Book Now
DAY 1
Overnight flight
DAY 2
Arrival in London
Welcome to London! After clearing customs, you’ll meet your EFCB Tour Guide and the rest of your group. Did you know that more than 200 languages are spoken in London?
Walking tour of London
Walking tour of London
Get to know London on an informal stroll with your tour guide. Walk along the banks of the River Thames, and then head to Trafalgar Square, once famous for its huge pigeon population. Continue to bustling Leicester Square and on to the chic Covent Garden, where street performers amuse the lively crowds.
DAY 3
Hop-on, Hop-off double-decker bus tour
Hop-on, Hop-off double-decker bus tour
See London at your own pace on a classic double-decker bus ride all over town. For 24 hours you can get off and back on whenever you want. Tour routes take you to all the big sights, including the awe-inspiring St. Paul's Cathedral and Tower of London. You'll also cruise by Piccadilly Circus, Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, as live commentary tells you all there is to know about this storied city.
Free time in London (afternoon)
Top 5 free time suggestions:
1. Covent Garden – Seek out bargains at this bustling covered market; souvenirs, clothes, crafts and much more await you.
2. Tower of London – Trace England’s bloody history in this famous fortress and see the legendary Crown Jewels.
3. Abbey Road – Probably the world's most famous crosswalk, this storied spot is a must-see for even the most casual Beatles fan.
4. Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum – Be amazed as you wander this huge gallery filled with frighteningly real wax dummies of your favorite celebrities and historical figures.
5. Tate Modern – Visit one of the world's premier modern art museums, and lose yourself among the Picassos, Warhols, Dalis and more.
For more ideas and details, see our London city guide.
Welcome dinner
Enjoy some group bonding time at tonight’s included dinner (with drink).
DAY 4
Optional excursion to Stonehenge and Bath (extra cost)
Optional excursion to Stonehenge and Bath ($110 pre-booked)
Opt to head out into the English countryside, and see the mysterious monoliths in the middle of the field at Stonehenge. Their origin is still unknown, but most believe it was a temple and astronomical observatory. Then move on to Bath, an ancient spa town popular with early Romans and 18th-century English aristocracy alike. See the ruins and check out the bath houses.
Free time in London (nighttime)
Top 5 nightlife suggestions:
1. West End Theatre district – Catch a play in London's version of Broadway.
2. Soho – This lively part of town is famous for its nightlife, with pubs, clubs, live music—you name it.
3. Comedy Store – Laugh till you can't anymore at this beloved venue, the heart and soul of the UK comedy scene.
4. Fabric – This huge (and hugely popular) underground dance club has three dance floors, plus some mellower spaces.
5. Astoria – This acclaimed concert venue has seen the likes of Radiohead, Nirvana and Kylie Minogue.
For more ideas and details, see our London city guide.
DAY 5
Eurostar train to Paris
Eurostar train to Paris
The high-speed train whisks you under the English Channel to Paris. Did you know that the "Chunnel" was first suggested by a French engineer in 1802? He imagined travelers going by horse and carriage with lanterns lighting the way.
Free time in Paris (nighttime)
Top 5 nightlife suggestions:
1. Moulin Rouge – Take in a classic burlesque show in this legendary Parisian cabaret.
2. Buddha Bar – This ultra-hip lounge is most famous in the States for its DJ's popular compilation CDs.
3. Seine river cruise – Float gently along the water as the City of Light glimmers on all sides.
4. Caveau de la Huchette – This friendly cafe offers excellent jazz music and, happily, is free to enter.
5. St. Michel – Young people and tourists like this area for bar hopping and picking up late-night kebabs.
For more ideas and details, see our Paris city guide.
DAY 6
Sightseeing tour of Paris (local guide)
Sightseeing tour of Paris (local guide)
A professional local guide will lead you on a panoramic bus tour and teach you a thing or two about the city. Witness Parisian life in action as you drive down the always fashionable Champs-Elysées. See the imposing Arc de Triomphe and the Conciergerie, where prisoners of the Revolution passed their final days.
