Take an international flight departing from SYD/MEL to Paris.

Upon arrival at the Paris airport, you will be met and greeted by our representative, who will then transfer you to your hotel for a restful and leisurely day.

Hotel: Hotel Campanile Paris or similar.

The tour departs from Paris for a delightful scenic journey through the rolling countryside of the Champagne region, famous worldwide for the sparkling white wine produced here. Enjoy the historic attractions of the provincial capital, Reims, including the city’s cathedral – a key national heritage site where coronations of French kings took place from the 11th century onwards.

History and tradition are equally evident in your next location: Luxembourg, the world’s only remaining Grand Duchy. After arriving in refined Luxembourg City, you’ll be introduced on foot to the main places of interest, including the Place de la Constitution and Pont Adolphe, before having time for further exploration on your own.

Hotel: Novotel Kirchberg or similar.

Today, we leave Luxembourg behind and head across another European border into Germany. The first stop is historic Trier, Germany’s oldest city and the birthplace of Karl Marx. You’ll have the chance to see the house from the outside where the influential philosopher was born, which now functions as the Karl Marx Haus museum. Your walking tour then takes you into the center of Trier; here, you can look around the city’s impressive cathedral, where the celebrated Holy Robe – said to be the tunic of Christ – is preserved and occasionally displayed. Trier is also known as ‘The Second Rome’ (Constantine served as an administrator here for 10 years), and significant legacies of the once-great empire remain today. The highlight is undoubtedly Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, which you’ll get to see and photograph. After an interesting morning in Trier, you’ll drive on to Koblenz, famous as the location of the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. Here, you have the option of indulging in a relaxing lunch alongside the water. Afterwards, you can also choose to add on a scenic Rhine boat cruise for some memorable city vistas. Back on dry land, you’ll drive through the wine-making town of Rüdesheim (depending on road and traffic conditions). Then it is on to Frankfurt am Main, where you’ll discover the delights of Römerberg, a charming plaza with a distinctive medieval town hall as its centerpiece. 

Hotel: Park Inn by Radisson or similar.

The morning begins with a leisurely drive northwest from Frankfurt to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany until reunification. Although the national government has since moved to Berlin, Bonn retains a rich history that is well worth exploring. Discover the city’s secrets on an orientation stroll through its streets, passing highlights such as the Rococo-fronted town hall and Ludwig Van Beethoven Haus, a museum celebrating the life of the much-loved composer. Then, continue to Cologne, where you’ll explore the city’s glorious Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the afternoon is yours to further explore Cologne, do some local shopping, or simply relax with a suitably refreshing German brew. After lunch, the day concludes with a drive into the Netherlands.

Hotel: Hampton by Hilton or similar.

A day of delights begins with a leisurely trip through the Dutch countryside, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience up close some of the traditional elements that the Netherlands is famous for: clogs, cheese, and windmills. Visit the immensely popular model town of Zaanse Schans. Transitioning from the serene countryside to the cosmopolitan city, your journey takes you back to Amsterdam. Explore a well-known diamond factory, showcasing cutting techniques practiced since the 16th century. Consider taking an optional hour-long pre-dinner canal cruise—a fantastic way to discover more about this unique European city. After disembarking, stroll to one of the city’s grandest areas, Dam Square, home to the Royal Palace and the King’s birthday celebration. Enjoy photo opportunities, free time for shopping or additional sightseeing, and conclude the day with dinner.

Hotel: Hampton by Hilton or similar.

After leaving Amsterdam in the morning, the journey heads south across the border into Brussels, the Belgian capital and political center of the European Union. En route, the tour stops to admire the distinctive Atomium monument, a cell-shaped structure of stainless-steel spheres and tubes built for the 1958 World’s Fair. In the heart of Brussels, an orientation tour includes a visit to the exquisite Grand Place and a glimpse of the famous impish Manneken Pis Statue. Delight your taste buds with some mouth-watering Belgian treats. Subsequently, the journey continues south, crossing the French border, and arriving at the vibrant lights of Paris.

Hotel: Hotel Campanile Paris or similar.

Paris is your playground over the next two days as you embark on guided tours around one of the world’s most celebrated cities. Your Parisian adventures begin with a spectacular drive along the renowned Champs Élysées to the Place de la Concorde, a site of great significance during the French Revolution. Here, you'll also have the opportunity to admire the iconic Arc de Triomphe. 

