$3500 (ages 27 and under); 27+ $4000

Flights not included | Deposit – $600

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Looking for the best graduation gift for your teen? Do you want to get the most out of your European experience? This fast-paced tour is designed for (but not limited to) graduating seniors (18+) to see as much of Europe in the shortest amount of time. There will be plenty of high-speed trains and some overnight trains to be able to see as much as possible in the time that we have and make the package economical. We will pack 10 countries into 14 days.

EUROPE IN A NUTSHELL

Day 1 – US to London flight

Day 2 – Our flight will arrive in LONDON.  You will have the rest of the day to explore the city.  Take the double-decker bus tour to see the highlights such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, 

Hotel: London, UK

Day 3 – LONDON – ROME – Flight to Rome, Italy.  Rome is an incredible city with so much to offer.  You will have free time to see the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica) and the Colosseum.  We will take an evening walking tour to see some of the beautiful sights of Rome:  Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant’Angelo and enjoy some pizza and gelato!

Hotel:  Rome, Italy

Day 4 – ROME – FLORENCE –  We will catch a high-speed train to Florence.  Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy.  One of the most recognizable sites of Florence is the Duomo Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, which began construction in the year 1296.  If you’re up for the challenge, you will have the chance to climb the 463 steps to the top for the best views of the city.  With our local guides, you can skip the line to visit Michelangelo’s sculpture of David at the Accademia Gallery. The sculpture was created between 1501-1504 and stands 14 ft tall.  You will have free time to explore the city and do some shopping.  

Hotel: Florence

Day 5 – FLORENCE-VENICE – We will take another high-speed train to this unique Italian city built on more than 100 islands connected by pedestrian bridges – the city of Venice.  Venice is the capital of the Veneto region of Italy.  You will have the option to take a 2-hour walking tour with our local guide, who will show you hidden details of the town that you would not otherwise notice.  Some of the highlights include Piazza San Marco, the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs, and St. Mark’s Basilica. 

Hotel: Night train to Salzburg

Day 6 – SALZBURG – MUNICH – In the morning, you will have the option to take a Sound of Music Tour, Salt Mine Tour in Berchtesgaden, visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, or just stroll the city.  In the afternoon we will head to Munich.  You can visit the somber World War II site of Dachau Concentration Camp, discover beautiful city views at the Marienplatz, and have a memorable dinner at the original Hofbrauhaus.

Hotel: Munich

Day 7 – MUNICH – LAUTERBRUNNEN – In the morning, we will travel to the German town of Fussen, where we will tour Neuschwanstein Castle (the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle).  One of the most iconic and recognizable structures in Europe.  In the afternoon we will continue our travels to Switzerland.  We will stay the evening in Lauterbrunnen – a gem in the Swiss Alps and a favorite for many of our guests.

Hotel: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Day 8 – LAUTERBRUNNEN – Today we will take some time to slow down and enjoy the Swiss Alps.  You have the option of taking a train to Jungfrau mountain – the “Top of Europe”, with snow games, ice caves, an observation deck, and even a Lindt Chocolate Store.  You will also have the option to go to Shilthorn by cable car.  Shilthorn is home to one of the 007 James Bond movies, a revolving restaurant, a “Thrill Walk” built into the cliff side, and Murren – a quaint little Swiss village with no cars, perched at the top of a 2,400 foot cliff.  Lauterbrunnen Valley has over 70 waterfalls.  You can see 10 of the subterranean falls when you visit Trummelbachfalle, fed by the glaciers at the peaks of Monch, Jungfrau, and Eiger.

Hotel: Lauterbrunnen

Day 9 – LAUTERBRUNNEN – PARIS – Today, we head for Bern.  We will take some time to see this unique old town, walk the streets, and see the resident “Bears”.  There will also be some time for shopping.  We will then head for Colmar – a French village straight out of a fairy tale.  You will love exploring this charming town.  Then we catch an evening fast train to Paris.

Hotel: Paris

Day 10 – PARIS – We will take in the highlights of Paris – the Eiffel Tower, L’Arc de Triomphe, Champs de Elysees, Notre Dame, and the Sacre Coeur.  You will also have some free time for the Louvre Museum, the Palais Garnier Opera House, or a city tour by bike or bus. 

Hotel: Paris

Day 11 – PARIS-BRUSSELS – Today we will take a train from Paris to explore the capital of Belgium – Brussels.  We will see the Grand Place at night, and also have an introduction to Belgian Chocolate, Belgian Fries, and Belgian Waffles.

Hotel: Brussels

Day 12 – GHENT-BRUGES – Today we will take a day trip to Ghent and Bruges.  In Ghent, you will have the opportunity to tour Gravensteen – a preserved 10th-century moated castle with an armory museum, plus panoramic city views.  Also in Ghent –  Saint Bavo’s Cathedral Church where Charles V was baptized & home of Van Eyck’s masterpiece, the Ghent Altarpiece.  It’s a quick train to Bruges where you can take a boat tour through the canals, spend some time at the Markt, or climb the Belfry of Bruges – a medieval bell tower with 366 steps leading to views, plus treasure chamber & 47-belled carillon.

Hotel: Brussels

Day 13 – BRUSSELS-LONDON – We will take a train crossing the English Channel, heading back to London.  You will have free time for the rest of the day to pick up where you left of at the beginning of our trip – in London.

Hotel: London

Day 14 – London-US – long haul flight back to the US, end of trip