Depart from Sydney/Melbourne to Paris, the Capital of France. Upon arrival at the Paris Airport, you will be met and greeted by our representa­tive and transfer to your hotel for a rest­ful and leisurely day.

Hotel: Balladins Hotel Villejuif or similar

After breakfast, tour leaves from Paris for a delightful scenic journey through the rolling countryside of the Champagne region, famous the world over for the sparkling white wine produced here. Enjoy seeing the historic attractions of provincial capital Reims, including the city’s cathedral – a key national heritage site, where coronations of French kings took place from the 11th century on­wards. History and tradition are equally evident in your next location: Luxem­bourg, the world’s only remaining Grand Duchy. After arriving in refined Luxem­bourg City, you’ll be introduced on foot to the main places of interest, including the Place de Constitution and Pont Adolphe, before having time for further exploration on your own.

Hotel: Novotel Kirchberg or similar

After breakfast, we leave Luxembourg behind and head across another Euro­pean border into Germany. The first stop is historic Trier, Germany’s oldest city and the birthplace of Karl Marx. You’ll have the chance to see from the outside the house where the influential philosopher was born, which now functions as the Karl Marx Haus museum. Your walking tour then takes you into the centre of Trier; here you can look around the city’s impressive cathedral, where the cel­ebrated Holy Robe – said to be the tunic of Christ – is preserved and occasionally displayed. Trier is also known as ‘The Second Rome’ (Constantine served as an administrator here for 10 years), and significant legacies of the once-great empire remain today. The highlight is un­doubtedly Porta Nigra, the best­preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, which you’ll get to see and photo­graph. After an exciting morning in Trier, you’ll drive on to Koblenz, famous as the location of the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. Here you have the option of indulging in a relaxing lunch alongside the water, then afterwards you can also choose to add on a scenic Rhine boat cruise for some memorable city vistas. Back on dry land you’ll drive through the wine-making town of Rudesheim, and stop to see the bronze 19th century Niederwald monument. Perched on a hill high above the town, this stop also offers a spectacular photo opportunity of the surrounding Rhine Valley. Then it’s on to Frankfurt am Main, where you’ll discover the delights of Romerberg, a charming plaza with a dis­tinctive medieval town hall as its centre­piece. Note: The Rhine boat cruise is only op­erational from 3rd April to 31st October.

Hotel: Park Inn by Radisson or similar

After breakfast, board on to the coach in Frankfurt, and enjoy a scenic ride through classic German countryside en route to the Prague in Czech Republic. The sceneray along the journey is just spectacular. Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, is bisected by the Vltava River. Nicknamed Uthe City of a Hundred Spires,” one of Europe’s most ornate cities. You will arrive in the evening, ready to discover this charming capital city with its fairytale architecture.

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott or similar

After breakfast, your Prague adventure begins with a spectacular walk along the Royal Route, following the traditional coronation path of the kings and queens of old Bohemia. You’ll start from the top of Castle Hill in the Hradcany district, famous for its views over the red-roofed old city, and then tour Prague Castle. is Prague’s most popular attraction. Loom­ing above the Vltava’s left bank, its ser­ried ranks of spires, towers and palaces dominate the city centre like a fairy-tale fortress. Within its walls lies a varied and fascinating collection of historic build­ings, museums and galleries that are home to some of the Czech Republic’s greatest artistic and cultural treasures. Your exploration then heads off around the imposing gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace, and along Golden Lane. Later you will stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge. Then, you’ll make the scenic transfer from Prague to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. Here you’ll pass through the heart of the city by coach, with views of the magnificent Bratislava Castle and St. Martin’s Cathe­dral. In the evening, transfer to hotel for a restful night.
Hotel: Park Inn Danube or similar

After breakfast, proceed to Budapest. Bu­dapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube. Its 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Buda­pest History Museum traces city life from Roman times onward. Visit to the Buda Palace, and then have a chance to look at the exhibitions in the Budapest History Museum and Hungarian National Gal­lery. Next you’ll explore both sides of the city on a cultural and historic tour. High­lights on the Buda side of the Danube in­clude the towered terrace of Fisherman’s Bastion, the medieval Matthias Church and a walk up to the summit of Gellert Hill for panoramic views. While over in Pest the sights include the expansive Heroes’ Square and Hungary’s dramatic riverside Parliament Building. In the evening, you can choose to round off an eventful day with an optional dinner, where you can sample traditional dinner accompanied by Hungarian folkdance and music. Watching the dancers was mesmerizing and the musicians were top notch! They showed the gipsy culture and joy of music.

Hotel: Mercure Budapest or similar

After breakfast, driving to the capital of Austria, Vienna, lies in the country’s east on the Danube River. Its artistic and in­tellectual legacy was shaped by resi­dents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. Sightseeing begin at Empress Maris Theresa’s favorite palace at Schonbrunn, former summer resi­dence of the Imperial family and consid­ered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe. Stadtpark the popular Johann Strauss monument, the Parlia­ment, World famous Opera House, Mon­ument to the Soviet soldier and impres­sive baroque Church of St. Charles Borro­meo. A stroll along the Kartnerstrasse with its glamorous boutiques brings us to St. Stephen’s Cathedral {Vienna is the musical capital of the world, you may check with your tour guide to arrange a concert of Classical music for you).

