Ultimate Europe

• Land at the airport and meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
• Transfer to your hotel, located in the center of one of Barcelona’s coolest neighborhoods, to check in and get settled in your room.
• Walk through the Gothic Quarter and along Las Ramblas with your Tour Director for a first look at the city.
• Get to know your group at an included Welcome Dinner featuring local cuisine and drinks.

• Explore Barcelona’s historic center, with stops around La Boqueria, Plaza del Pino, the Cathedral, Plaza del Rey, and the Roman Temple.
• Spot the famous Mural of the Kiss and learn about quirky Catalan traditions, including the delightfully strange Caganer and El Tió.
• Get a taste of Gaudí’s Barcelona with views toward Park Güell, where the architect’s colorful, surreal style transformed a hillside into one of the city’s most iconic public spaces.
• Stop for a local churro along the way. Because why wouldn’t you?

Arc de Triomf: Built as the main entrance for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair, this ornate brick arch now leads toward Ciutadella Park and makes an excellent photo stop.

Barceloneta: Head toward the Mediterranean for a walk along the waterfront, a swim, or a long lunch of fresh seafood and paella.

El Born: Wander the cobblestone streets of this effortlessly cool neighborhood, packed with independent boutiques, galleries, cocktail bars, and restaurants tucked into historic buildings.

Gràcia: Wander the leafy streets of this former village-turned-Barcelona neighborhood, where independent boutiques, low-key bars, and lively plazas make it easy to spend a few unplanned hours.

• Travel by train from Barcelona and settle into your new neighborhood in the heart of Paris.
• Wander through the Latin Quarter, one of Paris’s oldest neighborhoods, known for historic streets, lively cafés, and student energy, then see the Louvre and the newly-restored Notre Dame.
• Board an included Seine River cruise that glides past Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Seeing Paris from the water gives you the city’s scale and romance in a single, swooping view. The glow of the bridges and the reflection on the water sets the tone for the days ahead and is an instant “I’m really here” moment.
• Stand in awe under the Eiffel Tower as the lights sparkle in the night. Pro tip: this happens every hour on the hour.

Ask your Tour Director:

• Which local patisserie has the best croissants, which bakery is worth the line for an indulgent morning treat, and what the best items to order are.
• How to use the metro efficiently, the best lines to avoid during rush hour, and how to validate a ticket if needed.
• Where to buy locally made souvenirs or must-have items that scream très chic.
• Tips for photographing the Eiffel Tower at different times of day for the best lighting and the quickest viewpoints.

• Stroll down the famous Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, where your guide will point out the grand scale of Paris’s boulevards and the stories carved into its monuments; the avenue is as much a fashion runway as it is a history lesson, with flagship boutiques and cafes lining the route.
• Find inspiration from the local fashionistas, royals, revolutionaries, and intellectuals that shaped the City of Light.
• Spend the afternoon exploring museum options, cafe culture, or the Louvre’s exterior before choosing your evening vibe—dive into bistros for a long meal or find a jazz club for an after-dinner soundtrack to your Parisian night.

The Louvre: Return to the former royal palace and explore one of the world’s greatest art collections. Plan ahead for tickets, then go say hi to the Mona Lisa.

Montmartre: Climb the winding streets of this former artists’ village, explore Sacré-Cœur, and settle into a café for some serious people-watching.

Canal Saint-Martin: See a more laid-back side of Paris along the tree-lined canal, where locals gather around cafés, bars, boutiques, and the water.

Marché des Enfants Rouges: Hit Paris’s oldest covered market for a choose-your-own-adventure lunch, with everything from French classics to Moroccan, Japanese, and Mediterranean dishes.

British Museum: One of the greatest museums on earth and home to the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, Egyptian mummies, and more. Oh, and it’s completely free. The perfect spot for art and history lovers.

Portobello Road Market: Pastel houses, vintage shops, antiques, food stalls, and everything charming. This is one of the most famous street markets in London you will probably recognize from the movie, “Notting Hill”. Pro tip: make sure you stop into the Notting Hill bookstore!

Tower of London: Feel like a royal in the historic castle and see the legendary Crown Jewels, used for British coronations and state occasions symbolizing the power of the monarch.

