France & Central Europe in 19 Days
Paris, Chateaux & Charms of Central Europe
- New York $3,199
- Los Angeles$3,599
- Chicago$3,199
- Fort Lauderdale$3,199
- Orlando$3,299
- Washington DC$3,299
- Boston$3,399
- Miami$3,399
- Atlanta$3,499
- Detroit$3,499
- Dallas$3,599
- Denver$3,599
- Houston$3,599
- Las Vegas$3,599
- San Diego$3,599
- Oakland$3,699
- San Francisco$3,699
- Seattle$3,799
- Philadelphia$3,899
- charm by bus
- charm by train
Itinerary
Admire stylish Paris and the landscapes and chateaux of the Loire Valley. Visit legendary Mont Saint Michel and explore the Normandy Coast before unearthing the history of bohemian in Berlin. Stroll through the fairytale streets of Prague, the 'City of a Hundred Spires' and discover the artistic legacy of enchanting Vienna. Finally, visit vibrant Budapest, on the banks of the River Danube.
19 days trip including flights*
18 days and 17 nights in destination
1
NYC - PAR
2
NYC - PAR
Paris
3
Paris
4
Tours
5
Tours
6
Mont Saint Michel
7
Caen
8
Paris
9
Berlin
10
Berlin
11
Berlin
12
Prague
13
Prague
14
Vienna
15
Vienna
16
Budapest
17
Budapest
18
Budapest
19
BUD - NYC
* It may change depending of your departure city, departure date and arrival date.
The calendar does not display internal flights, trains or other transportation included in the itinerary.
Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of France? Head to your departure airport to catch a flight to Paris.* Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Touch down in Paris and self-transfer to your hotel.* Paris is the capital of France and is well-known for its stylish streets, romantic architecture and captivating cultural sights. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the city at your leisure, exploring its atmospheric streets or strolling along the banks of the River Seine! Overnight stay in Paris.
* You can book the optional transfer in the next step of the booking process.
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover Paris' most treasured sights today on a guided half-day sightseeing tour! See Place Vendôme Square, where the fabulous Ritz hotel is located, marvel at the Paris Opera House and head to the Latin Quarter to see the impressive Pantheon. Stroll through the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens and visit the Orsay Museum on the left bank of the River Seine. Other highlights include the Place de la Concorde Square, the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe! End the tour at the Les Invalides museum district. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Perhaps go shopping for French couture or enjoy an evening of fine dining. Overnight stay in Paris.
After breakfast, depart Paris by coach, headed towards the Loire Valley and its wonders of the Renaissance period. The first stop is the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region, Orleans. The history of this lovely city on the banks of the Loire River is inseparably bound with the history of Joan of Arc. While exploring the city independently, don't miss the 13th century Sainte-Croix Cathedral and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, displaying around 700 artworks. In the afternoon the tour continues with a visit to the Chambord Estate* one of the most emblematic examples of Renaissance architecture in France! Afterwards, transfer to the historic city of Tours. Overnight stay in Tours.
* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio guide at the destination.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, explore the magnificent Château de Chenonceau.* The two-story castle stands upon a graceful arched bridge on the Cher River, which gives the impression that the castle is floating on water. Also known as "The Ladies’ Castle", it was initially constructed in 1513. Equalling the beauty of the interior, Chateau's French-style gardens are perfectly landscaped with decorative pools and flower beds and are an important destination for horticultural lovers from all over the world. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. In the afternoon, we recommend an optional excursion to the beautiful Château de Valençay.** Overnight stay in Tours.
* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio guide at the destination.
** Optional Château de Valençay Excursion: Discover through an audio-guided tour the spectacular castle of Valencay. Former property of the Prince of Talleyrand, it was built in 1540 by order of Jacques d'Estampe on an old feudal building. Its construction continued until the 18th century with the addition of the South Tower. Discover its history and enjoy the wonderful gardens. Castle open from 14th of March 2021 to 11th November 2021.
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from Tours heading towards the world-renowned Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The car park stands approximately 1.5 miles away from the island. On leaving the coach, head for the Place des Navettes, where shuttle buses called 'passeurs' transfer visitors to the rocky island itself. Spend some time exploring this island village, at your leisure, as you admire its captivating medieval architecture and atmospheric streets. Overnight stay in the surrounding area.
After breakfast at the hotel, take a poignant visit to the WWII Allied Forces Landing Beaches and also visit the Memorial de Caen,* a museum and moving war memorial commemorating World War II and the Battle for Caen. This interesting museum is dedicated to the history of the twentieth century, mainly focusing on the fragility of peace. Overnight stay in Caen.
* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audioguide on the spot.
After breakfast, depart Caen and enjoy a panoramic tour of the neighbouring town of Lisieux which is famous for its history as a pilgrimage destination. Next, learn more about the best food and drink that this rich region of France has to offer, starting with a visit to the Village du Fromager. See all stages of cheese production and enjoy tasting the different types of cheese on offer. After the visit, head to Honfleur in time for a lunch break at your leisure. This small city and harbour date back to the Vikings invasions of the 11th century. After a couple of hours exploring the city, continue eastwards until reaching Paris. Overnight stay in Paris.
Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, self-transfer to the airport for your return flight to Berlin. Touch down in Berlin, the stylish and historic German capital. Get settled at the hotel and, if time allows, get to know the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Berlin.
