hallstatt lake
Itinerary
Romantic Europe Holiday
(Inclusions in italics)
This is a sample itinerary for a tour covering all destinations. You can choose to shorten or extend the holiday to your liking and add as many extra days, excursions or sightseeing adventures as you like. As this is a tour for independent travellers it can commence at any time.
Day 1 - Amsterdam: Start your experience of Amsterdam with a walk in the historic centre along the many canals. Visit the Dam Square and Royal Palace, Jewish Museum, Anne Frank’s house, Rembrandt’s House, the Willet Holthuysen Canal House Museum and perhaps proceed to Waterlooplein and visit Amsterdam’s funkiest outdoor market.
See the amazing floating flower market of Amsterdam and be dazzled by the vibrant colours and fragrance. Of course there’s also the Heineken Experience if you’re looking to get an early start in the evening. For dinner, head to Amsterdam’s most ethnically diverse neighborhood known as De Pijp near Sarphatipar. Or, for a more home grown Dutch atmosphere, stop in at one of the cafes around Westerstraat in the Jordaan.
Day 2 - Amsterdam: Enjoy an excursion into the countryside, eat lunch at the picturesque town on the Jlsselmeer lake and taste some Dutch cheeses at the windmill town on Zaanse Schans. During April/May you can choose to visit the famed Keukenhof Gardens instead where you will be overwhelmed by the view of fields of tulips and daffodils as far as the eye can reach.
In the evening experience Amsterdam at its most romantic during a candle-lit cruise with wine and cheese tasting along the twinkling canals through the historic heart of this city with its illuminated bridges and churches.
Amsterdam Extension day: Hire a bike and ride along the canals from the Plantage to the Jordaan. Take a short train excursion to quaint and interesting Haarlem. See full details for Amsterdam.
Or start your romantic Europe holiday in London
Day 1 - London: After your long flight you will be met by your chauffeur in the arrival hall and driven in comfort to your hotel in the city centre.
Day 2 - London: In the morning head to Trafalgar Square for your ‘Changing of the Guard Walking Tour’. This guided tour will take you to Buckingham Palace and St. James Palace. After completion of that walk you might enjoy sitting down for a while and we recommend that you do the complete circuit of the YELLOW hop-on-hop-off bus tour, which you can join just in front of Buckingham Palace. You will see the National Gallery, Nelson’s Column, Big Ben and Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sherlock Holmes Pub, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus and many other landmarks.
After lunch head to Westminster station. Walk down to the river to the pier for your river cruise. View some of London’s attractions from a completely different perspective. For a view from the best vantage point you disembark from your cruise at the ‘London Eye’. Your 'flight' on this gigantic observation wheel will have you light headed and exhilarated, not just due to the glass of champagne that will be served to you to make this event a very special experience.
London extension day: Spend this day visiting more of the sights in London. Take some ‘High Tea’ at the Dorchester or Fortnum & Mason. Visit Harrods at Knightsbridge or check out some of the quirky markets in London.
You might like to visit the Tower of London, see the fabulous Crown Jewels and enjoy the very entertaining Yeoman Warder ‘Beefeater’ tour. Or perhaps visit Kensington Palace, which has been the royal home for over 300 years and parts of the palace remain a private residence for the Royal family today.
London extension day: Windsor castle, Stonehenge and Oxford
Your will be picked up from your hotel for your all day coach tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford.
At Stonehenge you can explore the site independently or take an audio-guided tour to learn about the site’s spiritual importance. In Oxford a guide will take you on a walking tour to see Christ Church and the Sheldonian Theatre. You will also have time to explore Oxford on your own.
London extension day: Excursion to Blenheim Castle and the Cotswolds
Enjoy a panoramic tour of the Cotswold’s picturesque villages like Woodstock, Burford with its medieval bridge over the river Windrush, Bourton on the Water, renowned as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ and ‘Stow-On-The-Wold’ brimming with charming traditional houses. Stop at a traditional English pub for lunch and admire the beauty of Blenheim Palace.
