The Best of Europe
The Best of Europe
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:
Tour code:
5160-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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Transport
Travel in comfort with a mix of luxury motorcoach rides and scenic train journeys, including a Eurostar train to Brussels.
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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.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners.
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Guided Tours
Included city tours with Local Guides in various locations such as Rome and Paris.
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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
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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.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes buffet breakfasts daily and 3 dinners.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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We look after you every step of the way.