Five bucket list countries are yours to discover on this 18-day tour and cruise adventure. This is the trip you’ve waited a whole lifetime to experience, from the chic streets of Paris to the remarkable scenery of the Swiss Alps, the fashion-forward streets of Milan, the fascinating canals of Venice and beyond.
Kick things off in style with an unforgettable half-day city tour in Paris where the imposing Notre Dame, Luxembourg Garden and Eiffel Tower await. Explore the historic city of Dijon with a walking tour of this historic city before stopping in Zurich on your way to Lucerne. Drive to Lake Como, renowned for its stunning landscapes and charming villages, before heading to fashion-forward Milan for a city tour with a local guide. Stop in Verona to see Romeo and Juliet’s 14th-century balcony and wander the beautiful canals in Venice before embarking aboard MSC’s ‘Armonia’ ship to sail the glittering Mediterranean Sea in style.
See the Italian 11th-century Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista in Brindisi (Puglia), admire the iconic whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful bougainvillea flowers in Mykonos and take a day trip to the Acropolis ruins in Athens from Piraeus. Cruise to Split, Croatia, offering a rich blend of historical landmarks and stunning natural beauty before disembarking in Venice, Italy. Here you’ll enjoy time at leisure to walk across the historic Rialto Bridge, sample local cicchetti (Venetian tapas), perhaps take a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal and more.
This is a trip you’ll be talking about for years to come with return international full-service flights, 8 nights of hotel accommodation, a 7-night 4-star MSC cruise, daily breakfast and so much more.
Want more? Add extra days to your itinerary with Arrive Early in Paris, France and Stay Behind in Venice, Italy packages. You can also enjoy a London pre-tour extension to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and more.
All of the 18-day inclusions, plus the following:
Please note: Extra charges may apply, see the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details
Today depart for Paris, France!
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on day 2, to arrive on day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive before departure.
Meals included: In-Flight
Upon arrival in Paris, you will be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Ibis Styles Mairie de Montreuil or similar, Paris
Meals included: None
Following breakfast this morning, you'll enjoy a half-day city tour of Paris with a local guide. You will begin the tour outside the imposing Notre Dame in Ile de la Cite, considered by many as the most significant church in Paris. It's a masterpiece of French Gothic art, renowned for stunning stained glass windows, flying buttresses and intricate statues. Not far from Notre Dame, you will see the Palace of the Conciergerie, formerly a prison but is presently used for practising law. The prison housed as many as 1,200 prisoners in its heyday, including the famous Queen of France Marie Antoinette.
You'll then continue onwards to the Latin Quarter, the literary and intellectual area and home to the former University of Sorbonne. Afterwards, take time to admire the impressive Luxembourg Garden and Saint Germain des Pres (entrances not included). Head through the Les Halles shopping district (formerly a fresh food market in the 19th century) until you reach the cultural centre of ‘George Pompidou’, built in 1977 by the famous architect Renzo Piano as the Museum of Contemporary Art. You'll then finish your tour on a high by seeing the centrepiece of Paris’ cityscape, the Eiffel Tower, before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Ibis Styles Mairie de Montreuil, Paris
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you'll depart for Dijon, the capital city of the historical Burgundy region and one of the country’s principal wine-producing areas, on an approximately 315-kilometre travel day. The region is known for its vineyards, the International Gastronomic Fair and building styles ranging from Gothic to Art Deco. Nestled in the foothills of the Côte d'Or, the city is often referred to as the ‘city of a hundred towers’ so enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre with your tour leader. You will be spoilt for choice as Dijon is blessed with an abundance of beautiful architecture. Firstly, see the remarkably well-preserved 17th-century Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy (entrance not included) in the city centre, before seeing the Cathedral of Saint-Bénigne (entrance not included) which was built on the remains of a previous Romanesque church between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries.
Overnight: Hôtel Campanile Congrès Clémenceau or similar, Dijon
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you'll travel approximately 390 kilometres eastbound from Dijon. On the way, enjoy a stop in one of Europe’s hippest destinations, Zurich, before continuing onwards to Lucerne in the afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore this historic city, or why not head to one of the many authentic fondue restaurants in town for dinner (not included). Cheese, meat or chocolate - Fondue is the national dish of Switzerland and should not be missed!
