Experience iconic Europe at its very best, including a stay in charismatic Rome. Explore radiant Paris, glorious Venice, dramatic Swiss Alps, medieval Rhine Valley, enchanting Florence, bohemian Amsterdam and the seductive Burgundy wine region. Connect to the true soul of 7 countries as we also journey to Pisa and the dreamy Tuscany region, Lucerne (Switzerland), Munich (Germany), Beune (France), Ghent (Belgium), Innsbruck (Austria) and the phenomenal Brenner Pass. Experience the instantly recognisable and our special hidden gems. Explore the unmanageable wealth of attractions at the centre of western culture. History is all around you as we discover the everchanging landscapes, cultures, stories, art, architecture, cuisines and wines. Enter a fairy-tale of castles, palaces and chateaux. Discover the real Europe with HolidayMax’s immersive escorted touring. Themes include: Europe, Europe Touring, Lazio, Veneto, Bavaria, North Holland, Departs from Rome, Luxury Coach, Returns from Lucerne. + Show more

Package Includes

Return international flights to Rome (premium airline)
Travel by modern large coach
Tour leader and host, with local guides
4 Nights Rome hotel (superior 4 Star)
2 Nights Paris hotel
2 Nights Swiss Alps hotel
1 Night Venice hotel
1 Night Bavaria hotel
1 Night Rhine Valley hotel
1 Night Amsterdam hotel
1 Night Burgundy hotel
1 Night Tuscany hotel
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
Meet and Greet Personalised Transfers

Highlights

Rome (Italy) Venice (Italy) Paris (France) Amsterdam (Netherlands) Swiss Alps Munich (Germany) Innsbruck (Austria) Ghent (Belgium) Burgundy (France) Rhine Valley (Germany) Florence (Italy) Brenner Pass (Austria) Leaning Tower of Pisa Montecatini Terme (Italy) Beaune (France) Lucerne (Switzerland)

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Descriptions

Amazing Experiences

• Experience Rome, Venice, Paris, Amsterdam, the Swiss Alps,

Burgundy, Germany, Austria and Belgium

• Discover Rome your way with 2 days of flexi-tours

• Enjoy free flexi-days to explore Paris and the Swiss Alps your way

• Visit Florence and Pisa (Tuscany), Rhine Valley, Munich (Germany),

Beaune (France), medieval fairy-tale Ghent (Belgium), Innsbruck

(Austria) and Lucerne (Switzerland)

• Driving tour of Paris, experience the most iconic sights

• Rhine River cruise, see remarkable castles

• Incredible mountain drive through the Swiss Alps

• Swiss mountain experience (optional)

• Welcome and farewell dinners

• Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

• Walking tour of Florence with a local guide

• Tour Venice with free time

• Stay in the seductive Burgundy wine region

• Special lunch and free time in Burgundy (optional wine tour)

• Visit an iconic Dutch Windmill

• Tour of Munich with free time

• Marvel at the spectacular Brenner Pass

• Visit picture perfect Beaune and see Hospices de Beaune

• Canal cruise in Amsterdam

• Special dinner in Amsterdam

• Rhine Valley wine tasting, traditional Rhine Valley dinner

• Explore medieval Ghent (Belgium) with free time

• Free time to explore alpine-lakeside Lucerne (Switzerland)

• Parisian restaurant dinner

• Traditional beer hall dinner in Munich

• Plus more immersive excursions and experiences…

DAY 1 Depart Australia for Italy

Today we depart for Rome, Italy. Fly on a premium award-winning airline like Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qantas or British Airways (subject to availability). Enjoy the attentive cabin service, regular meals and onboard entertainment system.

DAY 2 Arrive in Rome

You will be personally met at Rome Airport by your HolidayMax representative and transferred to your central Rome hotel. You can relax and use the rest of the day to explore your hotel and its facilities, perhaps take a stroll around this iconic city.

