Product Code: MT-1457
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29 Day European Odyssey With Flights Included, Exploring Iconic Cities And Breathtaking Landscapes
Book By 30 November 2024
29 Day European Odyssey With Flights Included, Exploring Iconic Cities And Breathtaking Landscapes
Return flights to London
Holiday At A Glance
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on this 29 day grand tour that will take you through the enchanting landscapes of the UK, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, and beyond. Traverse across 12 captivating countries, immersing yourself in the splendor of iconic landmarks and awe-inspiring countryside vistas. Unveil the enigmatic stories of history, indulge in the rich tapestry of flavors from diverse cuisines, and immerse yourself in the vibrancy of bustling cities. With return international flights, 28 nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, select meals, deluxe coach, a dedicated tour leader, expert local guides, unique sightseeing and more, this comprehensive tour gives you unforgettable cultural experiences and endless sightseeing opportunities.
Highlights
Inclusions
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Welcome to England! Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel to check in and relax for the rest of the day.
Note: Due to flight times and scheduling, you are likely to depart Australia on Day 0. Final documents will confirm travel timings.
Meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions this morning, before departing from London for iconic Stonehenge. Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years and ponder the mysteries of this ancient site for yourself. Next stop is the beautiful, historic city of Bath, where your tour leader will show you the main sights including the famous Roman baths. Then cross into nearby Wales, with stunning scenic vistas, Celtic castles and friendly people, Wales is impossible not to fall in love with. Arrive in the capital, Cardiff, and enjoy a driving tour around the city before heading to the hotel for the night.
After breakfast, travel to Stratford-upon-Avon, a market town over 800 years old and hometown of William Shakespeare. Then head north to Liverpool. This British port city has a rich history and culture, is the home of Liverpool and Everton football clubs and is very famously known as the home of The Beatles. It’s impossible not to hum along to a Beatles tune as you spot iconic sites on a driving tour of the city. Explore the lively city yourself with free time this evening.
Today, catch the ferry across the Irish Sea to the Emerald Isle, Ireland. On the way, we’ll stop at the village with the longest name in Europe (Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch). Then it’s onto Dublin, with a driving tour of the city and of the city’s most famous highlights. Afterwards, enjoy free time in this vibrant 1,000-year-old city. Dublin is big enough to keep everyone entertained but small enough to navigate with ease.
Enjoy a free day in Dublin to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit the National Museums of Ireland, walk along the South Wall or visit the city’s most famous park, St Stephen’s Green. Be sure to try out the many pubs and eateries. Or join your Tour Leader’s optional excursion (at your own expense) to take you back in time to discover the most famous people and events in Irish history, including a visit to the Guinness Storehouse to see how the famous dark beer is made.
Leaving Dublin behind, travel on to Waterford. Founded by Vikings in 914, Waterford has a fascinating history and rich maritime tradition and is famous for its cut crystal glass. Then drive on to visit the famous Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone to gain the ‘gift of the gab.’ Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s most famous chieftains, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most famous attractions. Then leave County Cork behind to enter County Kerry and the hotel for this evening.
Relax and enjoy a full free day in the Kerry region. There are incredible trails to hike, amazing golf courses and beautiful churches to visit. Alternatively, join an optional day trip (at your own expense) along the famous Ring of Kerry, including visits to charming villages such as Kerry Bog Village and Killarney National Park.
Today’s another day for epic Irish scenery, travelling the north through County Limerick, County Clare and into County Galway. First stop is Adare, often called Ireland’s prettiest village. Small in size but big on charm Adare is a vibrant village with colourful thatched roof cottages. Then, travel continues on to Limerick and see the treaty Stone and King John’s Castle. Next stop, Galway; a bright, bohemian city renowned for its oysters, its live music venues, cafes and contemporary vibe. Explore the city for yourself with free time, before travelling north to the hotel for the night.
Leaving Galway behind, journey on to Northern Ireland, stopping first in popular Derry/Londonderry. This is Northern Ireland’s second largest city and has a lot to offer from culture to art and historic city walls. The next stop is Northern Ireland’s number 1 tourist attraction; Giant’s Causeway. Steeped in myth and legends, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning and puzzling geological wonder. Conclude the day in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. A local guide will take you on a combined driving and walking tour, showing off the city’s most famous attractions and sharing the city’s historic and more recent past.
Farewell Ireland and board a ferry this morning to sail across the Sea of Moyle to Scotland. The first stop is the picturesque town of Ayr for a photo stop. Then onto the stunningly picturesque Scottish Highlands!