Eiffel Tower photostop
Eiffel Tower photostop
Your guided tour includes a stop at the Eiffel Tower, where you'll have a chance to take those must-have shots of the famous steel structure. The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the World's Fair and was supposed to be disassembled after the event. It was only after authorities realized its usefulness for radio communication that it was spared the wrecking ball.
Free time in Paris (afternoon)
Top 5 free time suggestions:
1. Musée d’Orsay – This amazing museum built into an old train station is a runaway favorite of many art lovers. Enjoy masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and many more.
2. Champs-Elysées – The famous boulevard has witnessed several major historical moments, but it's best-known for its high fashion shopping and unbeatable people-watching.
3. Arc de Triomphe – Built to commemorate Napoleon's Grande Armée, this famous arch has amazing views from the top.
4. Père Lachaise Cemetery – Pay your respects to many famous figures, including Marcel Proust and the legendary Doors front man Jim Morrison.
5. Montmartre – Climb the stairs or take the funicular railway up to this charming artists' haven. Take in amazing panoramic views and go inside the uniquely beautiful Sacré Coeur church.
For more ideas and details, see our Paris city guide.
Evening Seine cruise and Eiffel Tower
Evening Seine cruise and Eiffel Tower
Float down the river while the City of Light glimmers all around you. Then ascend to the top of the most famous tower in the world, and take in the dazzling views of the illuminated city below.
DAY 7
Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum
The world's most famous museum is a sprawling complex that was once a royal palace. One could wander for days among its masterpieces. Today, you'll hit all the highlights, including the Venus de Milo and Leonardo Da Vinci’s incomparably mysterious Mona Lisa.
Walking tour of Paris
Walking tour of Paris
Your tour guide takes you on an informal stroll around town. Walk through the Latin Quarter, an area packed with college students from the Sorbonne, Paris’s most famous university. Make your way along the Seine, and check out les bouquinistes, the little stalls that sell old books, maps, art prints and postcards. It’s the perfect place to pick up some authentic souvenirs.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral
Go inside the famous medieval cathedral, built between 1163 and 1361. Admire the stained-glass windows and seemingly weightless vaulted ceilings. The amazing cathedral was the inspiration for Victor Hugo's famous book The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
DAY 8
Transfer via Brussels
Transfer via Brussels
En route to Amsterdam, stop in Belgium’s capital for a brief visit and to have some lunch (try the waffles). Then it’s on to the Netherlands.
Arrival in Amsterdam
Continue on to Amsterdam. Did you know that Amsterdam is home to the narrowest house in the world (one meter wide)?
DAY 9
Sightseeing tour of Amsterdam (EFCB Tour Guide)
Sightseeing tour of Amsterdam (EFCB Tour Guide)
Your tour guide will lead an in-depth sightseeing tour of Amsterdam. Learn a little about the city’s history as you walk through lively Dam Square. Take in scenic views of the Amstel River before finishing up in Rembrandtplein, a bustling square packed with outdoor cafes, shops, clubs and hotels.
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House
Walk through the rooms where young Anne lived in hiding and penned her famous diary. Anne and her family lived here for nearly two years between 1942 and 1944.
Walking tour of Amsterdam
Walking tour of Amsterdam
Your tour guide will show you around on an informal tour of the city. The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a beautiful city, criss-crossed by 160 canals. Enjoy the scenery as you walk across some of the city’s 1,200 bridges.
Free time in Amsterdam (nighttime)
Top 5 nightlife suggestions:
1. Leidseplein – This main street and those around it are filled with lively pubs and bars.
2. Boom Chicago – Have some laughs at this English-language comedy venue known for its live shows and video productions.
3. Escape – Get dancing at this late-night club that attracts a young crowd. Don't show up before 11 o'clock.
4. Club Mazzo – Come here for live music; it's a great place to catch up-and-coming bands before they make it big.
5. Melkweg – This unique venue combines a club, gallery, cinema, cafe and concert hall all in one.
For more ideas and details, see our Amsterdam city guide.
DAY 10
Free day in Amsterdam
Top 5 free-time suggestions:
1. Van Gogh Museum – Get lost in this goldmine of works by the troubled painter, including many of his most famous.
2. Bike riding – Do as the Dutch do and explore the streets on a bicycle; you can find rental shops all over town.
3. Madame Tussaud's Scenerama – Marvel at wax dummies of celebrities from throughout history, with a slight emphasis on the Dutch.
