Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome

Board your overnight flight to London today.

Welcome to England! If your arrival falls between noon and 6 p.m., why not indulge in a delightful afternoon tea? Enjoy a traditional spread of delicate cakes, biscuits, dainty sandwiches, and, naturally, a steaming cup of tea. This classic British experience is the perfect way to start your adventure. This evening, join your Tour Director and new travel companions for a warm welcome dinner, accompanied by your choice of beer or wine. It’s the ideal chance to connect and get excited for the journey ahead.

Explore London’s rich 2,000-year history on a guided tour through its iconic landmarks. See Trafalgar Square with its famous lion statues and National Gallery, marvel at the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral, and visit Westminster Abbey, royal coronation site and resting place of luminaries. Pass Big Ben, the Tower of London with its Crown Jewels, and the striking Tower Bridge alongside the modern London Eye. Stop by Buckingham Palace and maybe catch the Changing of the Guard. Opt for an excursion to Windsor Castle for a royal glimpse, or enjoy a free afternoon shopping and dining in Covent Garden or Shoreditch’s vibrant art scene. Your Tour Director is there to help with recommendations.

Travel aboard the high-speed Eurostar, zipping beneath the English Channel to Paris in no time. Wander Montmartre’s artistic streets and savor a classic jambon-beurre sandwich. For a magical evening, enjoy dinner followed by a scenic Seine River cruise as Paris lights up at sunset. Note: Early train departure and luggage handling required.

Discover the magic of Paris on your first full day in the City of Light. With a local guide, explore the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant arrondissements (districts). Cruise down the elegant, sycamore-lined Avenue des Champs-Élysées, ending at the striking Arc de Triomphe, Paris’ symbolic heart. Pass the historic Pont Neuf, the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral on its Seine island, and pause for photos at the world-famous Eiffel Tower. Take in the opulent Palais Garnier opera house and the grand Place de la Concorde. See the Louvre Pyramid, the impressive gateway to the world’s greatest art museum, and marvel at Hôtel des Invalides, with its golden dome and ties to France’s military history. For a royal escape, add an afternoon trip to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles with their lavish halls and vast grounds. Or, stay in Paris to enjoy free time for a leisurely picnic beneath the Eiffel Tower at Champ-de-Mars.

Hop aboard a high-speed train to Amsterdam, then explore the city’s famous canals with a local guide. Amsterdam’s 60 miles of grachtens (canals) weave through the city, earning it the nickname “Venice of the North.” Glide past landmarks like the Dutch National Opera & Ballet and beneath the iconic Magere Brug—also known as the “Skinny Bridge” over the River Amstel. Cruise by the historic Jodenbuurt, the old Jewish Quarter, reflecting Amsterdam’s rich Jewish heritage. Admire the colorful, quirky Dancing Houses and spot the whimsical flower bikes—decorated cycles scattered throughout the city by the American “Flower Bike Man.” After your canal cruise, head to the Rijksmuseum to see masterpieces by Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt, then visit the nearby Van Gogh Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of the artist’s works.

Spend your final full day in Amsterdam at your own pace. Chat with your Tour Director for great local tips, or simply relax in a cozy canal-side café. For a special treat, consider the optional excursion to charming Delft, known for its medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and world-famous Delft pottery—truly a picture-perfect Dutch town.

Cross into Germany en route to the enchanting Heidelberg region, hearing the gentle chimes of Cologne’s cathedral bells and admiring Boppard’s charming half-timbered houses straight from a storybook. Explore the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site that took over 600 years to complete. Its dedicated team of more than 100 stonemasons still works tirelessly to preserve this monumental structure. Cruise the scenic Middle Rhine Valley from Boppard to Sankt Goar aboard a riverboat, taking in breathtaking views of six ancient castles and historic medieval architecture lining the riverbanks. (Please note: The Rhine cruise operates seasonally; from mid-October to March, enjoy a local wine tasting in Boppard instead.) End the day with a delightful included dinner, paired with your choice of beer or wine.

