European Whirl

Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Deluxe

Physical Rating

Easy

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

Includes

Whats Included

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Eurostar high-speed train from London to Brussels
Optional Experiences and free time
London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
Eurostar high-speed train from Paris to London (offered on relevant tour variations)
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised

Highlights

Dining Summary

4 Dinner (D)
11 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Florence: Eight generations of history with plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest meal with the Landi family at their home near Florence, set within a garden of oak trees against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.

Iconic Experience

Amsterdam: Cruise along the old waterways with your Travel Director and fellow travellers. Discover the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
Rhineland: Cruise beneath semi-ruined castles and terraced vineyards. Sleepy villages slip by as you saunter upstream to the Lorelei Rock where the enchantress lured sailors to their doom.
Heidelberg: Explore one of Germany's most enchanting cities during an orientation with your Travel Director.
Munich: During your orientation of Munich with your Travel Director, see the Munich Residenz, former home of the Bavarian royal family, the State Opera House, the ornate neo-Gothic Town Hall, the Hofbräuhaus, St Peter’s Church and the famous Marienplatz.
Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town and learn about its history with your Travel Director.
Tuscany: View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today.
Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
Switzerland: Marvel at the Alpine landscape as you drive past breathtakingly beautiful mountains and valleys.
Lucerne: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Rome, Florence and Paris
Discover Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Munich, Innsbruck, Venice and Lucerne
Visit a glassblowing factory in Venice
View the canals in Amsterdam, the Golden Roof in Innsbruck, St. Mark's Square in Venice, the ancient sites in Rome, the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne and the Eiffel Tower in Paris
See the Lorelei Rock in Germany and the vineyards of Burgundy
Cruise along the canals of Amsterdam, the Rhine River and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Private

Guide Language

English

Starts

London, United Kingdom

Finishes

Paris, France

Accommodations

Deluxe

Travel Style

Adventure, Budget

Physical Rating

Easy

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.

Accommodation: Mercure City
Meals: Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Sinsheim
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Innsbruck Tivoli
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Onwards to the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter

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.

Accommodation: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: All Roads Lead to Rome Connect with Locals

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.

Accommodation: Precise House Mantegna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Accommodation: Precise House Mantegna
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Hilton Metropole
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Grand Europe Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Grand Europe Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Occidental Levallois
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Occidental Levallois
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Farewell Paris

Today bid adieu to your fellow travellers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable experience.

Meals: Breakfast

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $6,495

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 31 Mar 2027

View Map

Tour Operator

Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide

In Business Since 1931

Book Now