Grand European Cruise & Tour

Grand European Cruise

Tours Starts: London, United Kingdom

Tours Ends: Rome, Italy

Day 1

Depart for London

Day 2

Arrive in London

If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, a friendly representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. Settle into your comfortable hotel, or take a stroll through the bustling streets of England’s dazzling capital city. The afternoon and evening are yours to relax at your own pace until guests are invited to sit down for a delicious included Welcome Feast at the hotel. (D)

Copthorne Tara or similar

Day 3

London City Tour

Savor a delicious breakfast before stepping out into London for a city tour. See Big Ben, the River Thames, the world-famous Westminster Abbey, and the Tower Bridge. Enjoy a free afternoon, or join us on your choice of optional tours. (B)

Copthorne Tara or similar

Day 4

London Leisure Day & Embarkation (Departs at 5:00 PM)

Spend a free morning exploring London on your own. Get settled into your cabin this afternoon on the NCL Star; you’ll set sail this evening. (B)

Day 5

At Sea

Day 6

Porto, Portugal (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

Porto is one of Portugal’s oldest cities. Its historic center, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site, retains much of its ancient history. Intrepid foodies can try Tripas à Moda do Porto, the town’s signature dish. The recipe dates back to the 15th century, and you can still order a steaming plate overflowing with cow’s foot, pig’s ear, white beans, and freshly boiled tripe. Less adventurous eaters will find just as much joy in Porto’s excellent cuisine, especially when they wash it down with a glass of Port wine.

Day 7

Lisbon, Portugal (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

Welcome to Portugal’s hilly coastal capital, watched over by 7 picturesque hills. The peaks’ view of Lisbon’s historic cobblestoned streets and stately ruins, mixed seamlessly with the modern world that grew up around them, is one of Europe’s prettiest.

Day 8

Cádiz, Spain (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

Cádiz boasts well-preserved ancient streets, seaside fortresses, and Moorish architecture infused with the easygoing energy of contemporary Southern Spain. Cádiz is also near Seville, the Andalusian capital where Gothic architecture, Medieval history, and Arabian culture combine to create a truly unique setting. Santa Cruz, Seville’s medieval Jewish quarter, is especially memorable.

Day 9

Málaga, Spain (6:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

The city that gave the world Picasso remains a wonderful place to visit. Explore exciting art galleries, eat some of Spain’s finest beachside cuisine, see La Manquita, the spectacular “one armed” Renaissance cathedral, or enjoy Málaga’s massive hilltop Moorish fortresses known as Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro.

OPTION: MÁLAGA RESERVATURO & SPANISH BULLS:

Step into the world of bullfighting in Spain and tour the Reservaturo Ronda. Take in the animals as they have free roam of the UNESCO Biosphere Nature Reserve. $199 p/p. Please add this option at time of booking.

Day 10

Cartagena, Spain (8:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

Spend the day in Cartagena, a beautiful city overflowing with culture and history. Among its 12 museums, 10 landmark buildings, and innumerable churches and monuments, you'll see evidence of Carthagian, Roman, Vandal, Visigoth, Moorish, and modern influences.

Day 11

Barcelona, Spain (7:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

You'll be mesmerized by this modern city where Roman ruins live next door to high-rises, innovative exhibition spaces, and one of the world’s most impressive sports complexes. Barcelona boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as a long, sandy coastline, fabulous food, cultural and artistic exhibitions, and shopping. Use your time in this port to see Las Ramblas, Gaudí's Sagrada Familia, Olympic Park, and views from Montjuic.

Day 12

Cannes, France (10:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

Cannes may be best known for its film festival, but this resort town on the French Riviera is far more than just a glamorous place to watch a movie. Don’t miss the palm tree lined Promenade de la Crositte, Cannes’ most famous street. It has fabulous views of the white sand beach, as well as restaurants, shopping, and cafes.

Day 13

Livorno, Italy (6:30 AM - 6:30 PM)

Livorno is a perhaps Tuscany’s most modern city, a fact that contrasts beautifully with its numerous ancient towers, forts and city walls. Guests may also choose to spend the day in nearby Florence. The birthplace of the Renaissance is home of Michelangelo’s legendary statue of David.

Day 14

Disembarkation in Civitavecchia & Rome City Tour (Arrives at 6:00 AM)

Say goodbye to the NCL Star and disembark in Civitavecchia. Travel into Rome, where you will enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the highlights of this ancient city. You’ll also see the Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, and of course the fabled Trevi Fountain.

iH Hotels Roma Z3 or similar

Day 15

Rome Leisure Day

There is history wherever you look in Rome, not to mention world-class shopping, outstanding food, and a vibrant culture. Spend the day enjoying the Eternal City on your own. (B)

iH Hotels Roma Z3 or similar

Day 16

Depart for Home

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.