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Cosmos The Best of Europe (5160)

18 Day Tour from London to Paris 
A European tour should include the most popular and exciting cities, the must-see sights, picturesque scenery, and a mix of culture, history, and just plain fun. This, and more, is what you get on the Best of Europe tour. Visit London, where you could join one of our optional excursions or just discover the city at leisure. From there, cross the Channel on the Eurostar train to Brussels and then continue by coach to discover many diverse continental destinations. Local Guides will tell you all about Amsterdam’s canals; Rome’s St Peter Square; Florence’s Renaissance old city center with a replica of the “David” by Michelangelo; Pompeii, where you’ll see what life was like during the Roman Empire; Paris’s most famous landmarks, and much more. As you journey through Europe, you’ll also enjoy spectacular scenery, such as the picturesque Rhineland with its scenic countryside, historic castles, and charming villages, and breathtaking views of the Italian and French Rivieras. Sit back and relax as you drive past the Burgundy vineyards in France and through gorgeous alpine landscapes from Switzerland to Italy. Marvel at the beauty of Tuscany with its rural villages, rolling hills, vineyards, rows of cypress trees, and olive groves, and stand in awe as you witness the blue sea and amazing views on the Sorrento coast and the legendary island of Capri. Last but not least, you’ll love the green hills and valleys as you travel through Umbria to visit medieval Assisi. All of this and more await you on this dream European vacation designed for value-minded keen travelers!

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
 Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts and the CosmosGO app are available to help you make the most of your stay.
Day 2LONDON
 A full day to savor a variety of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, we recommend our optional Taste of London excursion with dinner, followed by a guided illumination cruise on the River Thames. (B)
Day 3LONDON–BRUSSELS–AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
 Transfer to the railway station and board the Eurostar train to Brussels with your Tour Director. Take a seat on your luxury motorcoach for the drive to the Amsterdam area.
Today’s Distance by coach: 127 mi/ 203 km (B)
Day 4AMSTERDAM–WIESBADEN, GERMANY
 Today, enjoy an included canal cruise to see the city from water level with a Local Guide, then stop at a diamond center to watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones. This afternoon, continue your journey to Wiesbaden.
Today’s Distance: 258 mi/ 415 km (B)
Day 5WIESBADEN–HEIDELBERG–LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND
 Drive through the picturesque Rhineland and enjoy splendid scenery as you skirt the Rhine river. Visit Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town, located at the confluence of the Neckar and Rhine Rivers, then continue to Switzerland.
Today’s Distance: 270 mi/ 435 km (B)
Day 6LUCERNE
 Lucerne is nestled amid snowcapped Alps, surrounded by a lake, and graced by the clear mountain waters of the Reuss River. Your orientation includes the wooden Chapel bridge and the Lion monument, erected in memory of the 800 Swiss Guards who defended Louis XVI and his wife. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a ride on the “cabrio” cable-car to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course, time to shop for an authentic Swiss watch. (B)
Day 7LUCERNE–VERONA, ITALY–VENICE AREA
 More wonderful alpine scenery as you drive into the mountain ranges that surround the massive St. Gotthard Pass. Continue to the warmer and sunnier ambiance of Canton Ticino, then cross into Italy and drive across the Po Valley to Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Stroll around the picturesque market square (Piazza delle Erbe) and the cobblestone streets.
Today’s Distance: 317 mi/ 510 km (B)
Day 8VENICE AREA
 Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and busy little piazzas (squares). Your included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and is followed by free time to soak up the city’s unique atmosphere and a chance to visit a glassblowing workshop. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D)
Day 9VENICE AREA–ASSISI–ROME
 An interesting drive southward, crossing the rolling Apennines. Stop in medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182, and visit the world-famous St. Francis Basilicas with the beautiful frescoes by Giotto. Then, head for Rome.
Today’s Distance: 317 mi/ 510 km (B)
Day 10ROME
 The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St. Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. (B)
Day 11ROME–POMPEII–SORRENTO COAST
 This morning you have an opportunity to visit the treasures of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel on our optional excursion. Later, travel south all the way, with the Vesuvius volcano in the distance. Visit Pompeii, where time stopped in 79 AD when the Vesuvius eruption buried the city. On your guided visit to the archaeological site, see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. From here, it’s just a few more miles to reach the lively Sorrento area.
Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km (B)
Day 12SORRENTO COAST. EXCURSION TO CAPRI
 Cross the blue sea for a full-day excursion to the legendary island of Capri. Surrounded by rose-tinted rocks, Capri has incredibly beautiful coves of translucent blues and greens. The town, with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and cozy restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. An optional tour takes you around the island with its steep roads and panoramic views. (B,D)
Day 13SORRENTO COAST–FLORENCE
 An early journey north to Florence. Vistas of rolling hills, austere rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Arrive in Florence in the afternoon in time to enjoy its magnificent architectural and artistic treasures; the included walking tour with a Local Guide shows the highlights.
Today’s Distance: 320 mi/ 515 km (B)
Day 14FLORENCE–PISA–ÈZE, FRANCE–FRENCH RIVIERA
 Stop in Pisa, where you hop on a mini train to reach the Square of Miracles to see the famous Leaning Tower. Bypassing the great port of Genoa, drive northwest for glimpses of the Italian and French Rivieras. Visit a typical perfume workshop in Èze and later reach the shores of the charming Côte d’Azur.
Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km (B)
Day 15FRENCH RIVIERA–SAINT-ANDRÉ-LES-ALPES–ROUTE NAPOLEON–GRENOBLE
 Taking the Route Napoleon, follow in the footsteps of the French leader as he escaped from exile in Elba. Stop for some crispy fresh air in Saint André Les Alpes before reaching Grenoble—an alpine sports mecca and site of the 1968 Winter Olympic Games.
Today’s Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km (B,D)
Day 16GRENOBLE–BEAUNE–PARIS
 Enjoy the very heart of the Burgundy wine-growing region, making a stop in lovely Beaune, surrounded by some of the world’s finest vineyards. Continue northward to the exciting city of Paris, capital of France.
Today’s Distance: 358 mi/ 577 km (B)
Day 17PARIS
 Paris is a world-class romantic city with many familiar landmarks. This morning, see the main sights during the included city tour with a Local Guide. In the afternoon, a chance to feel like a French aristocrat as you join the optional tour through the immense Palace of Versailles. This evening, why not join an optional dinner? (B)
Day 18PARIS
 Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Included Cosmos Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners

