Grand European Cruise & Tour

Grand European Cruise & Tour

Tours Starts: Copenhagen, Denmark

Tours Ends: Milan, Italy

Day 1

Depart for Copenhagen

Your journey begins on your overnight flight.

Day 2

Arrive in Copenhagen

Velkommen til København, or welcome to Copenhagen! If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will greet you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. This evening, relax on your own in the Danish capital that was established in the 10th century and whose history you’ll have the chance to learn while enjoying sophistication that it now enjoys. Tonight, get to know your fellow travelers over dinner at your hotel, where you will learn about the exciting days ahead. (D)

Vesterbro or similar

Day 3

Copenhagen

After breakfast at the hotel, board YMT’s comfortable coach for a tour of this delightful city. Highlights include Nyhavn or “New Harbor”, Copenhagen’s most scenic waterfront, canal and entertainment district, Strøget in the heart of the city, Amalienborg Palace Courtyard, and the famous Little Mermaid statue in the Langelinie promenade. (B)

Vesterbro or similar

Day 4

Lübeck

This morning, take a scenic, comfortable ride to Lübeck, the medieval capital of the highly influential Hanseatic League. See sights on the road, relax on the Puttgarden ferry from Rødby, and enjoy a relaxing evening on your own in lovely Lübeck. (B)

Radisson Blu Senator or similar

Day 5

Lübeck and embarkation in Hamburg (Embark at 7:00 PM)

Wake up in Lübeck, which you will get to know on an included panoramic and walking tour. Lübeck grew wealthy during the Middle Ages as a member of the Hanseatic League thanks to its location along one of Europe’s most vital trade routes. Seven monumental Gothic church towers and the Holsten Gate dominate Lübeck’s distinctive skyline, and the entirety of the city’s Old Town is recognized by UNESCO. Enjoy the inside of Lübeck Cathedral, the finest in the city. Continue to Hamburg, “the gateway to the world.” Enjoy highlights of Germany’s largest port city, which is as renowned for its musical heritage—Gustav Mahler once directed its storied state opera, both Brahms and Felix Mendelssohn were born here, and the Beatles enjoyed pre-fame residencies at various clubs around the city—as its stunning architecture. Standouts include the Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall and the Medieval City’s halftimbered structures, and the Speicherstadt, or “Warehouse City” UNESCO site. Embark this evening on the MSC Preziosa. (B)

Day 6

At Sea

Day 7

Southampton, England (7:00 AM - 8:00 PM)

Today’s port of call is Southampton, most prominently known as the origin point of RMS Titanic’s infamous maiden voyage to the New World. Stay local and enjoy the charms of this stone age port city, or join an optional excursion to Great Britain’s capital city of London with famous Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Day 8

La Havre, France (7:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

Today’s port will be historic La Havre, the second lagest port in France. Founded in 1417, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 for its iconic Auguste Perret postwar concrete Architecture.

Day 9

At Sea

Day 10

Vigo, Spain (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Vigo is a beautiful town located in the region of Galicia, the “green heart” of Spain, on the northeast coast. This port offers visitors an authentic taste of Spain and its local life.

Day 11

Lisbon, Portugal (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

Welcome to Portugal’s coastal capital! Lisbon is watched over by 7 hills, and their view of an ancient city with cobblestoned streets and stately ruins, combined with the light and noise of modern life, is one of Europe’s prettiest.

Day 12

At Sea

Day 13

Cartagena, Spain (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

Explore Cartagena, a city overflowing with culture and history. Among its museums, landmarks, churches and monuments, you'll see evidence of Carthagian, Roman, Vandal, Visigoth, Moorish, and modern influences.

Day 14

Valencia, Spain (8:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

Valencia is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Spain due to its combination of culture and history—especially the ancient Serrans and Quart Towers in the medieval city, and the Monasterio de San Miguel de los Reyes. You can enjoy numerous museums, parks, and the city’s impressive architecture.

Day 15

Barcelona, Spain (7:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

You'll be mesmerized by this thoroughly modern city where Roman ruins live next door to sophisticated high-rises, innovative exhibition spaces, and one of the world’s most impressive sports complexes. Barcelona boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Use your time in this port to see the world-famous Las Ramblas, Gaudí's Sagrada Familia, Olympic Park, and views from Montjuic.

Day 16

Disembarkation in Genoa and Transfer to Milan (Disembarks at 9:00 AM)

Bid a fond farewell to the MSC Preziosa and disembark in Genoa, a stunning port city that has maintained much of its Renaissance charm over the centuries. Continue to Milan, capital of the region of Lombardy. Your panoramic sightseeing tour highlights will include Piazza del Duomo, the main central square surrounded by several important buildings, such as Milan's Gothic cathedral and the Royal Palace of Milan. You'll also have a chance to see Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an impressive and ornate indoor shopping arcade built in 1865, as well as La Scala Opera House. Your evening ends with a delicious farewell feast. (D)

Crowne Plaza Milan Malpensa or similar

Day 17

Depart for Home (B)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. 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 tours 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.