8-Day Western European Classics: Frankfurt to Amsterdam, Paris, Venice, Rome

The morning begins with a leisurely drive north-west from Frankfurt to Bonn, the capital of the former West Germany until reunification. The national government is now run from Berlin, but Bonn retains a rich history that is well worth exploring. Discover the city's secrets on an orientation stroll through its streets, walking past highlights such as the Rococo-fronted town hall and Ludwig Van Beethoven Haus, a museum celebrating the life of the much-loved composer.

Then it's on to Cologne, where you'll head inside the city's glorious Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Cologne further, to do a spot of local shopping or to simply relax with a suitably refreshing German brew.

After lunch the day is rounded off with a drive to the Netherlands.
 

A day of delights begins with a leisurely trip through the Dutch countryside, where you'll get to sample at close quarters some of the things that the Netherlands is traditionally famous for: clogs, cheese and windmills. Call in at the hugely popular model town of Zaanse Schans. Next, you'll head from the quiet countryside to the cosmopolitan city as your journey takes you back to Amsterdam.

After visiting a well-known diamond factory, where you'll see the unique cutting techniques that have been practised here since the 16th century, you can take an optional hour-long pre-dinner canal cruise, which is a great way to discover more about this unique European city.

After disembarking you'll walk to one of the city's grandest areas, Dam Square, where the Royal Palace is located and the Queen's birthday celebrations take place. You'll have photo opportunities here, free time for shopping or further sightseeing, and then round the day off with dinner.
 

After leaving Amsterdam in the morning you'll head south across the border into Brussels, the Belgian capital and political centre of the European Union.

On the way, the tour stops to see the distinctive Atomium monument, a cell-shaped structure of stainless steel spheres and tubes built for the 1958 World's Fair. In the centre of Brussels itself an orientation tour will call in at the exquisite Grand Place, as well as seeing the famous playful Manneken Pis statue.

After some free time, during which you can try some gourmandise Belgian delights. Then from Brussels it's south again across the French border and on to the bright lights of Paris.
 

Paris is your oyster over the next two days as you enjoy guided tours around one of the world's most celebrated cities. Your Parisian adventures get off to a spectacular start with a drive along the famous Champs Élysées to the Place de la Concorde which played such a key part in the French Revolution. You'll also get to see the iconic Arc de Triumph too, the imposing monument that sits near the western end of the avenue and commemorates the fallen of the revolution and Napoleonic wars.

You'll take in another significant historical building next as you head to L’Hôtel National des Invalides, where Napoleon's tomb is located, followed by a stop at the most legendary of all Paris's icons: the Eiffel Tower. You can either take time to explore the neighbourhood and have some lunch or scale the Eiffel Tower. Choice is yours.

Finally, you'll travel on the coach out through the Parisian suburbs to the splendid Palace of Versailles, the vast regal château that was the residence of the royal family until the start of the revolution in 1789. Today the palace is another popular Parisian attraction.

In the evening, you can enjoy one of our optional Paris evening shows. (Optional)
 

In the morning, depart for the pier and take a sightseeing boat cruise on the Seine River at your own expense your, a great sightseeing option that offers splendid views of iconic Parisian landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and Pont Alexandre III.
After a lunch, we visit to the Louvre, one of the world’s greatest art museums. Here you’ll set your eyes upon some of history’s most famous masterpieces, including the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace (also called Nike of Samothrace), and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Opt for a guided gallery tour, which will enhance your experience and allow you to browse through hundreds of works in just a few hours.
Afterwards, you have an option of having a French 4 course dinner and show experience or spend time shopping at the legendary department stores Galeries Lafayette.
   

After boarding in Paris, sit back and enjoy a scenic journey across classic French countryside en route to mountainous Switzerland.
You'll pass through Basel, which is located at the point where the Swiss, French and German borders meet. Upon arrival in Lucerne, visit the centuries-old Chapel Bridge and enjoy a stroll along Lake Lucerne. Explore the charming old streets lined with boutique shops, purchase local specialties such as Swiss chocolate and souvenirs, and visit renowned watch stores to shop for famous Swiss watches.
Note: Today includes long transfers with shorter sightseeing time.
 
 

After breakfast, we'll head south to the design and couture-conscious city of Milan. On our tour of the city you will see Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest shopping arcade in the world; the legendary opera house La Scala; the storied Sforza Castle; and the ostentatious Gothic of Milan Cathedral.

Overnight in Venice or a nearby city.
 

Spend the morning in the company of a knowledgeable local guide as you explore Venice, the most magical of cities. Begin with a waterbus ride to San Marco Island, a memorable crossing of the lagoon that gives you a real taste of the city's charm as you approach the dreamy spires and distinctive waterside buildings. Once on the island you'll be led around some of Venice's best-known locations, beginning in the Piazzo with the Basilica di San Marco, a stunning piece of Byzantine architecture.
You'll also see the legendary Bridge of Sighs, which appears on many a postcard or picture of Venice and connects the old prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace.
Afterwards you'll have a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at close quarters with a demonstration by Murano glassblowers; their exquisite creations make excellent souvenirs. Of course, the ultimate Venice activity is to ride through the warren of waterways on a gondola, and for most people this optional excursion is a must.  Step on board, relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Afterwards, you can wander through the ancient winding alleys, and visit nostalgic cafés or restaurants to enjoy a variety of delicious foods. Transfer to Rome in the afternoon.