Cosmos
OFFER ID 1515176
A European tour should include the most popular and exciting cities, the must-see sights, picturesque scenery, and a mix of culture, history, and just plain fun. This, and more, is what you get on the Best of Europe tour. Visit London, where you could join one of our optional excursions or just discover the city at leisure. From there, cross the Channel on the Eurostar train to Brussels and then continue by coach to discover many diverse continental destinations. Local Guides will tell you all about Amsterdam’s canals; Rome’s St Peter Square; Florence’s Renaissance old city center with a replica of the "David" by Michelangelo; Pompeii, where you’ll see what life was like during the Roman Empire; Paris’s famous landmarks, and much more. As you journey through Europe, you’ll also enjoy spectacular scenery, such as the picturesque Rhineland with its scenic countryside, historic castles, and charming villages, and breathtaking views of the Italian and French Rivieras. Sit back and relax as you drive past the Burgundy vineyards in France and through gorgeous alpine landscapes from Switzerland to Italy. Marvel at the beauty of Tuscany with its rural villages, rolling hills, vineyards, rows of cypress trees, and olive groves, and stand in awe as you witness the blue sea and amazing views on the Sorrento coast and the legendary island of Capri. Last but not least, you’ll love the green hills and valleys as you travel through Umbria to visit medieval Assisi. All of this and more awaits you on this dream European vacation designed for value-minded keen travelers!
17 nights from $3,999 per person
The Best Of Europe
Day 1 ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts and the CosmosGO app are available to help you make the most of your stay.
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Day 2 LONDON London’s calling with a free day to explore on your own or join in the brilliant fun of an optional excursion. Rise and shine this morning for an optional guided excursion to see the sights of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and more, crowned by a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. This afternoon, consider an optional visit to Windsor Castle or the Tower of London – home of the Crown Jewels. This evening, a traditional dining experience followed by a guided nighttime cruise along the Thames River delivers some of the capital's most beautiful, illuminated sights. (B)
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Day 3 LONDON–BRUSSELS–AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS Transfer to the railway station and board the Eurostar train to Brussels with your Tour Director. Take a seat on your luxury motorcoach for the drive to the Amsterdam area.
Today’s Distance by coach: 127 mi/ 203 km (B)
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Day 4 AMSTERDAM–WIESBADEN, GERMANY Today, enjoy an included canal cruise to see the city from water level with a Local Guide, then stop at a diamond center to watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones. This afternoon, continue your journey to Wiesbaden.
Today’s Distance: 258 mi/ 415 km (B)
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Day 5 WIESBADEN–HEIDELBERG–LUCERNE AREA, SWITZERLAND Drive through the picturesque Rhineland and enjoy splendid scenery as you skirt the Rhine River. Visit Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town, located near the confluence of the Neckar and Rhine Rivers, then continue to Switzerland.
Today’s Distance: 270 mi/ 435 km (B)
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Day 6 LUCERNE Lucerne is nestled amid snowcapped Alps, surrounded by a lake, and graced by the clear mountain waters of the Reuss River. Your orientation includes the wooden Chapel bridge and the Lion monument, erected in memory of the 800 Swiss Guards who defended Louis XVI and his wife. A choice of optional activities completes the day. (B)
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Day 7 LUCERNE AREA–VERONA, ITALY–VENICE AREA More wonderful alpine scenery as you drive into the mountain ranges that surround the massive St. Gotthard Pass. Continue to the warmer and sunnier ambiance of Canton Ticino, then cross into Italy and drive across the Po Valley to Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Stroll around the picturesque market square (Piazza delle Erbe) and the cobblestone streets.
Today’s Distance: 317 mi/ 510 km (B)
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Day 8 VENICE AREA Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and busy little piazzas (squares). Your included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and is followed by free time to soak up the city’s unique atmosphere and a chance to visit a glassblowing workshop. Discover the Venice lagoon on a relaxing optional boat trip, with time to explore colorful streets of Burano, the island known for hand-made lace. (B,D)
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Day 9 VENICE AREA–ASSISI–ROME An interesting drive southward, crossing the rolling Apennines. Stop in medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182, and visit the world-famous St. Francis Basilicas with the beautiful frescoes by Giotto. Then, head for Rome.
Today’s Distance: 317 mi/ 510 km (B)
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Day 10 ROME The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St. Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.* (B)
* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
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Day 11 ROME–POMPEII–SORRENTO COAST Travel south all the way, with the Vesuvius volcano in the distance. Visit Pompeii, where time stopped in 79 AD when the Vesuvius eruption buried the city. On your guided visit to the archaeological site, see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. From here, it’s just a few more miles to reach the lively Sorrento area.
Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km (B)
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Day 12 SORRENTO COAST. EXCURSION TO CAPRI Cross the blue sea for a full-day excursion to the legendary island of Capri. Surrounded by rose-tinted rocks, Capri has incredibly beautiful coves of translucent blues and greens. The town, with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and cozy restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. Ah, Capri! There's more than meets the eye on this stunning island. Join yourLocal Guide who shares the best sights and s stories on an optional tour. (B,D)
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Day 13 SORRENTO COAST–FLORENCE An early journey north to Florence. Vistas of rolling hills, austere rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Arrive in Florence in the afternoon in time to enjoy its magnificent architectural and artistic treasures; discover all the highlights on the included walking tour with a Local Guide.
Today’s Distance: 320 mi/ 515 km (B)
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Day 14 FLORENCE–PISA–ÈZE, FRANCE–FRENCH RIVIERA Stop in Pisa, and hop on a mini train to reach the Square of Miracles to see the famous Leaning Tower. Bypassing the great port of Genoa, drive northwest for glimpses of the Italian and French Rivieras. Visit a typical perfume workshop in Èze and later reach the shores of the charming Côte d’Azur. Tonight, roll the dice and rub elbows with the high rollers of Monte Carlo on an optional “Monte Carlo by Night” excursion to experience the glitz and glamour of Monaco.
Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km (B)
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Day 15 FRENCH RIVIERA–ORANGE–GRENOBLE Leave the French Riviera and travel through the Provence, stopping in Orange, a hidden treasure featuring an outstanding Roman heritage, and on the more frivolous side, some first-class wines. Overnight in Grenoble—an alpine sports mecca and site of the 1968 Winter Olympic Games.
Today’s Distance: 296 mi/ 476 km (B,D)
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Day 16 GRENOBLE–BEAUNE–PARIS Enjoy the very heart of the Burgundy wine-growing region, making a stop in lovely Beaune, surrounded by some of the world’s finest vineyards. Continue northward to the exciting city of Paris, capital of France.
Today’s Distance: 358 mi/ 577 km (B)
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Day 17 PARIS Paris is a world-class romantic city with many familiar landmarks. This morning, see the main sights during the included city tour with a Local Guide. (B)
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Day 18 PARIS Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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VilleFranche Shore Excursion - Discovery of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominativer board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes.
HIGHLIGHTS
Grasse Rising from the hills above the Mediterranean is the city of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, surrounded by the charming Provencal landscape and villages of the Pays de Grasse, the regional name for this breathtaking and tranquil countryside. This 17th and 18th century town is large and extremely interesting, with tiny streets that wind between the buildings, up and down ancient steps, passing through arched tunnels and sometimes opening out onto large squares.
Cannes was nothing more than an unimportant fishing village 150 years ago. Since then it has become an elegant city known round the world and attracts an international clientele.
Antibes is the proper name of this ancient town, but it's commonly referred to as Trompe l'Oeil wall mural at Juan Antibes - Juan-les-Pins.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours
Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours
Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours
Assisi is a well-preserved medieval town that's, after the Vatican, Italy's
second most-popular religious-pilgrimage destination. Located high on a hilltop,
it has an air of mystical serenity in keeping with its history. Assisi was the
home of St. Francis (the founder of the Franciscan order of friars), and the
churches and crypt that bear his name draw a steady stream of pilgrims and sightseers
every year. Although the town was rocked by an earthquake in 1997, much of the
damage has been repaired. One of the most severely damaged buildings, however,
was the treasured Basilica of San Francesco, known for its vivid frescoes by
Giotto that depict the life of the saint. The upper basilica has recently reopened
and, though restoration continues, many of the beloved frescoes can be admired
again. The lower basilica and St. Francis' tomb are also open to the public.
Other places of interest include the Church of Santa Chiara, a medieval fortress
(La Rocca Maggiore), the Piazza del Comune (the old town center) and St. Peter's
church. Or just stroll the narrow, picturesque streets and listen to the musicians
practicing nearby (though they may be drowned out by construction noises --
many buildings are still under renovation).
You may want to visit during one of Assisi's numerous celebrations: the Feast
of Calendimaggio, a five-day coming-of-spring festival with medieval costumes,
dances and songs (around the first week of May); a month of folklore and musical
events in August; or the Feast of St. Francis (4 October), which celebrates
the saint's transition from this life into the next. During this two-day festival,
the entire town is illuminated by oil lamps. If you are going to Assisi at one
of these times, reserve accommodations well ahead of time -- the city will be
filled with pilgrims.
