Traditional Europe

Land Tour

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.
Sightseeing 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 and Lyon
  • Visit a glassblowing factory in Venice
  • 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
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.
  • 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: See 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-coloured 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 Fourvière Hill and explore the city's cobblestone streets on a sightseeing orientation.
  • Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
Tour Details Collapse
Tour Provider Trafalgar
Number Of Days
18
Price From
RRP: $9,525 Our Hot Price: $8,382
Price per person, twin share
Start Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
End Location
Paris, France
Age Range
Avg. 45+
Group Size
20 to 45
Tour Style
Comfort
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Expand all
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.
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.
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.
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 splendour 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.
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.
Onwards to Venice
Cross the extraordinary Europa Bridge, rising almost 200 metres 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.
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.
All Roads Lead to Rome
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City.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 savour a tasty gelato.
Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Explore Rome with a Local Specialist who will take you on a sightseeing tour. Cross the Tiber River 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.
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.
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. Travelling 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 frescs by Giotto with a Local Specialist.
Through Tuscany to Florence
Beautiful Tuscan and Umbrian landscapes that have inspired painters and pts 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.
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 flavours of Italy behind, we visit the playground of Monaco and view the Royal Palace before arriving on the French Riviera.
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 specialities from the region at a local restaurant.
Journey Through Papal Avignon to Lyon Make Travel Matter
Visit what was once the centre 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.
Travel Through Burgundy to Paris
Drive through the vineyards and countryside of Burgundy, before continuing north to Paris. This afternoon, explore Paris with your Local Specialist. Wonder at the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées and magnificent bridges over the river Seine and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter.
Explore Magical Paris
Start your morning at leisure, perhaps stroll along the famous Champs-Élysées and people-watch from a local cafe, or take an Optional Experience to explore the gilded Palace of Versailles. Later, celebrate your journey dining with your fellow travellers and consider joining a cruise along the famous river Seine.
Journey Home
Today bid adieu to your fellow travellers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable holiday.
Inclusions Expand
7 Dinner (D)
17 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)
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 utilised.
Departure Dates Expand
Price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
15 Apr 2025 02 May 2025 onRequest $9,225
29 Apr 2025 16 May 2025 Available $10,050
$8,844
06 May 2025 23 May 2025 onRequest $10,050
13 May 2025 30 May 2025 Available $10,050
$8,844
20 May 2025 06 Jun 2025 Available $10,295
$9,060
27 May 2025 13 Jun 2025 Available $10,295
10 Jun 2025 27 Jun 2025 Available $9,850
$8,668
24 Jun 2025 11 Jul 2025 Available $9,850
$8,668
01 Jul 2025 18 Jul 2025 Available $9,850
$8,668
08 Jul 2025 25 Jul 2025 Available $9,850
$8,668
22 Jul 2025 08 Aug 2025 Available $9,525
$8,382
29 Jul 2025 15 Aug 2025 Available $9,525
$8,382
05 Aug 2025 22 Aug 2025 Available $9,525
$8,382
19 Aug 2025 05 Sep 2025 Available $9,650
16 Sep 2025 03 Oct 2025 onRequest $9,750
09 Dec 2025 26 Dec 2025 Available $9,675
14 Apr 2026 01 May 2026 Available $9,650
21 Apr 2026 08 May 2026 Available $9,650
28 Apr 2026 15 May 2026 Available $10,195
05 May 2026 22 May 2026 Available $10,195
12 May 2026 29 May 2026 Available $10,195
19 May 2026 05 Jun 2026 Available $10,475
26 May 2026 12 Jun 2026 Available $10,475
02 Jun 2026 19 Jun 2026 Available $9,995
09 Jun 2026 26 Jun 2026 Available $9,995
16 Jun 2026 03 Jul 2026 Available $9,995
23 Jun 2026 10 Jul 2026 Available $9,995
30 Jun 2026 17 Jul 2026 Available $9,995
07 Jul 2026 24 Jul 2026 Available $9,995
14 Jul 2026 31 Jul 2026 Available $9,995
21 Jul 2026 07 Aug 2026 Available $9,650
28 Jul 2026 14 Aug 2026 Available $9,650
04 Aug 2026 21 Aug 2026 Available $9,650
11 Aug 2026 28 Aug 2026 Available $9,775
18 Aug 2026 04 Sep 2026 Available $9,775
25 Aug 2026 11 Sep 2026 Available $9,895
01 Sep 2026 18 Sep 2026 Available $9,895
08 Sep 2026 25 Sep 2026 Available $9,895
15 Sep 2026 02 Oct 2026 Available $9,895
08 Dec 2026 25 Dec 2026 Available $9,795
17 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 Available $10,195

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