Discover Heidelberg, a picturesque university town nestled between the Neckar River and Odenwald mountains, renowned for its Romantic charm and Baroque architecture. Join a guided tour through the Baroque Old Town’s lively Marktplatz and visit the historic Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, home to notable alumni like Mendeleev and Schumann. Take a funicular ride up to the stunning Renaissance Heidelberg Castle overlooking the city. In the afternoon, cross into Switzerland and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Discover lakeside Lucerne with a guided tour showcasing Alpine views of Pilatus, Rigi, and nearby peaks. See the poignant Lion Monument honoring fallen Swiss Guards, stroll cobbled Old Town streets with hand-painted facades, and cross the 14th-century wooden Kapellbrücke bridge alongside the historic Water Tower. View the striking Jesuit Church, Switzerland’s first large Baroque building north of the Alps. Optional: ascend Mount Pilatus by ferry, cogwheel railway, and cable car, or stay in town to savor traditional rösti, a delicious Swiss potato dish.

Start your day exploring Lake Como’s stunning beauty with a visit to Villa Carlotta, renowned for its lush gardens and lake views. Cruise the sparkling waters, passing grand lakeside villas and charming towns. Stop in Bellagio, famed for its scenic lake and mountain vistas, where you’ll have free time to shop, stroll the waterfront, or climb the picturesque step streets. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening, and ask your Tour Director for local dinner tips—remember, Italians savor late, leisurely meals.

Fall in love with Verona’s blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architecture along the Adige River. Explore its UNESCO-listed center with your Tour Director, including a visit to Casa di Giulietta’s famous balcony. Wander through Piazza delle Erbe, the city’s oldest square, and enjoy free time at Piazza Dante. Marvel at the 2,000-year-old Verona Arena, still hosting events today. End the day with free time before heading to Venice for an included dinner with beer or wine.

Experience the magic of Venice’s winding canals, elegant bridges, and stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Join a local guide to explore the city on foot and optionally by vaporetto (water taxi). Discover the lively St. Mark’s Square and the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica. See the famous Bridge of Sighs and watch a traditional Murano glassblowing demonstration. Enjoy a free afternoon to wander Venice’s streets or take an optional gondola ride along its iconic canals.

Arrive in Rome by train, enjoying scenic views across the Apennine Mountains. Take a guided walk through historic squares and fountains, including the Spanish Steps with Bernini’s Fontana della Barcaccia and the iconic Trevi Fountain—where tossing a coin promises your return. Visit the Pantheon, famed for its massive unreinforced concrete dome, and finish at Piazza Navona to admire Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, a symbol of papal power spanning four continents.

Spend your free day exploring Trastevere’s charming, mostly car-free streets and cozy trattorias. For a peaceful escape, visit Aventine Hill’s Orange Garden and glimpse St. Peter’s Basilica through its famous keyhole. Consider adding a guided Vatican tour to see the awe-inspiring Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon, you can also add a visit to the iconic Colosseum. End the day with a farewell dinner featuring a traditional multi-course Italian meal and live music.

Extend your Italian adventure with a few days in Florence, the Renaissance’s vibrant heart and final resting place of legends like Galileo and Michelangelo. Cross the scenic Apennines to explore Tuscany’s sunlit piazzas and medieval hill towns. Take a culinary walking tour through Florence’s UNESCO historic center, visiting the stunning 15th-century Duomo with Brunelleschi’s iconic dome and Giotto’s colorful Campanile. Wander past Piazza della Repubblica to the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge lined with shops. End at Piazza della Signoria, home to statues including Michelangelo’s David replica and the Fountain of Neptune. Optional: enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Villa Machiavelli, the exile’s former home, or unwind with a starlit stroll along the Arno River.

Enjoy a free day in Florence or add an excursion to San Gimignano, famous for its 14 towering medieval skyline. Need ideas? Escape crowds at the peaceful Boboli Gardens behind Palazzo Pitti, then explore the authentic Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio—Florence’s vibrant local market with fresh produce and lively cafés. Wrap up your day with a farewell drink celebrating your trip with fellow travelers.