London extension day: Excursion to Leeds castle, Canterbury and Dover
Deep in the cascading countryside of Kent sits Leeds Castle, thought by many to be ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. 500 acres of magnificent landscaped parkland surround the idyllic island. Continue on to Canterbury and discover the magnificent medieval city with the imposing 11th century cathedral. Continue on to Dover and marvel at the White Cliffs and Dover Castle. See full details for London.
Day 3 - London or Amsterdam to Bruges: Your train journey takes you via Brussels to Bruges, the Venice of the North. Bruges is a beautifully preserved medieval city. Enjoy a walk around this spellbinding inner city after nightfall when the daytime tourist buses have left and Bruges shows itself in all its magic.
Day 4 - Bruges: Explore Bruges during your guided private tour. The ornate city centre is very small and compact and invites you to stroll through its cobble-stoned streets and tunneled alleyways. Bruges had been famous for their lace-making, beer making, cloth manufacturing and Flemish art, examples of which are displayed in various museums.
Optional: Hot air ballooning adventure over Bruges at dusk or dawn.
Day 5 - Bruges to Paris: Start your familiarization with the city in the afternoon with the ‘Paris Grand Tour’ and enjoy the view from the open deck of the sightseeing bus. Highlights include Madeleine, Opera, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Orsay Museum, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and Invalides. In the evening you will find many delightful eateries along the boulevards close to your hotel.
Day 6 - Paris: Spend some time to explore the many treasures of Paris or the open-air fresh food, collectibles and arts markets and do the complete circuit of the ‘Montmarte/Grand Boulevard tour’ in the hop-on/hop-off bus.
Take the cogwheel train to Sacre Coeur at the top of Montmarte. In the evening make your way to the Eiffel Tower. View the city in all its glory from the viewing platform of this iconic structure as the sun sets. Afterwards head over to the Latin Quarter for a meal in an atmospheric bistro and music.
As a special romantic experience after your dinner you could head to the Arc de Triomphe at the top end of the Champs Elysees and view the city at night from the top of that spectacular vantage point.
Paris extension day: The day is yours to spend at your leisure. Visit the vibrant open air markets, spend the day at Versailles or knock yourself out at EuroDisney.
Optional: Champagne tasting cruise on the river Seine; Night cruise on the Seine followed by dinner in a restaurant at the Champs-Elysee; Horse-drawn carriage ride; Show at the Moulin Rouge; pre-arranged admission tickets to the Louvre (or guided tour), Versailles Palace, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame crypte; Perfume workshop; French cooking school; Loire valley castles tour. See full details for Paris.
Day 7 - Paris to Heidelberg: Your train journey through delightful countryside will take you straight into one of Europe’s most romantic destinations – Heidelberg. Heidelberg is the lively hub of the Neckar and Rhine rivers region. This 12th century small city with its world famous castle, picturesque setting and mediteranean climate has been the centre of Germany’s Romantic Movement and inspiration to numerous literary figures.
Day 8 - Heidelberg: Your cruise on the Neckar River to Neckarsteinnach leaves from the centre of the town. The ship takes you past the Heidelberg castle, through several lochs further up the picturesque Neckar River. Passing monasteries, hill-top castles, vineyards and small villages – this is the ultimate romantic day river cruise.
Day 9 - Heidelberg to Lucerne: Your train ride from Heidelberg will be a beautiful experience as you will be travelling through the picturesque Rhine River valley towards Switzerland.
Day 10 - Lucerne: Take the cable car up to Mount Pilatus or Mount Titlis. The views from that height will absolutely take your breath away. Enjoy a hike on the top of the mountain and walk down, depending on conditions, or just take the cable car down again.
If possible, and condition permit, take the boat across the lake, then go up to Mount Rigi with the cogwheel train.
In the afternoon take a walk around beautiful Lucerne, across the Kapellbruecke and into the old historic centre. See full details for Lucerne.
Day 11 - Lucerne to Como: You will be heart-broken to leave beautiful Lucerne but a spectacular train journey across the Alps brings you a total change of scenery at Lake Como.
