European Whirl - 12 Days
12 Days
London
Paris
***
Trafalgar Tours
12-Day Multi-Destination Europe Tour from London to Amsterdam, Venice, Rome and Paris
The tring-tring of bicycles sounds the start of your European Whirl. Kick back on the canals of Amsterdam and Venice, in the quiet lakeside beauty of Lucerne and among the Tuscan hills near Florence, with flavours of Italian Chianti setting the tone for an unforgettable trip...
Itinerary
Day 1: Eurostar™ to Brussels and on to Amsterdam
A brief interlude with the British capital, this morning you will meet your Travel Director before travelling to London's St. Pancras International where you will board the Eurostar™ for a high-speed train journey to Brussels and a luxury-coach journey to Amsterdam. Enjoy an orientation of this historic Dutch city before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a dinner cruise on the canals.
Day 2: Journey through the Rhine Valley and a Scenic Cruise
Drive through the landscapes of the Netherlands and Germany, arriving in Boppard where you'll board a cruise along the Rhine River to St. Goar, passing vineyard-clad hills and medieval castles perched above riverside towns. Arriving in the Baroque city of Heidelberg, explore its unexpected highlights before travelling to your hotel.
Day 3: Off to Innsbruck
Crossing the Swabian Alps on the edge of the Black Forest, you'll arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich. The orientation takes you past the Hofbrauhaus, reputedly the most famous Beerhall in the world, and the neo-Gothic Town Hall which dominates the Marienplatz. We will cross the Austrian border next, arriving in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Old Town, including Emperor Maximilian's famous Golden Roof with its ornate facade and consider an evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Tyrolean Evening With Dinner - EUR 94 pp
Enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Tyrolean cuisine before a lively folklore show, where singers, dancers and musicians dressed in national costume provide an evening of entertainment and fun. Drinks are included.
Day 4: Onwards to the Canals of Venice
Journey through the emerald-green landscape along the Brenner Pass into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains to Venice. We cruise the beautiful Venetian lagoon by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. View the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound made by condemned prisoners as they took one last longing look at their beautiful city before meeting their fate. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness the centuries-old craft of Venetian glassblowing. You’ll learn how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass to make the exquisite and delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir as a reminder of this special visit. There’s time later to enjoy the city your way. Get lost in Venice, cross bridges and discover hidden campi where locals share their daily stories over a glass of Venetian Spritz.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Gondolas & the Grand Canal - EUR 96 pp
Cruise by private water taxi along the Grand Canal, passing the city's iconic palazzi. Spot the Rialto Bridge and arrive near St. Mark's Square before switching pace with a gondola ride through Venice's quieter canals.
Day 5: All Roads Lead to Rome
Travel south across the Veneto Plain, passing Bologna and the dramatic Apennine Mountains as well as the green and golden fields of Lazio before reaching Rome, the 'Eternal City'. En route, we Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience and enjoy true Tuscan hospitality with a local family on their private estate in the Chianti countryside.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Piazzas and Fountains - EUR 50 pp
Discover the most enchanting areas of the city with a Local Specialist. Stroll through the maze of narrow streets and picturesque squares in Rome’s historic centre, uncovering famous landmarks and hidden gems in the Eternal City.
Day 6: Discover Ancient Rome and View the Vatican City
Our first stop today sees us discover the divine beauty of the Vatican City with a Local Specialist. We continue to Ancient Rome to view the Roman Forum, the walls of the iconic Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races centuries ago. The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your terms. Sit on the Spanish Steps savouring a tasty gelato, or shop up a storm on the trendy Via Condotti.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Guided Visit to the Colosseum - EUR 75 pp
With a Local Expert, step back in time to explore the glorious history of the Roman Empire. Admire the Arch of Constantine and tread in the footsteps of gladiators and Roman soldiers. Enjoy priority reserved entrance ahead of the crowds and once inside the mighty Colosseum, hear tales of deadly gladiatorial combat and the mighty Roman Empire.
Colosseum and Dinner - EUR 134 pp
Explore the Colosseum with a Local Specialist, where gladiators once fought before roaring crowds. Walk beneath its arches and hear how emperors used entertainment to unite the empire. After your visit, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling Roman specialities just steps from the city’s ancient heart.