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express Luzern Kriens Hotel or similar, Lucerne
Meals included: Breakfast
Unwind with a free morning in the beautiful city of Lucerne, nestled amongst lakes and soaring peaks in the heart of central Switzerland.
In the afternoon, you'll begin the drive to Lake Como so sit back and enjoy the remarkable scenery of the Swiss Alps. You’ll also travel through the Gotthard Tunnel (15 kilometres) before continuing along the breathtaking shores of Lake Lugano until you reach Lake Como. Lake Como is the most spectacular of the region’s three major lakes and is surrounded by beautiful villages so enjoy time at leisure in this beautiful city known for the Gothic Como Cathedral (entrance not included) and a waterfront promenade.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel for the night after an approximately 200-kilometre travel day.
Overnight: Hotel Just Lomazzo or similar, Lake Como Area
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure at the beautiful Lake Como. Why not take a boat excursion to Bellagio (not included), the most famous town on the lake? Alternatively you may visit Tremezzo, an important tourist centre thanks to Villa Carlotta (entrance not included), an imposing neoclassical residence that was built in 1843 as a wedding gift for Charlotte of Prussia.
If you'd like to explore more of Como, you may enjoy a scenic funicular ride (not included) to the village of Brunate. This fun train made its first journey in 1894 and still today, every 30 minutes, it links the city with an extremely atmospheric panoramic point. The village of Brunate is situated approximately 700 metres above sea level and has always been a holiday destination for noble families from the Como and Milan areas who built numerous lovely villas in Art Nouveau style here. Brunate is also the ideal starting point for pleasant walks amidst greenery and from the viewpoint you can see the outline of the historic centre, the ancient Roman castrum and get a view over the Alps and the Brianza plain.
Overnight: Hotel Just Lomazzo or similar, Lake Como Area
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy an approximately 3-hour city tour of Milan with a local guide. Celebrated as the Italian capital of fashion and design, you'll find that Milan is a city that's rich in art, history and culture.
The tour begins from Sforza Castle before walking towards the Duomo (entrances not included), on the way you can admire elegant buildings along two of Milan’s iconic streets, the Via Dante and Via Dei Mercanti. See the grand Piazza del Duomo in the heart of Milan, and the Duomo where German influences are softened by the finesse of Italian artists. From the Piazza del Duomo, the tour continues through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Italy’s oldest active shopping mall, before arriving at the Piazza Della Scala which is home to the famous theatre of La Scala (entrance not included).
In the afternoon you'll depart for Venice, stopping along the way in the mediaeval old town of Verona. This city boasts the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and is home to a 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony said to be Juliet’s. You will also see the massive Verona Arena, a 1st-century Roman amphitheatre that currently hosts concerts and large-scale opera performances (entrance not included).
Arrive in Mestre and check into the hotel this evening after an approximately 280-kilometre travel day.
Overnight: Hotel Lugano Torretta or similar, Mestre, Venice Area
Meals included: Breakfast
Embark 16:00
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the Tronchetto Pier in Venice where you will be able to admire the beautiful buildings and canals of Venice by ferry.
Upon arrival, you'll be met by a local guide at the Piazza San Marco to start an approximately two-hour guided tour of Venice. The tour starts at the iconic St Mark’s Square, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, and the hub of Venetian life. Around the square, you will see the famous St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Bell Tower. The church was built to house the body of St. Marc which was transported from Alexandria in 828 AD. Inside the basilica, you can admire glittering Byzantine Mosaics (entrance not included) before continuing onwards to Rialto Bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges and an icon of the city.
In the afternoon, head to the Marghera cruise terminal to embark on your exciting 7-night cruise aboard the spectacular MSC 'Armonia’ ship.
