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The Ultimate European Tour

Classic Tour – 15 days with optional 3 day pre-tour addition

Join Rudy Maxa himself as he guides you through Europe on his Ultimate European Tour. Start your journey in Scotland where you’ll visit the Isle of Skye and Glasgow, then on to Ireland and its capital Dublin followed by a short flight to Italy with a visit to Lake Maggiore, a day trip to Switzerland, Milan, Portofino, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence and a grand finale in the eternal city of Rome. Optional pre-tour available in London.

From $6,495. Prices are based on double occupancy.

Single Supplement: $1,495

Pre-Tour 3 days in London with Rudy Maxa + overnight train to Scotland: $2495

Pre-tour Single Supplement: $495

Download the free brochure

 

  • Limited to 22 guests

There are no tours available at this time. To be informed when new tours become available, please contact us.

Day 1: Welcome to Inverness, Scotland

  • A welcome briefing will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott next to the airport in Inverness. After the briefing, you’ll board your coach that will take you through the Scottish Highlands where you’ll make a stop at Loch Ness and also visit the stunning Eilean Donan Castle. You’ll arrive at the Isle of Skye in the late afternoon. In the evening, a traditional Scottish dinner will be served.
  • Hotel TBD
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 2: Isle of Skye

  • You’ll explore the Isle of Skye, various castles, take in the gorgeous scenes of nature, and enjoy a visit to Talisker Whisky distillery. The evening is yours to do as you wish.
  • Hotel TBD
  • Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 3: Train to Glasgow, Scotland, and flight to Dublin, Ireland

  • After breakfast, you’ll leave the lovely Isle of Skye and hop on the train. The West Highland Line is know as one of the most beautiful train lines in the world. You’ll arrive into Glasgow in the afternoon for a brief walking tour before a quick 50 minute flight to Dublin, where you’ll be staying the next three nights. 
  • Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin 4*
  • Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 4: Dublin, Ireland

  • The morning tour includes a visit to charming Dublin Castle, its museums, and Gothic chapel before a “don’t miss” guided tour of the famous Trinity College Library including the Book of Kells and Old Library Exhibition.
  • Explore Dublin on your own in the afternoon.
  • In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at The Church where you’ll be able to taste their famous Guinness Beef Stew.
  • Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin 4*
  • Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 5: Dublin, Ireland

  • Today, you’ll tour the National Gallery of Ireland in the morning.
  • After lunch, you’ll visit the Irish Whiskey Museum before ending your afternoon at the Guinness Storehouse Brewery Exprerience hearing the tale of Ireland’s famous beer – tasting included.
  • Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin 4*
  • Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 6: Dublin to Italy

  • After breakfast, you’ll take to the skies with a quick 2-hour flight from Dublin to Milan’s airport. 
  • Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lakefront lunch on Lake Maggiore where you’ll spend the next two nights.
  • The afternoon can be spent by the pool or feel free to take a stroll around Stresa, the town we’re staying in.
  • In the evening, the group will enjoy its first authentic Italian dinner.
  • Hotel La Palma 4*
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 7: Lake Maggiore

  • Today, you’ll visit the 3 magical Borromean Islands of Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre, where you’ll visit the palaces and have lunch before heading back to the mainland.
  • After lunch, you’ll take the boat to Switzerland and spend the afternoon.
  • Hotel La Palma 4*
  • Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 8: Train to Santa Margherita Ligure

  • In the morning, you’ll check out early and take a morning train through the romantic Italian country side, ending up in the fashion capitol of the world – Milan.
  • Once in Milan, you’ll get to see the famous Duomo where you can climb to the top, visit the Sforzesco Castle, and last, but not least, see The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
  • In the afternoon, you’ll climb aboard the Intercity Express train to be whisked to the Italian Riviera, and arrive in Santa Margherita Ligure just in time for dinner.
  • Hotel Laurin 4* or Best Western Hotel Regina Elena 4*
  • Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 9: Portofino

  • In the morning, you’ll head to Portofino, which is just two miles away from the hotel. You’ll enjoy a drink at the Piazzetta and explore the town.
  • After, you’ll jump on the ferry that will take us to the remote village of San Fruttuoso. 
  • Enjoy lunch before touring the famous abbey. If you’re a snorkeler and adventurous, you’ll have the opportunity to stay behind and see Christ of the Abyss, a dramatic bronze statue of Jesus submerged 15 meters under the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Take the ferry back at your leisure; there’s one every hour until 4PM.
  • Hotel Laurin 4* or Best Western Hotel Regina Elena 4*
  • Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 10: Cinque Terre