Today, we set off into the Highlands to further explore this famous region. Stop for a photo in the stunningly beautiful Glencoe and at the famous Loch Ness, with time to relax and soak up the atmosphere loch-side or join an optional cruise (at your own expense). Leaving the Highlands, drive through the Cairngorms National Park to arrive in Edinburgh. Once in the city, enjoy a walking tour of the Scottish capital taking in its beautiful Gothic buildings, cobblestoned streets, and view of the 12th-century castle keeping watch on a hilltop. Edinburgh is also the city where JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel. Fans of the series might find the city strangely familiar.
Your time is yours to spend as you like today – enjoy a relaxed start to the day before revisiting some of the highlights from yesterday’s walking tour or discover the city for yourself. Tonight, you can optionally choose to join a traditional Scottish dinner and show (at your own expense), complete with a traditional haggis.
Farewell Scotland and travel south to famous Alnwick Castle; featured in many famous films and TV shows, including two Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey, Blackadder, Star Trek and more. There is time to visit the castle if you choose (at your own expense). Next, travel on to charming York, home to the largest gothic cathedral in northern Europe; York Minster. Take an orientation tour of the city’s most famous sites, before heading to our accommodation in Yorkshire. Enjoy a final included dinner with the group tonight.
Today we make our way to the historic university town of Cambridge, known for exquisite architecture, quirky traditions, and deep history, as well as the many famous graduates who have passed through the city’s famous university: John Milton, Charles Darwin, David Attenborough, Siegfried Sassoon, John Cleese, Stephen Fry, William Wordsworth, Rachel Weisz, and countless others. Take a relaxing walk along the River Cam or try the optional excursion (at your own expense) of a scenic punt along the river before returning to London and your hotel for your final night.
The day is yours to explore the bustling city of London. A great mix of the historic, modern and the iconic – there is so much to see and do here. London is home to charming pubs, world-class (and often free) museums, history around every corner, some of the best theatre performances in the world, incredible food, and wild nightlife.
After a relaxed start to the day, join your Tour Leader and group for an orientation tour of Greenwich and cruise along the River Thames. Look out for London’s most famous sights including Tower Bridge and Big Ben. Enjoy the afternoon to explore London on your own or join an optional walking tour (at your own expense) featuring the Highlights of Westminster. Meet up with your fellow travellers in the evening for a group dinner at a traditional local pub.
Depart London after breakfast this morning, cross the English Channel en route to Paris, ‘The City of Lights and Love’. Enjoy a driving tour of the French capital, passing many of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. After the city tour, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the famously electric and historic Latin Quarter. Then travel back to the hotel, experiencing Paris’ world-famous metro system.
Enjoy a full day in Paris today, free to explore however you choose. Follow the Seine River from neighbourhood to neighbourhood as it flows through the heart of the city. Or choose an optional river cruise (at your own expense) to float past the grandeur of the Louvre and Grand Palais, see Notre Dame Cathedral and the epic Eiffel Tower. Famous architecture and legendary landmarks are scattered throughout the compact city, along with elegant shops and sophisticated cafes. Your Tour Leader will have plenty of ideas and local knowledge, including recommendations of special places to eat and drink.
After breakfast this morning, depart Paris and travel south to Beaune, in the beautiful Burgundy region. After time to explore the town and enjoy a local lunch and wine (not included), take the stunningly scenic drive east across France into Switzerland. Admire the alpine forests, beautiful lakes and dramatic mountains! Arrive in the Swiss Alps – home for the next two days!
Enjoy a full day of free time in Switzerland’s wonderful Alps. Spend your free day wandering and breathing in that crisp, fresh, Alpine air. Explore the local town, enjoy sightseeing, souvenir shopping and don’t miss your chance to indulge in Swiss chocolate! Optionally, your tour leader can arrange a full-day excursion (at your own expense) to the summit of Jungfraujoch, with its year-round snow-covered peak. The cable car journey up the mountain is a highlight, providing panoramic views of mountains, lakes and glaciers.
Leave the mountains after early breakfast this morning, as the coach travels south out of Switzerland and into Italy. Stop for the quintessential European photo opportunity at the Leaning Tower of Pisa! The world-famous 840-year-old bell tower is immaculately presented and one of the most popular cultural European landmarks. Next, continue onwards to exquisite Tuscany – famous for its rolling hills, wine, food, and medieval towns. Time for a local vino or two!
