A European Experience: Strasbourg & Luxembourg

Day 1

We depart and make our way to Dover for the Channel crossing to France. After reaching mainland Europe, we continue our journey, arriving at our overnight hotel this evening.

Day 2

Our journey continues this morning as we arrive in the picturesque and historic port city of Strasbourg for lunchtime, with the afternoon to explore the capital of the Alsace region.

Day 3

This morning, we travel to the pretty Colmar, home to wonderfully preserved medieval streets, charming squares and canals lined with half-timbered houses. In the afternoon, we visit Riquewihr, which owes its historical prosperity to the wines produced here; why not try a locally-made Reisling whilst here? Full of Alsatian historical architecture, Riquewihr looks as it did during the sixteenth century and is one of the few towns in the area to escape damage in World War Two.

Day 4

Enjoy a full day exploring Strasbourg, where we can enjoy free time in one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Starting with a guided walking tour, you'll get acquainted with the city, where you can find a unique mix of Franco-German culture and Gothic architecture. Constructed from pink sandstone, Strasbourg's magnificent cathedral with its famous astronomical clock towers over the city and provides spectacular views of the city below and the Black Forest. We also recommend a visit to 'Petit France', a picturesque canal district with its narrow atmospheric streets and flower bedecked half-timbered houses.

Day 5

Today, we begin with a multimedia guided tour of the European Parliament building; found in Strasbourg, here you'll visit the parliamentary chamber, the Hemicycle, as well as the Parlamentarium Simone Veil, an immersive space helping to understand how European democracy works and named after the first female President of the European Parliament. This afternoon, we head over the border to visit the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany's Black Forest, one of Germany's historic resorts. Built on thermal springs, Baden-Baden has been a popular spa retreat for centuries, boasting plenty to see and do! Elegance remains in the splendid Belle-Époque architecture, including a casino lauded as the most beautiful in the world.

Day 6

After breakfast, we leave Strasbourg and head north with a lunchtime visit to Metz. Home to a wonderful Old Town and the gothic Saint Etienne cathedral, which is nicknamed 'the Good Lord's Lantern', due to its many stained glass windows. From here, we continue to the small but wonderful Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a sovereign state landlocked by Germany, Belgium and France. Our first stop includes a visit to the Europa Experience to discover how the EU works and how the decisions taken by Parliament, Commission and Council affect people before continuing to our hotel in the capital, Luxembourg City.

Day 7

Our full day in Luxembourg City starts with a guided two-hour walking tour, in which you'll discover a true mix of unique sights and sounds. Highlights include the prestigious jewel of the city and former residence of the Grand Duke, the Grand Ducal Palace, the Bock promontory and the Corniche, known as the 'most beautiful balcony in Europe'. Throughout the rest of the day, enjoy free time exploring this small city with a big personality, where energetic streets meet peaceful parks that occupy one-third of the city.

Day 8

After breakfast, we begin driving back to the Channel port to sail back to the UK and return to our original departure points.

B=Breakfast