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The Best of Europe

4.2/5 Based on 42 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
The Best of Europe
The Best of Europe
The Best of Europe
Coach Group Scenic Eurostar

Overview

Read 42 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Cosmos 18 Day The Best of Europe. 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 c read moreanals; 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 with a scenic Seine cruise, 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!
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Trip Length
Trip Length

18 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

London

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Paris

Operator
Operator
Cosmos
Trip Reviews
42 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4.2/5
Trip Style
Trip Style

Classic

Accommodation
Accommodation

3 - 3.5 Star

Budget
Budget

Affordable

Age Range
Age Range

5-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

47

Guide Style
Guiding Style

Fully Guided

Itinerary

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.

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)

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)

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)

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: 289 mi/ 465 km (B)

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)

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 Venice—romantically nestled in the heart of a picturesque lagoon. Today's Distance: 339 mi/ 545 km (B)

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)

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: 376 mi/ 605 km (B)

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.

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: 186 mi/ 300 km (B)

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 with translucent blue and green water. 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 your Local Guide who shares the best sights and stories on an optional tour. (B/D)

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: 317 mi/ 510 km (B)

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)

Leave the French Riviera and travel through the Provence, stopping in Avignon, a hidden treasure featuring an outstanding Christian 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)

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: 376 mi/ 605 km (B)

Paris is a world-class romantic city with many familiar landmarks. Free time this morning. This afternoon, see the main sights during the included Seine cruise. (B)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Canal cruise in Amsterdam with Local Guide
  • Private canal boat ride in Venice to St. Mark's Square with glass-blowing workshop
  • Visit to St. Francis Basilica in Assisi
  • Guided sightseeing in Rome, featuring St. Peter's Square
  • Guided sightseeing of Pompeii archaeological site
  • Scenic mini-train ride to Piazza dei Miracoli, site of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Boat trip from Sorrento to Capri
  • Guided walking tour of Florence
  • Scenic cruise in Paris
  • Scenic Eurostar train to Brussels
  • Orientation tour of Brussels & Avignon
  • Orientation tour of Heidelberg & Lucerne

  • 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 on the Continent, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.

  • Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners

  • London: Novotel London West (First-Class)
  • London: Copthorne Tara Hotel London (First-Class)
  • Amsterdam: Holiday Inn Express Arena Towers (Superior Tourist-Class)
  • Wiesbaden: Holiday Inn Express Wiesbaden (Superior Tourist-Class)
  • Lucerne: Drei Koenige (Superior Tourist-Class)
  • Venice: Campanile Venice Mestre (First-Class)
  • Venice: Poppi (Superior Tourist-Class)
  • Rome: Grand Fleming Hotel (First-Class)
  • Rome: Hampton by Hilton Rome St Peter's (First-Class)
  • Sorrento: Grand Hotel Moon Valley (Superior Tourist-Class)
  • Florence: B&B Firenze City Center (Superior Tourist-Class)
  • Nice: Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port (Superior Tourist-Class)
  • Grenoble: Mercure Alpotel (First-Class)
  • Paris: Novotel Paris Charenton Le Pont

  • 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.
  • The uneven terrain of the Pompeii archaeological site may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
  • Services of the Tour Director begin on Day 3. London portion includes services of a local host.
  • Extend your vacation with an extra night in London (Tour 5165)

Operator

Cosmos
 (1,984) Reviews
Total No. of Tours147
At Cosmos, we like to think of ourselves as experts in ‘thrillology’ – the art of bringing you an experience, time and time again. With over 50 years of ‘wow’ under our belts and no sign of slowing down, we know how to curate value touring holidays that you’ll never forget; creating the experiences you’ve always dreamed more of and showing you the ones, you never thought of. Our job is to take care of the planning and logistics, so that all you have to focus on is living your dreams!
Why Travel with Cosmos?
Why Travel with Cosmos?

Enjoy inside visits to Europe's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more

Personalise Your Adventure
Personalise Your Adventure

Cosmos build free time into every one of their vacations, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more

Cosmos's Expert Guides
Cosmos's Expert Guides

Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more

Trip Reviews (42)

Cosmos Reviews
Reviews 42 Reviews
Average Rating 4.2 out of 5
5 Star
36%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
1 Star
The Best of Europe 2 , VIC, Australia, Aug 2025
What a fantastic highlights journey. We covered so much in the few short weeks all of which was made easier by our knowledgeable tour director Mladen. The fellow travelers on the tour I now consider life friends and look forward to my next Cosmos tour.
The Best of Europe   0 , WA, Australia, Jul 2025
We had a wonderful time exploring Europe. The tour was fast paced which enabled us to see many different places in a short period of time. We loved the 2 night stay overs as it gave us time to rest and spend more time exploring. Our tour guide and bus driver were both great! Professional and knowledgeable and they both made the trip as comfortable as possible.
Cosmos Europe Tour 7 , NSW, Australia, Jul 2023
Travelled in August 2023. Excellent tour with friendly, experienced Tour Director and Coach Driver. A busy itinerary but with the advantage of some 2 night stays along the way. Early starts ensured arrival at various sites before the crowds and the heat of the day. Accommodation was clean, beds comfortable, included meals were great. Optional tours read more and local guides were excellent. Coach was always clean, large windows ensured great photo opportunities from all seats.

