Compare France, Switzerland and Italy Adventure Tour by Discovery Nomads vs European Vistas by Expat Explore

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.

Day 1: Amsterdam

Welcome to the start of your tour! Arriving in Amsterdam, you'll meet your tour leader at the hotel. Once you've settled in, we'll head in to the centre of Amsterdam to experience the wonders of this fascinating city with an Amsterdam canal dinner cruise. Get on board and have those cameras at the ready – this is the best way to be introduced to Amsterdam, a city of beautiful 17th Century architecture, and a charm all its own. Watch the city drift past as you sail by, and listen out for tips and interesting insights into the city from your tour leader. The evening is yours free to explore the canals some more, head to Dam Square, and maybe even wander through Amsterdam's iconic Red Light District!

Experiences
Amsterdam Canal Cruise. Sail along Amsterdam's stunning canals at twilight and enjoy a delicious pizza as you cruise.  A perfect  introduction to Amsterdam you will cruise along Amsterdam's atmospheric canals. Choose from different types of pizza, enjoy Ben and Jerry's ice cream,  and you can also upgrade to include unlimited soft drinks, beer and wine.
 

Accommodation
Hampton by Hilton Schipol Airport
Holiday Inn Express Schipol Airport
Park Inn Plaza Amsterdam Airport
Crowne Plaza Amsterdam Schiphol
Lake land Hotel
Other Foods to try
Dutch Kroket, cheese, bitterballen and pastries!
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley

This morning, we’ll take a look at a cheese-making demonstration, revealing how cheese has been made in the traditional way in these parts for many years. Following that, we’ll learn about that most quirky of Dutch footwear choices – the clog – and see how these traditional shoes are carved. Stopping off at a windmill for a photo stop, you’ll be able to appreciate the iconic scenery of the Netherlands. If the season is right, look out for flowers in the fields! Continuing on to the Rhine Valley, we’ll board a Rhine Valley river boat and cruise the Rhine River. With the highest concentration of medieval castles in all of Europe, this is a memorable trip, especially with all the vineyards, cliff faces and medieval German towns! Once the cruise is over we'll visit a local wine merchants for an included wine tasting - if the harvest has been good, you may even get to try eiswein (ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine that is produced in very small quantities as it can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing.

Experiences
River Cruise. Cruise down the Rhine and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of Gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortess Rheinfels).
Rhine Valley Wine Tasting: visit a local wine merchants in one of Germany's most famous wine growing regions, and sample several types of delicious German wine. Popular varieties from the surrounding area and neighbouring regions include Riesling, Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir. The region is also well-known for eiswein (ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested in the freezing winter months.

Accommodation
Rheinlust
Ibis Bonn
Hotel Weiland
InterCity Bonn
Other Foods to try
The Rheingau, one of Germany's distinguished wine regions, stretches along the Rhine between Lorch and Hockenheim. Try Riesling and Eiswein.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 3: Ulm - Innsbruck

Today, we're off to Innsbruck, Austria, taking a comfort stop in Ulm on the way. This historic German city is famous not only as the birthplace of Albert Einstein, but also for having the tallest church steeple in the world! Innsbruck is one of the few places in the world that really can lay claim to having something for everyone. It's not everywhere that offers extreme sports (thanks to the close proximity of the soaring Nordkette Alps), fascinating historical heritage (courtesy of the legacy of the Habsburgs), and vibrant modern attractions too. Your tour leader will introduce you to the city on a quick orientation tour, and then give you free time to explore further. This evening, you can join the optional Tyrol folk evening and dinner.

Experiences
Visit Ulm. Enjoy a comfort stop in this German city, famous as the birthplace of Einstein and for having the tallest church steeple in the world!
Free time in Innsbruck. Enjoy some free time in this historic city; visit the old town square or take the cable car to the peak of Nordkette.
Optional Excursions
Tyrol Folk Evening & Dinner €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
AlpinPark Hotel Innsbruck
Other Foods to try
Wiener Schnitzel, beef soup and Apfelstrudel.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 4: Innsbruck - Verona - Venice

Leaving Innsbruck behind us, we journey onward to the enchanting city of Venice, stopping along the way in Verona. The setting for the most famous love story of all time, Romeo & Juliet, one can seek out the balcony where Romeo reportedly wooed his lover. The timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces (more per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth) of Venice make it truly unique – this is a city that will capture your heart and imagination. Being Italian, there’s no shortage of incredible food and culture either! You’ll start your stay in Venice with an orientation tour; see St Mark's Square, the famous Rialto Bridge and the beautiful narrow alleyway. The evening is yours to explore this unforgettable city. If you wish to take part in the true Venice experience, your tour leader can organise a traditional gondola ride along the canals, as well as a water taxi!

Experiences
Comfort stop in Verona. Make the most of your time by strolling around this famous town, where the epic love tragedy Romeo and Juliet was set, and where you can still see the balcony where Romeo supposedly wooed his darling Juliet.
Walking Tour of Venice. Take in the incredible architecture of this legendary city, and get to know see of those famous landmarks in person! From the Rialto Bridge to St Mark's square, it's all here - in the city with more artistic masterpieces per square kilometer than anywhere else on earth!
 
