Best Single Travel - Encounter Europe Vacations for 18 - 35 Year Old College Students, singles and Young Professionals

European Encounters Vacations for 18 - 35 Year Old College Students and Young Professionals

Your exciting European trip begins.

Day 2 Arrive London
Check-in to your hotel after 2pm then enjoy the day exploring London. Tonight, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a pre-departure meeting.

Day 3 London to Amsterdam
Meet your 18-35 Crew and see the White Cliffs of Dover before travelling through Belgium and into the Netherlands to Amsterdam. (D)

Day 4 Amsterdam
Visit the cheese village of Edam on a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside. Spend your free time wandering along the canals, shopping or visiting famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank's House. (B)

Day 5 Amsterdam to Rhine Valley
We cross the German border and head for the stunning Rhine Valley. At St. Goar we take a Rhine river cruise past vineyards, fairy-tale castles and the legendary Lorelei rock before learning how beersteins are crafted. (B,D)

Day 6 Rhine Valley to Lucerne

Our path takes us toward the towering Alps and vast serene lakes of Switzerland. A special treat is our two night stopover in Europe's highest hotel on the top of Mt. Pilatus (weather conditions permitting). Enjoy fabulous views from the cable car on your trip to the summit. (B,D)

Day 7 Lucerne
Take the cable car down the mountain and be charmed by medieval Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument and opportunities to shop for local specialties - watches, chocolate and Swiss army knives. (B,D)

Day 8 Lucerne to Innsbruck
Pause in Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein before crossing the border in to Austria. This afternoon time to explore Innsbruck where you can visit the Royal Palace or view the famous 'Golden Roof'. (B,D)

Day 9 Innsbruck to Venice
Today we wind through the astonishing beauty of the Brenner Pass to cross the border into Italy. It's a short boat ride to the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. There's no better way to see Venice than from a gondola so why not join us for a ride before treating yourself to a Venetian evening meal? (B)

Day 10 Venice to Rome
Past medieval hillside villages and through the Apennine Mountains, we travel south to the fabled Seven Hills of Rome. Do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Later be delighted by your first glimpse of the Colosseum on our sightseeing tour. (B)

Day 11 Rome
Ancient and modern Rome await your discovery. Why not take a guided tour of the Imperial Forum and walk in the footsteps of Gladiators? In your free time explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two). (B,D)

Day 12 Rome to Florence
Our morning drive leads us to Florence, the Renaissance city set in the beautiful Tuscan Hills. Learn about the Duomo, Giotto's Bell-Tower, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce as our local guide walks us through the city. Free time to shop or visit one of the famous museums. (B)

Day 13 Florence to French Riviera
Our first stop this morning is Pisa where we see the world-famous Leaning Tower. Winding along the beautiful coastline we reach France and the Riviera playground of the Côte d'Azur. (B,D)

Day 14 French Riviera
Rub shoulders with the rich and famous on the Nice promenade, shop for French fashion or laze the day away on the sun-drenched beaches. Tonight we visit Monaco! Why not join us for an elegant meal, view the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo? (B)

Day 15 French Riviera to Chateau de Fontager
We visit a French perfumery before our lunch stop in Avignon where you can view the Palace of the Popes and the famous bridge. Then north along the Rhone Valley to the gastronomical capital of France, Lyon. (B)

Day 16 Chateau de Fontager to Paris
Today we stop at the magnificent Château Fontainebleau before venturing on to Paris, the 'City of Lights'. What better introduction than with our sightseeing tour and your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower? (B,D)

Day 17 Paris
Today's sightseeing includes some of the most celebrated icons of Europe. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? (B)

Day 18 Paris to London
After breakfast, there will be a transfer for you to Charles de Gaulle Airport (estimated arrival at 10:00 am) OR choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London with your Tour Manager and Driver and extend your stay. (B)

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You pick your payment amounts up to 45 days before departure. Secure your spot for just $200

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included

Amsterdam: Visit a fishing and cheese village; Bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside; Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house; See the city by night
Rhine Valley: Scenic River Cruise (summer departures only); See the Lorelei Rock
Lucerne: See the Wooden Chapel Bridge; Scenic Alpine drive; Cable car or cog railway ride up Mount Pilatus (subject to weather conditions)
Liechtenstein: Visit the capital Vaduz
Innsbruck: See the Golden Roof, Royal Palace & Olympic Ski Jump
Brenner Pass: Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles
Venice: Private motorboat to the historic islands; See Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace; Murano glass-blowing demonstration
Rome: See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum
Vatican City: See St. Peter's Basilica
Florence: Walking tour with a local guide; See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria; Florentine leather craft demonstration
Pisa: See the Leaning Tower
French Riviera: Visit a French Perfumery; Scenic Drive along the Riviera coast; Visit Monaco & see the Royal Palace; Visit a Monte Carlo casino; Visit Nice and enjoy the beach
Avignon: Visit Avignon & see the Papal Palace
Lyon: Visit the old town
Burgundy: See the Chablis & Burgundy vineyards; See Fontainebleau Château
Paris: Evening Tour of Illuminations; See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral

Accommodations

Amsterdam

Sea Palace Restaurant: This unique floating restaurant is built in the typical pagoda style of Chinese palaces. Located in the heart of Amsterdam it's the perfect place for you to join us for a typical Dutch 'rice table' which consists of a variety of main dishes accompanied with rice.
Canal Cruise: A cruise on Amsterdam's world-famous canals is the perfect way to see this wonderful city. You'll pass many famous sights including Dutch gabled houses, the Anne Frank house, churches and the Red Light District. The included beer, wine, soft-drinks and snacks will make your evening complete.

St. Goar

Wine Tasting: A chance to sample and learn about some of the most famous wines of the Rhine region of Germany. There's also the opportunity to purchase some of your favourites! Don't leave your tasting glass behind - it's yours to keep.

Lucerne

Swiss Fondue Lunch & Folklore Show: If you've ever wanted to try authentic Fondue in Switzerland then this is the perfect opportunity! Enjoy a three-course lunch including cheese Fondue, traditional rösti potatoes and Swiss Bratwurst while listening to the sounds of Alpine horns, yodelling and cow bells. Our chosen venue is a warm Swiss Inn located in the centre of beautiful Lucerne.
Cruise to Mt. Pilatus: Cruise on the lake from Lucerne to the cog rail for Mt Pilatus, enjoying the majestic beauty of the wooded mountains and picturesque villages reflecting in the tranquil waters.

Austrian Tyrol

White Water Rafting: Experience the thrills of white water rafting in the most picturesque setting imaginable! You'll travel through rapids in the company of your tour mates and a highly professional rafting team. Full equipment (including safety helmets and wet suits) is included in the cost (white water rafting is normally available from May to September).

Venice

Gondola Ride: No trip to Venice is complete without a ride on the canals in a world-famous gondola. Take in the sights, savour every minute and treasure this truly memorable Venetian experience.
Venetian Restaurant: Our chosen venue guarantees a warm and friendly welcome in true Venetian fashion. You'll enjoy a superb selection of local specialities and some local wine, making it an unforgettable evening in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Rome

Guided Imperial Tour: Join a local guide for an excursion back in time. You'll wander across the cobbled stones of the Roman Forum, marvel at the Colosseum and learn why the glory of Imperial Rome still stands out in the history of western culture. Price includes entry into Forum and Colosseum.

Florence

Souvenir Group Photo: A photo of you and all of your new friends is the perfect souvenir from your tour. The photo will be taken with a panorama of Florence in the background or in one of the city's famous piazzas.
Tuscan Evening: 'La Certosa' is a charming 16th Century building set in the scenic Tuscan hills. It's the venue for our truly traditional Tuscan evening. Begin with a cocktail and an excellent antipasta buffet. Next is delicious freshly made pasta and a wonderfully aromatic main course - all washed down with some local Chianti wine. Entertainment is also on tonight's menu with a pianist to set the mood and an opera singer to serenade you. A truly special evening.
Space Electronic Disco: A chance to dance the night away at Florence's largest night-spot. Your first drink is included in the price and will get you started for an evening of fun. Enjoy the great music and maybe take the opportunity to show off your karaoke skill.

Monaco

Monaco Restaurant: Tonight's restaurant is located two minutes walk from the Royal Palace - the official residence of the Grimaldi family. Dine in style and enjoy a typically French, four course meal with wine in this glamourous location.

Paris

Nouvelle Eve Dinner and Show: Enjoy an evening at Nouvelle Eve, one of the top cabaret shows in Paris. Situated near Montmartre, the show is an extravaganza of dancers, exquisite costumes and comedy acts. The sumptuous three-course meal and drinks (including champagne during the show), along with one of the most dazzling 'French Can Can' dances around will mean this is a truly unforgettable evening!