European Sampler

Welcome to Amsterdam!

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Holland Days

This morning, meet your Local Guide for a fascinating introduction to Amsterdam. At the pier board a glass-topped boat to admire Amsterdam from a different perspective as you cruise along the elegant, UNESCO-listed grachten (canals). See the most captivating views of “Golden Age” homes, landmark buildings, and charming bridges. Later, visit a diamond center to learn why Amsterdam is often called the “diamond capital of the world.” Free time this afternoon and evening to explore more.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - There's nowhere quite like Amsterdam! A vibrant city with an impressive artistic heritage and a fascinating infrastructure. The city is built on about 11 million wooden poles and criss-crossed by over 165 canals. In addition, it boasts a vast network of cycle lanes frequented by the city's 881,000 bicycles. Amsterdam is so bike-friendly that the bicycles outnumber the residents!

Tradition on Tap in Heidelberg

Drive across the border into Germany where a real treat awaits with a scenic cruise on the River Rhine, one of Europe's most important rivers, flowing through six countries. Admire castles, vineyards, and charming villages as you sail down the river. On disembarkation, continue your journey to Heidelberg. Take photos of the red-walled castle ruins and enjoy dinner with a beer at the Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg Brauhaus.

LOCAL FAVORITE - Lift a glass of German beer in the Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg Brauhaus. Enjoy the famous tastes of Germany in this elegant and rustic beer house where hospitality is served in the heart of the brewery, along with legendary beers – both traditional and modern.

With Cherries on Top

This morning head to the Black Forest to enjoy some local traditions. Watch a traditional woodcarving demonstration followed by a delicious helping of Kaffee und Schwarzwaldkuchen (coffee and Black Forest Cake). Later, drive over the border into Switzerland and stop to admire the breathtaking Rhine Falls. Continue to Lucerne and join a walking tour to see the city highlights including, the Lion Monument and the 14th-century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (Old Town).

LOCAL FAVORITE - In the heart of Germany's enchanting Black Forest, woodcarving is a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations. Discover how skilled artisans transform simple pieces of timber into intricate works of art, from charming figurines to the famous cuckoo clocks that have become symbols of the region. Surrounded by picturesque villages and forested landscapes, this fascinating craft offers a glimpse into the creativity, heritage, and warm hospitality that make the Black Forest such a memorable destination.

Sweet Sights of Switzerland

A whole day to do as you please. Explore more on your own and get better acquainted with this alpine gem or join an optional excursion up one of the mighty mountains that surround it.

ENHANCED FREE TIME - What better way to spend this free day than with an excursion to the top of Mt. Pilatus? Ascend via the world's steepest cogwheel railway, passing the exquisite alpine meadows and dramatic rock formations. Take in spectacular views of central Switzerland. Feel on top of the world because you are! Send a yodel across the Swiss peaks in the tradition of mountaineers of old.

Spend your day your way in Beaune

Leave Switzerland behind as you enter France. En-route to Beaune, enjoy a scenic drive through Burgundy with its vineyards and châteaux.

Explore more of Beaune with your choice of an included Globus Choice Excursion.

• All Aboard in Beaune - All aboard the "Petit Train Touristique" for a relaxing orientation ride through the charming medieval town of Beune. Hear insightful commentary on local landmarks, including the beautifully preserved Hôtel Dieu, the church of Notre-Dame, the Square des Lions, Pont des Oies, and more aboard the little electric train!
• Cellar Sips and Savory Bits - They say there are over 100 kilometers of wine cellars beneath Beaune! As the center of the region's wine trade for over 2,000 years, it's no wonder. Go deeper into Burgundy's wine capital with a guided visit to a local wine cellar, with wine tasting and culinary bites. Santé!

Enjoy free time this evening.

Château of Kings & Queens

Prepare to be amazed by the opulence when you stop at the Palace of Versailles en route to Paris. Meet your Local Guide and explore the elegant Baroque gardens before walking through some of the palace's incredible rooms, including the State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. Arrive in Paris later this afternoon, giving you plenty of time to get acquainted with this iconic city.

*For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - When it comes to the Palace of Versailles, opulent is an understatement! This converted hunting lodge boasts 2,300 rooms adorned in 17th-century gilded French décor. Kings, Queens, and Emperors have all called it home. Now a world- famous museum, it promises its visitors a breathtaking experience.

C'est Magnifique in the City of Light

This morning, your guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive and a scenic cruise on the River Seine with incredible views of celebrated landmarks. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore more independently or join an optional excursion. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

*For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tempting shops of the Champs-Élysées to the irresistible charms of a corner café, your heart is sure to be captured by France's captivating City of Light.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.