• See Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from Parliament Square, one of London’s most recognizable views.
• Walk through St. James’s Park on the way to Buckingham Palace and keep an eye out for the resident pelicans.
• See Buckingham Palace and, if timing lines up, catch the centuries-old tradition of the Changing of the Guard.
• Explore Piccadilly, where grand architecture, luxury shopping, and contemporary street art meet.
• Get an introduction to London’s royal heritage, ceremonial traditions, and modern cultural scene from a local guide.

Covent Garden: Wander the cobblestones, grab a snack from the market stalls, and watch street performers turn the piazza into their stage.

Soho: Bars, music, neon lights, theaters, and endless food options make Soho a classic place to spend an afternoon that accidentally becomes a night out.

South Bank: Walk along the Thames for views of Big Ben, the London Eye, and the skyline, with plenty of places to stop for food or a drink.

Camden Market: Eat your way through food stalls, browse alternative fashion, and take in the wonderfully chaotic energy of one of London’s most iconic markets.

Anne Frank House: Visit the preserved canal house where Anne Frank and her family hid during WWII. Tickets are released in advance, so plan ahead.

Bloemenmarkt: Browse Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market for fresh flowers, souvenirs, and colorful Dutch bulbs.

De 9 Straatjes: Explore Amsterdam’s “Nine Streets,” a ridiculously charming pocket of the canal district packed with independent shops, cafés, vintage stores, and classic Dutch architecture.

Museumplein: Get your art fix at Amsterdam’s museum district, home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum—or just hang out on the sprawling lawn between them.

Rijksmuseum: Spend a few hours with Dutch masterpieces from Rembrandt to Vermeer in the country’s flagship art museum.

De Pijp: Explore one of Amsterdam’s liveliest neighborhoods for cafés, international food, boutiques, and the Albert Cuyp Market.

• Hit the road toward Prague through the changing landscapes of Central Europe.
• Stop in Dresden for lunch and free time to explore the historic center and, if you choose, visit the Zwinger Museum.
• Continue to Prague and get your first look at the city’s dramatic skyline and historic streets.
• Get familiar with the area around your hotel during an introductory walk with your Tour Director.

• Explore Prague’s historic center with a local guide, including the Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and New Town.
• Learn how to read Prague’s famous Astronomical Clock and hear the story behind the Velvet Revolution of 1989.
• Cross Charles Bridge and hear how this iconic landmark became one of Prague’s most recognizable symbols.
• Learn a few basic Czech words and get an introduction to classic Czech cuisine and culture.

John Lennon Wall: See the ever-changing graffiti-covered wall that became a symbol of peace, protest, and creative expression after Lennon’s death.

Prague Beer Museum: Sample from a huge selection of Czech beers at this popular pub—because apparently the museum is the beer.

U Fleků: Visit one of Prague’s oldest breweries, dating back to 1499, for traditional beer, hearty food, and live music.

Old Town Square: Take in Prague’s medieval heart, watch the Astronomical Clock, and grab a trdelník while you people-watch.

• Travel by private coach from Prague to Munich.
• Explore Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s famous central square and sprawling food market.
• Get a first taste of Bavarian food culture and the city’s legendary beer garden scene.

• Explore Munich with a local guide, including Frauenkirche, Marienplatz, and Hofbräuhaus.
• Learn how Munich’s royal, religious, and political history shaped the city you see today.
• Get a taste of Bavarian culture and see why beer halls remain such a central part of Munich life.

BMW Museum: Explore BMW’s collection of cars, motorcycles, and design history in a museum dedicated to German engineering.

Englischer Garten: Rent a bike and explore one of the world’s largest urban parks, including its Japanese teahouse and famous river surfing wave.

Viktualienmarkt: Come hungry and wander the stalls for sausages, cheese, pretzels, produce, and plenty of opportunities to snack.

• Travel by private coach through the scenic Bavarian countryside.
• Take a shuttle up to Neuschwanstein Castle for a photo stop at one of Europe’s most recognizable castles.
• Cross into Switzerland and continue to the Lucerne region, getting your first views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne.

• See the Lion Monument, carved into a rock cliff and one of Lucerne’s most moving landmarks.
• Cross Kapellbrücke, the city’s famous covered wooden bridge and one of Switzerland’s most recognizable sights.
• Explore Lucerne’s pedestrian-friendly historic center with its colorful buildings and lakefront views.