After the short drive into Florence this morning, explore the stunning Renaissance city with your Tour Leader on an orientation tour before enjoying some free time to explore this enchanting city on your own. Then, continue through the Italian countryside to incredible Rome, the 2,300-year-old capital of Italy. Explore the heart of the city on your own before joining back up with the group for a relaxed included dinner.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do- or enjoy you free day Rome as you see fit. Relax and explore on your own or join one of the optional tours your tour guide can recommend on the day, including a visit to the Colosseum or landmarks walking tour (at your own expense). The meandering streets of the old city are lined with breathtaking architecture, home to many wonderful galleries, museums, shops and gelaterias!
Rome city makes way for scenery as the coach travels to Venice. See vineyards, orchards and majestic mountains pass by from your vantage point. On arrival in Venice, your tour leader will introduce the city with an orientation walk. See world-famous St Mark’s Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The evening is free, with hundreds of local restaurants and bars to discover in winding alleys and hidden piazzas. Consider exploring Venice the traditional way – from the canals. Your tour leader can arrange for gondola and water taxi rides for a canal-based perspective of the beautiful palaces, villas and bridges that comprise this very special city.
After breakfast this morning, set off from Venice for another remarkable journey through some of Europe’s finest scenery. Travel via the Brenner pass and stop in the city of Innsbruck, in the Tyrol region of Austria. An orientation tour in Munich will introduce you to the famous Karlsplatz and Marienplatz as well as provide an insight into some of the region’s rich history. Dinner tonight will be enjoyed together at a traditional German beer hall- “prost!”.
Leaving Munich, head to one of the most picturesque areas of Germany along the Rhine River. Enjoy an included lunch and free time to soak up the views and shop for handcrafted souvenirs. Next up, take a stunning cruise along the Rhine River. This part of the valley is home to the most concentrated stretch of castles in Europe! Take in the views of the striking cliffs, medieval castles and historic vineyards along the riverbanks. Afterwards, sample some of the excellent wine varieties of the region with an included tasting experience.
On arrival into Amsterdam, get acquainted with sightseeing highlights from the water and learn more about this historic city as you cruise along the canals. The rest of the day is free to wander the streets of Amsterdam at your leisure; explore colourful neighbourhoods, sample local food & beers or visit some of the city’s world-famous museums; including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Complete your Dutch adventure by joining the final included group dinner this evening in Amsterdam.
Say farewell to Amsterdam and head to the medieval city of Bruges, in Belgium. Enjoy free time to stroll along cobblestone streets, admire historic buildings, stock up on Belgian chocolate or sample a Belgian waffle. After Bruges, it’s time to complete the last leg of the journey back to London. Arrive back in London towards the end of the day.
Depending on onward travel timings, enjoy breakfast and farewell your group at the hotel. You may like to experience more of London’s culture and history by joining an optional walking tour (at your own expense) of some of the city’s unique boroughs. At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport for your flight home.
Note: Due to flight times and scheduling, you may arrive in Australia the following day. Final documents will confirm travel timings.
Price based on tours starting:
Extra charges apply for:
Price based on departing from Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
Extra charges apply for:
WHAT TO EXPECT ON TOUR
Itinerary
Our multi-country Europe tours are carefully designed to give a real insight into the highlights, culture and beauty of each location on the tour. Each day will be different, with a combination of travel days, sightseeing and free time to explore or take a breather as you wish.
Accommodation
While you will not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. They may not be centrally located, but are typically near public transport options, and your friendly driver will provide a helpful orientation tour on arrival into many of the cities you visit. Our accommodation is a range of styles, including hotels, resorts, and lodges, generally of a quality 3-star or higher local rating.
Coaches
Our elegant coaches come equipped with safety belts, reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard toilets, huge windows and plenty of legroom to ensure that your coach tour is a pleasure from the moment you set foot on the bus and throughout your journey.
Tour Leader
Your tour leader will be experienced, friendly and passionate to share each destination with you. They will be on hand to offer suggestions for extra activities, local dining options and more while you are on tour. During the tour, it’s important to note that the tour leader may change when transitioning from the UK portion to the Europe portion. This change could be due to various factors such as logistical arrangements, different expertise required for each region, or scheduling considerations. While the leader’s transition might bring about a fresh perspective and local insights, the overall tour experience and coordination will remain a priority to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey for all participants.
