Traditional Europe
Operated by Trafalgar

Traditional Europe

From
CAD 7,495
Duration
18 days
Countries
Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, France, Monaco, Vatican City, Austria, Germany
Activity
easy

The adventure

Book your 2026 Europe tour with confidence. Free 3 day booking hold and flexible changes. From the Alps to the French Riviera, try Traditional Europe with Trafalgar.

At a glance

Duration
18 days
Route
Amsterdam → Pompeii
Countries
Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, France, Monaco, Vatican City, Austria, Germany
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Ask an agent

Day by day

Serene scene of a windmill reflecting in calm water during sunset, showcasing nature's beauty.
Your journey through

Netherlands, Switzerland & 6 more countries

Day 1Welcome to AmsterdamAll 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.
Scenic view of Amsterdam canal with historic buildings and houseboats under a clear sky.Welcome to Amsterdam
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.
Day 2Admire Cologne and Cruise in the Rhine ValleyTravel 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.
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.
Day 3Enjoy Heidelberg then drive into the AlpsThe 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.
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.
Day 4Uncover Lucerne’s TreasuresSpend 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.
View of the iconic Chapel Bridge and Water Tower in Lucerne, Switzerland on a sunny day.Uncover Lucerne’s Treasures
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.
Day 5Journey to Liechtenstein and InnsbruckAdmire 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.
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.
Day 6Onwards to VeniceCross 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.
Idyllic canal scene in Venice, Italy showcasing traditional architecture and reflections.Onwards to Venice
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.
Map showing Onwards to Venice
Day 7Discover the Floating City of VeniceWitness 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.
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.
Day 8All Roads Lead to RomeTravel over the green and golden landscapes of the Apennine hills through beautiful Tuscany and Umbria, arriving in Rome where you'll spend the next two nights. This evening is yours to embrace la dolce vita. Relax in the Piazza Navona with an espresso, sit on the Spanish Steps or savor a tasty gelato.
Travel over the green and golden landscapes of the Apennine hills through beautiful Tuscany and Umbria, arriving in Rome where you'll spend the next two nights. This evening is yours to embrace la dolce vita. Relax in the Piazza Navona with an espresso, sit on the Spanish Steps or savor a tasty gelato.
Day 9Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican CityExplore Rome with a Local Specialist who will take you on a sightseeing tour. Cross the Tiber River into Ancient Rome to see the mighty Colosseum where brave gladiators once fought to the applause of exhilarated spectators, then enjoy views of Circus Maximus which once hosted chariot races. The rest of the day is yours to explore the sights and sounds of this remarkable city.
Explore Rome with a Local Specialist who will take you on a sightseeing tour. Cross the Tiber River into Ancient Rome to see the mighty Colosseum where brave gladiators once fought to the applause of exhilarated spectators, then enjoy views of Circus Maximus which once hosted chariot races. The rest of the day is yours to explore the sights and sounds of this remarkable city.
Day 10Sail to Capri then Sunny SorrentoEmbark on a scenic drive through the picturesque vineyards of Frascati into the Campania region. Cross the shimmering blue waters of the Bay of Naples to reach the enchanting Isle of Capri. Upon arrival, ascend by funicular to Capri Town, where you'll join your Local Specialist for a walking tour. Cruise to the sophisticated seaside retreat of Sorrento, where you will spend the night, soaking in the beauty of this sophisticated coastal haven.
Man standing on a terrace overlooking the stunning Amalfi Coast with clear skies and scenic views.Capri then Sunny Sorrento
Embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque vineyards of Frascati into the Campania region. Cross the shimmering blue waters of the Bay of Naples to reach the enchanting Isle of Capri. Upon arrival, ascend by funicular to Capri Town, where you'll join your Local Specialist for a walking tour. Cruise to the sophisticated seaside retreat of Sorrento, where you will spend the night, soaking in the beauty of this sophisticated coastal haven.
Map showing Capri then Sunny Sorrento
Day 11The Ruins of Pompeii, Then Onwards to FlorenceContinue through the beautiful Campania region, where you'll meet a Local Specialist who will share the fascinating story of Pompeii, a city buried in ash and lost for centuries following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Traveling north see the historic, hilltop Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of a pivotal and tragic World War II battle, journey through beautiful Tuscan and Umbrian landscapes that have inspired painters and poets for centuries before arriving in Florence.
Explore the ancient Roman columns and ruins at Pompeii, showcasing historical architecture. Perfect for travel and history enthusiasts.Pompeii
Continue through the beautiful Campania region, where you'll meet a Local Specialist who will share the fascinating story of Pompeii, a city buried in ash and lost for centuries following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Traveling north see the historic, hilltop Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of a pivotal and tragic World War II battle, journey through beautiful Tuscan and Umbrian landscapes that have inspired painters and poets for centuries before arriving in Florence.
Map showing Pompeii
