The Best of Europe

The Best of Europe

1,256 Views
18 Days From

$3866

$3673

The Best of Europe

18 Days Starting in London, England and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: London, Brussels, Wiesbaden, Heidelberg, Lucerne, Verona, Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Florence, French Riviera, Grenoble, Paris

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

5160-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Budget

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From: $3866 $3673 Barrhead discount: -$193

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

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 canals; 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 most famous landmarks, 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 await you on this dream European vacation designed for value-minded keen travelers!

Highlights

  • Explore the lively British capital, London.

  • Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam and visit a diamond center.

  • Drive through the picturesque Rhineland and visit Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town.

  • Experience the stunning alpine scenery and the wooden Chapel bridge in Lucerne.

  • Stroll around the picturesque market square in Verona, Italy.

  • Take a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square in Venice and visit a glassblowing workshop.

  • Visit the world-famous St. Francis Basilicas in Assisi.

  • Explore the archaeological site of Pompeii with its luxurious villas and temples.

  • Enjoy a full-day excursion to the legendary island of Capri.

  • See the famous Leaning Tower in Pisa and visit a perfume workshop in Èze.

Show all

Places You'll See

Holiday Inn Express Arena Towers

Novotel London West

Holiday Inn Express Wiesbaden

Poppi

Drei Koenige

Bv Oly Hotel

Delfino

Central Park

Diana Park

B&B Firenze City Center

Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port

Mercure Alpotel

Novotel Paris Charenton Le Pont

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In London, England

Location: London

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel London West

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.

Day 2 : London

Location: London

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel London West

Meals Included: Breakfast

A full day to savor a variety of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, we recommend our optional Taste of London excursion with dinner, followed by a guided illumination cruise on the River Thames.

Day 3 : London - Brussels - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Location: Brussels

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Arena Towers

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 4 : Amsterdam - Wiesbaden, Germany

Location: Wiesbaden

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Arena Towers

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 5 : Wiesbaden - Heidelberg - Lucerne,Switzerland

Location: Heidelberg

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Drei Koenige

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 6 : Lucerne

Location: Lucerne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Drei Koenige

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a ride on the “cabrio” cable-car to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course, time to shop for an authentic Swiss watch.

Day 7 : Lucerne - Verona, Italy - Venice Area

Location: Verona

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Poppi

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Stroll around the picturesque market square (Piazza delle Erbe) and the cobblestone streets.

Day 8 : Venice Area

Location: Venice

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Poppi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.

Day 9 : Venice Area - Assisi - Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: BV Oly Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 10 : Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: BV Oly Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Day 11 : Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento Coast

Location: Pompeii

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Central Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 12 : Sorrento Coast, Excurion To Capri

Location: Capri

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Central Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 of translucent blues and greens. The town, with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and cozy restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. An optional tour takes you around the island with its steep roads and panoramic views.

Day 13 : Sorrento Coast - Florence

Location: Florence

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: B&B Firenze City Center

Meals Included: Breakfast

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; the included walking tour with a Local Guide shows the highlights.

Day 14 : Florence - Pisa - Eze - French - French Riviera

Location: French Riviera

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port

Meals Included: Breakfast

Stop in Pisa, where you 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.

Day 15 : French Riviera - Orange - Grenoble

Location: Grenoble

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Alpotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leave the French Riviera and travel through the Provence, stopping in Orange, a hidden treasure featuring an outstanding Roman 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.

Day 16 : Grenoble - Beaune - Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Paris Charenton Le Pont

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 17 : Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Paris Charenton Le Pont

Meals Included: Breakfast

Paris is a world-class romantic city with many familiar landmarks. This morning, see the main sights during the included city tour with a Local Guide. In the afternoon, a chance to feel like a French aristocrat as you join the optional tour through the immense Palace of Versailles. This evening, why not join an optional dinner?

Day 18 : Paris

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Transport

    Travel in comfort with a mix of luxury motorcoach rides and scenic train journeys, including a Eurostar train to Brussels.

  • Accommodation

    Stay at a variety of comfortable and modern hotels including Novotel London West, Holiday Inn Express Arena Towers in Amsterdam, and Drei Koenige in Lucerne. Enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and on-site dining options.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners.

  • Guided Tours

    Included city tours with Local Guides in various locations such as Rome and Paris.

  • Excursions

    Included excursions such as a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a visit to Pompeii, and a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square in Venice.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, a gondola trip in Venice, and a tour through the Palace of Versailles.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners

UNESCO Sites

17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam|Archeological Site of Pompeii|Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|City of Verona|Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Paris Banks of the Seine|Piazza del Duomo Pisa|Upper Middle Rhine Valley|Vatican City|Venice and its Lagoon

Accommodation

Stay at a variety of comfortable and modern hotels including Novotel London West, Holiday Inn Express Arena Towers in Amsterdam, and Drei Koenige in Lucerne. Enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and on-site dining options. Each hotel offers unique features and convenient locations for exploring the surrounding areas.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with a mix of luxury motorcoach rides and scenic train journeys, including a Eurostar train to Brussels. Enjoy picturesque drives through the Tuscan countryside, the French Riviera, and the rolling Apennines, with stops at key historical and cultural sites along the way.

Check out our Q&As

  • What types of transportation will be used during the tour?

    The tour includes a mix of luxury motorcoach rides and scenic train journeys, including a Eurostar train to Brussels. There will also be picturesque drives through the Tuscan countryside, the French Riviera, and the rolling Apennines.

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay at a variety of comfortable and modern hotels such as Novotel London West, Holiday Inn Express Arena Towers in Amsterdam, and Drei Koenige in Lucerne. These hotels offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and on-site dining options.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are several optional activities available, such as a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, a Taste of London excursion with dinner, a gondola trip in Venice, and a tour of the Palace of Versailles in Paris.

  • Will there be any guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Yes, the tour includes guided visits to several locations such as a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a visit to the St. Francis Basilicas in Assisi, and a city tour of Paris with a Local Guide.

  • What are some of the key historical and cultural sites we will visit?

    You will visit several key historical and cultural sites including the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, the diamond center in Amsterdam, Heidelberg, the Colosseum in Rome, Pompeii, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes buffet breakfasts daily and 3 dinners.

  • Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the 17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam, the Archeological Site of Pompeii, the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, the Historic Centre of Florence, the Historic Centre of Rome, the Paris Banks of the Seine, Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Vatican City, and Venice and its Lagoon.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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Barrhead discount: -$258

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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