Optional Excursions
Venice Gondola Ride €20
Venice Water Taxi €20
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Elite Residence Hotel
NH Laguna Palace
Hotel Complex Ambasciatori & Delfino
Hotel Venezia
Other Foods to try
Pizza. Thin, crispy, fresh basil and delicious toppings!
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 5: Venice - Lucerne - Lake Lucerne

We're on our way back into Alpine territory once again today as we continue on to Lucerne. Renowned as one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, this is one place you'll definitely want to have your camera at the ready! All the ingredients for the quintessentially picturesque Swiss experience are here - a cobalt lake and well-preserved old-town complete with waterfront promenades, covered bridges and perfect plazas is surrounded by the natural skyscrapers of the Swiss Alps. It's really no wonder that Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner savoured the stunning views that Lucerne has to offer. After a short orientation tour with your tour leader, you'll have some free time to explore at your leisure, before we jump back on the coach and drive to our wellness resort hotel in Weggis, on the shores of Lake Lucerne.

Experiences
Free time in Lucerne. You will have some free time to enjoy this picturesque Alpine city. From the beautiful Chapel Bridge lined with flowers, to the cobalt blue lake and well-preserved old town, Lucerne is a feast for the eyes.
 
Optional Excursions
Cruise across Lake Lucerne €15
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Wellness Hotel Roessli
Other Foods to try
Luzerner Chügelipastete is the most famous example of local cuisine: a puff-pastry shell filled with diced veal and mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 6: Lake Lucerne - Burgundy

Before we travel onward to Burgundy, you'll have the morning to enjoy more of the Lucerne region - why not join our Mount Pilatus optional excursion? Whether you take the world's steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad or the panoramic gondolas and aerial cableway from Kriens, you will travel up through lush meadows carpeted with Alpine flowers, past sparkling mountain streams and fascinating rock faces - the Mount Pilatus optional truly offers that unique Alpine experience! We then leave Switzerland behind and head west into France. If Paris is the place for romance, then Burgundy is the place for two other things the French - and France - are well-known for: great food and wine. You will be staying in the capital of Burgundy, Dijon. A place of tremendous wealth and power and one of the great European centres of art, learning and science, there is plenty to do in Dijon. Beyond the food and wine, this is also the place to soak up history, with excellent museums and fabulous Renaissance architecture helping to make this one of the most memorable parts of the entire tour!

Experiences
Burgundy. Enjoy one of the most famous wine regions of France.
Optional Excursions
Panorama Cable Car/Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus €65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Ibis Dijon Clemenceau
Campanile Dijon Centre Gare
Other Foods to try
Typical foods include cheese, Dijon mustard, Charolais beef and blackcurrants. Beef Burgundy, or Boeuf Bourguignon as it is known locally is the regional dish - a stew prepared with beef braised in red wine.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 7: Burgundy - Paris

The city of lights is our next stop, as we take in the home of some of the world's most famous cultural landmarks, museums, galleries, boutiques and more. On arrival we'll take you on a driving tour of the French capital; get your cameras ready - you’ll be seeing some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe! After the driving tour we'll take an included cruise along the River Seine, sailing passed sights including the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, and enjoying a traditional French baguette lunch onboard. The afternoon is then yours to explore the French capital further, with optional excursions available including the Montparnasse Observation Deck for incredible views of Paris, and a traditional cabaret show.

Experiences
Driving Tour. Paris is probably the most sought-after destination in all of Europe, and it's easy to see why. Our driving tour will give you a brief introduction to the history of the city, and some of the famous landmarks. From ancient times to modern, Paris has a wealth of stories to tell. Take notes! There may be many places you'd like to see in more detail later.
Seine River Cruise: enjoy an included lunch onboard as we sail down the Seine, with an included commentary introducing you to the sights you will see on the banks, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.
Optional Excursions
Cabaret Show €70-90
Montparnasse Observation Deck €15
An Evening in Montmartre €40
Montparnasse to Montmartre €60
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Ibis la Defense
B&B Porte Des Lilas
B&B Paris Malakof
Ibis Paris La Villette Cité des Sciences
B&B Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
B&B Hôtel Orly Chevilly
Other Foods to try
It's not all fine dining - visit a boulangerie (bakery) and try simple but delicious baguette, croisants and Jambon-beurre sandwiches.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 8: Brussels - Amsterdam

It's the last leg of our journey already! On our way back to the Dutch capital we stop in Brussels for a comfort stop and the chance to explore the Belgian capital. Sample typical Belgian fare (moules et frites, countless varieties of beer, and of course, that famous chocolate), or wander around. Perhaps grab some last-minute souvenirs for the folks back home? We will also take a photo stop at the incredible Atomium. Originally built for the 1958 World's Fair, this unique structure makes for a truly incredible selfie opportunity! After our comfort stop, we continue on to Amsterdam, where our tour officially ends. We hope you've enjoyed this whirlwind tour of Europe!

Experiences
Comfort stop in Brussels: On our way back to Amsterdam, enjoy the European capital on a comfort stop, you will have the opportunity to see the famous town square and sample the local cuisine, and take a photo of the Atomium.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner