Grand European Cruise & Tour

Grand European Cruise and Tour

Tours Starts: Milan, Italy

Tours Ends: Cologne, Germany

Day 1

Depart for Europe

Take an overnight flight to Italy.

Day 2

Arrive in Milan, Italy

Welcome to Milan, a major world fashion and design capital! If you purchased airline tickets from YMT, a representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure until the included dinner at the hotel. (D)

Crowne Hotel Milan Malpensa or similar

Day 3

Embarkation in Savona (Depart 5:00 PM)

This morning, transfer to Savona to board Costa’s Favolosa, an Italian-style cruise ship with great food, cabins, and onboard activities. (B)

Day 4

Marseille, France (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

Among the terracotta-roofed buildings of France's oldest city lie many impressive sights, like the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde.

Day 5

Barcelona, Spain (8:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

Barcelona is a thoroughly modern city where Roman ruins live next door to sophisticated high-rises, innovative exhibition spaces, and one of the world’s leading sports complexes. A spectacular display of architecture, Barcelona boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as a long, sandy coastline, fabulous food, cultural and artistic exhibitions, and terrific shopping. Use your time in this fascinating port to enjoy the world-famous Las Ramblas, Gaudí's Sagrada Familia, Olympic Park, and views from Montjuic.

Day 6

At Sea

Day 7

Cádiz, Spain (8:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, Cádiz boasts well-preserved ancient streets, seaside fortresses, and Moorish architecture infused with the easygoing energy of southern Spain.

Day 8

Lisbon, Portugal (9:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

Welcome to Portugal’s coastal capital! Lisbon is watched over by 7 picturesque hills whose view of an ancient city with cobblestoned streets and stately ruins combined with a modern metropolis is one of Europe’s prettiest. Be sure to sample the variety of fresh seafood and succulent Alentejan beef served at local restaurants.

Day 9

Leixões, Portugal (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

Stay local in Leixões, or travel 5 miles into Porto, one of Portugal’s oldest cities. Its historic center has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is the perfect place to sample a glass of port wine—named after Porto itself.

Day 10

At Sea

Day 11

St. Peter Port, Guernsey, UK (7:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

On the English Channel just off of Normandy lies the charming island of Guernsey, home to rocky cliffs, some truly lovely beaches, and the delightful town of St. Peter Port. Once a humble fishing village, St. Peter Port now offers the best sightseeing of the whole Channel Islands, with lovely restaurants, an abundance of unique museums, and plenty to see and do!

Day 12

Zeebrugge, Belgium (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

Today’s stop is the bustling port city of Zeebrugge. You may travel on your own to nearby Bruges, home to some of the world’s best preserved Medieval architecture, or you may stay closer to the ship. A local highlight is Seafront Zeebrugge, where you can learn about the region’s role in World War II, its historic fishing industry, or take a few steps below deck of a Cold War-era Russian Foxtrot Submarine.

Day 13

IJmuiden, Netherlands (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Today's port city of IJmuiden was uninhabited through 1876, when it was built up to connect Amsterdam to the North Sea. The city has since grown into a very nice little seaside town blessed with four harbors, sand dunes, wide beaches, and a constant supply of handsome boats to look out for from shore. Just a short distance away lies the magical city of Amsterdam. You may decide to make your way over and discover the charm of the renowned Amsterdam canals, which provide an ideal vantage point to see the city's wonderful architecture. The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is widely considered to be one of Europe’s most sophisticated cities.

Day 14

At Sea

Day 15

Disembarkation and Bremen City Tour (8:00 AM)

This morning, disembark the Favolosa and transfer to beautiful Bremen for an afternoon of sightseeing. One of Germany’s oldest cities, Bremen offers a lively culture and numerous stunning attractions. Don’t miss the City Hall, a gorgeous 15th century Gothic civic building that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Marktplatz and Roland Statue; or the whimsical Haus des Glockenspiels. (B, D)

Atlantic Hotel Galopprenbahn or similar

Day 16

Cologne Sightseeing

Your day continues with an informative city tour of one of Germany’s most important metropolitan regions. You'll learn about this former Roman province and influential medieval and Renaissance era trade base that was nearly wiped out during WWII. Virtually all of Cologne’s buildings were built after the war, and the landscape is characterized by simple and modest post-war buildings, with just a few pre-war buildings that were either rebuilt or miraculously untouched during Allied air raids. You'll also visit the spectacularly spired Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Germany’s most visited landmark! (B)

Leonardo Royal Hotel Cologne am Stadtwald or similar

Day 17

Cologne Leisure Day

Today is at your leisure in this magnificent city. Join us tonight for the included farewell dinner, a last opportunity to swap stories and make memories with your fellow travelers. (B, D)

Leonardo Royal Hotel Cologne am Stadtwald or similar

Day 18

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.