
Accommodations: Schweizerhof
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - 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.
Accommodations: Schweizerhof
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - 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 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.
Accommodations: Grauer Bär
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - 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.
Accommodations: Le Boulevard Lido
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - 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.
Accommodations: Le Boulevard Lido
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - 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.
Accommodations: Midas Palace
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - 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 Piet. 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.
Accommodations: Midas Palace
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - 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.
Accommodations: Johanna Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 - 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.
Accommodations: Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - 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.
Accommodations: Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Journey Through Papal Avignon to Lyon Make Travel Matter
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.
Accommodations: Mercure Center Saxe Lafayette
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 - 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 dinner this evening.
Accommodations: Evergreen Laurel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15 - Explore Magical Paris
Join a Local Specialist to see the sights and sounds of Paris, 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.
Accommodations: Evergreen Laurel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 - Journey Home
Today bid adieu to your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable holiday.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Amsterdam

Cosmopolitan Amsterdam is most famous for its narrow, gabled houses lining the canals. Interesting attractions include the medieval weighhouse, Royal Palace on Dam Square, and New Church. Its most glamorous industry is the diamond trade. Not too far from Amsterdam are the flower centers of Aalsmeer, the picturesque fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, cheese markets at Edam and Gouda, and historic Haarlem, the main center of the bulb-growing industry. Enjoy the city’s sights from a glass-topped sightseeing boat which passes characteristic gabled houses and negotiates picturesque arched bridges. Facing Dam Square, the Royal Palace was built in 1648 and is still officially the royal residence, although the royal family resides in The Hague. The marbled Citizens Hall with inlaid maps of the world is worth seeing. One of Amsterdam’s most visited sites is historic Anne Frank House. Rijksmuseum, the city’s most prestigious museum, houses the largest collection of Dutch paintings in the world. Van Gogh Museum houses a striking collection.

Excursions

Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours

Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours

Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours

You are met at Amsterdam port for a full-day excursion outside of the city. Head south into the countryside for a photo opportunity at the impressive Three Sisters Windmills in Stompwijk. As over a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, windmills were initially designed to pump vast amount of water out, thus protecting land from flooding. Today, these silent giants draw many visitors every year for their charming appearances.

From here, you travel on to Delft, world-renowned for its famous blue and white pottery and one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Take in the town’s architectural gems and charming ambience, which are best appreciated by walking along its small canals with their graceful humpbacked bridges.

Following this, enjoy a privately-guided tour at the Royal Delft Experience, where a painter shares the passion behind the production of this stunning 17th-century earthenware during a special demonstration.

After lunch at leisure, you continue to the Hague, the home of the Dutch Royal Family and the administrative capital of the Netherlands; walk the Inner court past the Government buildings and take the opportunity for a photo stop at the International Court of Justice. You may like to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of paintings, including Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens and Van Dyck, or you may choose to visit the Panorama Mesdag, which hosts the Panorama, one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (subject to opening times).

On your return journey, stop at Scheveningen beach for some spectacular views before continuing back. (8 hours, driver and guide)

Highlights:

Witness the majestic windmills known as the Three Sisters
Delve into Delft's artistic heritage

Tour Duration: 8 Hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

Private transport by luxury car or minivan
An expert local guide for 8 hours
Entrance fees to all sights and museums
All taxes

Exclusions:

All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
Gratuities

Rhineland

Engelberg

Innsbruck

Venice

With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.

Excursions

Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours

The story of Murano and Burano

The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice

Rome

Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.

Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.

Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.

Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.

Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.

Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.

Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.

Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.

Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:

Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.

The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.

Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.

Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.

St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.

St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.

Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a town of extraordinary beauty and is known as a popular gateway to Italy's most spectacular stretch of coastline - the Amalfi Drive lined with fishing villages and famous resorts. The seaside resort of Amalfi sits with weathered houses scrambling up steep cliffs. Visitors marvel at its location and its magnificent cathedral. The religious sanctuary of Cloister of St. Francis is worth a visit. The tiny, exclusive resort of Positano has its famous world-class hotel, San Pietro. Excavations of the ruined city of Pompeii, which was destroyed in 79 A.D. during the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius, give visitors a vivid impression of life in a very wealthy ancient city and the tragic end of its population. The Isle of Capri ranks as one of the most beautiful islands and has captured visitors for centuries with excellent climate, spectacular landscape and fantastic sea caverns. Capri has lavish villas, elegant hotels, chic boutiques and quaint restaurants. Museo Correale contains a death mask of poet Torquato Tasso and some special editions of his works, pictures, furniture and porcelain.

Excursions

Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours

Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours

Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours

Assisi

Florence

French Riviera

From the elegant city of Cannes, home of the famous film festival, it's an easy drive to the other star attractions along the French Riviera. Enjoy the plunging cliffside scenery on one of the corniche roads to Monte Carlo. Or visit Antibes with its lush, bougainvillea-draped villas, or the medieval walled town of St. Paul de Vence.

Excursions

VilleFranche Shore Excursion - Discovery of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes - 8 hours

Lyon

Paris

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

12/10/2024 - 12/27/2024

from $4,501 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $4,501 per person

Length

17 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1478235

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17-Nights Traditional Europe from $4,501

Itinerary Details

Excursions

Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours

Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours

Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours

Excursions

Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours

The story of Murano and Burano

The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice

Excursions

Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours

Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours

Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours

Excursions

VilleFranche Shore Excursion - Discovery of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes - 8 hours

Vacation Details

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