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Cosmos Tour Dates


Guaranteed Departure  indicates Guaranteed Departure
*Tour Land StartCosmos RetailRequest Quote
Guaranteed Departure 05/03/2024 $4,029.00
Guaranteed Departure 05/10/2024 $4,149.00
Guaranteed Departure 05/17/2024 $4,069.00
Guaranteed Departure 05/24/2024 $3,999.00
Guaranteed Departure 06/07/2024 $4,029.00
Guaranteed Departure 06/21/2024 $4,129.00
Guaranteed Departure 06/28/2024 $4,069.00
Guaranteed Departure 07/05/2024 $4,029.00
Guaranteed Departure 08/02/2024 $3,949.00
Guaranteed Departure 08/30/2024 $4,099.00
Guaranteed Departure 08/30/2024 $4,099.00
Guaranteed Departure 09/13/2024 $4,099.00
Guaranteed Departure 09/20/2024 $3,999.00
Guaranteed Departure 09/27/2024 $3,999.00
Guaranteed Departure 10/04/2024 $3,899.00
Guaranteed Departure 10/11/2024 $3,699.00
03/28/2025 $3,959.00
04/11/2025 $4,179.00
04/25/2025 $4,319.00
05/02/2025 $4,439.00
05/09/2025 $4,569.00
05/16/2025 $4,479.00
05/23/2025 $4,399.00
05/30/2025 $4,439.00
06/06/2025 $4,439.00
06/13/2025 $4,479.00
06/20/2025 $4,549.00
06/27/2025 $4,479.00
07/04/2025 $4,439.00
07/18/2025 $4,439.00
08/01/2025 $4,349.00
08/15/2025 $4,449.00
08/29/2025 $4,509.00
09/12/2025 $4,509.00
09/19/2025 $4,399.00
09/26/2025 $4,399.00
10/03/2025 $4,289.00
10/10/2025 $4,069.00
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