• Travel by private coach from Switzerland into Italy.
• Stop in Como for free time to explore the lakeside town, grab lunch, and take in views of Lake Como.
• Continue to Venice and get familiar with the area around your accommodations.

Ask your Tour Director:

• When to visit the local markets—the most famous, the Rialto Mercato, is right on the Grand Canal and open six days a week.
• Where to buy locally made souvenirs that support the community, local producers, and the Veneto region.
• When to go to the famed bookstore, Libreria Acqua Alta, just a few minutes from St. Mark’s Square—a unique, chaotic spot beloved in the heart of Venice.
• For the perfect time and spot to arrange a gondola ride (extra cost).
• If you can row a gondola—it’s possible, thanks to a unique partnership with Row Venice (extra cost, see Venice FAQ).
• How to visit a fourth-generation winery in the Veneto region, a favorite of our travelers for more than a decade (extra cost).
• How to beat the lines and get inside St. Mark’s Basilica to see 900 years of Venetian art and history (extra cost).
• How to visit colorful Burano for a picture-perfect afternoon and lunch (extra cost).
• How to reach one of the city’s famed viewpoints, like the campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore, for iconic photos of St. Mark’s or the Grand Canal (extra cost).

• Explore Venice by water taxi and on foot, taking in Riva degli Schiavoni, the Bridge of Sighs, and Piazza San Marco.
• See Scala Contarini del Bovolo, a winding 15th-century staircase whose name literally means “of the snail.”
• Visit the Church of San Zulian and explore the atmospheric streets and bridges around the historic center.
• Watch a local artisan demonstrate the centuries-old craft of Venetian glassblowing.
• Taste a local pastry and learn about the food traditions behind it.

Gondola ride: Glide through Venice’s canals in the city’s most iconic boat and let your gondolier handle the navigating.

Libreria Acqua Alta: Wander this famously quirky bookstore, where books are stored in boats, bathtubs, and other creative defenses against acqua alta.

Rialto Market: Explore one of Venice’s oldest markets for fresh produce, seafood, spices, and the everyday rhythm of the city.

Burano: Take a vaporetto to this colorful island known for brightly painted houses, lace-making traditions, and very photogenic streets.

Cannaregio: Escape some of the biggest crowds in this laid-back neighborhood filled with canalside restaurants, local bars, and the historic Jewish Ghetto.

Cicchetti crawl: Do happy hour the Venetian way with cicchetti—small bites traditionally served at neighborhood wine bars called bacari. Order a few with a spritz and repeat as necessary.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo: Climb the distinctive spiral staircase of this tucked-away Renaissance palace for rooftop views over Venice

• Travel by private coach from Venice to Florence with a stop in Bologna for lunch.
• Check into your centrally located accommodation in Florence and head out to meet your local guide.
• Stroll Piazza della Signoria, the historic center of Florentine political life, surrounded by monumental architecture and sculpture.
• Cross Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge lined with shops over the Arno River.
• Visit Basilica di Santa Croce, final resting place of figures including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.

Ask your Tour Director:

• Where to have a golden hour picnic in Florence.
• Their favorite wine window—and the fascinating history behind these quirky Florentine features.
• Where to enjoy an aperitivo with a view—Florence’s rooftop bars are truly iconic.
• Where to find the vintage photo booths you’ve seen all over TikTok.
• For women-owned boutiques and beloved family-run restaurants in the heart of the city.
• About an optional day trip to see Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower (extra cost, seasonal).
• How and when to visit the Uffizi Gallery without the crowds (extra cost).
• Tips for visiting Michelangelo’s David at La Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (extra cost).
• How and when to visit Florence’s iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, nicknamed the Duomo (extra cost).

The Ultimate Wine Window Trail: Florence’s wine windows are a quirky, historic way to sip your way through the city—tiny stone openings once used for plague-era wine service, now the most underrated “bar crawl” around.

The Uffizi: Wander the galleries and find yourself face-to-face with Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. one of the world’s most iconic Renaissance paintings, housed in a building that started life as a Medici office block.

Statue of David: You can’t leave Florence without seeing Michelangelo’s 17-foot David at Florence’s Accademia Gallery, carved from a single block of marble in 1501.