Hotel: Ramada Encore or similar

After breakfast, travel from Vienna it’s on to another Austrian gem, Salzburg. The city’s beautiful historic centre, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, which is characterized by numerous baroque buildings, and is one of the most pictur­esque places in Europe. Salzburg is also famous for its musical heritage, being both the birthplace of Mozart, and also connected with hit musical The Sound of Music. You’ll get the chance to see from the outside the house where Mozart was born, explore the city further at your lei­sure and also have lunch in Salzburg, before heading across the German border to Munich. Munich, Bavaria’s capi­tal, is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest cel­ebration and its beer halls. Upon arrival in Munich, check in at the hotel for a rest­ful evening.

Hotel: NH Munich or similar

After breakfast, proceed to Mt Titlis in Switzerland. Titlis is a mountain of the Uri Alps, located on the border between the cantons of Obwalden and Berne. At 3,238 metres (10,623 ft) above sea level, it is the highest summit of the range north of the Susten Pass, between the Bernese Oberland and Central Switzer­land. As soon as we will arrive at Engel­berg {the access to Mt Titlis) experience the world’s first revolving cable car that takes {approx. 45 mins.) you to the top of Switzerland’s highest vantage point with a breathing 360 degree view. Lunch at Mt Titlis. In the afternoon visit ther medi­eval town Lucerne, walk on the wooden Kapell Bridge, the lovely lake Lucerne and see the Lion Monument, enjoy the free time to shop for Swiss watches and other Swiss specialities. In the evening, transfer back to hotel.

Hotel: Dorint Zurich or similar

After breakfast, enjoy a short orientation tour in Zurich then drive to visiting Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen. The Rhine Falls is the largest plain waterfall in Europe. The falls are located on the High Rhine on the border between the cantons of Schaff­hausen and Zurich, between the villages of Neuhausen am Rheinfall and Laufen­Uhwiesen/Dachsen, next to the town of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland. Driving through the fairytale Black Forest to where the cuckoo-clock was first invented by Titisee. Titisee-Neustadt is a municipality in the district of Breis­gau-Hochschwarzwald in Baden-Wurt­temberg in southern Germany. It is made up of the six communities of Neustadt, Langenordnach, Rudenberg, Titisee, Schwarzenbach and Waldau. Lunch at Titisee, and taste their most famous Black Forest cake for your dessert. Then, will arrive to Frankfurt in the evening.

Hotel: Park Inn Radisson or similar

After breakfast, begins the 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 into the Netherlands.

Hotel: Hampton by Hilton or similar

After breakfast, 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. *From mid-March to mid-May the tour visits Keukenhof Garden, a 32 hectare seasonal exhibition of beautifully col­oured and scented displays of spring flowers – most notably millions of tulips. This replaces the visit to ZaanseSchans.

Hotel: Hampton by Hilton or similar

After breakfast, 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 impish Manneken Pis statue. After some free time, during which you can try some mouth-watering Belgian delights. Then from Brussels it’s south again across the French border and on to the bright lights of Paris.

Hotel: Balladins Hotel Villejuif or similar

After breakfast, 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 flysees to the Place de la Concorde, which played such a key part in the French Revolution. You will also get to see the iconic Arc de Tri­omphe here 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:’Hotel National des lnvalides, where Napoleon’s tomb is located. Then it’s on to the most legendary of all Paris’s icons: the Eiffel Tower. Choose to make the op­tional ascent of the tower for unbeatable views over the city, and a truly memora­ble experience. Back on ground level you can take a more leisurely cruise along the river Seine, a great sightseeing option that offers views including Notre-Dame Cathedral and Pont Alexandre Ill. Finally, you’ll travel on the coach out through the Parisian suburbs to the splendid Palace of Versailles, the vast regal cha­teau that was the residence of the royal family until the start of the revolution in 1789. Today the pa lace is another popu­lar Parisian attraction. In the evening, you can enjoy one of our optional Paris evening shows. (Paris Lido Show, Moulin Rough show, etc coule be arranged by Tour Guide)

Hotel: Balladins Hotel Villejuif or similar

After breakfast, the second day of your Parisian experience begins with a 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. After an exhilarating morning of walking the gallery corridors, replenish your energy levels with lunch in the museum before heading to the area sur­rounding the Palais Garnier, Paris’s opera house. Here the rest of the afternoon is yours to shop at legendary department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, sightsee or simply sit and sip. For some members of the group it will be time to say goodbye to new-found friends, while others will opt to stay another night in this French city of delights. (Night Excur­sions could be arranged by Tour Guide)