Home to more World Heritage protected cultural sites than any other country on Earth, Italy’s immense cultural wealth is beautifully complemented by its stunning landscapes, iconic cuisine, sophisticated cityscapes and unparalleled collection of classical art. Epicentre of the Roman empire and birthplace of the Renaissance, ancient monuments permeate contemporary Italian landscapes, from the canals of Venice to the golden shores of Sicily.

Meet and Greet Personalised Arrival Transfer, Overnight Rome Hotel

DAY 3 Tour Rome

Your first two full days in Rome are flexi-tours, so you can tour at your own pace, visiting places of most interest to you. Relax into Rome time with a choice of included touring options to suit your mood, before we embark on our fully escorted Italian adventure.

Feel the energy and excitement of the eternal city of Rome. Italy’s hot-blooded capital is one of the world’s most romantic and charismatic cities. Immerse yourself in its vibrant fashionable street life, ancient monuments and awe-inspiring art. Ancient icons such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon recall the city’s golden age as the capital of the world, while monumental basilicas and picturesque piazzas complete with baroque facades and neighbourhood trattoria speak to the cities unrivalled complexity. Embrace the thoroughly intoxicating contemporary chic Roman lifestyle.

Your flexi-tour includes a circular driving tour, stay on for the whole tour enjoying our guide’s entertaining commentary or get-off at any one of 8 incredible stops and re-join our next circular tour bus at your leisure. It also includes our special digital walking tours.

Discover the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Colosseum, Vatican City, Roman Forum, Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain (coins at the ready). Explore Rome’s 3,000 year old cityscape, adorned with historic art and abuzz with modern culture. The city is awash with priceless treasures. Ancient statues adorn world-class museums; Byzantine mosaics and Renaissance frescoes dazzle in art-rich churches; baroque facades flank medieval piazzas; impressive fountains add a baroque flourish to the city's captivating streets. Discover the simple pleasures of Roman life.

The circular hop-on hop-off tour, and our special digital walking tours are included – so tour as much as you like or simply take it easy.

Coach Tour, Overnight Rome Hotel

DAY 4 Tour Rome

Make the most of your second flexi-tour today to discover more of Rome.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with compelling attractions like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Vatican City, The Pantheon, Arch of Constantine, Roman Forum, Centro Storico, Santa Maria Maggiore, Piazza Navona, Villa Borghese Gallery and Gardens, the Catacombs and Via Appia Antica. Maybe experience some of the best shopping in Europe, browsing stylish Roman boutiques or relax with an espresso.

A visit to Rome is as much about lapping up the dolce vita lifestyle as gorging on art and culture. Idling around picturesque streets, whiling away hours at streetside cafes and people-watching on pretty piazzas are all central to the Roman experience. One of Rome’s great joys is losing yourself in the narrow cobblestone streets that make up Centro Storico.

In the evening, fashionable people descend on the city’s bars and cafes for a sociable aperitivo (drink with snacks) and trattorias hum with activity. Eating out is one of Rome's great pleasures and the combination of romantic alfresco settings and superlative food is a guarantee of good times. For a truly Roman meal, head to a boisterous pizzeria or neighbourhood trattoria. To finish off, what can beat a gelato followed by a shot of world-beating coffee.

The circular hop-on hop-off tour, and our special digital walking tours are included. Our special digital walking tours can include tours like: ‘Rome of the Emperors', 'Secret Rome', 'Squares & Fountains' and 'La Dolce Vita'.

Coach Tour, Overnight Rome Hotel

DAY 5 Rome to Venice

Today meetup with your tour director and get to know the rest of your fellow travellers on our fully escorted Iconic Europe adventure. We set off through the enchanting Italian countryside to Venice, a city built on more than 100 small islands that are lined with splendid Renaissance and Gothic palaces. It has no roads, just canals like the famous Grand Canal. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile bell tower offering views of the city’s famous red roofs.

This afternoon, we are introduced to the ‘vaporetto’, Venice’s public water bus system, as we make our way into the heart of Venice with our HolidayMax tour host to enjoy free time to explore and find out why this is such a famous city. Stroll along the canals and ancient narrow laneways, see the instantly recognisable Rialto Bridge, St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. A fairy-tale city of dreamlike canals, winding cobbled footpaths and fuchsia-pink sunsets, Venice makes a habit of exceeding even the grandest of expectations. The Illustrious Grand Canal reflects atop its waters centuries of Venetian architecture enroute to Piazza San Marco, where St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile bell tower offer breathtaking views over this famous city.

