Ultimate Europe

• Land at the airport and meet a waiting EF representative.
• Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
• Bask in the unique culture and style of the city during on introductory tour with your Tour Director.
• Head down Las Ramblas, the central boulevard of Barcelona once described by a Spanish poet as “the only street in the world I wish would never end.”

• Enter Park Güell, one of Antoni Gaudi’s greatest works of modernist art.
• Check out the progress on the Sagrada Familia cathedral, an unfinished project by Gaudí that began construction in 1882.

Arc de Triomf: Built as the main entrance for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair, the intricate brickwork of this gate now leads to Ciutadella Park.

Castle Montjuïc: Gaze down on the Mediterranean from this old fortification that once guarded the harbor below and is named for the hill on which it sits.

• Travel via train to your new favorite country: France.
• Follow your Tour Director on a walking tour of Paris and its sights including the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral.
• Float down the River Seine during a scenic boat ride that makes its way through the true heart of the city.
• Watch the world-famous lights of the Eiffel Tower sparkle (every hour, on the hour after sunset).

• Saunter along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Known for its theatres and cafes—you may also recognize it as the finish line of the Tour de France.
• Get the inside scoop on Parisian culture from fashion to snails for dinner, learn about it all.
• Find inspiration from the local fashionistas, royals, revolutionaries, and intellectuals that shaped the City of Light.

Moulin Rouge: The original version of this famed cabaret burned down in 1915, but the birthplace of the modern can-can dance lives on. Just look for the large red windmill on the roof, buy yourself a ticket, and then send your friends the pics to prove it.

Montmartre: Once an artists’ village and the stomping grounds of Picasso and Dalí, this charming hilltop district is now home to numerous nightclubs and the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. Walk its steep, winding streets for sweeping views of the city below.

Catacombs of Paris: Dare to step through the “Gate of Hell” on your way below the city streets and you’ll be greeted by walls of stacked skulls and bones of past Parisians. Once only considered a novelty, this absolutely eerie attraction is now designated as an official museum.

The Louvre: Once the home of French kings and now the largest art museum in the world, this astounding collection of art from around the world is not to be missed. From the Palace to the glass Pyramid to the Mona Lisa itself, you’ll be surrounded by history and beauty at every turn.

• Dive into thousands of years of London’s secrets with a local guide.
• Immerse yourself in London’s rich history at gorgeous landmarks from the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
• Experience a royal ritual during the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.
• Wave hello to Big Ben, the bell inside the famous clock tower.

The British Museum: Discover over 2 million years of human history at this free museum. With over 8 million objects and counting, it is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in existence—so don’t expect to see it all.

Westminster Abbey: This historic, royal church is the traditional place of coronation and burial for British monarchs. The mainly Gothic façade leads to a gorgeous array of paintings, stained glass, and artifacts. Get yourself a ticket and you’ll be treated to more than just a house of worship.

Abbey Road: Want to walk in the literal footsteps of greatness? Head over to this famous thoroughfare and make your way to its southeastern end. There you’ll find the studio where the Beatles recorded their final studio album and the crosswalk they made famous with its cover.

Harrods: You don’t have to buy a ticket to get into the world’s most famous department store, but once you’re inside, all bets are off. At over a million square feet with 330 departments, its motto of “all things for all people, everywhere” makes complete sense.

• Spend one final morning exploring London.
• Travel by bus to Harwich, a coastal town located in Essex, England.
• Board your overnight ferry to the Netherlands.

Tower of London: A ticket to this historic castle is worth the price of admission. Officially named ‘Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London,’ it has been used as an armory, menagerie, and home of the Crown Jewels of England.

Convent Garden: This popular marketplace in London’s West End offers a variety of entertainment options. Check out the Royal Opera House, fashion-forward stores, a bevy of street performers by St. Paul’s Church, or one of the many pubs and restaurants.

• Disembark the ferry in Hoek and finish your journey to Amsterdam by bus.
• Join a local guide for a walking tour of the city that includes stops at Damrak and Neumarkt Squares.
• Find your way to the narrow canals and streets of the trendy Jordaan neighborhood for indie boutiques, hip eateries, and antiques galore.

Heineken Experience: Whether you’re a big beer fan or just thirsty, this is a stop you’ll want to make. Once the main brewery for this green bottled beer and now a museum, you’ll take a self-guided interactive tour to learn the history of this brew before getting to enjoy two of your own.