You’ll explore another significant historical landmark as you head to L’Hôtel National des Invalides, home to Napoleon’s tomb, followed by a visit to the most iconic of all Parisian landmarks: the Eiffel Tower. Finally, the journey takes you on the coach through the Parisian suburbs to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the expansive royal château that served as the residence of the royal family until the onset of the revolution in 1789. Today, the palace stands as a popular Parisian attraction. In the evening, you have the option to enjoy one of our Paris evening shows. Due to limited daily access control at the Palace of Versailles, customers interested in visiting this palace should book tickets online in advance at https://en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit/tickets-and-prices."

In the morning, depart for the pier and consider taking a sightseeing boat cruise on the Seine River at your own expense, a fantastic option offering splendid views of iconic Parisian landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and Pont Alexandre III. After lunch, we visit the Louvre, one of the world’s greatest art museums. Here, you’ll encounter some of history’s most famous masterpieces, such as the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace (also known as Nike of Samothrace), and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Opt for a guided gallery tour to enhance your experience and allow you to browse through hundreds of works in just a few hours. Afterwards, you have the option of indulging in a French 4-course dinner and show experience or spending time shopping at the legendary department stores Galeries Lafayette. Then, proceed back to the hotel in the evening.

Transfer to the airport early in the morning for your departure to Venice, Italy. Upon arrival at Venice International Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to the Cruise Terminal to check in and embark on the luxury MSC Cruise Ship.

Kotor stands as one of the most atmospheric medieval towns on Montenegro's Adriatic coast, framed by breathtaking mountains. It's a captivating destination on MSC Mediterranean Cruises, especially for those with a passion for history and architecture. Explore ancient churches, rustic palaces, and a labyrinth of streets and squares. 

As a medieval city crowned with UNESCO World Heritage status, Kotor boasts ancient lanes and atmospheric squares. Visit the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Tryphon, featuring Baroque bell towers, a Romanesque interior, and Byzantine-style frescs. Don't miss Kotor's remarkable fortification system on the drive back to the port, showcasing ancient citadels, gates, and ramparts. Alternatively, you can choose to unwind at Zanjice Beach for a waterside drink and a leisurely stroll.

Indulge in a world-class show performance on the cruise and partake in a variety of onboard activities, including cafes, pools, bars, restaurants, and more.

You can't truly say you've experienced Greece on holiday without witnessing the natural wonder of Santorini. As our MSC cruise ship maneuvers into the expansive caldera of Santorini (Thera), the land appears to rise and envelop it. Gaunt, sheer cliffs tower hundreds of meters above the deep blue sea, with nothing growing or grazing to soften the awe-inspiring view. A shore excursion during your MSC Mediterranean cruise provides the perfect opportunity to explore Fira (also known as Thera), which clings precariously to the edge of the enormous caldera. The Archaeological Museum of Fira, located near the cable car to the north of town, is well-presented and houses a collection from the excavations of Ancient Thera.

When sailing on an MSC cruise to the Mediterranean Sea, Mykonos embodies the quintessential image of the Cyclades. In the summer, most people flock to the beaches during the day, making early morning or late afternoon the best times to explore the maze of narrow streets.

The labyrinthine design was initially intended to confuse the pirates who plagued Mykonos in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and it still has the same effect on today's visitors. When you disembark from your MSC cruise, the joy of the place lies in getting lost amid its intricate streets and alleys.

Experience a world-class show performance on the cruise, along with a myriad of onboard activities, including cafes, pools, bars, restaurants, and more.

The Italian port city of Bari, a destination on MSC Mediterranean Cruises, is situated on the coast of the archaeologically-rich Apulia region. This ancient town seamlessly blends old and new, featuring historical churches, castles, and piazzas juxtaposed with modern galleries, shops, and museums. Venture further to discover an array of natural wonders, including UNESCO World Heritage site caves. Bari, with its breathtaking beaches and world-class restaurants, stands as a memorable seaside destination. MSC Cruises excursions provide numerous exciting attractions to explore, including the 'Sassi' in Matera, Alberobello, and the Caves of Castellana and Polignano a Mare. Matera, known for its 'Sassi' district, is a network of caves carved into the mountain, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with some caves dating back to Neolithic times. Matera's evocative biblical atmosphere has attracted film directors such as Pier Paolo Pasolini (The Gospel According to Matthew, 1964) and Mel Gibson (The Passion of the Christ, 2004). For those seeking epic adventures, a journey to the caves of Castellana, situated in Italy's wine and olive region, is a must.

Your unforgettable holiday in Europe comes to an end. Following breakfast, disembark from the cruise, and you will be transferred to Venice Airport for your journey back to Sydney/Melbourne. Arrive in Australia on Day 18.