• Travel south through the Italian countryside toward Rome.
• Stop in Orvieto, a medieval hilltop town surrounded by olive groves and countryside.
• Wander Orvieto’s winding streets and take in its dramatic setting before continuing to Rome.
• Get familiar with your Rome neighborhood and learn how to get around the city with your Tour Director.

• See the Colosseum up close and learn how the ancient amphitheater became one of Rome’s defining landmarks.
• Walk through the Roman Forum, once the center of political, religious, and public life in ancient Rome.
• Stroll Via dei Fori Imperiali and see ruins of ancient forums lining one of the city’s grandest avenues.
• Explore Piazza Venezia and Teatro Marcello, an ancient open-air theater that predates the Colosseum.
• Walk through Rome’s historic Jewish Ghetto and hear stories that connect the neighborhood’s past and present.

Spanish Steps: These 135 steps that link the Piazza di Spagna and the Trinita dei Monti church are a great spot to people watch and chill with some gelato.

Testaccio: One of Rome’s most vibrant neighborhoods, Testaccio is home to a thriving nightlife scene, funky street art, and a ton of unique food.

Trevi Fountain: They say if you turn your back to the fountain and toss a coin over your shoulder, you’ll return to Rome. Throw in a second coin and you’ll also find love. Aw.

Capitoline Museums: Head up Capitoline Hill to explore ancient sculptures, Renaissance art, and sweeping views over the Roman Forum.

Villa Borghese: Rent a bike or rowboat in Rome’s leafy central park, then stop at Galleria Borghese if you’re craving more art.

Via del Corso: Stroll Rome’s main shopping artery for major brands, Italian fashion, leather goods, and endless window-shopping.

Trastevere: Cross the Tiber for cobblestone streets, lively trattorias, and classic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe and amatriciana.

• Take a private transfer to the airport and hop on a quick, included flight to Athens, where you’ll check in to your accommodations and get settled in.
• Transfer to your hotel, check in, and get oriented around your Athens neighborhood.

Taste the local spirits: Sample ouzo, the anise-flavored Greek aperitif, at an authentic taverna.

National Archaeology Museum: Explore one of the world’s great collections of Greek antiquities, from ancient sculpture to Egyptian artifacts.

Wander Psyrri: Explore one of Athens’ liveliest neighborhoods, where street art, bakeries, bars, cafés, and tiny shops fill the streets.

Monastiraki flea market: Browse vintage finds, handmade goods, jewelry, souvenirs, and plenty of random treasures.

• Meet a local guide in Syntagma Square and see the famous Evzone guards during the changing of the guard ceremony.
• Wander through the National Gardens, past Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus, as ancient Athens meets the modern city.
• Stroll along Dionysiou Areopagitou, a lively pedestrian street with cafés, shops, and some of the best views of the Acropolis from below.

• Board the ferry from Athens and cruise through the Aegean toward Ios.
• Arrive in Ios and check into your accommodations.
• Explore the area around your hotel with your Tour Director during an introductory walk.
• Get your first look at the island’s whitewashed streets, blue-domed churches, and laid-back beach culture.

Mylopotas Beach: Stretch out on one of Ios’s most famous sandy beaches, where clear water, beach bars, and water activities make it easy to stay all day.

Chora: Climb through the whitewashed lanes of Ios’s hilltop main town for cafés, boutiques, tiny churches, and sunset views.

Homer’s Tomb: For a little island history, hike toward the traditional site said to be the tomb of Homer and take in the surrounding Aegean views.

Sunset in Chora: Find a rooftop or hilltop viewpoint and watch the whitewashed town glow as the sun drops into the Aegean.

Beach-hop: Pick a stretch of sand you haven’t seen yet and make a day of swimming, snorkeling, and a long seaside lunch.

Local Greek food: Try island specialties, fresh seafood, grilled meats, local cheeses, and a final round of Greek desserts before you leave.

Anafiotika: Get lost in this tiny neighborhood tucked beneath the Acropolis, where whitewashed homes and narrow lanes feel like a Greek island hiding in the city.

Lycabettus Hill: Hike or ride to the top of Athens’ highest point for sweeping views of the city, the Acropolis, and the Aegean.

Athens Riviera: Swap ancient ruins for Mediterranean vibes along the city’s southern coast, with seaside cafés, swimming spots, and sunset views.

Try a Greek dessert: Finish strong with loukoumades, galaktoboureko, or another sweet treat before the trip officially ends.