Perhaps embark on one of the highly recommended optional activities to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Venice. Maybe glide through Venice’s winding canals on an authentic gondola and take in the city's timeless beauty from the water. Following a tradition that has endured for over a thousand years, you’ll drift past historic buildings and quiet back canals, seeing Venice from a perspective that generations of locals have cherished. Alternatively, you could board a classic wooden motorboat taxi to complete your Venetian experience. Journey through Venice in style, where plush leather seats and a private driver create a smooth and elegant ride. Glide along the Grand Canal, the Floating City’s bustling main waterway, and take in iconic landmarks like the graceful Santa Maria della Salute and the stately Church of San Giorgio Maggiore. Or simply relax with an espresso in one of the many piazzas watching the world go by.

You can explore Venice and its amazing attractions yourself at your own pace or choose an optional activity like a Gondolas ($58) or Speed Boat on the Grand Canal ($116). Make your choice while on the tour.

Escorted Coach Tour, Overnight Venice Area Hotel

DAY 6 Venice to Innsbruck (Austria) to Munich (Germany) to Bavaria

This morning we head north through Italy to encounter some of the most beautiful countryside in central Europe. As the famous Brenner Pass appears before you, it will simply take your breath away. Marking the border between Austria and Italy, it has been one of the most important Alpine passages since ancient times. Stunning Alpine panoramas of snow-capped peaks and lush alpine meadows dazzle - surrounded by picture perfect villages displaying an intriguing mix of Austrian and Italian culture. We pause for free time in Innsbruck - a sight to behold with its dramatic mountain backdrop; the jagged spires of The Alps quite literally rising up from the town’s edge, placing peaceful alpine pastures and world class skiing just minutes from the green domes and red roofs of the Baroque centre. It’s medieval Altstadt is picture-book stuff, presided over by grand Habsburg palace and a baroque cathedral; while its modern side includes an impressive Olympic ski jump.

We continue through Germany’s impressive countryside - speckled with Baroque palaces, mountaintop castles, centuries-old biergarten and half-timbered medieval towns. This is a country where historic monuments and wartime relics sit beside underground clubs and ultra-modern galleries, complemented by hearty German fare and famous frothy beer. Arriving in Munich we experience an escorted walking tour of the city. A city of stark contrasts between modern and traditional. Where tall beer tankards and Lederhosen shorts sit side by side with high-tech cars and edgy art. Munich has a wealth of cultural hot-spots, smart sophistication and a certain charm that you’ll find irresistible. See Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, New Town Hall, Church of our Lady, and (if you visit in winter) the traditional German Christmas markets.

This evening, experience an authentic German beer hall for a traditional Bavarian beer and special dinner.

Breakfast, Dinner, Beer Tasting, Overnight Bavaria Hotel

DAY 7 Bavaria to Rhine Valley

Today we continue our journey through the incredible German countryside to the Rhine Valley, famous for its medieval castles perched high above the river and steep fields of wine-producing grapes. The Rhine Valley’s soaring clifftop fortresses and near vertical terraced vineyards have inspired fables, fairy tales, paintings and poetry for centuries. Float atop the mythical waters of the Rhine River as you meander your way amidst some of Germany’s most evocative landscapes; medieval castles and quaint half-timbered villages with their idyllic gothic church steeples materialising around every riverbend.

Relax on board a splendid Rhine riverboat as we cruise past the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe, expansive vineyards, charming medieval towns and lofty cliffs. Learn the curious story of the castles, most built by a mafia of local robber barons, knights and princes.

We then enjoy wines from some of the world’s oldest vineyards at a special local wine tasting, including of course, Riesling and perhaps even the rare Eiswein (ice wine) dessert wine. Enjoy a traditional dinner tonight.

