Curated trips
The Ultimate Bucketlist European Itinerary
The Ultimate Bucketlist European Itinerary
18 days  ·  6 places  ·  4 countries

A once-in-a-lifetime European experience, covering off the very best the continent has to offer - this self-guided trip has everything you can dream of.

Start the trip in the buzzing capital of London, a city with history, modern flair and multi-cultural vibes across its boroughs. You'll spend 5 nights at Rubens at the Palace, a stone's throw from the residence of the royal family and a perfect base to explore London on foot. Consider book a Royal Mews View Suite and experience a very British Afternoon Tea overlooking Buckingham Palace road.

Restaurant/Bar
England, United Kingdom
·
Nobu London (Old Park Lane)
Nobu London (Old Park Lane)
Day 1
19 Old Park Ln, London W1K 1LB, UK

Experience the magic of Hogwarts™ with a tour of the Harry Potter Studios in Leavesden, around a 45-minute drive from central London. Enter the iconic Great Hall set and visit memorable movie destinations including Dumbledore’s study, the cobbled street of Diagon Alley™ and the original Hogwarts Express™ locomotive with recreation of Platform 9 ¾™. Take a selfie with a luggage trolley as it disappears through the platform wall. Discover movie magic, secrets and insights shared by your guide. After touring this fantastic location, embark on a London tour aboard a hop-on, hop-off bus to experience this authentic city. Cruise by Madame Tussauds and King's Cross as well as two of the city's most beautiful parks, Hyde Park and Regents Park as you view London from a whole new perspective. With guide included, there will be plenty to learn along the way.

Soar above London on the iconic London Eye as you take in stunning vistas of the UK capital from the top. At 135 metres high, the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel affords 40-kilometer panoramic views in all directions. Gaze over London’s most famous landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square.

Attraction
England, United Kingdom
·
Big Ben
Big Ben
Day 3
London SW1A 0AA, UK
Attraction
England, United Kingdom
·
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Day 3
20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA, UK

After soaring over London, examine this iconic capital from a different perspective, as you embark on a lunch cruise on the River Thames. Walk to Tower Pier (a five-minute walk from the Tower of London) and treat yourself to a delicious two-course set lunch, live commentary and perhaps the best views of the famous capital from the open-air upper deck.

Gaze over spectacular views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge and keep your eye trained for once-in-a-lifetime shots as you pass the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Oxo Tower, the Shard, the National Theatre and City Hall.

Attraction
England, United Kingdom
·
Tower of London
Tower of London
Day 4
London EC3N 4AB, UK
Attraction
Greater London, United Kingdom
·
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge
Day 4
Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, UK

Encounter the historic sights of Britain as you set out on a tour to experience Stonehenge, Oxford and Windsor Castle. Pay a visit to imposing Windsor Castle, overlooking the Thames. Peek inside the luxurious State Apartments and marvel at the priceless artwork by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt that hangs on the walls. You can even see Queen Mary's Dolls' House which is a beautiful model royal home that features electricity, running water and working lifts - every young Queen's dream! Whilst in Windsor, grab a bite to eat and head to Gt. Windsor Park, a lovely spot to picnic with views of the castle.

Leave Windsor behind as you travel to the mysterious Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. Get up close with this 5,000 year old monument and learn about its puzzling origins.

Next, travel to Oxford and stroll through quaint cobbled streets in this historic city. Wander through the college courtyards and visit the 17th century Bodleian Library which belongs to Oxford University, the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Time to bid farewell to London! Pack your bags, check out of your hotel and embark on a short two-hour high speed Eurostar train to the Gare du Nord station in central Paris. Make your way to the Hotel Napoleon, only steps from The Champs Elysees. In the evening, depart on a dinner cruise down the river Seine in a glassed-over boat. Admire views of the Eiffel Tower and Musée d'Orsay and enjoy an exquisite meal paired perfectly with musical entertainment.

Train • Eurostar
Day 6
Eurostar
Day 6
Gare du Nord

Short trip from central London into central Paris - book premium seats as this allows lounge access and high-end food on board

Spend your day at leisure your day, whether relaxing in your hotel or exploring the Parisian shops, cafes and restaurants that surround The Champs Elysees. As evening falls, finish up at the legendary Moulin Rouge for an unforgettable experience.

Attraction
Île-de-France, France
·
Champs-Élysées
Champs-Élysées
Day 7
Champs-Élysées, Paris, France
Attraction
Île-de-France, France
·
Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe
Day 7
Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France

Paris is home to Michelin starred cuisine but if looking for something a bit different, head to boujis Salvaje, an Asian-fusion style restaurant with eccentric entertainment before a romantic photo shoot in the city of love. Consider rounding the evening off with a scenic trip to the Eiffel Tower to take in the Parisian lights.

Restaurant/Bar
Île-de-France, France
·
Salvaje
Salvaje
Day 8
51 Rue de Courcelles, 75008 Paris, France
Attraction
Île-de-France, France
·
Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower
Day 8
Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France

No trip to Europe is complete without heading over to San Sebastian, so bid au revoir to fabulous France and take a quick flight to Bilbao. Check in to Hotel Arima & Spa before embarking on a culinary adventure in the heart of one of Europe's leading food scenes - the beauty of San Sebastian is its indulgent flavours on a shoestring budget. Experience San Sebastian with a local guide, who'll take you to the best Pintxos bars across the city. Sample tiny but tremendous bites before exploring the charming and wonderful Parte Vieja (Old Town).