4. Jordaan – This trendy university area has narrow winding streets lined with bars, shops and cafés.
5. Shopping along Nieuwendijk – Pick up souvenirs or the latest Dutch fashions on this main shopping drag.
For more ideas and details, see our Amsterdam city guide.
DAY 11
Transfer to Heidelberg
Transfer to Heidelberg
Drive by bus to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest college town. Did you know that Karl Drais, inventor of the bicycle, was a student here?
Sightseeing tour of Heidelberg (EFCB Tour Guide)
Sightseeing tour of Heidelberg (EFCB Tour Guide)
Your tour guide will show you the highlights of the town. See Heidelberg's 700-year-old palace, and take in the stunning views of the Neckar Valley. Stroll down cobblestone streets en route to Marktplatz, where witches were burned at the stake back in the day.
DAY 12
Transfer via Rhine Falls and Black Forest
Transfer via Rhine Falls and Black Forest
See the thunderous Rhine Falls and drive by way of the Black Forest. Many familiar fairy tales—including old Brothers Grimm favorites—are set in these dark, dark woods.
Arrival in Lucerne region
Welcome to the majestic Swiss Alps. Did you know that the average Swiss person eats 23 pounds of chocolate a year?
DAY 13
Sightseeing tour of Lucerne (EFCB Tour Guide)
Sightseeing tour of Lucerne (EFCB Tour Guide)
Explore Lucerne with your tour guide. Navigate the narrow streets and soak in the incredible mountain scenery. See the amazing Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument) and cross the Kapellbrücke, a mural-lined covered bridge from medieval times.
Optional trip up Mount Pilatus (extra cost)
Optional trip up Mount Pilatus ($70 until May 15, $80 after May 15; pre-booked)
Join this optional excursion to the top of Lucerne’s famous peak. Depending on the season, take a cog railway or a cable car to the summit at 6,387 feet. The views are unbelievable—visibility is 200 miles on a clear day!
DAY 14
Transfer via Milan
Transfer via Milan
Cross the border into Italy and make a stop in one of the fashion capitals of the world. Explore the city center and maybe even buy a pair of authentic Italian shoes.
Arrival in Venice
Continue on to legendary Venice, with its famous canals. Did you know Venice is built on 117 different islands?
DAY 15
Sightseeing tour of Venice (local guide)
Sightseeing tour of Venice (local guide)
A local guide will lead you on foot through the narrow streets and open piazzas of Venice. Start at St. Mark's Square, whose basilica allegedly houses the saint's remains. See the famous Grand Canal and the 324-foot Campanile bell tower, and then finish your tour at an incredible glass-blowing demonstration (Venetian glass is famous around the world).
Doges’ Palace
Doges’ Palace
Visit the 14th-century pink-and-white palace, from which Venetian dukes once ruled. Walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace and its prison. According to lore, prisoners would sigh with sadness as they crossed the bridge and saw their city for the last time. Legendary lover Casanova once escaped from this prison.
Free time in Venice (afternoon)
Top 5 free time suggestions:
1. Castello – Take a walk through this charming district; try to make it all the way to the San Pietro di Castello Island.
2. Rialto Market – Browse the noisiest, most colorful spot in Venice, where vendors sell a lively assortment of fruits, vegetables, and fish.
3. le Zattere – Walk along this picturesque quay, with its choice views of the Grand Canal and its popular gelato stop.
4. Glassware shopping – Take home a piece of high-quality crystal blown in the finest Venetian tradition.
5. Gondola ride – Enjoy the classic Venice moment; with luck, your gondolier will serenade you as he directs the boat along the romantic canals.
For more ideas and details, see our Venice city guide.
DAY 16
Transfer to Rome
Transfer to Rome
Head south to Italy's capital. Did you know that Rome had barbers as far back as 300 B.C.?
Free time in Rome (nighttime)
Top 5 nightlife suggestions:
1. Campo de’ Fiori – Many young people gather in the early evening inside and outside the bars in this area, making it a good starting point.