Your hotel is located right at the shore of this famous lake. Spend the afternoon walking around the lake shore or explore the old inner city and its silk weaving workshops. Or take the funicular up to Brunate which at 2000 feet elevation provides you with spectacular views over the lake.
Day 12 - Lake Como: Spend the day criss-crossing the lake by boat and visiting its tiny waterside villages, in particular ‘Bellagio’, the pearl of the lake. The boats leave from a pier in front of your hotel.
Lake Como extension day: If you enjoy hiking then consider walking up to the top of Monte Grona, a 6-hours quite demanding hike. The views from the top will take your breath away. You can see pretty much all of Lake Como from this vantage point and even Lake Lugano in Switzerland.
Take the ferry to Menaggio and commence our walk from there. There are plenty of other and easier walks to choose from as well. Or you can do it the easy way and take the cable car for part of the way.
There are many other delightful ways of spending your day in Como. Strolls in the beautiful gardens surrounding the various estates or along the shoreline, visits to museums and handicraft shops, or something more energetic like a guided kayak tour on the lake. See full details for Lake Como.
Day 13 - Lake Como to Florence: After a short train journey through the delightful Tuscan countryside you will be amidst the artistic splendour of Florence.
Explore this splendid city in a small group (max. 8) guided bicycle tour. Duck and weave through the narrow streets of Florence. Or see all of the major sites including the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblic by bus or a guided walking tour.
Day 14 - Florence – Tuscany excursion: During your all day excursion into Tuscany you will be heading for the hills on a scenic drive through Monteriggioni and your first stop is gothic Siena, famous for its medieval streets Join a guided tour through the city and visit the Cathedral or alternatively, explore the sights of Siena at your own pace.
And on into Chianti for a stroll in the vineyards and olive groves before indulging in a traditional Tuscan lunch (included) amongst the Sienese hills. A wine-tasting class will be held during lunch including free samples of wine and olive oil.
After lunch you will visit San Gimignano where you can roam the maze of cobbled streets and small squares, grab a gelato and walk between San Gimignano's famous 14 towers.
Your final stop is Pisa, with its famous tower as well as the Campo dei Miracoli, considered by many to be the most beautiful square in the world (in particular by the Pisans) and the Duomo.
Florence extension day: Spend time in the Uffizi Gallery, visit the markets, in particular the Italian Leather goods market. Take the local bus to the Etruscan city of Fiesole, just 3 km outside Florence for a panoramic view over Florence. From Fiesole you can walk along some picturesque country paths and sample regional foods at little local eateries.
Optional: Train excursion to Verona. See full details for Florence and Tuscany.
Day 15 - Florence to Sorrento: Your train journey through picturesque Tuscany takes you via Rome to Naples. In Naples you change to the quaint local train, the Circumvesuviana, to Sorrento.
The Amalfi Drive is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Europe and passes through some absolutely stunning scenery. Starting from Sorrento, it winds its way along the cliff edge offering breathtaking views. Visit the little town of Positano on foot to appreciate its pretty narrow streets, pastel-coloured houses and endless steps carved out of the rock.
Day 16 - Sorrento: Take the Circumvesuviana line to Pompeii. A thrilling archaeological journey unfolds as you walk through the ancient ruins which were buried in ashes after Mount Vesuvius erupted almost 2000 years ago.
You'll discover the everyday life of Rome's Imperial age at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and imagine the panic felt by the people in those last few minutes before the city was so disastrously buried.
In the afternoon take the ferry to the beautiful Isle of Capri and let yourself be rowed by one of the local Napoli oarsmen into the magic of the famed Blue Grotto.
Day 17 - Sorrento to Rome: A train ride of less than three hours will take you to Rome, where you will be staying right in the heart of the city, close to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Your hotel is located close to the colourful ‘Monti’ quarter, which has a vibrant nightlife and many artisan shops. Celebrate your arrival in Rome with a traditional roman meal at one of the local trattorias.
Day 18 - Rome: With your Roma Pass you can criss-cross the entire city on public transport. The Roma Pass also entitles you to admission into the Colosseum, Roman Forum and one other site. You don’t need to join the long queue at the Colosseum – there is a special gate for Roma Pass holders.
