European Trail: Capitals & Cafés

Visit the most famous landmark in France, the Eiffel Tower. Opt to climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top for a stunning view over the city. Hang out at dusk and watch the tower light up.

Examine the massive collection at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the Winged Venus. While it might take a lifetime to view everything in the museum, one of the largest in the world, make the most of the time you have and try to spend at least a few hours wandering around.

Wander past high end retail shops, cafés and theatres before reaching the famous Arc de Triomphe.

In the town of Giverny, visit Claude Monet's residence and the famous gardens that made "plein air" painting a defining characteristic of the Impressionist art movement. Monet spent the last 40 years of his life in Giverny, bringing landscapes and everyday scenes to life with bright colours and balanced compositions, best depicted in paintings of water lillies and his Japanese-inspired garden through the seasons.

The Musée de l'Armée houses one of the world's largest collections of military art, armour and weaponry from the 17th to 19th century. Wander through the museum's vast collection of French cannons, artillery and relics, before making your way to the Napoleon I's tomb in the Dôme des Invalides.

Visit the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, located in the Montmartre neighbourhood. This Roman Catholic church was completed in 1914 and stands on the highest point of the city. Climb up 200 stairs to reach the dome of the basilica to get an amazing view of the Paris skyline.

The Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings in Rome. Originally built during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD), the building was rebuilt under Hadrian in 126 AD. The roof is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, and it contains a circular opening (an oculus). It is easily one of the best-preserved of all the ancient Roman buildings.

Even with the bustle of modern day Rome whizzing past on Vespas, you can still lose yourself in the fragmented columns and ancient ruins of this plaza, conjuring images of the rich Romans sauntering by in togas. Please note, this must be booked in combination with the Colosseum Visit and will include a visit to Palatine Hill.

Built above an ancient water source, Trevi Fountain takes its name from the three streets (tre vie) that intersect at this world-famous fountain. Sculpted from travertine stone, the fountain as we know it today was completed in the 18th century. Work your way through the crowds to toss a coin in (with your right hand, over your left shoulder) for good luck - it's also your best chance to see the fountain's marvelous detail.

Built to connect the hilltop Trinità dei Monti church with the Piazza di Spagna (or Spanish Square) below, the Spanish Steps are a colourful example of Baroque architecture from 18th century Rome. Opt to climb its 136 steps, or simply watch the crowds weave through this popular tourist attraction.

Although the Sistine Chapel is always very crowded, it is a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican. The magnificent frescoed ceiling of the chapel painted by Michelangelo depicts over 300 figures from the Book of Genesis, the most well-known being “The Creation of Adam,” showing God touching the finger of Adam. “The Last Judgment” on the west wall depicts a scene from the Book of Revelations. Art aficionados, get ready to cross one of your list!

Get ready to tick something off the bucket list. Visit the smallest country in the world—Vatican City! Stand in St Peter’s Square and be wowed by colossal colonnades, numerous statues, and the obelisk. Opt to take in the magnificence of St Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Pietá, and the Sistine Chapel while you are in the area.

Enjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide and you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!

Even with the bustle of modern day Rome whizzing past on Vespas, you can still lose yourself in the fragmented columns and ancient ruins of this plaza, conjuring images of the rich Romans sauntering by in togas. Please note, this must be booked in combination with the Colosseum Visit and will include a visit to Palatine Hill.

Get ready to tick something off the bucket list. Visit the smallest country in the world—Vatican City! Stand in St Peter’s Square and be wowed by colossal colonnades, numerous statues, and the obelisk. Opt to take in the magnificence of St Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Pietá, and the Sistine Chapel while you are in the area.

Enjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide and you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!

The Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings in Rome. Originally built during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD), the building was rebuilt under Hadrian in 126 AD. The roof is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, and it contains a circular opening (an oculus). It is easily one of the best-preserved of all the ancient Roman buildings.

Pick up a purse (or several!), leatherbound journals, Florentine paper, and any off-colour David statue souvenirs you wish.

Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!

Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!

Pick up a purse (or several!), leatherbound journals, Florentine paper, and any off-colour David statue souvenirs you wish.