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Arrive 16:00 - Depart 22:00
The Italian port town of Brindisi boasts a characterful ancient centre that is home to a vast array of treasures. Brindisi delivers culture, colour and Italian romance along its palm-fringed streets and seafront promenade and sites such as the 11th-century Duomo and Alfonsino Castle are architectural jewels just waiting to be discovered. Brindisi is the perfect starting point for visiting other destinations, namely Lecce, Ostuni and Alberobello.
MSC cruise excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• Lecce, the 'Florence of the South'
• Ostuni, the ‘White Town’ by the sea
• Alberobello
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 09:00 - Depart 20:00
During the 18th century, Mykonos’ maze of tangled lanes would confuse even the most well-travelled pirates. Nowadays, pretending to get lost in these winding alleys makes for a day of entertainment! This destination is known for its romantic Greek Island glamour so immerse yourself in brilliant beaches, turquoise waters and picturesque whitewashed villages.
MSC cruise excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• The Famous White Windmills
• The Island of Delos
• 4X4 Adventure & Beach
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:00 - Depart 17:00
Piraeus has been the port of Athens since ancient times so it’s a city filled with incredible wonders including Mikrolimano Bay, Agia Triada (Church of the Holy Trinity) and the Archaeological Museum. Nowadays, Piraeus is a bustling centre with attractive waterfront cafés and restaurants, making it an ideal stop in the Mediterranean. Use it as a stepping stone to see the Acropolis and greater Athens.
MSC cruise excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
· The Dramatic Ruins of the Parthenon on the Acropolis
· Pláka Discovery
· Corinth Canal Cruise
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:00 - Depart 16:00
The captivating port of Split, located on the Dalmatian coast, is one of Croatia’s star-attraction cities and a major destination. Immerse yourself in the fashionable boutiques and galleries, admire Diocletian buildings or wander the city’s spectacular waterfront and shade yourself under the palm trees. At the core of Split’s old quarter, you'll also find the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diocletian’s Palace.
MSC cruise excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
· The Diocletian’s Palace
· KRKA National Park
· Omis
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Disembark 07:00
Today, after disembarkation, you'll be met and transferred to the hotel.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in this beautiful city.
Overnight: Hotel Lugano Torretta or similar, Mestre, Venice Area
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out and be transferred to the airport for your return flight back home.
Please note: If your flight departs early, breakfast will be arranged for pick up from the hotel reception the night before.
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Please note: Some flights may arrive in Australia +1 day later.
Today you'll depart for London, England!
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on day 2, to arrive on day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4 - 6 weeks before departure.
Meals included: In-Flight
Upon arrival in London, make your own way to the hotel.
Overnight: Travelodge London Central Elephant & Castle or similar, London
Meals included: None
Today, after breakfast, you'll be met at your hotel and enjoy an approximately 3-hour half-day tour with a local guide. The tour begins at Westminster Abbey, the place of the coronation and burial of many English kings. You'll then see the Houses of Parliament, the famous Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, where you can often see the Changing of the Guard ceremony during which the detachment of the King's Guards marches to martial music at the building of St James. You'll then continue towards Trafalgar Square where you can admire the massive bronze lions standing guard to Admiral Nelson's statue, reach the National Gallery which contains paintings of Western Europe from 1200 to 1900, and finally stop by Hyde Park.
Afterwards, you'll enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Travelodge London Central Elephant & Castle or similar, London
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, enjoy the entire day at leisure in the cosmopolitan English capital city.
Overnight: Travelodge London Central Elephant & Castle or similar, London
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning you'll be transferred to London Station to board the Eurostar train to Paris for an approximately 2.5 hour journey. Upon arrival at Gare de Lyon, you will be met and transferred to the hotel so you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this beautiful city.
Overnight: Ibis Styles Mairie de Montreuil, Paris
Meals included: Breakfast
Following breakfast this morning, you'll enjoy a half-day city tour of Paris with a local guide. You will begin the tour outside the imposing Notre Dame in Ile de la Cite, considered by many as the most significant church in Paris. It's a masterpiece of French Gothic art, renowned for stunning stained glass windows, flying buttresses and intricate statues. Not far from Notre Dame, you will see the Palace of the Conciergerie, formerly a prison but is presently used for practising law. The prison housed as many as 1,200 prisoners in its heyday, including the famous Queen of France Marie Antoinette.
