Compare Europe's Highlights by Cosmos vs France, Switzerland and Italy Adventure Tour by Discovery Nomads
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 14 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 2,849 | $ 1,890 |
| Price Per Day | $ 204 | $ 189 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
6 Breakfasts |
| Description | From its exciting cities to its spectacular scenery, Europe has it all, and on this affordable European tour, you'll see the main highlights. Start in Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise and end in Paris with a guided tour and time on your own. In between, you’ll discover Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. In Amsterdam, Rome, Florence, and Paris, local experts will bring the cities alive, and among other famous sights, you’ll see Amsterdam's canals; Piazza Signoria in Florence, renowned for its ornate and famous statues; and St. Peter’s Square in Rome, the heart of the Vatican. Other interesting experiences include a boat ride to Venice’s St. Mark’s Square; a visit to Assisi’s Basilica, burial site of St. Francis and home to frescoes by Giotto and see Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II’s fairy-tale castle nestled in the beautiful Bavarian Alps. It is not just the cities you’ll see on this European tour; you’ll also see some of Europe's beautiful scenery. A fascinating drive along the Rhine River features quaint towns, castles from the Middle Ages, and villages lining the countryside. Marvel at the gorgeous Swiss Alps. Enjoy the beautiful Tuscany countryside, with its rolling hills, and journey through France’s famous vineyards. Overnight in romantic Lake Como, regarded as one of Europe's most picturesque lakes; spend time in Lucerne, nestled between the Alps and the fjord-like lake; and stop in Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and surrounded by three mighty mountains. Europe’s highlights—including historic monuments, must-see attractions, and scenery—are all available on this splendid, value-minded Europe tour! |
Take an amazing journey through the most romantic cities of Europe, see Paris from the top of Tour Eiffel, go hiking in Lucerne, walk around the canals of Venice, visit Uffizi Gallery in Florence, explore ancient Rome, see the stunning architecture of the cities and admire the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps. |
Day 1: ARRIVE AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Check into your hotel, and start exploring this exciting city with your CosmosGo app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (Dinner)
Day 2: AMSTERDAM
Enjoy sightseeing in Amsterdam with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights, as you discover the city from water level on an included canal cruise. Then, watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a diamond center. Time in the afternoon to explore on your own or join an optional excursion. (Breakfast)
Day 3: AMSTERDAM–RHINELAND, GERMANY
Traveling through Germany, choose an included scenic drive along the shores of the Rhine or, even more thrilling, the optional Rhine cruise with vistas of the Lorelei rock, hilltop castles, half-timbered wine villages, and terraced vineyards. Today’s Distance: 336 mi/ 540 km (Breakfast)
Day 4: RHINELAND–INNSBRUCK AREA, AUSTRIA
Drive through Baden-Wüttenberg to the foot of the Alps to see King Ludwig’s magnificent Neuschwanstein castle, Germany’s fairytale castle. Carry on into the verdant Austrian Tyrol, where you will spend one night. Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 5: INNSBRUCK AREA–VENICE AREA, ITALY
Cross the border into Italy to the unique floating city of Venice. This afternoon’s orientation includes a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, followed by a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop. Don’t miss out on the romantic optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. Today’s Distance: 242 mi/ 390 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 6: VENICE AREA–ASSISI–ROME
An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then through the gentle Umbrian hills to medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous St. Francis Basilicas with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome. Today’s Distance: 345 mi/ 555 km (Breakfast)
Day 7: ROME
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 to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.* (Breakfast)
* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 8: ROME–PISA–MONTECATINI
Say goodbye to Rome and drive on the Highway of the Sun to Pisa. Hop on a mini train to the Square of Miracles and admire the curious Leaning Tower, a world-renowned photographic subject. Overnight in the spa town of Montecatini, recently added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 9: MONTECATINI–FLORENCE–LAKE COMO
Arrive in Florence. This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide that features most of the city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi. To top it all, see Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile (belltower), and the magnificently carved East Door of the Baptistry, known as the “Gate of Paradise.” Journey northward through the Tuscan hills and across the Apennines to the shores of romantic Lake Como.Today’s Distance: 252 mi/ 405 km (Breakfast)
Day 10: LAKE COMO–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE AREA
Leave beautiful Lake Como and cross the border into Switzerland for a stop in the Italian-speaking town of Lugano. Continue north and, once through Gotthard Tunnel, see more magnificent alpine scenery as you descend to the shores of Lake Lucerne. Today’s Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km (Breakfast)
Day 11: LUCERNE AREA–INTERLAKEN–LAUSANNE
Spend some time in beautiful Lucerne. Stroll through the old town and see the distinctive covered wooden bridge (Kapellbrücke) crossing the river Reuss. Later, stop in idyllic Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland and then follow the shoreline of deep blue Lake Thun, continuing for a few more miles to Lausanne, overlooking Lake Geneva. Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km (Breakfast)
Day 12: LAUSANNE–BEAUNE, FRANCE–PARIS
Enjoy vistas of the celebrated Burgundy vineyards on the way to Beaune. Visit the medieval town, known all over the world for its wine production. Take the autoroute to Paris. Today’s Distance: 385 mi/ 620 km (Breakfast)
Day 13: PARIS
Get to know the city of romance with a local expert and see many of the Parisian sites. An optional excursion is available to the palace and gardens of Versailles. (Breakfast)
Day 14: PARIS
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Day 1-2: Paris
Accommodation: Novotel Paris or similar
Arrival before 12.00pm. Check this beautiful city from the Eiffel Tower and in the evening you will have free time to explore the nightlife of the city. On the next day you have sightseeing tour around Paris and visit Louvre museum.
Day 3: Lucerne
In the morning you will travel by train to Switzerland. Discover this small city of Lucerne in the Swiss Alps and walk around its tiny streets.
Day 4-6: Venice
Accommodation: Best Western or similar
Explore Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, see the impressive halls of Sala del Maggior Consiglio and pass through the Bridge of Sights. Optional activities include a vaporetto ride to Murano and Burano, Peggy Guggenheim Museum and the Accademia Gallery.
Day 6-8: Florence
Accommodation: NH Florence or similar.
Today you will go on a walking tour around Florence, see the Duomo, the medieval Ponte Vecchio and the Medici Chapels and then visit Uffizi Gallery. Your guide will explain works by some of the greatest artists from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, such as Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and more.
Day 8-10: Rome
Accommodation: Eurostars Rome or similar
Today you will have a walking tour around Rome's beautiful piazzas, learn the dark history of Santa Maria del Popolo and admire its paintings by Caravaggio. And do not miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife. On the next day learn about the history of St.Peters Basilica in Vatican.
