Europe's Highlights

Europe's Highlights

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14 Days From

$3180

$2985

Europe's Highlights

14 Days Starting in Amsterdam, Netherlands and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: Amsterdam, Rhineland, Baden-Württemberg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Austrian Tyrol, Venice, Assisi, Rome, Pisa, Montecatini, Florence, Lake Como, Lugano, Lake Lucerne, Lucerne, Interlaken, Lausanne, Beaune, Paris

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

4810-2025

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $3180 $2985 Operator discount: -$195

NB: Prices correct on 16-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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!

Highlights

  • Guided sightseeing tours in Amsterdam, Rome, Florence, and Paris, including visits to landmarks such as St. Peter's Square, the Colosseum, Piazza del Duomo, and the Eiffel Tower.

  • Visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the 17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam, Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco), Historic Centre of Florence, Historic Centre of Rome, Vatican City, Paris Banks of the Seine, Piazza del Duomo Pisa, The great Spa Towns of Europe - Montecatini, and Venice and its Lagoon.

  • Experience local culture with activities such as a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a visit to a diamond center, a boat ride to St. Mark's Square in Venice, and a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop.

  • See King Ludwig’s magnificent Neuschwanstein castle in Germany.

  • Visit the world-famous St. Francis Basilicas in Assisi with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto.

  • Admire the Leaning Tower of Pisa and explore the Square of Miracles.

  • Stroll through the old town of Lucerne and see the distinctive covered wooden bridge (Kapellbrucke) crossing the river Reuss.

Places You'll See

Ibis Styles Karlsruhe Ettlingen

Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport

Alphotel

Delfino

Poppi

Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia

B&B Como City Center

Settentrionale Esplanade

Ibis Kriens

Ibis Lausanne Crissier

Hotel Ibis Styles Paris Porte D'orleans

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Amsterdam, Netherlands

Location: Amsterdam

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport

Meals Included: Dinner

Check into your hotel, and start exploring this exciting city with your CosmosGo app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2 : Amsterdam

Location: Amsterdam

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 3 : Amsterdam - Rhineland, Germany

Location: Rhineland

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Karlsruhe Ettlingen

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 4 : Rhineland - Innsbruck Area, Austria

Location: Baden-Württemberg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Austrian Tyrol

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Alphotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 5 : Innsbruck Area - Venice Area, Italy

Location: Venice

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Poppi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 6 : Venice Area - Assisi - Rome

Location: Venice, Assisi, Rome

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 7 : Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.*

Day 8 : Rome - Pisa - Montecatini

Location: Rome, Pisa, Montecatini

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Settentrionale Esplanade

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 9 : Montecatini - Florence - Lake Como

Location: Florence, Lake Como

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: B&B Como City Center

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 10 : Lake Como - Lugano, Switzerland - Lucerne Area

Location: Lake Como, Lugano, Lake Lucerne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Kriens

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 11 : Lucerne Area - Interlaken - Lausanne

Location: Lucerne, Interlaken, Lausanne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Lausanne Crissier

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 12 : Lausanne - Beaune, France - Paris

Location: Lausanne, Beaune, Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Paris Porte D'Orleans

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 13 : Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Paris Porte D'Orleans

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 14 : Paris

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at various hotels including Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport, Ibis Styles Karlsruhe Ettlingen, Alphotel in Innsbruck, Hotel Poppi, Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia, Settentrionale Esplanade, B&B Como City Center, Ibis Kriens, Ibis Lausanne Crissier, and Hotel Ibis Styles Paris Porte D'Orleans.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfasts daily and 4 dinners are included.

  • Sightseeing

    Enjoy guided sightseeing tours in Amsterdam, Rome, Florence, and Paris, including visits to landmarks such as St. Peter's Square, the Colosseum, Piazza del Duomo, and the Eiffel Tower.

  • Transportation

    Travel by coach through various countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the 17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam, Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco), Historic Centre of Florence, Historic Centre of Rome, Vatican City, Paris Banks of the Seine, Piazza del Duomo Pisa, The great Spa Towns of Europe - Montecatini, and Venice and its Lagoon.

  • Local Experiences

    Experience local culture with activities such as a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a visit to a diamond center, a boat ride to St. Mark's Square in Venice, and a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as the Rhine cruise, a gondola trip in Venice, and a visit to the palace and gardens of Versailles are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and other travel-related documentation costs are not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners

UNESCO Sites

17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam|Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Paris Banks of the Seine|Piazza del Duomo Pisa|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Montecatini|Vatican City|Venice and its Lagoon

Accommodation

Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport offers a green oasis near Schiphol airport. Ibis Styles Karlsruhe Ettlingen is a modern hotel with stylish rooms and free Wi-Fi. Alphotel in Innsbruck features a sauna and Austrian cuisine. Hotel Poppi is family-run with 100 rooms. Hotel Delfino in Mestre is close to Venice. Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia offers modern rooms near the Vatican. Settentrionale Esplanade in Montecatini Terme has an outdoor pool. B&B Como City Center is near Lake Como. Hotel Ibis Kriens is at the foot of Mount Pilatus. Ibis Lausanne Crissier is in a business district. Hotel Ibis Styles Paris Porte D'Orleans is in Montrouge, Paris.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides hotel accommodations, including stays at Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport, Ibis Styles Karlsruhe Ettlingen, Alphotel in Innsbruck, Hotel Poppi, Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia, Settentrionale Esplanade, B&B Como City Center, Ibis Kriens, Ibis Lausanne Crissier, and Hotel Ibis Styles Paris Porte D'Orleans.

  • Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional excursions available, such as a Rhine cruise with vistas of the Lorelei rock, hilltop castles, and terraced vineyards, a romantic gondola trip in Venice, and a visit to the palace and gardens of Versailles in Paris.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes buffet breakfasts daily and 4 dinners.

  • What UNESCO World Heritage Sites will be visited during the tour?

    The tour visits several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the 17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam, the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, the Historic Centre of Florence, the Historic Centre of Rome, Vatican City, the Banks of the Seine in Paris, Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, the great Spa Towns of Europe in Montecatini, and Venice and its Lagoon.

  • What activities are included in Amsterdam?

    In Amsterdam, the tour includes sightseeing with a Local Guide, a canal cruise, and a visit to a diamond center to watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Venice?

    In Venice, the tour includes an orientation with a boat ride to St. Mark's Square, a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop, and an optional romantic gondola trip with a local troubadour to serenade you.

  • What are the highlights of the visit to Rome?

    In Rome, the tour includes an introduction to the city's landmarks with a Local Guide, a drive along the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths, and a walk from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum.

  • What is included in the visit to Florence?

    In Florence, the tour includes a walking tour with a Local Guide, featuring Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza del Duomo, the cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the East Door of the Baptistry, known as the 'Gate of Paradise.'

  • What scenic drives are included in the tour?

    The tour includes scenic drives along the shores of the Rhine, through Baden-Württemberg to the foot of the Alps, and through the Tuscan hills and across the Apennines to Lake Como.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.