Overview
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!
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)
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 vacations, 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 (42) View All Most Recent 'The Best of Europe' Reviews
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.
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Cosmos Worldwide (2025-26)
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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.