Breakfast, Dinner, Cruise, Wine Tasting, Overnight Rhine Valley Hotel

DAY 8 Rhine Valley to Amsterdam (Netherlands)

We leave Germany behind and journey into Holland to experience a historical windmill village and discover how the windmills were vital to the industrial development of the Netherlands. Famous for cheeses like Gouda, Edam, Maasdam and Boerenkaas, you’ll savour a visit to a Dutch cheesemaker. Learn all about the quirky clog and its cultural significance from a clog maker.

Then it is onto the Netherlands famous bohemian capital, Amsterdam. You’ll know you’ve arrived in Amsterdam, with its rainbow of ornate, pastel coloured canal houses that cascade down to meet the arched bridges and elaborate waterways of one of the world's most aesthetic and offbeat metropolises. A city entirely reclaimed from the sea, Amsterdam is intimately connected with water, its 165 World Heritage listed canals adorned with atmospheric bruin cafés, world class art galleries and as many bikes as there are people.

At twilight, we all enjoy a special cruise on Amsterdam’s scenic canals – the best way to experience many of the city’s highlights.

After your cruise you have some free time to explore Amsterdam. It has a stunning canal district with an incredible dining scene with an endless list of restaurants and cafes, with hundreds of museums. We also enjoy a special dinner tonight featuring Dutch cuisine with local delicacies.

Breakfast, Dinner, Cruise, Overnight Amsterdam Hotel

DAY 9 Amsterdam to Ghent (Belgium) to Paris (France)

Say farewell to the Netherlands and make our way to Belgium, a country with a multicultural heart that beats to the rhythm of art nouveau elegance, crazy carnivals and decadent cuisine. Enjoy free time in fairytale Ghent to wander the cobblestone medieval old town with canals that are punctuated with soaring cathedrals, medieval castles, stunning gothic masterpieces, step-gabled houses and Renaissance architecture. Its fabulous canal-side guildhouses and abundant medieval pomp are tempered by a vivacious student population, an array of quirky bars, trendy restaurants, colourful graffiti and some of the best museums in Belgium.

This evening enjoy a special dinner at an atmospheric Parisian restaurant in an iconic location.

Breakfast, Dinner, Overnight Paris Hotel

DAY 10 Explore Paris

Choose how you’d like to experience this spectacular city with a selection of activities on offer. The wonderful thing about Paris is that it there is always so much to experience here. It’s monument-lined boulevards, museums, classical bistros and boutiques are complimented by a new wave of hip urban culture. The River Seine flows through the heart of the city, its banks are peppered with book sellers and market stalls. Famous architecture is scattered through the city, so exploring on foot is a great way of taking in every ounce of history. A River Seine cruise will take you right past many city highlights complete with a fascinating commentary - such as Grand Palais, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral (under repair) and National Assembly - to the famous Eiffel Tower for a birds eye view of Paris. Your HolidayMax tour host is full of ideas and local knowledge, so that you can get the best out of your time here.

Today is a free flexi-day so you have the choice of activity to suit your mood. You can explore Paris and its amazing attractions yourself at your own pace or choose an optional activity like Perfect Paris ($141), or An Evening in Montmartre ($91). Make your choice while on tour.

Breakfast, Overnight Paris Hotel

DAY 11 Paris to Burgundy

Today we say au revoir Paris, as we travel through beautiful France to Burgundy for a special lunch and enchanting overnight stay. Burgundy is one of the world’s most renowned and beautiful wine regions, a quintessential French experience with medieval villages, châteaux and rolling vineyards. Spend some free time in the picture-perfect walled town of Beaune. Wander the cobbled streets of this incredible tiny medieval town, perhaps enjoy some wine tasting from the premium Côte d'Or vineyards, try delicious fresh French cuisine, explore the Roman Ramparts or visit the wonderful Hospices de Beaune.