Poffertjes and Herring: You’ve heard of chicken and waffles, but what about pancakes and fish? No, not together, but we do recommend trying them both. Nibble small, fluffy pancakes called Poffertjes, try some fresh herring, served raw with onion.

Anne Frank Museum: Explore the life and times of Anne Frank in this preserved canal side house-turned-museum. See the secret annex where Anne, and her brave family, hid from Nazi persecution during WWII. But plan ahead, tickets have to be purchased months in advance.

Bloemenmarkt: Looking for flowers? Head to what was once the only floating flower market in the world. Today, you’ll find it bobbing on the city’s southern canal belt selling fresh flowers, gifts, and an assortment of the famously pretty Dutch tulip bulbs.

• Travel via private coach to Central Germany.
• Explore the area around your accommodations with your Tour Director.

• Hit the road on your way to the ornate castles and long history of the Czech Republic.
• Stretch your legs during a stop on Dresden, and make sure to check out the gorgeous riverside architecture.
• Arrive in the storybook city of Prague and try your best to keep your jaw off the ground.
• Familiarize yourself with the area around your lodgings during a walk with your Tour Director.

• Get stoked and stay stoked—a very easy thing to do in Prague—as you follow a local guide around the city’s greatest hits.
• Cross the Vlatava River via King Charles IV’s famous Charles Bridge—don’t worry, there’s still time for you to become an emperor and have your own namesake bridge, too.
• Take a stroll and Czech out more of the city yourself (Sorry, couldn’t help just one).

Prague Beer Museum: You won’t have to keep it down here because despite its name, this is actually a popular pub. Sample one of the 30 beers on tap, or better yet, order a flight and try a few at once. Best. Museum. Ever.

U Fleku: Want to get traditional and enjoy some beers while listening to some live tuba and accordion tunes? This is the place. In operation since 1499, the eight halls and outdoor garden provide plenty of places to get to the bottom of your beer.

John Lennon Wall: Since the 1980 assassination of Lennon, this once ordinary wall has been filled with Lennon-inspired graffiti and lyrics from Beatles songs. Located near the French Embassy, an unknown artist painted the first decoration, but you’re encouraged to leave your own mark on this monument to art.

Trdelník: From the moment you smell these chimney cakes, your mouth will water. It’s basically a bunch of dough topped with cinnamon sugar and then cooked on a spit over an open fire. Eat it plain or add some toppings—just make sure you have one.

• Follow a local guide on a tour of Munich’s main attractions including Frauenkirche, Marienplatz, and Glockenspiel.
• Tempt yourself with the delicious array of food and drink in the massive farmer’s market and beer garden of Viktualienmarkt.
• Stop by one of Munich’s famous beer halls and have a stein on your own dime.

BMW Museum: Pick up a ticket and discover an impressive collection of over 120 of BMW’s most valuable and attractive automobiles and motorcycles. The past, present, and future are all on display at this monument to German innovation and engineering.

Bike through the Englischer Garten: One of the world’s largest urban parks at over 900 acres, this English style garden has a lot to explore. Pedal your way by the Japanese teahouse, a stream with a standing wave surfed by locals, and more.

• Climb aboard the private bus for a scenic ride across the European countryside.
• Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and snap some epic photos.
• Check another country off your list as you arrive in Switzerland.

• Get introduced to the region with a guided tour from your Tour Director.
• Follow your nose in search of famous Swiss chocolate.
• Look up—way up—at the massive mountains that surround you.

• Take advantage of a short stop in Como and explore the charming lakeside town set against the towering Alps.
• Get familiar with the area around your hotel with an introductory walk with your Tour Director.
• Travel to the Santa Margherita neighborhood of Venice by boat for a walking tour.

• Arrive in true Venetian style at St. Mark’s square via the Giudecca Canal.
• Stand in the footprints of history on the Rialto Bridge, the oldest spanning the Grand Canal.
• See for yourself why the 15th century Scala Contarini del Bovolo staircase literally means ‘of the snail’.
• Watch a local artisan in action during a glass blowing demonstration.

Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal: What better way to experience a city known for its bridges and canals than with a gondola ride down the grandest of them all? Your Tour Director will point you in the right direction if decide you want a ride but finding the gondoliers yourself won’t be hard either—just look for their traditional uniform of black pants and striped shirts.