Roman Evening with Dinner - EUR 79 pp
Tonight, spend a lively evening with us in Rome. After a short drive, arrive at a characteristic trattoria to relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal, soaking up The Eternal City's unique atmosphere all the while.
Day 7: Continue to Renaissance Florence
From Rome, we travel north through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and along the Arno valley to the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', Florence. Delve into the rich Medici heritage of this beautiful medieval city with your Local Specialist. Visit the political hub of the city, Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi. View the imposing Duomo, crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome, and the Baptistery, renowned for its sculptured bronze doors.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Discover Palazzo Vecchio - EUR 56 pp
Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence’s political power for over seven centuries. With your Local Specialist, visit the magnificent Hall of the Five Hundred, dedicated to the Medici popes. You’ll also explore rooms decorated with masterpieces by Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello. Note: Due to temporary exhibitions, on certain dates the Hall of the Five Hundred may be viewed from the balcony.
Dinner in the Tuscan Countryside - EUR 80 pp
This evening, take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly-bought ingredients from the local farmers' markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting.
Day 8: Across the Alps to Lucerne
Drive via the scenic Italian Lakes District, across the Alps into beautiful Switzerland, where we'll spend the next two nights in the medieval lakeside city of Lucerne. View the mournful, mortally wounded lion carved from rock to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI. Walk along the flower-lined 14th-century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the river Reuss.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Swiss Folklore Evening with Dinner - CHF 120 pp
Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant. While enjoying dinner, you can also join in a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included.
Day 9: Explore Lucerne
This morning join an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks for breath taking views of the Swiss countryside. We have some time later to discover the best Swiss chocolates in town.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Mount Pilatus And Lake Cruise - CHF 131 pp
Ascend by cogwheel train to Mount Pilatus’ summit, where you’ll have time to explore, admire the views and breathe the pure air. Then, descend by cable-car to enjoy a scenic lake cruise. Note: from mid-November to mid-May the ascent will be by a series of cable cars.
Swiss Countryside & Carriages - CHF 83 pp
A chance to get to know the Swiss, you’ll meet local farmers and enjoy a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Soak up the stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a local homestead where you’ll savour local drinks and snacks.
Day: 10 On to Captivating Paris
Crossing the border into France this morning, we travel past the picturesque vineyards and country towns of Burgundy en route to the 'City of Light'. Spend some time this evening strolling along the Seine and grand boulevards in search of a cosy bistro for fine French cuisine or consider an Optional Experience to a colourful Parisian cabaret.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner - EUR 169 pp
La Nouvelle Eve has been spotlighted by ‘Emily in Paris’ and has hosted events for high-fashion icons like Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin and Vivienne Westwood. An icon of Parisian elegance for 125 years, this chic revue theatre is your ticket to an unforgettable night. An à la carte meal and dazzling cabaret will bring the French can-can to life before your eyes.
Day 11: Discover the Sights of Paris
Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour of this romantic city. View the sophisticated Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, the 19th-century Arc de Triomphe, honouring those who fought for France, and Notre Dame Cathedral, then enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Our European Whirl is almost at its end, we spend the evening with fellow travellers and our Travel Director, enjoying dinner in a local bistro.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Versailles Palace and Gardens - EUR 95 pp
Built for the Sun King, Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles was the envy of every European ruler, but loathed by the French commoners, which lead to the French Revolution. Step inside the opulent world of Versailles and our Local Specialist will take you through the palace’s Hall of Mirrors and State apartments. Then, enjoy free time to wander the symmetrical, tree-lined gardens.* The Optional Experience is subject to availability.
Seine Cruise and Parisian Icons - EUR 51 pp
Discover the heart of Paris with a cruise along the Seine. Take in the city’s most iconic sights, from the Eiffel Tower to the Grand Palais from a scenic vantage point. Then, sit back and relax as you drive through the enchanting streets of the City of Love, uncovering even more of its timeless landmarks.
Includes
- 11 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can i book flights through you?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.
When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements.
You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?
Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below. You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.
Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53
United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests
Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests
Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests
Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests
Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests
Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests
How much walking will be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?
Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:
Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-
We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:
- Reclining seats
- An on-board restroom
- Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
- WiFi
- Air-conditioning
Africa & Asia trips:-
Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in).
In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.