We enjoy a delicious local Burgundy lunch today and then have the rest of the day as free time to explore this historic and breathtakingly beautiful region. This is the homeland of Pinot Noir and the world's most sought-after Chardonnay (especially it’s Chablis). Burgundy epitomises the art of living, celebrated for its exquisite wines, gastronomy and timeless charm. Historic vineyards, kissed by the sun - stretch as far as the eye can see, nurturing some of the world's most revered vintages. Charming villages, with their half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets invite you to step back in time and savour the slow pace of life. Admire historic châteaux and abbeys, where the echoes of a rich past still resonate, or perhaps indulge in culinary delights that pair perfectly with the region's renowned wines. Burgundy is a place where every sip, every bite and every step through its picturesque landscapes is an invitation to embrace the finer things in life. Perhaps join an optional Burgundy wine tasting tour, exploring the Grand Crus Route to sample some local vintages at iconic vineyards.

Today you’ll have some time to explore Burgundy your own way or enjoy the optional Burgundy Wine and Chateaux ($75). Make your choice while on tour.

Breakfast, Lunch, Overnight Burgundy Hotel

DAY 12 Burgundy to the Swiss Alps to Lucerne (Switzerland)

This morning we bid farewell to bucolic Burgundy and journey across the border into Switzerland towards the spectacular Swiss Alps - through dramatic mountain passes and beside sparkling lakes, we find ourselves surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas and quaint Swiss towns.

Our next stop is Lucerne - a postcard perfect small alpine city, nestled on a spectacular lake with a dramatic mountain backdrop offering a symphony of stunning beauty and old-world charm. The awesome Mt Pilatus towers majestically above Lake Lucerne - a true wonder of nature. The town's iconic Chapel Bridge - or Kapellbrücke - gracefully arches over the tranquil lake waters, providing a glimpse into its rich history. Cobblestone streets wind through the historic Town - lined with medieval architecture - inviting you to explore centuries of Swiss culture and heritage.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Lucerne and soak up the unique alpine ambiance of this breathtaking setting. Perhaps visit the famous Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument or simply wander through the historic town and marvel at the well-preserved medieval architecture. You could delve into Swiss culture at some incredible museums or enjoy a boat trip on Lake Lucerne, affording spellbinding views of the surrounding mountains. Lucerne is a city that seamlessly combines history, culture, and the splendours of nature in one enchanting package.

This afternoon we journey though the French countryside to the ‘City of Love’ Paris. Experience a tour of the splendid French capital to see some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Tuileries Gardens, River Seine, l'Île de la Cité, Louvre Museum, Lovers Bridge, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District), Moulin Rouge Pantheon, the Latin Quarter and more.

Breakfast, Overnight Swiss Alps Hotel

DAY 13 Explore the Swiss Alps

Choose how you’d like to experience the majesty of the Swiss Alps with a selection of activities on offer. Highly recommended is the incredible Swiss mountain adventure - it’s simply breathtaking all the way up. If the journey to the top wasn’t enough, at thousands of metres above sea level you will be looking out over Europe, with majestic vistas that are truly breathtaking. You’ll treasure this experience forever.

Today is a free flexi-day so you have the choice of activity to suit your interest. You can explore the Swiss Alps and its fascinating attractions yourself at your own pace or choose to join the (highly recommended) optional activity, the Swiss Mountain Experience ($130 - $163. Make your choice while on the tour.

Breakfast, Overnight Swiss Alps Hotel

DAY 14 Swiss Alps to Tuscany (Italy) to Pisa

With our hearts full of phenomenal alpine vistas, we head back towards Italy, and journey through spectacular Tuscan countryside on route to see the legendary 800 year old Leaning Tower of Pisa. Made famous by numerous great painters, Tuscany is the essence of old Italy. Birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture and famous for its olive oil, wine and artisan pasta, its lyrical landscapes will leave you mesmerised. Golden wheat fields, enchanting olive groves and undulating vineyards adorn the hillsides and valleys, as medieval hilltop villages soar up from amidst the cypress trees.