Day 12FlorenceWake up in the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Join a Local Specialist on an included walking tour to see the city's spectacular heritage, architecture and open-air art, including views of the marble Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s political hub centuries ago, and learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft.
Beautiful nighttime scenery of Florence's Arno River with illuminated buildings and bridge reflections.Florence
Wake up in the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Join a Local Specialist on an included walking tour to see the city's spectacular heritage, architecture and open-air art, including views of the marble Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s political hub centuries ago, and learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft.
Map showing Florence
Day 13Uncover Pisa, Monaco and the French RivieraJourney to Pisa and its Square of Miracles to see the Leaning Tower and its imposing Baptistery. Leaving the sights, sounds and flavors of Italy behind, we visit the playground of Monaco and view the Royal Palace before arriving on the French Riviera.
Journey to Pisa and its Square of Miracles to see the Leaning Tower and its imposing Baptistery. Leaving the sights, sounds and flavors of Italy behind, we visit the playground of Monaco and view the Royal Palace before arriving on the French Riviera.
Day 14Discover Artistic Saint-Paul-de-VenceTread in the footsteps of famous French actors and artists who for centuries have regarded the medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence as a haven. Spend the afternoon at leisure or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see spectacular views of one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe and pay an aromatic visit to the historic Fragonard perfumery to learn how French fragrances are crafted before trying some specialties from the region at a local restaurant.
Tread in the footsteps of famous French actors and artists who for centuries have regarded the medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence as a haven. Spend the afternoon at leisure or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see spectacular views of one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe and pay an aromatic visit to the historic Fragonard perfumery to learn how French fragrances are crafted before trying some specialties from the region at a local restaurant.
Day 15Journey Through Papal Avignon to LyonVisit what was once the center of Christendom in the Middle Ages, the papal city of Avignon. Here, you will see the Palais des Papes, the Cathedral and famous Pont d'Avignon, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn about the spiritual significance of this place. You'll travel next to the historically strategic city of Lyon. This is a city that lights up magically at night, so be sure to take to the streets and admire its beauty.
Visit what was once the center of Christendom in the Middle Ages, the papal city of Avignon. Here, you will see the Palais des Papes, the Cathedral and famous Pont d'Avignon, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn about the spiritual significance of this place. You'll travel next to the historically strategic city of Lyon. This is a city that lights up magically at night, so be sure to take to the streets and admire its beauty.
Day 16Travel Through Burgundy to ParisDrive past the sun-drenched vineyards of Burgundy on your journey north to the French capital. On arrival in Paris, join your Local Specialist for a guided exploration of the city's iconic sights. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower, the grandeur of the Champs-Élysées and the elegant bridges that arch across the Seine. Take a stroll through the bohemian Latin Quarter, soaking up the atmosphere of this historic neighborhood. Later, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers, and perhaps choose to see the City of Light from a new perspective on an Optional Experience cruise along the river Seine.
Drive past the sun-drenched vineyards of Burgundy on your journey north to the French capital. On arrival in Paris, join your Local Specialist for a guided exploration of the city's iconic sights. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower, the grandeur of the Champs-Élysées and the elegant bridges that arch across the Seine. Take a stroll through the bohemian Latin Quarter, soaking up the atmosphere of this historic neighborhood. Later, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers, and perhaps choose to see the City of Light from a new perspective on an Optional Experience cruise along the river Seine.
Day 17Explore Magical ParisStart your morning at leisure, perhaps stroll along the famous Champs-Élysées and people-watch from a local cafe, or take an Optional Experience to explore the gilded Palace of Versailles.
Start your morning at leisure, perhaps stroll along the famous Champs-Élysées and people-watch from a local cafe, or take an Optional Experience to explore the gilded Palace of Versailles.
Day 18Journey HomeToday bid adieu to your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable holiday.
Today bid adieu to your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable holiday.

Discover Netherlands

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Classic Dutch windmill set against a scenic Amsterdam countryside view.
Charming windmills in a snowy winter scene at sunrise, showcasing Dutch heritage and natural beauty.
Majestic traditional windmill in a serene rural setting, epitomizing Dutch heritage.
Scenic view of Amsterdam's canal with historic buildings and cathedral on a cloudy day.
Beautiful windmill in Uithuizermeeden, Netherlands, surrounded by fields at sunset.

Upcoming departures

DatesPrice / personAvailability
9 Jun 202626 Jun 2026CAD 8,055AvailableBook my trip
Operated by Trafalgar

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