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a full day excursion by private motor-boat to explore the Lagoon Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice lies in the centre of a vast lagoon that stretches for about 30 miles from north to south, studded by numerous small islands, mostly deserted. This amazing environment is what drove the Venetians to establish their city here, a perfectly secure and inaccessible little world. Enjoy the beauty of a ride across the waters of the lagoon; visit the island of Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years and where you can see the age-old techniques of glass blowing still in use today.
Continue to Torcello, to see the breathtaking mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta, the oldest building on the lagoon. After a leisurely lunch (payable locally) you reach the island of Burano, a quaint and colourful fisherman island famous for its lace and charming architecture.
Highlights:
The story of Murano and Burano
Hop on a private boat and start sailing through the Venice lagoon! This unique tour will let you discover the authentic side of Venice by exploring two famous islands – Murano and Burano. First stop, Murano – an epicenter of the most sophisticated glass production in the world. “Il vetro di Murano”, the glass of Murano, is a special type of glass made for decades. You will visit one of the traditional factories and take part in a glass-blowing demonstration. Pretty exclusive, don’t you think?
Your next stop is Burano – a small, fishermen’s island, famous for its heritage of lace embroidery that it’s still today made by hand only. It is often mentioned as one of the prettiest towns in Italy and also one of the most unique thanks to two characteristics: its canals and its colorful houses that make the island a real rainbow of colors! This tour will surely let you remember the Venice Lagoon forever.
Highlights:
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
Are you ready to start this tour with a private boat cruise down the most spectacular “boulevard” in the world? Yes, we are talking about The Canal Grande, Venice’s main artery. Just hop on your private boat and enjoy the scenic views of all the marvelous palaces and side alley’s canals. Sit back and relax while you absorb the breath-taking beauty and uniqueness of Venice. After the ride, the guide will take you through Calli, Callette, Ponti, Campi and Campielli. You will reach Rialto bridge, that was the only way to cross the great Canal on foot, for centuries. You can indulge in great experience of the famous local market filled with interesting products and learn more about the area that was once a significant place for trading goods.
Highlights:
unique sightseeing experience
Personal guide
Tour Duration: up to 4h
Tour can operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Easy
Inclusions:
No line entrance tickets for Doge’s Palace and St. Mark Basilic
Not Included:
Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours
Meet your driver at the Port in Amsterdam for a private transfer to the city centre where your guide is waiting to meet you for a walking tour of this beautiful city. Begin at Dam Square, bordered by the Royal Palace and enjoy wonderful views of the canals and gabled houses of the mercantile quarter before visiting the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*. After your tour, transfer in the comfort of your own private vehicle back to your ship.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours
Spend the day exploring Amsterdam in the hands of your expert guide. You are met at the port and transferred to Dam Square where your morning’s walking tour includes the notable Royal Palace. Admire the views of the canals and the gabled houses of the Canal Ring district, where you will visit the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*.
After lunch explore the beautifully-restored Rijksmuseum, to admire the stunning collection of masterpieces from the seventeenth-century Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without seeing the delightful Van Gogh Museum, home to many of his famous works as well as those of other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours
You are met at Amsterdam port for a full-day excursion outside of the city. Head south into the countryside for a photo opportunity at the impressive Three Sisters Windmills in Stompwijk. As over a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, windmills were initially designed to pump vast amount of water out, thus protecting land from flooding. Today, these silent giants draw many visitors every year for their charming appearances.
From here, you travel on to Delft, world-renowned for its famous blue and white pottery and one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Take in the town’s architectural gems and charming ambience, which are best appreciated by walking along its small canals with their graceful humpbacked bridges.
Following this, enjoy a privately-guided tour at the Royal Delft Experience, where a painter shares the passion behind the production of this stunning 17th-century earthenware during a special demonstration.
After lunch at leisure, you continue to the Hague, the home of the Dutch Royal Family and the administrative capital of the Netherlands; walk the Inner court past the Government buildings and take the opportunity for a photo stop at the International Court of Justice. You may like to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of paintings, including Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens and Van Dyck, or you may choose to visit the Panorama Mesdag, which hosts the Panorama, one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (subject to opening times).
On your return journey, stop at Scheveningen beach for some spectacular views before continuing back. (8 hours, driver and guide)
Highlights:
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.
Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.
Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.
Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.
Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.
Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.
The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.
Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.
Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.
St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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