Traditional Europe

All the highlights of Europe lie ahead on this epic journey from the Netherlands to Austria, Italy to France. Spend the day exploring Amsterdam on foot, by bike or tram. Later, meet your Travel Director and travel companions and board a glass-topped boat for a Welcome Reception canal cruise, including a light dinner and a drink as you navigate the city’s labyrinthine canals lined with centuries-old gabled façades.

Travel east, crossing the border into Germany bound for Cologne. Here, you’ll see the iconic twin spires of its imposing Cathedral, said to be the final resting place of the Three Wise Men. Cruise along the mighty Rhine, lined with medieval villages and castles that cling to the hills. This evening, you'll stay in the Rhine Valley and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

The imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle feature as you pass this vibrant university city en route to the quaint medieval town of Colmar. Here you will enjoy an orientation stroll and free time for lunch. Your journey continues through the picturesque vineyards of Alsace en route to our hotel in the stunning mountain retreat of Engelberg, with a free evening to enjoy the town.

Spend the day exploring Lucerne. Pay tribute to the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louise XVI during the French Revolution at the mournful Lion Monument, then admire the splendor of the flower-lined Chapel Bridge with its 17th-century paintings. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience up one of the nearby peaks for spectacular panoramic views before returning to Engelberg.

Admire rugged alpine scenery en route to the Principality of Liechtenstein, stopping in its capital, Vaduz. Cross the Austrian border and continue along the Arlberg route for a journey filled with pinch-me moments. Snow-capped mountains surround you as you travel through the stunning scenery of the Tyrol. Enjoy the Tyrolean countryside while you Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience before arriving in Innsbruck. Visit the Old Town where you’ll see the famous Golden Roof completed in 1500 for Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.

Cross the extraordinary Europa Bridge, rising almost 200 meters above the Wipp Valley, following the Brenner Pass past alpine pastures and pine-clad peaks into Italy and the magical island city of Venice. Spend this evening at leisure, gliding by gondola through the city's canals or enjoying a Campari spritz in a quiet piazza.

Witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassmaking. This is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience which helps to preserve the strong tradition of glassblowing for which Venice is justifiably famous. You’ll learn how the talented master craftsmen use the same techniques their forefathers did to create the delicate artworks which adorn homes worldwide, perhaps inspiring you to buy a souvenir to remind you of this special visit. Later, board a private launch for your journey through the canals of Venice to St. Mark's Square where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city's centuries-old history and view the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Spend the afternoon exploring Venice your way, which could mean finding a tucked away bacaro to soak up some of the local atmosphere, a cruise around the lagoon or zigzagging up the Le Mercerie shopping street.