Admire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family.

Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.

Head to nearby Siena and wander this medieval walled city. Options abound! Visit the gorgeous Duomo and the Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race is held each summer. Climb the Torre del Mangia for fantastic views of the Tuscan landscape.

This green, pink, and white marbled 13th century basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and its brick dome is the largest ever constructed. Wander through the cathedral or choose to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome and be rewarded with extraordinary views of the city!

Take a quick trip across the lagoon and experience Venice’s artisanal roots. Explore the island of Murano, famous for its skilled glassblowers, and walk along the colourful streets of Burano, known for a centuries-old tradition of lacemaking.

Climb to the top of the Campanile - Venice's tallest building - to take in a great bird's eye view of the cityscape and lagoon.

Visit this former palace, rebuilt and restored numerous times, and admire the Gothic Venetian architecture. Once the seat of the government, the Palazzo Ducale is now a grand museum. Enjoy the stellar artwork, ornate chambers, and courtyards.

Enter the picture-perfect Piazza San Marco from one of the many winding alleyways and stare in awe at the grandeur. With the massive, ornate basilica standing tall at one end, pigeons gathering and flying around, and violinists playing a Vivaldi tune at a café table — this is Venice. Wander the square and people watch or duck inside the glittering basilica for more Venetian inspiration.

Take a wander around these previously abandoned army barracks, now turned art-city.

Running from Krek Square near the Ljubljana Central Market to the Ljubljana Castle, the funicular is the best way to get a great view of the capital of Slovenia.

Popular with tourists and locals alike, Tivoli Park is the perfect place to people watch, relax or enjoy a picnic. With over 5km of running trails, cycling paths, grassy slopes and open fields, hanging out at this central Ljubljana park is an excellent way to spend an afternoon.

Prešeren Square, the old town's main pedestrian zone is a major meeting point for festivals, the Ljubljana carnival and concerts. Take a stroll and blend in with the locals.

Learn some of the history of this beautiful palace and grounds and explore the impressive art collection. Of particular note, the museum's collection of 24 pieces by Gustav Kilmt, including his famous 'Kiss'.

Enjoy a guided tour of the stunning summer palace designed by Empress Maria Theresa herself. The palace gardens are free to all visitors.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s main landmarks complete with a 343-step climb up a spiral staircase to look out over the city.

Visit the famous Vienna Opera House and soak in its exceptional architecture. Opt for a guided tour to see the opera house's main features and learn about the history of the building.

Set on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River and Pest, Buda Castle was once home to the Hungarian kings of Budapest. Admire the gorgeous architecture and visit its two museums; the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Permanent collections depict the past 500 yrs of Hungary's art history, including Medieval and Renaissance stonework, Gothic wood sculptures, and Gothic altars.

Constructed in 1873, the Opera House is one of Budapest's most stunning examples of Neo-Renaissance architecture. Take a tour around this stunning building to get a closer look at the ornate marble statues, frescos, and ornate tin work - to name a few highlights.

Take a stroll though the oldest indoor market in Hungary.

Straddeling the river Danube, the Chain Bridge suspension bridge is the first built to connect Buda and Pest, and is now one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks.

Take a guided tour of one of Hungary's crown jewels - the Hungarian Parliament building. Existing as the third largest Parliament building in the world, its Neo Gothic architecture also makes it a contender for one of the most beautiful. Tour the Hungarian Coronation Jewels in the Dome Hall, the Old Upper House Hall of the bicameral Hungarian Parliament, as well as the Lounge. Guided tours are mandatory for entrance and we recommend booking your tour in advance.

Set on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River and Pest, Buda Castle was once home to the Hungarian kings of Budapest. Admire the gorgeous architecture and visit its two museums; the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Permanent collections depict the past 500 yrs of Hungary's art history, including Medieval and Renaissance stonework, Gothic wood sculptures, and Gothic altars.

Set on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River and Pest, Buda Castle was once home to the Hungarian kings of Budapest. Admire the gorgeous architecture and visit its two museums; the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Permanent collections depict the past 500 yrs of Hungary's art history, including Medieval and Renaissance stonework, Gothic wood sculptures, and Gothic altars.