In the afternoon we suggest that you to visit the Villa Borghese which houses one of the most stunning private art collections in the world. You need to book ahead. Click here for further information.
Rome extension day - Vatican
Your guided half-day walking tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel starts at 9:15 at the Vatican Museum entrance. Your guide will lead you through severral of the 2000 rooms that stretch over almost nine miles, and share the stories and secrets contained within the Vatican's walls. Highlights of the museums are Michelangelo's famous Creation of Adam fresco in the Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms.
After taking in the Vatican Museums, you will encounter another of Michelangelo's masterpieces, La Pieta, in St Peter's Basilica. For a fascinating finish to your small group guided walking tour, stop to admire magnificent St Peter's Square.
Optional: Exploring Rome by Vespa; Excursion to Assisi and the Umbrian Hills; Wine tasting tour into the Frascati region. See full details for Rome.
Day 19 Rome to Venice: You will arrive in the early afternoon at the Santa Lucia train station right in the centre of Venice. Nothing can prepare you for that first moment when you see Venice and the Canale Grande spread out before you.
Day 20 - Venice: After breakfast join your 2-hour walking tour of Venice showing you San Marco, Santa Maria Formosa and the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Basilica. Learn the history of the buildings you pass and enter the backstreets to see little-visited parts of Venice. Then just stroll around the tiny cobble-stoned alleyways, canals, bridges and piazzas. You might get lost and have absolutely no idea were you are when walking away from the major tourist areas, but you will always find your way back very easily.
In the afternoon take the canal boat to Murano and Burano to visit glass blowing factories and lace making artisans. If you want to do something a bit more ‘off-the-beaten-path’ then take the motoscafi route that starts at Fondamenta Nuove in Venice, stops in Murano, and then calls at the untouristed islands of Vignole and San Erasmo.
Optional: No romantic holiday in Europe is complete without a gondola ride with serenade followed by a romantic dinner. See full details for Venice.
Day 21 & 22 Austrian Alps/Bad Hofgastein: After spending the previous days in several of Europe’s most exciting cities it is now a good time to take a break and enjoy some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring scenery and landscape – the Austrian Alps.
Pamper yourself in the Spa Resort of Bad Hofgastein; enjoy walking, hiking or mountain biking through alpine meadows and hills. Take the cable car to the summit of one of the mountains surrounding Bad Hofgastein and gasp at the views to glacier-covered mountain peaks of up to 3500m height.
Participate in a guided hike (when available and conditions allow) and experience Austrian hospitality in a rustic alpine inn. Cross Europe’s first hanging bridge at an altitude of 2,300 m on foot (optional). Enjoy a traditional Austrian 4- course dinner every evening. See full details for Austrian Alps/Bad Hofgastein.
Day 23 - Austrian Alps to Munich: After a relaxing train ride through beautiful Bavaria you arrive in Munich. Your hotel is within walking distance of the train station.
Explore Munich by means of a ‘Hop-on/Hop-off’ bus. Discover sights such as the Pinakotheken art museums, the world famous Hofbrauhaus, the National Theatre with the Royal Palace, Marienplatz and the Viktualien market with its colorful outdoor stalls.
The tour continues to the Palace of Nymphenburg, the former summer residence of the Bavarian elector princes and kings with its beautiful and spacious gardens. Pass through the former artist quarter of Schwabing where you may stroll along Leopold street.
In the evening stroll over to the nearby Augustinerkeller for some hearty Bavarian fare. Sit under the old arches and on rustic wooden benches in this traditional establishment and enjoy sausages, pork trotters, raw herrings, head cheese and all the other delicacies that you have always wanted to try.
Day 24 - Munich: All-day excursion to King Ludwig’s fairytale castle Neuschwanstein and Oberammergau. From Munich you will first visit the smallest of three royal castles, Linderhof, which was built by King Ludwig II during the 19th century as a hunting lodge. Built in French Rococo style, the castle has a Moorish pavilion which can be visited during your two hour stay.
On the way to castle Neuschwanstein you will have a short stop in Oberammergau, world-famous for its woodcarvers, richly painted houses and Passion Play.
