Europe: The Grand Tour

You’re on your way to an incredible journey through Europe. The rich culture and cuisine of France, the famed canals of Amsterdam, and the stunning architecture of Vienna are just some of the highlights to come on this tour to seven European countries: Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

Narrow canals, stone bridges, and bike-brimmed lanes - this is Amsterdam, the lively starting point of your journey. Check into your hotel* located in a bustling quarter in Amsterdam’s north, a convenient hub for using the city’s public transportation to reach all the must-sees. Get a taste of the local flavors and meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

See the city the way it’s meant to be seen - by canal. On a private boat, cruise under sloping bridges and pass by classic Dutch houses. Then, continue discovering Amsterdam** on a walking tour with a local guide. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this exciting city on your own.

**Amsterdam is building a more responsible tourist economy. Our time exploring will follow the city's tourist rules and regulations.

Get off the beaten track and uncover Lier’s rich history. On a guided stroll, explore Lier’s beguinage, where small houses feature biblical scenes upon the doors, and see the historic town hall, formerly a Cloth Hall, among this town’s charming architecture and sights. This afternoon in Brussels, it’s your choice! Explore the famed sights of Brussels on a locally guided tour -OR- follow the Comic Strip Route, discovering street murals and other representations of comic strip heroes throughout the city. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant in the heart of the town.

The day is yours to explore more of Brussels and discover its rich history, architecture, gastronomy, and so much more. Or perhaps you will choose to visit the famous site of the Battle of Waterloo, where the Napoleonic Wars came to an end in 1815.

Explore the unique blend of Luxembourg’s historic fortresses, lush landscapes, and cosmopolitan elegance of the only Grand Duchy in the world. In the Old City of Luxembourg, join a local guide and hear the city’s stories as you take in landmarks and memorials, followed by time on your own in this unique capital. This afternoon, make yourself comfortable in your centrally located hotel in Strasbourg, your home for the next three nights. Tonight, experience famous Alsace cuisine at a local restaurant.

This morning, learn more about the provincial capital of Strasbourg, where centuries of Roman, French, German, and Alsatian influences blend together to lend this city its unique character. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Quarter, "Petite France," featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame, considered one of the noblest achievements of Western architecture. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the city on your own or perhaps you will choose an optional excursion to traverse the picturesque wine route of the Alsace wine region.

Traveling from Strasbourg to Basel, take in the beauty that surrounds the rich culture and history of Switzerland and France. The train whisks you through the stunning scenery, as it runs along the Rhine River much of the way. In Basel, wander through the winding streets and alleyways of the well-preserved medieval Old Town as a local guide brings history to life. Explore it further on your own before returning to Strasbourg in the late afternoon.

This morning, say “au revoir” to France and greet Germany. Visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Explore the museum’s collection of legendary vehicles on an audio guided tour and have an opportunity for lunch on your own in the museum’s cafeteria, before continuing your journey to the Bavarian capital, Münich. Tonight, enjoy Bavarian specialties during dinner at a restaurant popular among locals.

Explore Bavaria’s capital during a locally guided tour this morning. Explore the Altstadt (Old Town) and the central Marienplatz Square, known for its popular glockenspiel show that chimes and reenacts stories from the 16th century. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy this exciting city.

This morning your journey continues to Austria. Explore Salzburg, the “City of Music” and enjoy its’ old-world charm. This evening, Vienna welcomes you with its elegant architecture and cobblestone streets. Tonight, join an evening stroll before dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, meet your local guide for a scenic walking tour to Vienna’s city center and behold the beautiful architecture, scenic parks, and gothic spires that fill the city. For the rest of the day, take the opportunity to explore Vienna as you wish. Tonight, you may choose to explore the interiors at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and listen to a musical performance at the famous Orangerie, where the past comes alive.

Choose how you spend your day because it’s your choice! Join a local guide in the Belvedere Museum, home to Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting, The Kiss -OR- stroll through the unique collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum and savor a taste of Viennese coffee-house culture. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and toast to the end of your journey through so many unforgettable destinations of Europe.

Your tour ends today.