Straddeling the river Danube, the Chain Bridge suspension bridge is the first built to connect Buda and Pest, and is now one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks.

Constructed in 1873, the Opera House is one of Budapest's most stunning examples of Neo-Renaissance architecture. Take a tour around this stunning building to get a closer look at the ornate marble statues, frescos, and ornate tin work - to name a few highlights.

Take a guided tour of one of Hungary's crown jewels - the Hungarian Parliament building. Existing as the third largest Parliament building in the world, its Neo Gothic architecture also makes it a contender for one of the most beautiful. Tour the Hungarian Coronation Jewels in the Dome Hall, the Old Upper House Hall of the bicameral Hungarian Parliament, as well as the Lounge. Guided tours are mandatory for entrance and we recommend booking your tour in advance.

For some of the history that makes Krakow so famous, visit the Jewish district of Kazimierz, just south of Old Town. Once the centre of Jewish life for more than 500 years, it was destroyed during the Second World War, only to be revitalized in the 1990s following the popularity of Steven Spielberg's film, Schindler’s List. During your Jewish culture crawl, see synagogues, Gothic churches, and art galleries, then stop for a drink in one of the more than 800 pubs that populate the nooks and alleys of this historic district.

Take a stroll up Wawel hill (or catch a ride on a horse and carriage) to 16th century Wawel Castle. Roam the gardens, or the museum featuring exhibitions that give you some insight into life as a royal, such as Royal Private Apartments, and Crown Treasury and Armoury.

If you can tear yourself away from the charms of Krakow, make a visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines, located only a short distance away.
Built in the 13th century, these mines produced table salt until 2007, making it one of the world's oldest salt mines. Head deep into an underground network of tunnels and chambers some 135m (443 ft) below the surface. Visit the Blessed King's Chapel, a salt cathedral carved by miners, complete with elaborate chandeliers and sculptures.

Visit the former Nazi concentration camps at Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau on this 7-hour trip from Krakow. During the Second World War, around 1 million Jewish lives and 100,000 Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war and others were lost at Auschwitz. On the way to Auschwitz, which takes around 45 minutes, we show a short documentary about the liberation of Auschwitz - Birkenau to give you some insight about the history of the camp. Upon the arrival, our tour leader will provide you with all the essential rules and procedures which must be followed at the museum. After a short break, the group will skip the line to begin the guided tour. The museum is divided into two parts: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II - Birkenau, with sightseeing included for both camps.

The Prague Ghetto, known as Josefov, is located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. This Jewish Quarter was first established in the 13th century, when Jewish people were ordered to leave their homes in other areas of the city and settle in this designated community. Birthplace to author Franz Kafka, see a monument in his honour, visit historical synagogues, a cemetery and museum with many artifacts collected during the Second World War.

Visit the Charles Bridge, commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357. Cross the ancient cobblestone walkway which spans 16 arches, lined with 30 religious statues. Buy souvenirs and listen to street musicians. It's less crowded first thing in the morning and at night.

The Astronomical Clock Tower, built next to Prague's Old Town Hall, is a 600-year-old masterpiece and the oldest working clock in the world. Every hour, hundreds of visitors gather to hear it chime and watch the twelve apostles "greet" curious onlookers. At the visitor's centre, opt to book an independent tour of the clock tower to see its inner workings.

Wander the cobblestoned streets and soak in the Eastern European charm.

If you like a challenge, climb 200+ steps up to the famous Prague Castle (known as Hradčany), the Castle of the Bohemian Kings. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest castle complex in the world, and includes Roman-style buildings from the 10th century. Still got energy? Climb the lookout tower of St. Vitus Cathedral and be rewarded with a glorious view of the city.

The Prague Ghetto, known as Josefov, is located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. This Jewish Quarter was first established in the 13th century, when Jewish people were ordered to leave their homes in other areas of the city and settle in this designated community. Birthplace to author Franz Kafka, see a monument in his honour, visit historical synagogues, a cemetery and museum with many artifacts collected during the Second World War.