  • Today you’ll visit the string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline.
  • You’ll take the train between towns, but a guided hike between two of the villages will also be arranged.
  • Have lunch in Vernazza before taking the train onwards to Pisa.
  • NH Hotel Pisa 4*
  • Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 11: Pisa

  • You’ll climb the leaning tower of Pisa followed by a visit to the Baptistery and the Pisa Cathedral.
  • You’ll then head to the lovely Tuscan town of Lucca for lunch.
  • After lunch you’ll explore this lovely town where Puccini grew up.
  • In the afternoon, take the train to Florence.
  • AC Hotel by Marriott Firenze 4*
  • Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 12: Florence

  • Explore Florence, Tuscany’s capital and home to the Duomo with its architecturally radical dome designed by Brunelleschi. And, of course, there’s the Galleria dell’Accademia where Michelangelo’s sculpture, “David,” is the centerpiece (don’t miss Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus and da Vinci’s “Annunciation,” as well).
  • There’ll be time for wandering (Vivoli for gelato, Ferragamo for shoes and clothing) with lunch at Rivoire.
  • Rudy’s favorite library, designed by Leonardo da Vinci, is tucked near the Duomo and is often missed by visitors; you won’t miss it.
  • You’ll end the day with an authentic Tuscan dinner complete with Florentine Steak as the main event.
  • AC Hotel by Marriott Firenze 4*
  • Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 13: Florence to Rome

  • Start the morning with a walk over the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. You’ll walk up to a prime spot overlook Florence (a certain Instagram snap!) and pay a visit to an 11th-century church, the Abbazia di San Minato al Monte, with equally spectacular views.
  • There will also be time to walk around Boboli Gardens
  • Right before lunch, you’ll hop on the Italian High Speed Rail called the Frecciarossa which will take you to Rome in just over an hour.
  • Upon arriving in Rome, you’ll visit the Colosseum and the Pantheon.
  • Le Méridien Visconti Rome 4* or Babuino 181 5*
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14: Rome

  • Today you’ll visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel before lunch.
  • The afternoon you’ll enjoy on your own
  • In the evening, you’ll take a stroll to visit the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain before having a farewell dinner.
  • Hotel: Le Méridien Visconti Rome 4* or Babuino 181 5*
  • Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 15: Rome

  • Enjoy breakfast, and then say farewell before starting your journey back home.
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Add our popular pre-tour! 

Want to explore London with Rudy Maxa himself? Join our 3 night pre-tour and see the essential sites and behind the scenes with Rudy Maxa. You’ll stay at the legendary 5-star Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, plus transportation to The Ultimate European Tour starting point is included via the Caledonian Sleeper overnight train in Club Class.

 

Pre-tour Day 1: London

  • Join Rudy Maxa and your fellow guests for a briefing, followed by a stroll through Hyde Park past Buckingham Palace and Big Ben followed by dinner.
  • Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill 5*
  • Meals included: Welcome dinner 

Pre-tour Day 2: London

  • Today you’ll have two options – 
  • Option 1: Visit the world-famous British Museum for a guided tour.
  • Option 2: Visit the Palace for Westminster and Westminster Abbey.
  • After lunch, you’ll walk over Tower Bridge for a guided tour of the Tower of London.
  • Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill 5*
  • Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Pre-tour Day 3: London to Scotland

  • In the morning, you’ll visit the Churchill War Room before taking a stroll through the famous Borough Market.
  • The afternoon is on your own to explore London or do some shopping
  • You’ll meet back at the hotel to freshen up before having dinner and boarding the Caledonian Sleeper overnight train to Inverness, Scotland, where the Ultimate European Tour will start. You will be traveling in Club class, which includes an en-suite cabin with toilet and shower.
  • Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

THE RUDY MAXA DIFFERENCE

When you let The Original Savvy Traveler arrange your trip through Europe, you are guaranteed peace of mind. Rudy Maxa’s team provides personal service and assistance from booking all the way through your journey.

What’s included in your Classic Tour:

 

  • Welcome package with luggage tags.
  • A 15-minute concierge call to prepare you for your journey.
  • Smaller groups with a maximum of 22 guests.
  • Rudy Maxa’s expert team lead by his Tour Director will make your trip carefree. In addition to the team traveling with you, local tour guides with extensive knowledge will show you around at select destinations. 
  • Choose excursions included in the program or enjoy the freedom to explore on your own.
  • Optional airport arrival meet and greet with transportation to the first host hotel (additional fee required).
  • Handpicked hotels inspected and approved by Rudy Maxa’s Team.
  • Breakfast daily, and meals included per program.
  • Luggage Butler Service available for an additional fee.
  • Transportation between destinations per the itinerary.