2. San Lorenzo area – Popular with students, this area is known for its reggae scene and numerous clubs.
3. Big Mama – Blues lovers head to this music club in Trastavere.
4. Testaccio – There is plenty of action on this circular street lined with bars and nightclubs.
5. Opera – For a true cultural experience, go see an opera in the country where opera was born.
For more ideas and details, see our Rome city guide.
DAY 17
Sightseeing tour of Rome (local guide)
Sightseeing tour of Rome (local guide)
Go way back into history with a local guide. Step through the grassy Forum Romanum, where all kinds of business, commerce and administration of justice took place back in ancient times.
Roman Colosseum
Roman Colosseum
Your tour includes a visit to the massive Colosseum, built back in 70 A.D. The huge amphitheater held up to 50,000 spectators, who would gather to watch anything from bloody gladiator contests to mock sea battles to dramatic representations of classical mythology.
Optional pizza-making and dinner (extra cost)
Optional pizza-making and dinner ($45 pre-booked)
Opt for a festive night in an Italian kitchen. Prepare the dough, lay on the toppings, fire it in the oven, and eat it—all under the expert guidance of a real pizzaiolo.
DAY 18
Visit to Vatican City
Visit to Vatican City
Visit this country within a city, home to the Pope. Walk through the incomparable St. Peter's Basilica, built on the site where the saint was martyred. Also visit the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling frescos have amazed visitors for centuries.
Free time in Rome (afternoon)
Top 5 free time suggestions:
1. Shopping on Via del Corso – Stroll down the longest pedestrian street in the city for prime shopping and to scope out the latest fashion trends.
2. Capitoline Museum – Situated up on a hill overlooking the Forum, this museum houses some amazing ancient sculptures.
3. Villa Borghese Park – Run, bike, or just plain relax in this huge park, the city's largest green space.
4. Trastavere – Spend time wandering the old streets of this newly-popular bohemian area across the Tiber River.
5. The beach – The Mediterranean is just 25 minutes away by metro, good for all the usual seaside activities.
For more ideas and details, see our Rome city guide.
DAY 19
Transfer via Assisi
Transfer via Assisi
Travel by bus through the Italian countryside to hilltop Assisi. Visit the impressive St. Francis Basilica. Inside, you can trace St. Francis’s life through the amazing wall frescos.
Arrival in Florence
Continue through the countryside to Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region. Did you know that the Italian language originated in Florence?
DAY 20
Sightseeing tour of Florence (local guide)
Sightseeing tour of Florence (local guide)
Cover Florence on foot with a local guide. Get a feel for this famous Renaissance city at spots like the Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio (a medieval bridge that is one of the most photographed sights in Florence). Continue past the Chiesa di Santa Croce, final resting place of Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo.
Florence Duomo
Florence Duomo
The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is better known as the Duomo, after its famous dome that dominates the Florentine skyline. The dome, designed by sculptor and architect Brunelleschi, was a real technological and architectural marvel at the time of its construction.
Free time in Florence (afternoon)
Top 5 free time suggestions:
1. The Uffizi Gallery – You can't miss this place; it's one of the top art museums in the world.
2. Galleria dell'Accademia – Another must-see gallery, the Accademia is home to Michelangelo’s world-famous David.
3. Giardino di Boboli – Enjoy the fresh air in this giant green park, complete with statues, caves and an island fountain.
4. Shopping around piazza Santa Croce – Those seeking real Italian leather products need look no further.
5. Palazzo Pitti – Take a look at this palace built by a rival family of the Medicis.
For more ideas and details, see our Florence city guide.
Optional wine tasting (extra cost)
Optional wine tasting ($70 pre-booked)
Opt to sample the best that Italy's vines have to offer at this evening activity. Italy's wines are some of the most loved in the world—now’s your chance to become a real connoisseur.
DAY 21
Transfer via Pisa
Transfer via Pisa
On the way to France, stop in Pisa, home of the legendary Leaning Tower. Snap some photos of this 12th-century architectural misfit. Visit the Pisa Baptistery, known for its interesting acoustics, and the Pisa Cathedral. Legend says Galileo came up with his law of the pendulum here.
