After breakfast we'll go out into beautiful Zurich, the financial capital of Switzerland. Our first stop will be Lake Zurich for some of the best photo opportunities of the day, followed by a trip to Schaffhausen to see Rhine Falls.
  
Then we'll take the mountain roads back across the German border to see the Black Forest and Lake Titisee. The optional lunch by the lake includes pork knuckle and authentic black forest cake. We'll return to Frankfurt in the evening.

The morning begins with a leisurely drive north-west from Frankfurt to Bonn, the capital of the former West Germany until reunification. The national government is now run from Berlin, but Bonn retains a rich history that is well worth exploring. Discover the city's secrets on an orientation stroll through its streets, walking past highlights such as the Rococo-fronted town hall and Ludwig Van Beethoven Haus, a museum celebrating the life of the much-loved composer.

Then it's on to Cologne, where you'll head inside the city's glorious Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Cologne further, to do a spot of local shopping or to simply relax with a suitably refreshing German brew.

After lunch the day is rounded off with a drive to the Netherlands.
 

A day of delights begins with a leisurely trip through the Dutch countryside, where you'll get to sample at close quarters some of the things that the Netherlands is traditionally famous for: clogs, cheese and windmills. Call in at the hugely popular model town of Zaanse Schans. Next, you'll head from the quiet countryside to the cosmopolitan city as your journey takes you back to Amsterdam.

After visiting a well-known diamond factory, where you'll see the unique cutting techniques that have been practised here since the 16th century, you can take an optional hour-long pre-dinner canal cruise, which is a great way to discover more about this unique European city.

After disembarking you'll walk to one of the city's grandest areas, Dam Square, where the Royal Palace is located and the Queen's birthday celebrations take place. You'll have photo opportunities here, free time for shopping or further sightseeing, and then round the day off with dinner.
 

After leaving Amsterdam in the morning you’ll head south across the border into Brussels, the Belgian capital and political center of the European Union. On the way, the tour stops to see the distinctive Atomium monument, a cell-shaped structure of stainless steel spheres and tubes built for the 1958 World's Fair. In the center of Brussels itself we'll take an orientation tour, calling in at the exquisite Grand Place, as well as the famous tinkling cherub Manneken Pis statue. After some free time, during which you can try some Belgian delights. Then from Brussels it's south again across the French border and on to the bright lights of Paris.

Paris is your oyster over the next two days as you enjoy guided tours around one of the world's most celebrated cities. We'll drive along the famous Champs Elysees to the Place de la Concorde which played a key part in the French Revolution. You'll also get to see the iconic Arc de Triomphe, the imposing monument that sits near the western end of the avenue and commemorates the fallen of the revolution and Napoleonic wars. You’ll take in another significant historical building next as you head to Les Invalides, where Napoleon's tomb is located, followed by a stop at the most legendary of all icons: the Eiffel Tower. You can either take time to explore the neighborhood and have some lunch, or scale the Eiffel Tower. The choice is yours. Finally, you'll travel by coach out through the Parisian suburbs to the splendid Palace of Versailles, the vast regal château that was the residence of the royal family until the start of the revolution in 1789. In the evening, you can enjoy one of our optional cabaret shows in Paris (own expense).

In the morning, depart for the pier and take a sightseeing boat cruise on the Seine River at your own expense your, a great sightseeing option that offers splendid views of iconic Parisian landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and Pont Alexandre III.

After a lunch, we visit to the Louvre, one of the world’s greatest art museums. Here you’ll set your eyes upon some of history’s most famous masterpieces, including the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace (also called Nike of Samothrace), and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Opt for a guided gallery tour, which will enhance your experience and allow you to browse through hundreds of works in just a few hours.

Afterwards, you have an option of having a French 4 course dinner and show experience or spend time shopping at the legendary department stores Galeries Lafayette.

Overnight stay in Paris or city nearby.

We will depart for Switzerland in the morning, first passing through Basel - situated at the intersection of France, Germany and Switzerland - before arriving in Lucerne, where we will stay the night.
 
 

After breakfast, we'll head south to the design and couture-conscious city of Milan. On our tour of the city you will see Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest shopping arcade in the world; the legendary opera house La Scala; the storied Sforza Castle; and the ostentatious Gothic of Milan Cathedral.

Overnight in Venice or a nearby city.
 

After breakfast, we'll take you through this fascinating city of ornate palaces, lyrical waterways, captivating churches and impressive architecture. In San Marco Square you'll see the Basilica di San Marco, one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture, and the Bridge of Sighs connecting the old prison to the interrogation rooms in Doge's Palace.

Afterwards, you'll get a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at a demonstration by Murano glassblowers. An optional shared gondola ride on the Grand Canal will put the finishing touch on a glorious day in Venice. Accommodations in the evening will either be in Rome or a neighboring city.