5-Day Western Europe Explorer: Paris to Reims, Rhine Valley (Historic)

What you'll experience

Highlights

5 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Paris - Reims - Luxembourg

   Our tour leaves from Paris for a delightful scenic journey through the rolling countryside of the Champagne region, famous the world over for the sparkling white wine produced here. Enjoy seeing the historic attractions of 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 Constitution and Pont Adolphe, before having time for further exploration on your own.

   

   Place de la Constitution

   

   Pont Adolphe

   

   Our Lady of Reims Cathedral

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Innside Luxembourg, Ibis Esch Belval
2. 2

   Day 2 — Luxembourg - Trier - Koblenz - Rudesheim - Frankfurt

   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 from the outside the house where the influential philosopher was born, which now functions as the Karl Marx Haus museum. Your walking tour then takes you into the centre 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 exciting 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, and then 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. Then it’s on to Frankfurt am Main, where you’ll discover the delights of Römerberg, a charming plaza with a distinctive medieval town hall as its centrepiece

   

   Rhine River

   

   Porta Nigra

   

   Karl Marx House

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: NH Frankfurt Airport West, Mercure Frankfurt Airport Langen
3. 3

   Day 3 — Frankfurt - Bonn - Cologne - Amsterdam

   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.

   

   Cologne Cathedral

   

   Beethoven-Haus

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Amedia Hotel Amsterdam Airport, NH Hotel Leeuwenhorst
4. 4

   Day 4 — Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans - Amsterdam

   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. (B)

   

   Amsterdam Red Light District

   

   Keukenhof Gardens

   

   Zaanse Schans

   

   Dam Square

   

   Amsterdam Canals

   

   Volendam

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Amedia Hotel Amsterdam Airport, NH Hotel Leeuwenhorst
5. 5

   Day 5 — Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris

   After leaving Amsterdam in the morning you'll head south across the border into Brussels, the Belgian capital and political centre 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 centre of Brussels itself an orientation tour will call in at the exquisite Grand Place, as well as seeing the famous playful Manneken Pis statue. After some free time, during which you can try some gourmandise Belgian delights. Then from Brussels it's south again across the French border and on to the bright lights of Paris. Want to see more tours start from Paris? Check out all our Best Paris Tours with different destinations and duration, you will find the perfect one!

   

   Manneken Pis

   

   Grand Place

   

   Atomium

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Meeting & drop-off

Cancellation policy

Important info

Special notes

• Please prepare enough Euros. You are recommended to exchange the Euros 1-2 weeks before the departure date at your local bank. It is not that convenient and cost-efficient for the exchange at destincation's ATMs, airports or railway stations due to the exchange rate.
• There might be some adjustment on tour per the actual situation, due to the COVID-19, please understand.

Pricing notes (children, single supplement)

* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Double Occupancy applies when two people stay in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Child applies when child of 2-11 years stays as the 3rd person in one standard hotel room.
* Children younger than 2 years of age travel for free, provided they do not occupy a seat on the bus, or a bed in the room.
* Tour prices are based on Euros (EUR) and converted into US dollars (USD). Constant fluctuations in the exchange rate cause prices to change on a regular basis. You will be charged the price based on the applicable exchange rate at the time of payment. All transactions are final. We do not offer discounts or compensation to those citing lower prices at a later date. Bookings will be subject to penalties when modified or cancelled.

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