Essence of Europe Winter Journey

Welcome to your Cox & Kings Essence of Europe tour. Upon arrival in Paris, meet your tour manager and enjoy a comfortable drive to your hotel. Check-in begins at 1400 hrs (early check-in subject to availability).

The rest of your day is yours to savor at your own pace; whether you choose to unwind in peaceful solitude or step out to immerse yourself in the city’s charming rhythm. Stroll along its elegant boulevards, relax in its chic cafés, and bask in the timeless allure that surrounds you. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the city’s quiet sophistication and enjoy a moment of pure serenity.

As evening descends, gather with your fellow travellers for a relaxed welcome dinner before retreating to your hotel for a restful overnight stay in Paris.

Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a guided city tour through Paris’s grand avenues and iconic landmarks: Place Vendôme, Opéra Garnier, Musée d’Orsay, and the elegant Champs Elysées among them.

Then, ascend to the third level of the Eiffel Tower for sweeping views of the city’s rooftops and boulevards shimmering below. Later, journey to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, where gilded halls and perfectly manicured gardens echo tales of royal grandeur.

Pause midday for lunch, then return to Paris for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay at your hotel.

After breakfast, step into the enchanting world of Disneyland Paris, where fairytales come alive and every corner sparkles with nostalgia. Choose between Disney Park and Walt Disney Studios, each filled with thrilling rides, captivating shows, and beloved characters. A leisurely lunch within the park keeps you energised as you soak in the magic.

As evening falls, glide along the Seine River, watching Paris shimmer to life - the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and graceful bridges reflected in the water. Conclude your evening with a panoramic Paris by Night tour before returning to your hotel for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

Begin your morning with breakfast before setting out for Brussels, Belgium’s elegant capital. Wander through the Grand Place, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, and stop by the playful Manneken Pis statue. Then, explore Mini Europe, where over 350 detailed models bring the continent’s landmarks to life in miniature.

After a delightful lunch, continue your scenic drive into the Netherlands. By evening, arrive in Amsterdam and check-in to your hotel. Unwind over a comforting dinner and settle in for a peaceful overnight stay in this vibrant city.

After a hearty breakfast, set out for a delightful morning at Keukenhof Gardens (seasonal) or visit a traditional Dutch windmill village, where age-old craftsmanship still thrives. Later, experience Amsterdam from a new perspective on a glass-top canal cruise, drifting beneath graceful bridges and past gabled houses reflected in the water.

Pause midday for a leisurely lunch before continuing your journey across the border into Germany. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and relax over a comforting dinner. End the day with a restful overnight stay.

Your morning begins with breakfast before stepping into Heidelberg, a storybook town of cobbled lanes and castle views. Stroll through its charming Old Town and feel the echoes of history in every archway.

Continue your scenic journey through the Black Forest, where rolling, pine-clad hills and quaint cuckoo-clock villages capture the essence of rural Germany. Pause for lunch amidst this tranquil landscape before crossing into Switzerland, where Europe’s largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls, awaits in all its thunderous glory. A short boat ride brings you close enough to feel the cool mist on your face.

As evening falls, settle into your hotel in Central Switzerland and enjoy a comforting dinner before retiring for a restful night.

After breakfast, set out for an unforgettable ascent to Jungfraujoch, the famed Top of Europe. Board the state-of-the-art Eiger Express from Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher, then switch to the cogwheel train that climbs to Europe’s highest railway station. At 11,333 feet, step into a world of eternal snow and ice. Wander through the shimmering Ice Palace, admire the sweeping views from the Sphinx Observatory, and feel the thrill of standing atop the Alps.

A hearty lunch awaits before you descend to Interlaken, where emerald lakes and alpine peaks frame postcard-perfect vistas. Stroll through the charming streets or simply take in the mountain air before returning to your hotel in Central Switzerland.

Enjoy a comforting dinner and unwind back at the hotel, savoring memories of the day’s spectacular sights.

Fuel up with breakfast at the hotel, before ascending the mighty Mt. Titlis, where snow and sky meet in timeless embrace. Glide to 3,020 metres aboard the Rotair - the world’s first revolving cable car, and take a brave step onto the Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge, for views you’ll never forget.

After a scenic descent and a well-earned lunch, make your way to Lucerne, a city straight out of a postcard. Stroll across the medieval Chapel Bridge, pause at the poignant Lion Monument, and explore elegant boutiques for Swiss watches and chocolates.

Round off your day with a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Museum, where rich aromas and smooth creations tempt every sense. Later, return to your hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay in Central Switzerland.

After a hearty breakfast, journey into the storybook principality of Liechtenstein. Board a cheerful mini train through Vaduz, gliding past alpine landscapes and the Prince’s Castle perched above the town.

Continue onward into Austria and step into a world of brilliance at Swarovski Crystal World in Wattens, where creativity meets craftsmanship in glittering form. Pause for a relaxed lunch before heading to Innsbruck.

On arrival, set out on an orientation tour of this elegant alpine city. Walk along Maria Theresien Strasse lined with pastel façades, admire the shimmering Golden Roof, and take in the mountain vistas that frame the skyline.

As the day winds down, check-in to your hotel and enjoy a delightful dinner before a restful overnight stay in Innsbruck.

Begin your morning with breakfast at the hotel before setting out for the enchanting city of Venice. Glide across the Venetian Lagoon on a private boat, arriving at the heart of it all - St. Mark’s Square. Take in the grandeur of the Basilica, Bell Tower, Clock Tower, and the graceful Bridge of Sighs, each whispering stories from centuries past.

After lunch, step into a gondola and drift along the city’s quieter canals, where pastel façades and gentle ripples create a scene straight out of a painting. Later, continue to the Padova region and check-in to your hotel.

Savour dinner this evening before retiring for a peaceful night overnight stay in Venice.

After breakfast, journey to Florence, the radiant cradle of the Renaissance. Stroll through its historic heart and admire the magnificent Duomo, Campanile, and Baptistery, surrounded by the city’s open-air masterpieces at Piazza della Signoria.

Following lunch, continue to Pisa, where the Square of Miracles awaits. Capture your postcard moment beside the world-famous Leaning Tower, a marvel that has stood the test of time.

Later, travel onward to Tuscany, check-in at your hotel, and unwind over dinner before retiring for the night.

After breakfast, step into Vatican City, home to some of humanity’s greatest artistic treasures. Wander through the Vatican Museums, and gaze upward at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s frescoes narrate a story of divine brilliance. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, a masterpiece of faith and architecture.

After lunch, explore the eternal grandeur of Rome. Witness the Colosseum (external view), the Roman Forum, the Victor Emmanuel Monument, and toss a coin into the shimmering Trevi Fountain.

As evening falls, gather for dinner and cherish your final night in the Eternal City.

Savour your final breakfast in the Eternal City before checking out. Later, you’ll be driven to the airport for your onward flight, carrying with you more than just souvenirs - memories of nine remarkable countries, each with its own story to tell.

As you look back on this unforgettable European odyssey.

Great journeys never end, they aspire to inspire the next. Until next time…

Expertly yours.