You'll then continue onwards to the Latin Quarter, the literary and intellectual area and home to the former University of Sorbonne. Afterwards, take time to admire the impressive Luxembourg Garden and Saint Germain des Pres (entrances not included). Head through the Les Halles shopping district (formerly a fresh food market in the 19th century) until you reach the cultural centre of ‘George Pompidou’, built in 1977 by the famous architect Renzo Piano as the Museum of Contemporary Art. You'll then finish your tour on a high by seeing the centrepiece of Paris’ cityscape, the Eiffel Tower, before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Ibis Styles Mairie de Montreuil, Paris
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you'll depart for Dijon, the capital city of the historical Burgundy region and one of the country’s principal wine-producing areas, on an approximately 315-kilometre travel day. The region is known for its vineyards, the International Gastronomic Fair and building styles ranging from Gothic to Art Deco. Nestled in the foothills of the Côte d'Or, the city is often referred to as the ‘city of a hundred towers’ so enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre with your tour leader. You will be spoilt for choice as Dijon is blessed with an abundance of beautiful architecture. Firstly, see the remarkably well-preserved 17th-century Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy (entrance not included) in the city centre, before seeing the Cathedral of Saint-Bénigne (entrance not included) which was built on the remains of a previous Romanesque church between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries.
Overnight: Hôtel Campanile Congrès Clémenceau or similar, Dijon
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you'll travel approximately 390 kilometres eastbound from Dijon. On the way, enjoy a stop in one of Europe’s hippest destinations, Zurich, before continuing onwards to Lucerne in the afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore this historic city, or why not head to one of the many authentic fondue restaurants in town for dinner (not included). Cheese, meat or chocolate - Fondue is the national dish of Switzerland and should not be missed!
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express Luzern Kriens Hotel or similar, Lucerne
Meals included: Breakfast
Unwind with a free morning in the beautiful city of Lucerne, nestled amongst lakes and soaring peaks in the heart of central Switzerland.
In the afternoon, you'll begin the drive to Lake Como so sit back and enjoy the remarkable scenery of the Swiss Alps. You’ll also travel through the Gotthard Tunnel (15 kilometres) before continuing along the breathtaking shores of Lake Lugano until you reach Lake Como. Lake Como is the most spectacular of the region’s three major lakes and is surrounded by beautiful villages so enjoy time at leisure in this beautiful city known for the Gothic Como Cathedral (entrance not included) and a waterfront promenade.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel for the night after an approximately 200-kilometre travel day.
Overnight: Hotel Just Lomazzo or similar, Lake Como Area
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure at the beautiful Lake Como. Why not take a boat excursion to Bellagio (not included), the most famous town on the lake? Alternatively you may visit Tremezzo, an important tourist centre thanks to Villa Carlotta (entrance not included), an imposing neoclassical residence that was built in 1843 as a wedding gift for Charlotte of Prussia.
If you'd like to explore more of Como, you may enjoy a scenic funicular ride (not included) to the village of Brunate. This fun train made its first journey in 1894 and still today, every 30 minutes, it links the city with an extremely atmospheric panoramic point. The village of Brunate is situated approximately 700 metres above sea level and has always been a holiday destination for noble families from the Como and Milan areas who built numerous lovely villas in Art Nouveau style here. Brunate is also the ideal starting point for pleasant walks amidst greenery and from the viewpoint you can see the outline of the historic centre, the ancient Roman castrum and get a view over the Alps and the Brianza plain.
Overnight: Hotel Just Lomazzo or similar, Lake Como Area
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy an approximately 3-hour city tour of Milan with a local guide. Celebrated as the Italian capital of fashion and design, you'll find that Milan is a city that's rich in art, history and culture.