On the approach to Neuschwanstein, it will quickly become clear as to why this magnificent neo-Romanesque style castle is the best known castle in the world. It appears through the mist like something out of a fairytale.
Optional: Historic sightseeing tour in Munich instead of sightseeing by 'hop-on/hop-off' bus. See full details for Munich.
Day 25 - Salzburg: Your hotel in Salzburg is close to the Mirabell Park where scenes from the 'Sound of Music' were filmed.
In the afternoon take the cogwheel train to the fortress overlooking Salzburg, visit Mozart's birthplace and St.Peter's magnificent cemetery with its catacombs of the early Christians.
In the evening enjoy a relaxing river cruise on the Salzach River while admiring the fortress, churches, bridges and the view of the stunning mountain ranges in the Salzburg Province.
Day 26 - Salzburg: The morning is yours to further explore the sites of Salzburg. Visit Hellbrunn Palace and the Archbishop's trick fountains.
In the afternoon you have the choice of one of two guided coach tours, which will leave from your hotel. The famous ‘Sound of Music Tour’ during which you can sing your heart out while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes and locations where the famous musical was filmed; or the ‘Austrian Lakes and Mountain Tour’, starting with a scenic view of Salzburg before touring the historical landmarks of the beautiful lake district.
See the impressive hunting castle Fuschl, take refreshments at the White Horse Inn and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Wolfgang.
In the evening enjoy a meal and drink under the huge chestnut trees in the beer garden of the Augustine monastery, where the monks have been brewing their famous beer since the 17th century. See full details for Salzburg.
Day 27 - Vienna: You will be enchanted by its spectacular architecture, cosy coffeehouses, atmospheric wine taverns and musical tradition. In a traditional restaurant enjoy a gourmet Austrian food experience.
Day 28 - Vienna: You have a 3-day pass for all local transport in and around Vienna. Spend the day visiting the Imperial Palace and the magnificent baroque palace Schoenbrunn.
Visit the colourful Hundertwasser village with its its chimney and the cheeky cap on the roof. There is an abundance of Hundertwasser’s characteristic rectangles of colour with golden domes, a sight to cherish and totally spectacular in the glow of the setting sun.Try and taste-test as many light and flaky applestruddles or sweet dumplings as you can and still walk back to the hotel – or the next atmospheric wine tavern. Optional: River Danube valley day excursion. See full details for Vienna.
Day 29 - Vienna to Prague: After a delightful train journey through the bohemian countryside spend the afternoon and evening to familiarize yourself with this UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage listed inner city and its amazing architecture, winding streets and famous sights.
Day 30 - Prague: A local guide will take you on a leisurely tour around the historical sites of ‘Old Prague’, the famous Charles Bridge and the Castle.
In the evening a special treat awaits you. During your dinner cruise through the heart of Prague you will be gliding past the fully lit Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, a truly fairy-tale like experience. See full details for Prague.
Day 31 - Prague to Berlin: On arrival in Berlin start making use of your 24-hour ‘Hop-on/Hop-off’ bus pass and visit the many must-see Berlin attractions including Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin Dom (Cathedral), Pergamon Museum, Brandenburg Gate and the enchanting Charlottenburg Palace. Discover that Berlin has more bridges than Venice during your delightful cruise on the River Spree.
Day 32 - Berlin: Visit the new German Parliament, a magnificent example of modern architecture and delight in the view of Berlin while enjoying coffee and cake at the roof-top restaurant.
You can choose to celebrate the conclusion of your romantic holiday in a very special and regal way by dining in a 16th century baroque castle. Be greeted by staff and performers wearing period costumes for your dinner and concert in the Charlottenburg Palace, the setting and ambience a reminder of how things may have been in days of long ago.
Day 33 - Berlin: On your last morning in Berlin take another stroll along the Spree River and a last glimpse at the Brandenburg Gate before heading off to the airport. See full details for Berlin.
Average travel time between destinations: 3 hours 30 minutes.
Combine your honeymoon in Europe tour with one of our river cruises Europe to create your dream holiday.