Ultimate Europe Experience

Discover romance, sophistication and French joie de vivre in Paris – the launch pad to a memorable journey through the French countryside. Explore the grand boulevards and picturesque avenues of the 'City of Light', before meeting your Travel Director and companions for a dinner. Take to the streets this evening to see some of the city's most iconic sights, including the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, standing in all its glorious splendour for you to admire. (D)

Join a Local Specialist to explore the Latin Quarter, a vibrant student hotspot and home to the Sorbonne University. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then soak up the authentic atmosphere and local day-to-day life of the Parisians as you stroll through historic neighbourhoods. Consider an optional experience to the exquisite gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny. Spend your evening embracing the pageantry of Paris and perhaps experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret. (B)

Travel through the picture-perfect Burgundy wine region and stop in its walled regional capital, Beaune – most famous for the colourful geometric-tiled Hôtel-Dieu. Continue to the gastronomic capital of Lyon, where you'll spend the night. Discover the historic treasures of its well-preserved Old Town or perhaps indulge in delicious Beaujolais flavours in a local bouchon– the choice is yours. (B)

Follow the Rhône Valley south to Aix-en-Provence, where you’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch at your own pace, perhaps sampling the city’s famous calissons. Continue through Provence to the stylish Principality of Monaco, one of the world’s smallest and wealthiest nations. See the royal palace, home to the Grimaldi family since the 13th century, and visit the cathedral where Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier. This evening, enjoy free time to dine as you wish, whether that’s a relaxed bistro or a sea-view terrace. Later, travel along the coastline of the French Riviera to your hotel, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. (B)

The sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera are yours to explore today. Consider relaxing on the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers or an Optional Experience could see you visit the hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a popular haunt for actors seeking a relaxing retreat. In your free time, you have the opportunity to soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious salade Niçoise. (B)

Travel by boat along the Côte d’Azur to Saint-Tropez, taking in views of the harbour and Mediterranean coastline. You’ll get your bearings on an orientation of the old town, then enjoy free time to explore. Browse the shops, walk the narrow streets or stop at a local patisserie to try a slice of Tarte Tropézienne — a cream-filled brioche created in the town in the 1950s. This coastal spot has long drawn artists, locals and visitors alike. Later, continue inland to Avignon, a Provençal city rich in history, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. (B,D)

Travel to the impressive Pont du Gard, the ancient Roman aqueduct that once carried water to the city of Nîmes. Take time to admire this feat of engineering before continuing to Arles, a city known for its Roman heritage and its influence on artist Vincent van Gogh. Join a Local Specialist for a tour of the city’s highlights, including the Roman amphitheatre and the Cathedral of St. Trophime, both reminders of Arles’ rich past. Enjoy a Be My Guest experience, joining your hosts for regional food and warm Provençal hospitality. (B,D)

The French countryside is your companion as you take the high-speed TGV train through the heart of France, past Auxerre and the vineyards of Burgundy, back to Paris where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city on your own or explore Montmartre with a stroll through the 'village' overlooking the city of Paris on an Optional Experience. Later, enjoy market-fresh produce and seasonal cuisine at a local restaurant celebrating an unforgettable sojourn through France during dinner together. (B,D)

This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid Paris a fond au revoir as our fascinating journey through France comes to an end.

Make your way to the train station for your train to Amsterdam.

Arrive in the vibrant Dutch capital and check in to your hotel before heading out for a memorable first evening. Get your first taste of river life with a canal cruise and dinner with your fellow travellers, Experience Director and Experience Manager. (B,D)

Today is yours to experience Amsterdam as you like. Wander along scenic canals, explore world-class museums or soak up the local atmosphere in a cosy cafe. For something extra, join an Optional Experience and taste your way through one of Amsterdam's most Bohemian quarters on a foodie tour or visit a traditional windmill in Volendam. On select seasonal departures you can opt to explore the colourful blooms of Keukenhof Gardens. (B)

Depart Amsterdam and travel to Arnhem where you’ll uncover the story of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation of WWII, aimed at securing key bridges in the Netherlands. Visit the Airborne Museum in Hartenstein and see the “Bridge Too Far,” where British paratroopers fought a heroic but ill-fated battle. This afternoon, board the Trafalgar Verity, your Rhine River Cruise ship. Settle in and explore the ship as you begin your journey along the legendary Rhine. (B,D)

Your first night on the Lower Rhine takes you through the Rhine Plain and past North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s historic heart of industry. Dock in Cologne after a night cruising the Rhine and step ashore. With two included experiences to choose from, you can join a Local Specialist to explore the historic streets and see the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece over 600 years in the making. Or see a different side of the city on a Street Art tour, uncovering the alternative creative scene. In the afternoon, choose an Optional Experience and sample local brews on a Cologne Beer Experience, or visit the Michael Schumacher Private Collection, a must for motorsport fans. (B,L,D)

Sail to the Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the Moselle meets the Rhine, marked by the grand monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I. On land, join a Local Specialist to explore Koblenz. You can explore further with an optional bike ride along the Rhine, passing charming villages and historic castles along the way. Sit back and take in the scenery on your Rhine River cruise, as you begin to cruise through the Middle Rhine, a region straight out of a fairy tale, famous for its hillside vineyards and storybook castles. Arrive at Boppard and explore Rheinstein Castle, perched high above the river. (B,L,D)

Your Rhine River cruise continues as you cruise through the Middle Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before arriving in Rüdesheim, a wine-making town known for its half-timbered houses. Take a mini-train tour to get acquainted with the area, then enjoy time to explore. You can choose to join an Optional Experience vineyard hike, winding through scenic trails with beautiful views alongside. (B,L,D)

This morning, step ashore in Speyer, a town with deep medieval roots. With two included experiences to choose from, you can join a Local Specialist for a walking tour along Maximilian Street, passing baroque townhouses and visiting a medieval church. Discover the history of the 11th-century Jewish community and enjoy some local treats. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a private vinegar estate near Speyer, where you’ll enjoy a tasting and learn all about its sustainable production. Why not join an Optional Experience to Heidelberg? You’ll walk through its charming old town, cross the Old Bridge and see the striking Heidelberg Castle. (B,L,D)

Step ashore in Alsace, where French and German influences mix in this region rich with history. With a Local Specialist by your side, explore Strasbourg’s old town, where you’ll see its impressive cathedral and the charming Petite France district. In the afternoon, choose an Optional Experience into the Black Forest, known for its scenic landscapes, fairytale villages and traditional crafts. (B,L,D)

Cruise south of Strasbourg, along the Rhine River, marking the border between Germany and France. Drift through the Upper Rhine Plain, nestled between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains, and take in the stunning scenery along the way. Step ashore and begin your day with a tour of Breisach, a historic town overlooking the Rhine, known for its colourful houses and centuries-old cathedral. Then, join the Bohrer family at Bohrerhof for a Be My Guest experience with lunch on their family farm, where they grow seasonal produce using traditional methods. Enjoy a meal made with fresh ingredients straight from their fields, a true taste of their land and heritage. In the afternoon, you can take an optional visit to an Alsatian village for a journey filled with half-timbered houses and scenic vineyards. (B,L,D)

Your scenic river cruise comes to an end as you disembark in Basel. Bid farewell with "fair winds and fond memories" to your Experience Director and Experience Manager, crew and fellow cruise companions, until you cruise again. (B)