Libreria Acqua Alta: Calling itself the most beautiful bookstore in the world, this gem is absolutely worth the visit. Wander through charming rooms stacked wall-to-wall with books in this unique shop that battles the nearly constant flooding by placing some of its books in waterproof basins, bathtubs, and boats.

• Stroll the Piazza della Signoria, home to Florence’s seat of power, the Palazzo Vecchio, as well as several intricate sculptures.
• March your way across Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge with shops built along it (formerly butchers, now jewelers and souvenir shops).
• Visit the final resting place of some of the most illustrious Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli at the Basilica di Santa Croce.

Pitti Palace: Pitti Palace once housed the dukes of Tuscany and their extensive art collections, these days the dukes are gone but the art remains. Be sure to check out the statues in Boboli Gardens out back.

Vivoli Gelateria: Would it really be a trip to Italy without gelato? The answer is no. Vivoli Gelateria is the local institution to go to for this frozen treat.

• Say ciao to Tuscany as you head to Rome on the next leg of your odyssey.
• Stop en route in Orvieto, to stretch your legs and snap your shutter at the never-ending Italian countryside.
• Enter the arena that is Rome—you are the gladiator, and pasta is your lion—and get your bearings for the night.

Piazza del Campidoglio: Michelangelo didn’t invent the square, but he did revolutionize it when he designed this city meeting spot on top of the Capitoline Hill. Municipal politics never looked so Instagrammable.

Porchetta: You didn’t come all the way to Rome to not pig out. Ask your Tour Director where you can find an authentic spot for Porchetta—a delicacy of roasted pig with herbs and garlic served fresh from the countryside.

• Practice your “buongiorno”s as you mingle among the locals exploring on your own in the morning.
• Tour the city with a local guide who will show you the Roman Forum, Via dei Fori Imperiali, Piazza Venezia, Teatro Marcello, and the Roman Ghetto.

Catacombs of San Callixtus: See dead people (or at least where they used to be) at Rome’s largest underground catacombs, nearly 2,000 years old.

Via dei Condotti: Stroll this “who’s who” street of high fashion shops, including Armani, Prada, Versace, and Gucci—all of which once charged entrance fees—ultimately culminating at the famous Spanish Steps.

National Roman Museum: Practice your Latin at this immense collection of Ancient Roman statues, frescoes, mosaics and more, housed across four different buildings throughout the city.

Campo de' Fiori: Veg out at the daily market held for centuries at this “field of flowers,” perfect for people watching and produce prodding.

Dancing in Testaccio: They don’t call it the Eternal City for nothing—keep the party going all night at one of the Testaccio Neighborhood’s many glamorous nightclubs.

• Hop a morning flight from Rome to Athens—continuing on the Mediterranean leg of your adventure.

Psiri: Think of Psiri as the Brooklyn of Athens: impossibly hip, and filled with opportunities to dance, drink, or just hang out.
Loukoumades: Sample a food that sounds better with each word: a deep fried donut covered in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.

• Enjoy the incredible ancient ruins of the Acropolis with a local guide.
• Pay your respects to the patron goddess of the city (and her namesake sneakers) at the Temple of Athena Nike.
• Find yourself speechless in the presence of the Parthenon—at nearly 2,500 years old, it is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and storied structures in the world.

Gyros: Go on the prowl for the beloved national sandwich of Greece, consisting of thin sliced meat, tomatoes, lettuce, tzatziki, onions and fries stuffed in a warm pita. Are you salivating yet?

Monastiraki Flea Market: Ah, the last day of vacation. The perfect time to remember you promised everyone back home souvenirs. Not to fear, Monastiraki Flea Market has you covered.

• Depart Athens in the morning.
• Arrive in Paros and check in to your accommodation.
• Join your Tour Director for a hand-picked a group activity, or plot your own adventure; you’re free to customize your day any way you’d like!

Sunset: Enjoy a legendary Paros sunset anywhere on the western coast of the island.

Naoussa Nightlife: When the sun sets, everyone on the island heads from the beaches to the bars; Naoussa is where it begins and ends.

• Free day! Your Tour Director may coordinate a group activity, but you’re welcome to experience Paros as you’d like.

Chill Out: Try a quiet meal or drink inland at the village of Lefkes, a serene and rustic village in the hills above the beaches.

Go Back in Time: Stroll Parikia’s narrow, pebble-lined streets and the Frankish Castle built from the masonry originally used on an ancient temple.

• Board your ferry to Athens.
• Share some laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included Farewell Dinner.