Hotel: Novotel Sanchinarro or similar

After breakfast, the sightseeing journey from Paris to Lucerne begin by driving ahead through Basel, Switzerland. Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the river Rhine. The scenery along the journey is just spectacular. All travellers be ensured to have your cameras on. You will have chance to experience driving through the countryside, the greens, landscapes etc. The tour will arrive in Lu­cerne in the early evening. Check in at the hotel for restful night.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Affoltern or similar

After breakfast, you’ll get to see Lucerne’s famous landmarks and take some pictures before you are heading south from Lucerne through spectacular Switzerland and into northern region of Italy. Where your first stop will be Milan, a metropolis in Italy’s northern Lom­bardy region, is a global capital of fash­ion and design. Home to the national stock exchange, it’s a financial hub also known for its high-end restaurants and shops. The Gothic Duomo di Milano ca­thedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci’s mural “The Last Supper,” testify to centu­ries of art and culture. Your orientation tour will introduce you to the city’s iconic sights, including the vast Gothic cathe­dral (Duomo) and La Scala opera house. You’ll also see the planet’s oldest shop­ping mall, the 19th-century Galleria Vit­torio Emanuele II, where you can wander among the boutique shops and take lunch in one of the refined cafes. After some free time, you’ll head to another vintage Italian city.
Hotel: Michelangelo Hotel or similar

After breakfast, exploring the so-called Water Town Venice. Venice is the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renais­sance and Gothic palaces. The waterbus will take us along the canals past many marvellous architectures and churches, to San Marco Square. Here we will see the Basilica Di San Marco, one the best known example of Byzantine architec­ture, also we will see The Bridge of Sighs, connects the old prison to the interroga­tion rooms in the Doge’s Palace. Then after witnessing a demonstration of Murano glass-blowing. Perhaps a gon­dola ride to the Grand Canal would be hard to resist. Later in the afternoon, pro­ceed to Rome for overnight.
Hotel: Cristoforo Colombo or similar

After breakfast, visit to The Vatican City. Vatican City, a city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s home to the Pope and a trove of iconic art and architecture. Its Vatican Museums house an­cient Roman sculptures such as the famed “Laocoon and His Sons” as well as Renaissance frescoes in the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling. Here you’ll marvel at St Peter’s Basilica, home to Pope Francis and arguably the most significant site in Christianity. Next you’ll see the famous Trevi Fountain, the lavish Baroque showpiece where people flock to throw coins into the water – an action which is said to ensure that you’ll return to the city again one day. After lunch, take a step even further back in time as you visit Italy’s unrivalled Roman relics. An optional guided tour of the Coliseum, built in AD 72, is highly recommended. Get up close to the nearby Arch of Con­stantine, which dates back to the fourth century AD, then spend some further free time enjoying Rome, sampling the rich and creamy delights of “legato” Italian ice cream . Followed by some free time you’ll visit Basilique Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri near Piazza della Repubblica or going to Mitsukoshi Department store to get some souvenirs before transferring to Florence in the late evening.

Hotel: Arezzo Park Hotel or similar

After breakfast, voyage of cultural discovery continues as you get to know Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Re­naissance and home to some fabulous architecture and fine art. Begin the day by taking in a wonderful panoramic overview of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, which boasts glorious vistas over the red roofs, Arno river and ancient city walls out towards the surrounding countryside. Then, you’ll enjoy a guided walk around Florence’s many highlights, including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo and Campa­nile Tower. Then Pisa here you are free to wander, but be sure to have your camera ready to get a shot of the iconic Leaning Tower, the famous bell tower in the ‘Square of Miracles; which also contains the centuries-old cathedral and bap­tistry. Also in the piazza is the Baptistry, whose renowned acoustics are demon­strated by amateur singers daily, and the Caposanto Monumentale cemetery. Later of the day, the tour will proceed to Genoa (Genova) which is a port city and capital of the Liguria region in northwest Italy. It’s known for its central role in maritime trade over many centuries. In the old town stands the Romanesque Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its black and-white-striped facade and frescoed interior. In the evening, transfer to hotel for a restful night.

Hotel: Grand Angla is Hotel or similar

After breakfast, we will take our journey along the Mediterranean Sea to Monte Carlo in Monaco, Monte Carlo officially refers to an administrative area of the Principality of Monaco, specifically the ward of Monte Carlo/Spelugues, where the Monte Carlo Casino is located. Along the journey, enjoy the breathtak­ing scenery and visit a small country with big attraction, with visiting the grand palace and famous casino in Monte­Carlo. Then a brief stop at Nice for short orientation. Later we drive to Cannes with passing by a famous perfume town, also include a visit to the Fragonard Per­fume Factory. After the fragrant trip, we will be heading to Cannes, which has given out the most prestigious film award here, stop for a photo at the Palais des Festival and enjoy a relaxing near the beach. Tonight we stay in Avignon or a city nearby for overnight.
Hotel: Campanile Bollene or similar

After breakfast, the day begins with a drive directly to Paris, enjoying the drive across the beautiful scenery and go into France. Arrive Paris in the evening.

Hotel: Balladins Villejuif or similar

After breakfast, transfer to Airport according to your flight schedule. Board on home bound flight to return to Australia. Arrive Australia on Day 25.