This afternoon we arrive at Pisa. This compelling small city is best known for an architectural venture gone very wrong. The leaning tower is one of the most memorable sights in Europe and one of the seven medieval wonders of the world. Enjoy some free time here to ensure you capture the best images possible for your inspirational collection. Soak up the Tuscan Charm of this iconic Italian destination - a city alive with energy and culture. The Leaning Tower, glistening in marble white, is a truly mesmerising sight to behold; radiating wonder over the breathtaking Campo dei Miracoli. Galileo once taught at the elite local University, which today bestows a vivacious student edge to the city’s glorious portfolio of gorgeous Romanesque buildings, Gothic churches and Renaissance piazzas.

Breakfast, Overnight Tuscany Hotel

DAY 15 Tuscany to Florence to Rome

This morning we travel to Tuscany’s mesmerising capital of Florence for a guided walking tour. It’s the cradle of the Renaissance culture, it’s romantic, enchanting and completely irresistible. Learn about the legacy of the Medicis and see the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, featuring Michelangelo’s ‘David’. See the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Ponte Vecchio. The breathtaking terracotta-tiled dome of the Duomo cathedral rises up above narrow cobbled streetscapes, dotted with 15th and 16th century palazzi, medieval candle-lit chapels, marble basilicas and fresco-clad churches. Artistic and architectural masterpieces lay in wait at every turn; from Botticcelli’s The Birth of Venus to Michelangelo’s ‘David’ in the Piazza della Signoria. After the tour you’ll have some time to explore Florence for yourself.

We continue through the magnificent Italian countryside to the eternal city of Rome. Italy’s hot-blooded capital is one of the world’s most romantic and charismatic cities. Feel this energy and excitement as you start to approach.

Today you can explore Florence yourself at your own pace or choose an optional activity like a Taste of Tuscany ($83). Make your choice while on the tour.

Breakfast, Overnight Rome Hotel

DAY 16 Say goodbye to Rome

It is time to say farewell to your fellow travellers and friendly tour hosts today as your grand tour through Iconic Europe draws to an end.

You will be personally met at your hotel by your HolidayMax representative and transferred to Rome airport for your flight home.

Breakfast, Meet and greet personalised departure airport transfer

DAY 17 Arrive home

Enjoy the attentive service on your premium airline flight home.

Escorted Tour Details

Overview What to Expect in Europe Freedom and Flexibility Modern Coaches

Tour Leader Your Mobility & Fitness

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Escorted Coach Touring

Cherish the unforgettable moments of your HolidayMax escorted tour featuring unparalleled sightseeing and enriching cultural experiences. We are passionate about showing you the heart of the destination, enabling you to be truly touched by new experiences.

Your knowledgeable Tour Leader and host will ensure you get the best personal experience on your journey. Tours feature all the must-see sights along with our little-known exclusive hidden gems and special touches in each destination, with plenty of free-time for you to take it all in for yourself. Enjoy the freedom to tailor your holiday in your free-time, including whole free-days that give you a choice of activities to suit your mood on the day.

This exclusive HolidayMax tour is only for our Australian guests, enjoy a more fun and laidback experience with likeminded travellers. Stay in quality handpicked hotels. Savour deliciously authentic local dining in outstanding restaurants with a mouth-watering array of culinary experiences. Travel in large modern coaches with expansive windows for an incredible elevated view, in your comfortable seat with generous legroom.

Experience HolidayMax’s renowned immersive touring or river cruising. Join us on an unforgettable journey of discovery. We’ve taken care of the details; you just need to relax and embrace your sense of adventure.

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Iconic Europe Tour

17 Day Touring Package

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$ 4749 *

Typically $6696

* Starting holiday costs, per person, for 2 people sharing, on selected travel dates (off-peak). Travel on other dates attracts a surcharge. As prices vary based on travel dates, be flexible with dates to get the best deals! Itinerary and vehicle types subject to change without notice. Subject to limited availability at these prices, after which higher prices apply, book now. Some governments and service operators have travel requirements. Your included flights advised via email with 24 hours to select alternative flights, routing, airline or dates (alternatives may be at a higher price). Included flights may not be the most direct routing. Arrive earlier/stay longer for specified airports only. Stop-overs are not possible. Subject to Booking Conditions, ' see Important Information before booking. © DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Booking Code: mp494