It is not just the cities you’ll see on this European tour; you’ll also see some of Europe's beautiful scenery. A fascinating drive along the Rhine River features quaint towns, castles from the Middle Ages, and villages lining the countryside. Marvel at the gorgeous Swiss Alps. Enjoy the beautiful Tuscany countryside, with its rolling hills, and journey through France’s famous vineyards. Overnight in romantic Lake Como, regarded as one of Europe's most picturesque lakes; spend time in Lucerne, nestled between the Alps and the fjord-like lake; and stop in Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and surrounded by three mighty mountains.
One last treat is left for you as you leave the Old Continent on the Eurostar train to London; get a taste of Britain and of its buzzing capital and enjoy some of the English culture before returning home. Europe’s highlights—including historic monuments, must-see attractions, and scenery—are all available on this splendid, value-minded Europe tour!
Itinerary
Check into your hotel and start exploring the exciting city of Amsterdam. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Enjoy sightseeing in Amsterdam with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights, as you discover the city from water level on an included canal cruise. Then, watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a diamond center. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore on your own or consider joining an optional excursion to discover the famous Dutch windmills and learn about traditional wooden shoes.
Cross the border into Germany for a scenic drive along the River Rhine. Alternatively, enjoy the views from a different perspective with an optional Rhine cruise through the Rhine Gorge, and pass by the famed Lorelei Rock.
Drive through Baden-Württemberg to the foot of the Alps to see King Ludwig's magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany's fairytale castle. Carry on into the verdant Austrian Tyrol for an overnight stay.
Cross the border into Italy to the unique floating city of Venice. This afternoon's orientation includes a boat ride to St. Mark's Square, followed by a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop. Time at leisure to soak up the magical atmosphere of the city or join an optional gondola ride along the legendary canals. Isn't it romantic!
On an interesting drive southward, cross the River Po into Emilia-Romagna, then through the gentle Umbrian hills to medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous St. Francis Basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome.
The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Today begins with a guided introduction to Ancient Rome. 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 to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. Conclude with an unforgettable finale in St. Peter's Square.*
* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Say goodbye to Rome and drive on the Highway of the Sun to Pisa. Hop on a mini train to the Square of Miracles and admire the curious Leaning Tower, a world-renowned photographic subject. Overnight in the spa town of Montecatini, recently added to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Arrive in Florence. This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Don't miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide that features most of the city highlights. See the unique Duomo with Giotto's Gothic Bell Tower, the Baptistry's ornate bronze door known as the “Gate of Paradise,” and the world-famous Signoria Square. Journey northward through the Tuscan hills and across the Apennines to the shores of romantic Lake Como.
Leave beautiful Lake Como and cross the border into Switzerland for a stop in the Italian-speaking town of Lugano. Continue north and, once through Gotthard Tunnel, see more magnificent alpine scenery as you reach the shores of Lake Lucerne. Get carried away on an optional excursion, first by funicular, then aboard the world's first double-decker, open-top aerial cable car to the summit of Stanserhorn.
Spend some time in beautiful Lucerne. Stroll through the old town and see the distinctive covered wooden bridge (Kapellbrücke) crossing the river Reuss. Later, stop in idyllic Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland and then follow the shoreline of deep blue Lake Thun, continuing for a few more miles to Lausanne, overlooking Lake Geneva.
Enjoy vistas of the celebrated Burgundy vineyards on the way to Beaune. Visit the medieval town, known all over the world for its wine production. Take the autoroute to Paris.
Get to know the city of romance with a local expert and see many of the Parisian sites.
* Note: for operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.
Relax on your Eurostar journey to London.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Canal cruise in Amsterdam with Local Guidethrough the city's picturesque UNESCO-listed canal district
- Private canal boat ride in Venice to St. Mark's Square with glass-blowing workshop
- See King Ludwig's Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy-tale palace nestled in the Bavarian Alps
- Visit to St. Francis Basilica in Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Guided sightseeing in Rome, featuring St. Peter's Square in Vatican City
- Guided sightseeing in Paris, France's iconic capital renowned for its historic landmarks, grand boulevards, and elegant architecture
- Orientation walking tour of Beaune, the historic heart of Burgundy's celebrated wine region
- Mini-train ride to Piazza dei Miracolisite, site of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Guided walking tour of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance
- Orientation tour of Lugano & Lucerne, stunning Alpine cities in Switzerland
- Orientation tour of Interlaken, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, & Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva
- Eurostar train to London
- The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners
- Amsterdam: Hampton By Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Rhineland: Ibis Styles Karlsruhe Ettlingen (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Innsbruck: BonAlpina (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Venice: Poppi (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Rome: Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia (First-Class)
- Montecatini: Hotel Tuscany Inn (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Lake Como: B&B Hotel Como City Center (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Lucerne: Ibis Kriens (Tourist Class)
- Lausanne: Ibis Lausanne Crissier (First-Class)
- Paris: Mercure Paris Porte D'Orleans (First-Class)
- London: Novotel London West (First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- For operational reasons, changes to the Paris and Rome program cannot be excluded.
- Services of the Tour Director end on Day 14. London portion includes services of a local host.
- 2027: Departure on December 20 - New Year's in Paris, includes festive dinner
Enjoy inside visits to Europe's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their holidays, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Trip Reviews (4)
Coach was very comfortable and both driver and tour guide were professional making our tour run smoothly. I would read more definitely rate it 10 out of 10. Many thanks to Jemma our travel consultant for helping me with all my endless questions... well done Jemma.
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
