Europe's Highlights (4810)

14 Day Tour from Amsterdam to Paris

2021 Tour Details View 2022 Tour Details » View 2023 Tour Details »

From its exciting cities to its spectacular scenery, Europe has it all, and on this affordable European tour, you'll see the main highlights. Start in Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise and end in Paris with a guided tour and time on your own. In between, you’ll discover Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.

In Amsterdam, Rome, Florence, and Paris, local experts will bring the cities alive, and among other famous sights, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower in Paris; Piazza Signoria in Florence, renowned for its ornate and famous statues; and St. Peter’s Square in Rome, the heart of the Vatican. Other interesting experiences include a boat ride to Venice’s St. Mark’s Square; a visit to Assisi’s Basilica, burial site of St. Francis and home to frescoes by Giotto and a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II’s fairy-tale castle nestled in the beautiful Bavarian Alps.

It is not just the cities you’ll see on this European tour; you’ll also see some of Europe's beautiful scenery. A fascinating drive along the Rhine River features quaint towns, castles from the Middle Ages, and villages lining the countryside. Marvel at the gorgeous Swiss Alps. Enjoy the beautiful Tuscany countryside, with its rolling hills, and journey through France’s famous vineyards. Overnight in romantic Lake Como, regarded as one of Europe's most picturesque lakes; spend time in Lucerne, nestled between the Alps and the fjord-like lake; and stop in Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by three mighty mountains.

Europe’s highlights—including historic monuments, must-see attractions, and scenery—are all available on this splendid, value-minded Europe tour!

Small-Group Discovery Dates Available

Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

Headsets throughout the tour.

Dates & Prices Book Online
800.646.5374
Save $200 per couple on select 2021 and 2022 air-inclusive Europe vacations*
Europe's Highlights map

 Photo Highlights

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on this vacation:

  • 17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam
  • Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)
  • Historic Centre of Florence
  • Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City
  • Paris Banks of the Seine
  • Piazza del Duomo Pisa

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

Buffet breakfasts daily; 6 dinners


Notes:

Departure December 20 New Year’s in Paris, including festive dinner

 Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN THE AMSTERDAM AREA, HOLLAND

Check into your hotel, and start exploring this exciting city with your CosmosGo app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

DinnerDinner

Day 2 AMSTERDAM

Enjoy sightseeing in Amsterdam with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights, as well as an included canal cruise to see the town from water level. Then, watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a diamond center. Time in the afternoon to explore on your own or join an optional excursion.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3 AMSTERDAM AREA–KARLSRUHE, GERMANY

Traveling through Germany, choose an included scenic drive along the shores of the Rhine or, even more thrilling, the optional Rhine cruise with vistas of the Lorelei rock, hilltop castles, half-timbered wine villages, and terraced vineyards. Spend the night in Karlsruhe.
Today’s Distance: 336 mi/ 540 km

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 4 KARLSRUHE–INNSBRUCK AREA, AUSTRIA

Drive through Baden-Wüttenberg to the foot of the Alps to visit King Ludwig’s magnificent Neuschwanstein castle, Germany’s fairytale castle. Carry on into the verdant Austrian Tyrol.
Today’s Distance: 311 mi/ 500 km

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 5 INNSBRUCK AREA–VENICE AREA, ITALY

Cross the border into Italy to the unique floating city of Venice. This afternoon’s orientation includes a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, followed by a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop. Don’t miss out on the romantic optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.
Today’s Distance: 242 mi/ 390 km

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 6 VENICE AREA–ASSISI–ROME

An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then through the gentle Umbrian hills to medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous St. Francis Basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome.
Today’s Distance: 345 mi/ 555 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 7 ROME

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 to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the treasures of the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel on our optional excursion.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 ROME–PISA–MONTECATINI

Drive on the Highway of the Sun to Pisa. Hop on a mini train to the Square of Miracles and admire the curious Leaning Tower, a world-favorite photographic subject. Overnight in the spa town of Montecatini.
Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 9 MONTECATINI–FLORENCE–LAKE COMO

Arrive in Florence. This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide that features most of the city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi. To top it all, see Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificently carved East Door of the Baptistry, known as the “Gate of Paradise.” Journey northward through the Tuscan hills and across the Apennines to the shores of romantic Lake Como.
Today’s Distance: 252 mi/ 405 km