Arrival on the French Riviera
Continue on to the French Riviera, stomping grounds of the rich and famous for centuries. Did you know that the country Monaco is smaller than New York's Central Park?
DAY 22
Optional trip to Monaco and Eze (extra cost)
Optional trip to Monaco and Eze ($50 pre-booked)
Opt to walk the streets of high rollers' heaven in Monaco. See the famed Monte Carlo Casino and the cathedral where Princess Grace is buried. Also stop in Eze, where some of the world's best scents are created. Tour a perfume factory and see how those aroma magicians get it done.
Sightseeing tour of Nice (EFCB Tour Guide)
Sightseeing tour of Nice (EFCB Tour Guide)
Get to know Nice, the most famous resort town on the Riviera. Your tour guide will show you what makes Nice special, including the Vielle Ville and the Promenade des Anglais, which winds alongside the dazzling Mediterranean beach. See what so inspired French artists such as Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec.
Free time on the French Riviera (nighttime)
Top 5 nightlife suggestions:
1. Chez Wayne – Come to the most famous bar in Nice for a jovial crowd and live music.
2. Disco Butterfly – This disco attracts a young, hip crowd with one free drink for each student.
3. Théâtre de Nice – Catch a play in this 900-seat theater.
4. Arènes de Cimiez – This outdoor venue situated among ancient ruins hosts large concerts.
5. Bar des Oiseaux – Get an off-the-beaten-path vibe at this bar offering good comedy acts and jazz music.
DAY 23
Transfer to Provence
Transfer to Provence
Make your way to Provence, where the scenic countryside inspired countless artists, including Van Gogh. The region is most well-known for its spectacular lavender fields.
Sightseeing tour of Avignon (EFCB Tour Guide)
Sightseeing tour of Avignon (EFCB Tour Guide)
Learn about the history of this medieval walled city, popular with artists and painters. The papal seat was moved here in 1309 and seven popes lived here. Your tour includes a visit to the Popes' Palace. Check out the impressive chapel with its stunning Italian frescoes, and see where the Church stored its riches.
Sightseeing tour of Nîmes or Arles (EFCB Tour Guide)
Sightseeing tour of Nîmes or Arles (EFCB Tour Guide)
After a stop at the Pont du Gard (a very old bridge from ancient Roman times), see the sights of either Nîmes or Arles. Both are charming old cities with plenty of Roman ruins to discover as you wander the winding streets. You’ll visit a Roman amphitheater, where local residents from the bygone era would enjoy music or theater performances.
DAY 24
Sightseeing tour of Carcassonne (EFCB Tour Guide)
Sightseeing tour of Carcassonne (EFCB Tour Guide)
On the way to Spain, stop in Carcassonne, home to Europe’s largest and most complete medieval fortress. Get the lay of the land on a sightseeing tour led by your tour guide, as you pass the city’s age-old ramparts.
Arrival in Barcelona
Continue on to Barcelona, one of Europe’s hottest international cities. Did you know that Barcelona is the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region?
DAY 25
Sightseeing tour of Barcelona (local guide)
Sightseeing tour of Barcelona (local guide)
A local guide will introduce you to Barcelona. Catch a glimpse of the controversial unfinished Sagrada Familia, a Gaudí masterpiece of twisted spires and colorful mosaics. Then take in the panoramic harbor views from atop Montjuïc, where many of the 1992 Olympic events took place.
Parque Guell
Parque Guell
Designed by Gaudí, this is the most surreal public park you'll ever walk through; plus, it’s got some eye-popping views. Visit the Room of a Hundred Columns, a covered market with 84 pillars, and see the Casa-Museu, where Gaudí lived from 1906 to 1926.
Walking tour of Barcelona
Walking tour of Barcelona
Your tour guide will lead you around town. Walk down the always exciting Las Ramblas, Barcelona's center of shopping, eating, and merry-making. English writer W. Somerset Maugham called this tree-lined boulevard “the most beautiful street in the world.”
Free time in Barcelona (nighttime)
Top 5 nightlife suggestions:
1. Barri Gotic – This popular area of bars is a good place to start; have some tapas and drinks to get things going.
2. Luz de Gas – Live music early turns into a dance club scene later in the night.
3. Buda – Come here for good music in a mild atmosphere.
4. Gran Teatre de Liceu – Take in a show at this world-renowned theater for opera and dance.
5. The Born – Check out this hip new area of tapas bars, outdoor terraces and great late-night bars.
For more ideas and details, see our Barcelona city guide.
