Tour 17) A Grand Western European Journey – Amsterdam, Alps, Italy & France – 17 nights / 18 days

Day 1 – Arrival in Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam and enjoy an orientation tour of the Dutch capital. Discover the famous canals, historic canal houses, Dam Square, the Royal Palace and the lively city center. Take in the unique atmosphere of this charming city and enjoy some free time to explore independently. Overnight in Amsterdam.

Day 2 – Amsterdam – Boppard – St. Goar – Cologne – Rhine Valley

Travel to Germany and arrive to Cologne for a short visit to its magnificent Gothic Cathedral and historic center. Then enjoy a scenic Rhine River cruise from Boppard to St. Goar, passing vineyards, castles and picturesque riverside villages. Afterwards, visit Heidelberg, famous for its romantic Old Town, castle and Neckar River setting. Finally, travel into the beautiful Rhine Valley, surrounded by vineyards and medieval hilltop castles. Overnight in the Rhine Valley.

Day 3 – Rhine Valley – Heidelberg – Colmar – Lucerne

Travel to Heidelberg, one of Germany's most romantic cities. Discover its charming Old Town and enjoy views of the famous castle overlooking the Neckar River. Continue south through the scenic countryside into France and visit Colmar, renowned for its colorful half-timbered houses, canals and Alsatian charm. Continue across the border into Switzerland and arrive in Lucerne. Overnight. 

Day 4 – Lucerne – Lake Cruise – Mount Pilatus

Begin with a city tour of Lucerne, featuring the historic Old Town, Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument and picturesque waterfront. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Lucerne, surrounded by impressive Alpine scenery. In the afternoon, an optional excursion takes you to Mount Pilatus, where spectacular panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and surrounding lakes await. Overnight in Lucerne.

Day 5 – Lucerne – Liechtenstein – Vaduz – Innsbruck – Nordkette/Top of Innsbruck - Tyrolean Folk Show

Travel through the spectacular Alpine landscapes toward Liechtenstein. Stop in Vaduz, the tiny principality's capital, and see the town center, Vaduz Castle and the surrounding mountains. Continue through the Alps into Austria and arrive in Innsbruck. Enjoy a stroll through the historic city center before ascending the Nordkette to the “Top of Innsbruck” for breathtaking mountain views. In the evening, experience a traditional Tyrolean Folk Show with the Gundolf family and enjoy a delicious local dinner. Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 6 – Innsbruck – Wattens – Swarovski Crystal Worlds – Venice

Depart Innsbruck for nearby Wattens and visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds, where sparkling installations, artistic creations and spectacular crystal displays create a fascinating experience. Continue south across the dramatic Alpine scenery and into Italy. Arrive in Venice, the extraordinary city built on a lagoon, and enjoy your first impressions of its canals, bridges and atmospheric streets. Overnight in Venice.

Day 7 – Venice

Enjoy a full-day city tour of Venice. Discover St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the famous Grand Canal. Wander through the maze of narrow streets and picturesque bridges, or take a traditional gondola ride. Venice's unique combination of art, history, architecture and waterways makes it one of Europe's most unforgettable destinations. Overnight in Venice.

Day 8 – Venice – Rome

Depart Venice in the morning and travel south through the Italian countryside toward Rome. Upon arrival, begin exploring the Eternal City. See some of its famous landmarks and lively piazzas, perhaps including the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Enjoy your first evening discovering Rome's vibrant atmosphere and excellent Italian cuisine. Overnight in Rome.

Day 9 – Rome

Enjoy a full-day city tour of Rome, exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Circus Maximus. Continue to the historic center to admire the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. Discover Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica, with their extraordinary artistic and architectural treasures. Rome offers an unforgettable journey through more than two millennia of history. Overnight in Rome.

Day 10 – Rome – Capri – Sorrento

Continue south toward the Bay of Naples and take a boat to the famous island of Capri. Discover its dramatic coastline, charming squares and beautiful Mediterranean scenery. Depending on conditions and time, enjoy views of the island's spectacular sea caves and cliffs. Continue to Sorrento, beautifully situated above the Bay of Naples, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque coastal town.Overnight in Sorrento.

Day 11 – Sorrento – Pompeii – Florence

Visit the remarkable archaeological site of Pompeii, the ancient Roman city preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Explore its streets, villas, temples and public buildings, offering a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. Continue north through the Italian countryside toward Florence, the celebrated birthplace of the Renaissance. Overnight in Florence.

Day 12 – Florence

Enjoy a full-day city tour of Florence, discovering the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery. Visit Piazza della Signoria and admire the historic Ponte Vecchio spanning the Arno River. Florence's museums, churches, palaces and Renaissance masterpieces make the city an exceptional cultural highlight of the journey. Overnight in Florence.

Day 13 – Florence – Italian Riviera – Monaco – French Riviera

Travel northwest toward the Italian Riviera, enjoying beautiful Mediterranean coastal scenery. Cross into France and continue to the Principality of Monaco. Discover Monte Carlo, the famous casino, elegant harbor and spectacular coastal setting. Continue along the French Riviera to your hotel and enjoy the glamorous atmosphere of this legendary Mediterranean region. Overnight on the French Riviera.

Day 14 – Cannes – Nice

Enjoy a full-day excursion along the French Riviera. Visit glamorous Cannes, famous for its international film festival, elegant Croisette boulevard and beautiful waterfront. Continue to Nice, where the Old Town, flower market, Promenade des Anglais and Mediterranean views provide a wonderful introduction to the Côte d'Azur. Return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight on the French Riviera.

Day 15 – Saint-Paul-de-Vence – Avignon – Lyon

Depart the French Riviera and visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a beautifully preserved medieval hilltop village known for its artistic heritage and charming stone streets. Continue to Avignon, famous for the impressive Palais des Papes and its historic bridge over the Rhône. Proceed to Lyon, France's gastronomic capital, and enjoy an orientation tour of the city before checking in. Overnight in Lyon.

Day 16 – Lyon – Paris

Continue to Paris, traveling through the French countryside toward the capital. Upon arrival, enjoy some initial impressions of Paris, perhaps with a stroll along the Seine, through the historic center or around the lively Latin Quarter. The evening provides an opportunity to experience the city's famous cafés, restaurants and illuminated monuments. Overnight in Paris.

Day 17 – Paris

Enjoy a full-day city tour of Paris, visiting highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde and the historic Île de la Cité. Admire Notre-Dame Cathedral and explore the Latin Quarter and the banks of the Seine. Experience the elegant boulevards and world-famous landmarks that make Paris one of Europe's most captivating cities. Overnight in Paris.

Day 18 – Departure from Paris

After breakfast, enjoy some final free time in Paris, depending on your departure schedule. Take a last stroll along the Seine, enjoy a coffee at a traditional Parisian café or browse the city's boutiques before transferring to the airport for your onward journey. Departure from Paris.