Booking on the optional dinners & excursions meant that "extra" highlights and surprises were sometimes included too.... views of the coast at Nice and Monte Carlo at twilight, sunset on the Eiffel Tower, viewing St Peter's Basilica from a bridge over the Tiber River at sunset, stunning views over Lucerne and surrounds while ascending Mount Stanserhorn by cable car are all memorable. A highly recommended tour.
The Best of Europe 8 , Australia, Dec 2019
Tour leader and bus driver were exceptional, very helpful, informative, friendly, and professional. Tour bus was also very comfortable. The only downside was the Wifi was very slow, almost unusable. It would be more enjoyable to have proper Wifi in place. The first two days in London could have been improved by organising an excursion so that everyone read more could get to know each other from day one. We were unaware there was no program from Cosmos in London and struggled a bit with what to do at the time. The bus which took us from Novotel London West to catch the Euro train station was in fairly bad shape and broke down just as we were about to depart the hotel. We could not be impressed.
The Best of Europe   3 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2019
Highlight - well organised. Driver/ Tour Director - both excellent. The following needs Improvement: Hotels - few of the hotels needed to be upgraded. Dinners - main course needs to have options (most of them served Beef & Pork). Coaches - internet access should be available (due to the time difference). People - needs proper introduction on the first read more day (maybe a proper dinner & mingle time) sorry to say some of them never spoke in the entire trip, which I feel a bit odd. Weather condition - attire must be informed as most of them brought summer clothes, most of the places were very cold which was unexpected. Last day dispersal - was a bit of disappointment, last stop Paris needed more days & internal tours included. Overall trip was exciting and enjoyed every part of it.
Day by day there's something new! 7 , Qld, Australia, Apr 2017
18 days doesn't seem like enough time to see all that we did - but it was so well organised that the fast pace didn't even matter! Worry free, spectacular scenery - and a great time to go. There's no way to choose a favourite spot, drive or experience as they were all spectacular. Some highlights were the Amalfi Coast, French Alps, Switzerland's Mt read more Titlus, Pompeii .... Coming from Australia in particular, the immense history in every town's architecture was a marvel.
Extremely happy with our Cosmos tour 4 , NSW, Australia, Oct 2015
We were extremely happy with our tour as we have been previously with our last 2 Cosmos tours. We loved our tour guide Iris. She was the best guide we have ever had, extremely knowledgeable, very patient in sometimes testing times, funny, helpful and generally terrific, we couldn't have asked for more. Thank you so much Iris, you really made our holiday read more special. We were very happy with all our accommodation. We got to see so many places, travelled a long way making our trip once in a lifetime experience. We have done and will continue to recommend Cosmos tours to others and if we decide to do another trip in the future will first look to see if Cosmos can accommodate where we would like to go. Thank you Cosmos :) The only negative comment I would make is that it was extremely expensive to do the Optional excursions, which added quite a bit extra to our trip, but after seeing how expensive it is in Europe I can understand.
Enjoyed the trip overall 6 , VIC, Australia, Sep 2015
As a first time solo traveler I enjoyed the trip overall as I saw some amazing places but the pace was too quick meaning we had very little time in many places, especially the 1 night stopovers. We did not see much in places like Brussels or Ulm which was disappointing. Even with the 2 night stays, we didn't have enough time as we arrived at our destination read more late so we really only had 1 full day there. I would certainly try for at least 2-3 days in each place. Most of the accommodation was a bit far out of the city also, so after arriving late I then had to rely on public transport if I didn't participate in the optional dinners which I thought were quite costly.

There were too many 'optional excursions' and not enough 'included excursions'. If I had done all the optional excursions it would have cost me almost as much as the tour itself! On a positive note the coach was very comfortable and our driver was careful and experienced however I do think if the coach is going into town for an evening tour they should have been able to give a lift in, so I wouldn't have to rely on public transport. The local guides were excellent and our tour guide was pleasant and informative, however I must add that the coach did leave without me one day as I lost our small group walking amongst the crowds of people, and a proper head check was not done on the coach. They only came back 15 minutes later because the 10 year old in our group noticed me missing! Certainly learnt my lesson to not put your head down for a second!
The trip was very good 2 , NSW, Australia, Jun 2015
The trip was very good. The tour guide Trundi and driver John Phillippe were very helpful and keep to the time schedule so we always arrived on time as much as possible. Thanks Georgie for you help in arranging this. It all went very smoothly.
We loved this tour 3 , WA, Australia, May 2015
We had a ball! Although the trip was fast paced, it need to be to include all the sites and opportunities that we experienced. Fantastic driver and tour guide, they were a wonderful team who obviously liked each other and that made everything easy. Carlo was a wonderful driver with a great sense of humour, and Mihaela was beautiful, so lovely. Perhaps read more a couple of days on the coach were too long. Some people found it a bit of a waste, a suggestion might be to spend a couple of nights in more places, and either extend the length or skip something. I realise the trip is carefully worked out to maximise every opportunity, but we did have a couple of really long travel days. Excursions were fun. The quality of the food was disappointing, but the cultural experience on these occasions made up for this. Daytime tours were amazing, and fast track queuing was really worth it. Some of the hotels were disappointing, but overall, the standard was acceptable. We loved this tour, we will definitely tour with the company again.
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Unforgettable adventures are closer than ever. With Cosmos, discover Europe’s iconic destinations through expertly designed tours that turn your dream trip into reality. For more than 60 years, Cosmos has made travel accessible - combining great value with exceptional experiences.

Enjoy handpicked hotels, the insight of skilled Tour Directors, guided more explorations led by knowledgeable Local Guides, and worry-free transportation - all curated to ensure each journey is effortless and enriching. From legendary landmarks to stunning natural wonders, now is the perfect time to explore Europe’s treasures—without stretching your budget. Travellers trust Cosmos for seamless planning and incredible value, so all that’s left is to pack and simply say, “Let’s go!”

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