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
** You can book the optional transfer in the next step of the booking process.
Tuck into a hearty German breakfast at the hotel and set off on an exciting panoramic city tour of East and West Berlin, to uncover the history and sights of the capital! Take an iconic photo at the majestic Brandenburg Gate, visit the poignant Holocaust Memorial and stroll along the leafy Unter den Linden Avenue. Discover Museum Island, the Red Town Hall, the Nikolai Quarter. Trace the turbulent history of the city at Checkpoint Charlie and see the fragmented remains of the Berlin Wall, noticing the contrasts between the different sides of the city. See the Forum of Culture and the idyllic Tiergarten Park. Potsdamer Platz shows you a modern side of the city before you spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. It's time for a well-deserved German beer after a day of sightseeing! Overnight stay in Berlin.
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day exploring Berlin at your leisure. Why not visit the brilliant amazing cultural treasures at Museum Island or spend the day exploring the flower gardens of the Tiergarten. Overnight stay in Berlin.
Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to the Czech capital of Prague. Arrive in Prague, known for its fairytale old town, lively nightlife and nicknamed the 'City of a Hundred Spires'. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Prague.
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a city tour of Prague, nicknamed the 'Golden City'. See the famous Powder Tower and explore the Old Town. Reach Old Town Square home to the famous Astronomical Clock, one of the most popular sights in Prague, and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. Finish the tour at the iconic Charles Bridge. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. Overnight stay in Prague.
After breakfast at the hotel self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to Vienna. Travel through the beautiful landscapes of Bohemia and Moravia towards Austria and its capital, Vienna. Arrive in Vienna, an imperial city famed for its artistic legacy and for being the home town of Mozart and Beethoven. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. We recommend heading to the historic centre to enjoy the charming atmosphere. During the summer the riverbanks come alive with lively bars and restaurants, so be sure to check this out if the weather is pleasant. Overnight stay in Vienna.
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, soaking up the cultural sights of Vienna at your leisure. Overnight stay in Vienna
Breakfast at the hotel. Catch a shared bus this morning to travel to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. After enjoying the changing landscapes of the Danube Delta arrive in Budapest and self-transfer to the hotel. The city is famously divided in two by the River Danube Buda and Pest, each with its own distinctive atmosphere. Overnight stay in Budapest.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on an enthralling guided tour of Budapest, beginning with Heroes Square, the largest and most impressive in the city and an emblem of Pest's Golden Era. Next, see the National Opera Theatre and the amazing Parliament building, a true icon of the city on the banks of the Danube. Continue the tour across the river, in the Castle District, where you can enjoy the sweeping views from Castle Hill and the amazing architecture of the Fisherman's Bastion. Cross Margaret Bridge to visit the Király Baths before ending the tour at the oldest and most photographed bridge in the city, the glorious Chain Bridge. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Budapest.
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Budapest. Why not take in the views from Fisherman's Bastion or stroll along the riverside promenade. Overnight stay in Budapest.
Breakfast at the hotel.* It's time to bring your journey through Central Europe to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US.** Arrive in the US and end your trip.
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 20 days.
Included activities
Included activity for day 3 in Paris
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 00:00
Physical rating:
Paris City Tour
Discover some of the most iconic and memorable places of Paris and admire the beauty of this incredible and romantic city. See Place Vendôme Square, marvel at the Paris Opera House and head to the Latin Quarter to see the impressive Pantheon.
Included activity for day 4
Visit to the Chambord Chateaux & Estate
Visit the incredible Chambord Castle & Estate, one of the most emblematic chateaux in France and the finest example of French-Renaissance architecture!
Not included: Audio-guide (can be purchased at the destination)
Included activity for day 7 in Caen
Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Caen Memorial Museum
After seeing some of the WWII landing beaches pay a visit to the Caen Memorial Museum, dedicated to commemorating World War II and the Battle for Caen. The museum focuses on the history of the twentieth century and the fragility of peace.
What's included: Entrance included Not included: Audio-guide (can be purchased at the destination)
Included activity for day 10 in Berlin
Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Berlin City Tour
Uncover the history and sights of the capital, including Brandenburg Gate, the poignant Holocaust Memorial, Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie and the fragmented remains of the Berlin Wall.
Available Activities
If you have reduced mobility you can request assistance for these activities by speaking to one of our experts
Suggested activity for day 5
Château de Valençay excursion
Discover through an audio guided tour the spectacular castle of Valencay. Former property of the Prince of Talleyrand, it was built in 1540 by order of Jacques d'Estampe on an old feudal building.
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main US airports.
- International flights: US - Paris, Budapest - US.
- International flight: Paris - Berlin. *more information
- 17 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels. **more informationSee hotels included
- 17 breakfasts.
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles as indicated in the itinerary in France and regular shared bus: Berlin-Prague, Prague-Vienna, Vienna- Budapest. ***more information
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.See itinerary
- Air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- English speaking driver throughout the trip & guide during the city tour in Paris. English speaking guide in Central Europe. ****more information
Not included
Airport transfers in Frnace, Tax*, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
* Accommodation tax must be paid directly to the hotel.
* Documentation of the internal flights will either be available in the "My bookings" section in your "Customer Area" 14 days before your trip or delivered to you on arrival at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.
** If you travel with children or book a triple room, please contact our Customer Service to find out the conditions.
*** Airport transfers are not included. You can book the optional transfer in the next step of the booking process.
**** Important: Please note that you will have an English-speaking driver throughout the trip, but you will not be traveling with a tour leader or guide. A guided tour is included in Paris. The possibility to book an audio guide for the castle visit is available at the destination.
- Entry requirementsValid passport with a minimum of six months validity.
- VisaNo visa is required for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
- CurrencyEuro.
- LanguageFrench.
- Electricity230 V. Adapter not required.
- HealthThere are no mandatory vaccinations required.
- Time zoneUTC + 01:00.
- Other useful informationTaxis do not have a particular colour, however you can spot them at the station or in the street by their luminous lettering on the roof of the car.
- Tourist Office websitehttp://ee.france.fr/
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
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