Visit the Charles Bridge, commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357. Cross the ancient cobblestone walkway which spans 16 arches, lined with 30 religious statues. Buy souvenirs and listen to street musicians. It's less crowded first thing in the morning and at night.

Cross the Charles Bridge and find yourself in picture-perfect Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Browse small shops, explore cobblestone side streets, visit churches and then find a Czech pub or restaurant to relax and revel in the ambience of this ancient district.

Wander the cobblestoned streets and soak in the Eastern European charm.

If you like a challenge, climb 200+ steps up to the famous Prague Castle (known as Hradčany), the Castle of the Bohemian Kings. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest castle complex in the world, and includes Roman-style buildings from the 10th century. Still got energy? Climb the lookout tower of St. Vitus Cathedral and be rewarded with a glorious view of the city.

For those interested in Berlin's government, past and present, visit the Reichstag, home to the German parliament. Climb the stairs to the glass dome for a 360-degree view of the city, or learn about the fascinating history of the building, restored following damage suffered during the bombing raids of the Battle of Berlin in 1945.

For an amazing view of Berlin, visit the famous Berlin Television Tower. Bring your camera and take panoramic photos from the viewing room, then grab a drink and snack at the cafe located 203m (666 ft) above ground.

The Brandenburg Gate is a spot of great historical significance. Witness the spot where hundreds of thousands of people were finally able to cross from the east side to the west after the fall of the wall. Walk the cobblestones of the surrounding Pariser Platz and mingle with locals who continue to gather here to see stage shows and celebrate public events.

The Brandenburg Gate is a spot of great historical significance. Witness the spot where hundreds of thousands of people were finally able to cross from the east side to the west after the fall of the wall. Walk the cobblestones of the surrounding Pariser Platz and mingle with locals who continue to gather here to see stage shows and celebrate public events.

For an amazing view of Berlin, visit the famous Berlin Television Tower. Bring your camera and take panoramic photos from the viewing room, then grab a drink and snack at the cafe located 203m (666 ft) above ground.

For those interested in Berlin's government, past and present, visit the Reichstag, home to the German parliament. Climb the stairs to the glass dome for a 360-degree view of the city, or learn about the fascinating history of the building, restored following damage suffered during the bombing raids of the Battle of Berlin in 1945.

For an amazing view of Berlin, visit the famous Berlin Television Tower. Bring your camera and take panoramic photos from the viewing room, then grab a drink and snack at the cafe located 203m (666 ft) above ground.

For those interested in Berlin's government, past and present, visit the Reichstag, home to the German parliament. Climb the stairs to the glass dome for a 360-degree view of the city, or learn about the fascinating history of the building, restored following damage suffered during the bombing raids of the Battle of Berlin in 1945.

The Brandenburg Gate is a spot of great historical significance. Witness the spot where hundreds of thousands of people were finally able to cross from the east side to the west after the fall of the wall. Walk the cobblestones of the surrounding Pariser Platz and mingle with locals who continue to gather here to see stage shows and celebrate public events.

Explore the world famous (or infamous!) Red Light District, which consists of several canals and the side streets between them, south of Central Station and east of Damrak. It is still a residential district, with many bars and restaurants as well as historic buildings and museums. This is, after all, the oldest part of the city and home to the gothic Oude Kerk church on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, the oldest in Amsterdam.

Find Oude Kerk - the oldest building in Amsterdam - in the Red Light District. Opt to take an audio-tour around to learn more about its stunning gothic architecture and interesting history.

Explore the world famous (or infamous!) Red Light District, which consists of several canals and the side streets between them, south of Central Station and east of Damrak. It is still a residential district, with many bars and restaurants as well as historic buildings and museums. This is, after all, the oldest part of the city and home to the gothic Oude Kerk church on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, the oldest in Amsterdam.

Find Oude Kerk - the oldest building in Amsterdam - in the Red Light District. Opt to take an audio-tour around to learn more about its stunning gothic architecture and interesting history.

Take a 366-step climb up Bruges' most well-known landmark - a charming medieval tower in the heart of the Market Square - for a panoramic view of the historic part of the city.