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 10 LAKE COMO–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE AREA

Leave beautiful Lake Como and cross the border into Switzerland for a stop in the Italian-speaking town of Lugano. Continue north and, once through Gotthard Tunnel, see more magnificent alpine scenery as you descend to the shores of Lake Lucerne.
Today’s Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 11 LUCERNE AREA–INTERLAKEN–LAUSANNE AREA

Spend some time in beautiful Lucerne. Later, stop in idyllic Interlaken and follow the shoreline of Lake Thun. A few more miles to Lausanne, overlooking Lake Geneva.
Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 12 LAUSANNE AREA–BEAUNE, FRANCE–PARIS

Enjoy vistas of famous vineyards on the way to Beaune. Visit the medieval Burgundian town, known all over the world for its wine production. Take the autoroute to Paris.
Today’s Distance: 385 mi/ 620 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 13 PARIS

Get to know the city of romance with a local expert and see many of the Parisian sites, such as the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysées. An optional excursion is available to the palace and gardens of Versailles.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 14 PARIS

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Breakfast Breakfast


Transportation:

Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi; canal transfer boat in Venice, Pisa mini-train ride

 Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

DAVID ROMANOV

Escorting tours for more than 5 years

“I grew up in former Czechoslovakia as a Hungarian, during the communist era in a multicultural enviroment. During those times to see the the rest of the world was just a childhood dream, now it is a reality. Before I settled down in Hungary, I lived in Vienna, Berlin and Sydney - just to mention few. Through those years, I gain lots of experience and learnt a lot about the world, and myself. I hope I will have the chance to share my passion about Europe and show you the best of it.”

Tour Director - DAVID ROMANOV

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Amsterdam
Karlsruhe
Venice Area
Rome
Lucerne Area
Paris

Amsterdam

Discover Volendam

Discover Volendam

From windmills to wooden shoes, experience the history, culture, and symbols of Holland on this fascinating excursion to unforgettable Volendam.

Price Range: $$

Karlsruhe

Rhine Gorge Cruise - Castles, Vineyards & the Lorelei

Rhine Gorge Cruise - Castles, Vineyards & the Lorelei

Discover the magic of the Rhine river with its historic villages, beautiful castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock.

Price Range: $

Venice Area

Gondola

Gondola

When in Rome, do as the Romans -- and when in Venice, head right for the gondolas! Hop aboard a traditional gondola for a ride through the magical Venetian canals

Price Range: $

Rome

Treasures of Rome and Dinner

Treasures of Rome and Dinner

Enjoy a tour of Rome and relax over a 3-course dinner with dessert, local wine, and authentic Roman atmosphere!

Price Range: $$

Castelli Romani Hill Towns with Dinner

Castelli Romani Hill Towns with Dinner

Travel into the volcanic Alban Hills to experience the ancient Castelli Romani hill towns, including the popes' summer retreat at Castel Gandolfo and Frascato for dinner at a rustic tavern!

Price Range: $$

Lucerne Area

Ascent up Mount Stanserhorn

Ascent up Mount Stanserhorn

Climb towering Mount Stanserhorn aboard the world's first double-decker, open-top aerial cable car!

Price Range: $$

Lake Lucerne Cruise

Lake Lucerne Cruise

Experience the hypnotic beauty of sparkling Lake Lucerne on this enjoyable 1-hour sightseeing cruise.

Price Range: $

Paris

Versailles, Palace of the Sun King

Versailles, Palace of the Sun King

Spend part of your day like a French aristocrat, strolling through the halls and gardens of Louis XIV's opulent Palace of Versailles.

Price Range: $$

City of Light Orientation and Dinner

City of Light Orientation and Dinner

Enjoy a memorable 4-course dinner with wine and a nighttime orientation drive around the glimmering City of Light-the perfect way to experience Paris!

Price Range: $$

 Private Touring

Private Touring: Cosmos European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Cosmos tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience. For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party. Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $3,373*
18 guests in a party: $667*

Contact Cosmos or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Cosmos Private Touring.

*Supplement pricing is per person (USD) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2021 travel year. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.


The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).