Car Hire
Île-de-France, France
·
Paris
Paris
Day 9 - Day 18 · Rent your Car through Luxury Escapes
Day 9 - Day 18 · Rent your Car through Luxury Escapes
Paris, France
Why book with Luxury Escapes? - Free cancellation: We offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before your pick-up time. - Trusted rental partners: Discover an extensive range of vehicles from our trusted suppliers. - 24/7 Support service: Our support team is always on standby, available 24/7.

Why book with Luxury Escapes?

  • Free cancellation: We offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before your pick-up time.
  • Trusted rental partners: Discover an extensive range of vehicles from our trusted suppliers.
  • 24/7 Support service: Our support team is always on standby, available 24/7.

Check out of your San Sebastian before making your way to beautiful Barcelona by car or train to stay for 3 nights at the high-end Hotel Claris – one of only a handful of 'Grand Luxury' properties in Barcelona. Spend your evening flitting from trendy boutique to stylish cafe along the Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona's most luxurious avenue of culture, fashion and gastronomy.

Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia
Day 10
Pg. de Gràcia, Barcelona, Spain

In the capital of Modernism, you're never far from Gaudí. Embark on a tour of the works of Antoni Gaudí as you discover the legendary (and unfinished!) Sagrada Familia basilica and Museum, learn about the artist's life and career and explore the collection of drawings, plaster models and pictures about the history and development of this marvellous structure from its early beginnings to the present day. Take the elevator up the tower of the basilica to admire astonishing views of the city before exploring the city on a hop-on hop-off bus to visit iconic locations such as the Passeig de Gràcia, the village of Gracia, Park Güell, Tibidabo, Pedralbes and the Futbol Club Barcelona Stadium.

Attraction
Catalonia, Spain
·
Pedralbes
Pedralbes
Day 11
Pedralbes, Barcelona, Spain

The perfect experience for the football fans, spend your day in Barcelona on a tour of Spotify Camp Nou, a top rated stadium that has been FC Barcelona's home since 1957. Explore the biggest stadium in Europe as your tour takes you through the stands, field, changing room, pressroom and pitch. Afterwards, visit the great bars and cafes around the stadium as you soak in the team spirit.

Thing to do
Catalunya, Spain
·
Camp Nou Stadium Tour
Camp Nou Stadium Tour
Day 12
C. d'Arístides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Restaurant/Bar
Catalunya, Spain
·
Futballárium Barcelona
Futballárium Barcelona
Day 12
Carrer de Benavent, 7, 08028 Barcelona, Spain

The last leg of the trip heads over to Italy, where you'll have a truly immersive experience, from the ultimate in laid-back luxury deep in the Tuscan hills, with a dreamy five-star stay at COMO Castello Del Nero. A breathtaking 12th-century castle draped with Renaissance frescoes, you'll awaken in elegant Italian style each morning and enjoy quintessential Tuscan vistas straight from a fairytale. Located 40 minutes from Florence, this pristine retreat is a gateway to the region’s world-class Chianti vineyards and olive groves dotted across the hilltops.

Indulge at the COMO Shambhala Retreat or bask by the turquoise pool before embarking on a culinary journey at the Michelin-starred La Torre restaurant, which uses local produce to enhance the authentic flavours and spirit of the region.

Explore the idyllic Ligurian coast on a tour of Cinque Terre, as you visit charming villages suspended on steep cliffs overlooking the sea - a unique landscape where vegetation and lush vineyards frame a spectacular scenery.

Discover impressive landscapes of rocky coasts with breathtaking views as well as caves, beaches and hiking paths to explore. Reach the urban jewel Manarola and Vernazza, a village overlooked by the remains of a medieval castle before moving to Monterosso, known as the "pearl of Cinque Terre" and Riomaggiore, a small village with plenty of colored tower houses.

Travel from idyllic Tuscany to the vibrant capital of Rome, a city of history and art that still feels like the beating heart of European culture. Treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Six Senses Rome – a tranquil retreat hidden behind a UNESCO-listed facade. Overlooking the Via del Corso, feel the city buzz from the heights of the NOTOS rooftop terrace as you take in sweeping city views before slowing down with a calming visit to Six Senses Spa and Roman baths or satisfy your hunger at BIVIUM.

When in Rome, do as the Romans! Be greeted with Prosecco and snacks before learning how to make pasta from scratch in a 3-hour cooking class, guided through the hands-on process by a professional. Afterwards, enjoy the fruits of your labour as you savour a home-cooked Italian meal you helped create yourself, paired with fine Italian wine. Leave with a full stomach, pleasant memories and the know-how for making an authentic Italian dish to impress friends and family back home!

Finish your evening people watching in the Piazzas with a sweet Gelato.

Attraction
Lazio, Italy
·
Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia
Day 16
Piazza Venezia, Roma RM, Italy

Take a trip through time as you explore Rome’s top tourist attractions — the Colosseum & the Roman Forum — with a local expert guide. Skip the Colosseum’s long lines to spend more time inside the venue as you learn of the amphitheatre's history, discover evidence of Nero’s great fire and uncover grisly details about the gladiators' games. Afterwards, admire the Roman Empire’s former glory at the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine and Palatine Hill.

It's time to say ciao to charming Rome! Pack your bags and check out of your hotel, then make your way to the airport for your flight back home. Until next time!

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