Pace
The pace of this tour is fast and lively. The on-the-go nature of multi-city tours rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities but involves early starts and several long travel days, with one to two nights in each destination on average. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or alternatively you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional programs directly with the guide.
Fitness
A medium level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to carry your own bags to and from hotels, stations and terminals. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchairs, mobility scooters, larger walking aids or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.
Group Size
You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. The maximum group size is approximately 48 per vehicle.
Meals
Breakfast at hotels is typically continental buffet style cold dishes and basic hot dishes. Included lunches and dinners are typically authentic meals purposefully chosen to complement the local experience.
Refer to Important Info for details.
ACCOMMODATION
While you will not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. They may not be centrally located, but are typically near public transport options, and your friendly driver will provide a helpful orientation tour on arrival into many of the cities you visit. Our accommodation is a range of styles, including hotels, resorts, and lodges, generally of a quality 3 star or higher local rating.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Exclusions
Meals not stated, drinks on meals, airport transfers, travel insurance (strongly recommended), optional programs, visas (if required), tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.
Payment
A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.
Fitness
A medium level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to carry your own bags to and from hotels, stations and terminals. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchairs, mobility scooters, larger walking aids or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.
Pace
The pace of this tour is fast and lively. The on-the-go nature of multi-country Europe travel rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities but involves early starts and several long travel days – see the itinerary for distances travelled. One to two nights at each destination is standard. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or alternatively, you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional programs directly with the guide (at your own expense).
Solo Occupancy
A single supplement from $3600 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.
Triple Share
Triple share is not available.
Extra Accommodation
Extend your stay in London with pre- or post-tour accommodation for one or two nights at the same hotel as the main tour, inclusive of breakfast, starting from $360 per room per night. Please note that transfers are not included, the maximum number of nights available to be booked is 2 nights, requests for pre- or post-tour stays cannot be processed within 60 days of departure, and are subject to availability. Standard tour amendment and cancellation fees apply to pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings.
Child
This tour is best enjoyed by adult travellers and is generally not suitable for children under 10 years of age. Children 10 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult. Family friendly departures excepted, see information below.
Price
Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of
publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Amendment
Each amendment is subject to a non-refundable fee from $75 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.
Cancellation
Cancellation at any time is subject to a non-refundable fee from $550 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.
Deviation
Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.
Passport
For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.
Visa
A visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting Europe for the purpose of short-term tourism. However, this policy is subject to change without notice and it has been flagged that Europe will be introducing an electronic visa in the future. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.
Health
It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Porterage is not included and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.
Meals
Accommodation providers typically offer continental buffet style breakfasts with cold dishes and basic hot dishes, and special dietary requirements cannot be requested for breakfast. Included lunch and dinners are typically authentic meals purposefully chosen to complement the local experience. For meals not included, you will be taken to places with options where possible. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavor to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices, aside from vegetarian, may be limited or not catered for. You are encouraged to reconfirm requirements with your tour leader whilst on tour.
Accommodation
A range of accommodation styles including hotels, resorts and lodges are carefully selected to suit the prevailing size of the group. The accommodation may not be located in the city or town centre, but are typically chosen to be near public transport options. Accommodation names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual accommodation names may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All hotel ratings are local or self-ratings provided by the supplier. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am – actual times may vary.
Tipping
Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide.
Your tour leader and driver will transform your trip experience from just good, to exceptional, and where this is the case a tip (even a modest one) is always highly appreciated. They will be travelling with you from just a few days, up to a few weeks, and you’ll soon become good friends. It is sometimes easy to forget that they work hard to ensure that you get a once in a lifetime experience.
At the end of your tour you will have the opportunity to thank your tour leader and driver by offering them a tip. We suggest somewhere between £4-£6, €5-€7 or $8-$12 (AUD) per person per day. Tipping is entirely voluntary and the above rate is offered as a suggested guide only.
If you take a walking tour with a local guide, tipping these guides at the end of walking tours and excursions is always appreciated, but not expected.
Flights
The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel surcharges, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.
Fuel
In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.
Group Size
You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 30 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 48 passengers. If the trip does not operate, you will be offered a credit. Optional programs may require minimum numbers to operate.
Optional Programs
A list of optional programs will be provided on your final documentation or during the tour. Optional programs must be booked directly with the guide and paid in the local currency. Any reference in the itinerary to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.
Itinerary
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.
Breakaway
Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.
Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within two weeks of departure of each respective tour.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.
Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.
Product Code: MT-1457
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