European Experience

Keep it real on the vibrant streets of London, where old meets new and best of British icons jostle for your attention. Don't resist the urge to hit the streets straight out of the starting gate after checking in. There's something for everyone as you'll come to discover exploring the capital's culture, history and scenic spaces. Delve into London's royal heritage, stroll along the Thames or admire treasures from across the globe in one of its museums before retiring to your neighbourhood 'local' for a pint or two. Stay: Hilton Canary Wharf

What a treat! A full free day in London to do as you please. The British capital wears its diversity with pride - an epicentre attracting people from all over the world, each helping to shape its vibrant cosmopolitan spirit. Dive right in and visit all the iconic sights and some hidden surprises, from the British Museum to the London Dungeon. When night falls, head to the bright lights of Soho or pop in to Brick Lane for a curry. One thing's for sure—you won't go hungry with everything London has to offer. (B)

Greetings from your Travel Director this morning. For now, London bids you safe travels as you continue south through the Kent countryside to Dover and then on by ferry to Calais.

Next stop is Paris, another capital that doesn't hold back and doesn't expect you to either. Take a walk through its grand past, dynamic present and exciting future, from the maze of streets that once nurtured great artists in Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower. (B) Stay: Ibis Alésia Montparnasse 14ème

Audrey Hepburn described it best when she said: 'Paris is always a good idea.' We're sure you'll agree. Hit its grand boulevards on a city sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. See the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées then spend the rest of the day discovering the city on your terms. Don't resist the urge to tread in the footsteps of Picasso and Dalí and visit Montmartre this afternoon, exploring its maze of streets and Artist's Square. There's time to shop for artwork and savour some local specialities before considering a real highlight this evening – an optional dinner and cabaret performance. (B)

Journey through the idyllic French countryside before arriving in Lake Lucerne. You'll want to put the 'heart' of Switzerland in your pocket and take its history, culture and epic landscapes with you. (B/D) Stay: SwissEver Zug

Turn the page to a land of fairy-tale landscapes and medieval history. You have a full day to see the sights and explore Lucerne, starting with a morning orientation including the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church. No visit to Lucerne is complete without a visit to the Lion Monument, built to commemorate the brave Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution. You may be tempted to do some souvenir shopping, but a Choice Experience into the mountains will be hard to resist. Ascend Mount Pilatus by a cog-wheel railway then embark on a scenic lake cruise. (B)

Your journey heads south to the city of Florence - home to various masterpieces of Renaissance architecture and outstanding fine arts. Enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers tonight as you prepare to soak up the beauty of the city, surrounded by Tuscan countryside, that has remained unchanged throughout the centuries. (B/D) Stay: The Gate

Enjoy your day in Florence before heading to Rome. Admire the city skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo. There's time to explore Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Giotto's Bell Tower or shop for the bespoke Italian leather goods and fine gold jewellery for which Florence is justifiably famous. You could choose instead to join a Choice Experience revealing the Renaissance heritage of a city which attracted artists, physicists, astronomers and philosophers like Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo.

Next, travel to Rome. If Rome was a person, she would be confident, alluring and complex. You'll get to know her, and her quirks, over the next two days. You'll find reminders of an ancient world, a holy empire and the Renaissance around every turn. You could choose to join a Local Guide for an optional guided stroll through Rome's piazzas. Linger in your favourite square, or perhaps enjoy a scoop or three of the local gelato and soak up the effervescent energy of a city that knows how to enjoy life. (B) Stay: Raganelli, Ergife Palace

You could spend a lifetime exploring Rome and just scratch the surface, but with your Local Guide on hand you'll dive right into the city's heart and soul. Head to Vatican City to watch the pigeons and people tread on holy ground. The rest of your day is free to explore the City. This evening, why not consider an optional dinner at one of the local restaurants? (B)

Journey on to Venice, which bewitches in all her Byzantine glory, softening even the hardest of hearts with her opulence. Highlights include a cruise on a private launch to St. Mark's Square and views of the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. The talents of master craftsmen are the star of the show later as you visit their glassblowing workshop, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. There's even time for an optional Gondola and Grand Canal cruise – grand palazzi, churches and ornate bridges line your journey. (B) Stay: Campanile Venice Mestre

Today you continue along the Inn Valley to the Austrian Tyrol and its capital, Innsbruck, where you can 'ooh and aah' at the impressive ski jump and view the famed Golden Roof, constructed from 2,657 copper tiles. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.

This evening, a Choice Experience could see you enjoy a lively evening of entertainment during a traditional Tyrolean evening. (B/D) Stay: Bon Alpina, Alphotel

Your first stop today is Munich where you can admire the Glockenspiel in the Marienplatz and the Hofbräuhaus. Continue on to the Rhineland. (B/D) Stay: ACHAT Bad Dürkheim

Suitably inspired by its spires, you'll board a lazy river cruise down the Rhine past terraced vineyards and fairy-tale castles. Your experience of a lifetime ends in the free-thinking capital of the Netherlands. Immerse yourself in Amsterdam's gezelligheid as you soak up the buzz of the city's canals, gabled houses and festive squares. There's no better way to see the capital than from its waterways, why not join a Choice Experience in a glass-topped boat winding through Amsterdam's historic canal ring. (B) Stay: Ibis Schiphol

Say farewell to your Travel Director and travelling companions at the end of an amazing two-week tour of Europe. (B)