DAY 26
Free day in Barcelona
Top 5 free time suggestions:
1. Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat – Take an elevator down to see the excavated Roman ruins of Barcelona.
2. Tibidabo – Ride a funicular to the top of the city and take in the beautiful views; in the summer there's an amusement park up here open late into the night.
3. Shopping on Las Ramblas – This is the best place to seek out souvenirs and the hottest fashions.
4. Villa Olimpica – Walk along the waterfront and admire the area where the athletes were housed during the 1992 Olympics.
5. Parc de la Ciutadella – Enjoy this beautiful open green space, which includes a waterfall and a zoo known for its albino gorilla.
For more ideas and details, see our Barcelona city guide.
DAY 27
Transfer via Zaragoza
Transfer via Zaragoza
On your way to Madrid, stop for lunch in Zaragoza. Forty-thousand students at the University of Zaragoza liven up this bustling commercial town. You'll have time to visit the colorfully domed Basilica del Pilar, whose central pillar is said to be a gift from the Virgin Mary to St. James.
Arrival in Madrid
Pull into Madrid, Spain's capital. Did you know that Madrid is Europe’s highest city, at 2,100 feet?
DAY 28
Sightseeing tour of Madrid (local guide)
Sightseeing tour of Madrid (local guide)
A local guide will bring Madrid into focus. Pass through the Puerta del Sol, the geographical center of the city and a popular meeting point. Head into the Plaza Mayor, the Renaissance hub that witnessed everything from bullfights to weddings to public executions. Then it's on to the Plaza de Oriente, Madrid's largest square.
Royal Palace
Royal Palace
This extravagant palace was built by Bourbon King Phillip V and has more than 2,000 rooms. Check out the amazing marble staircase, the golden Throne Room and the priceless frescoes and chandeliers.
Orientation tour of Madrid (EFCB Tour Guide)
Orientation tour of Madrid (EFCB Tour Guide)
Your tour guide will walk you around Madrid. Step back to the Spanish Golden Age, when painters Goya and Velazquez were among the best in the world. Along the way, feel the friendly vibe of Madrid's biggest draw: the local madrileños socializing in the cafes, flea markets, and tascas around town.
Prado Museum
Prado Museum
The world-class museum is home to famous works of art collected by the Spanish monarchy. Highlights include Las Meninas by Velázquez and Goya’s controversial pair The Clothed Maja and The Naked Maja.
Optional Flamenco Evening (extra cost)
Optional Flamenco Evening ($55 pre-booked)
Opt for a quintessential Spanish experience. The Flamenco is a unique emotional art form combining guitar playing, singing, chanting, dancing, and hand clapping. Enjoy a drink, and feel the Spanish rhythms.
DAY 29
Optional excursion to Toledo (extra cost)
Optional excursion to Toledo ($70 pre-booked)
Opt to head to Toledo, one-time Spanish capital. Tour its fascinating sights with a local guide, and see how they combine many religious and cultural influences. Visit the cathedral, the Church of Santo Tomé, and St. Mary's Synagogue, which was designed as a mosque, used as a synagogue, and is now a church.
Farewell dinner
Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner with the group.
Free time in Madrid (nighttime)
Top 5 nightlife suggestions:
1. Theater – Take in a first-rate performance at the Calderón or the Lope de Vega.
2. Arguelles and Moncloa – This buzzing area of bars is popular with college students and the younger crowd.
3. Malasaña – Check out some live music in the cafes and bars in this area near the Plaza de Dos de Mayo.
4. Plaza Santa Ana – This lively spot is filled with tapas bars, music bars and clubs.
5. Kapital – On the pricey side, this seven-floor dance club is worth the price of admission.
For more ideas and details, see our Madrid city guide.
DAY 30
Flight home
Don't want to go home?
Plan beforehand, and you can change your return ticket and explore more of Madrid on your own, or visit another city and fly home from there. To request special travel, fill out this form.