The tour begins from Sforza Castle before walking towards the Duomo (entrances not included), on the way you can admire elegant buildings along two of Milan’s iconic streets, the Via Dante and Via Dei Mercanti. See the grand Piazza del Duomo in the heart of Milan, and the Duomo where German influences are softened by the finesse of Italian artists. From the Piazza del Duomo, the tour continues through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Italy’s oldest active shopping mall, before arriving at the Piazza Della Scala which is home to the famous theatre of La Scala (entrance not included).
In the afternoon you'll depart for Venice, stopping along the way in the mediaeval old town of Verona. This city boasts the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and is home to a 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony said to be Juliet’s. You will also see the massive Verona Arena, a 1st-century Roman amphitheatre that currently hosts concerts and large-scale opera performances (entrance not included).
Arrive in Mestre and check into the hotel this evening after an approximately 280-kilometre travel day.
Overnight: Hotel Lugano Torretta or similar, Mestre, Venice Area
Meals included: Breakfast
Embarks 16:00
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the Tronchetto Pier in Venice where you will be able to admire the beautiful buildings and canals of Venice by ferry.
Upon arrival, you'll be met by a local guide at the Piazza San Marco to start an approximately two-hour guided tour of Venice. The tour starts at the iconic St Mark’s Square, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, and the hub of Venetian life. Around the square, you will see the famous St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Bell Tower. The church was built to house the body of St. Marc which was transported from Alexandria in 828 AD. Inside the basilica, you can admire glittering Byzantine Mosaics (entrance not included) before continuing onwards to Rialto Bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges and an icon of the city.
In the afternoon, head to the Marghera cruise terminal to embark on your exciting 7-night cruise aboard the spectacular MSC 'Armonia’ ship.
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Arrive 16:00 - Depart 22:00
The Italian port town of Brindisi boasts a characterful ancient centre that is home to a vast array of treasures. Brindisi delivers culture, colour and Italian romance along its palm-fringed streets and seafront promenade and sites such as the 11th-century Duomo and Alfonsino Castle are architectural jewels just waiting to be discovered. Brindisi is the perfect starting point for visiting other destinations, namely Lecce, Ostuni and Alberobello.
MSC cruise excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• Lecce, the 'Florence of the South'
• Ostuni, the ‘White Town’ by the sea
• Alberobello
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 09:00 - Depart 20:00
During the 18th century, Mykonos’ maze of tangled lanes would confuse even the most well-travelled pirates. Nowadays, pretending to get lost in these winding alleys makes for a day of entertainment! This destination is known for its romantic Greek Island glamour so immerse yourself in brilliant beaches, turquoise waters and picturesque whitewashed villages.
MSC cruise excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• The Famous White Windmills
• The Island of Delos
• 4X4 Adventure & Beach
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:00 - Depart 17:00
Piraeus has been the port of Athens since ancient times so it’s a city filled with incredible wonders including Mikrolimano Bay, Agia Triada (Church of the Holy Trinity) and the Archaeological Museum. Nowadays, Piraeus is a bustling centre with attractive waterfront cafés and restaurants, making it an ideal stop in the Mediterranean. Use it as a stepping stone to see the Acropolis and greater Athens.
MSC cruise excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
· The Dramatic Ruins of the Parthenon on the Acropolis
· Pláka Discovery
· Corinth Canal Cruise
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:00 - Depart 16:00
The captivating port of Split, located on the Dalmatian coast, is one of Croatia’s star-attraction cities and a major destination. Immerse yourself in the fashionable boutiques and galleries, admire Diocletian buildings or wander the city’s spectacular waterfront and shade yourself under the palm trees. At the core of Split’s old quarter, you'll also find the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diocletian’s Palace.
MSC cruise excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
· The Diocletian’s Palace
· KRKA National Park
· Omis
Overnight: MSC Cruises, ‘MSC Armonia’ ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Disembark 07:00
Today, after disembarkation, you'll be met and transferred to the hotel.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in this beautiful city.
Overnight: Hotel Lugano Torretta or similar, Mestre, Venice Area
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out and be transferred to the airport for your return flight back home.
Please note: If your flight departs early, breakfast will be arranged for pick up from the hotel reception the night before.
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Please note: Some flights may arrive in Australia +1 day later.
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