21-Day Extensive European Highlights tour from Frankfurt: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg

Traveling across Europe in just three weeks might sound ambitious, but this 21-day tour from Frankfurt aims to give you a taste of 11 countries with a mix of guided sightseeing, scenic drives, and cultural stops. It’s designed for travelers who want an overview of Europe’s most famous sights without the hassle of planning every detail.

What we really like about this tour? First, it packs in an impressive variety of destinations—from the art-filled streets of Florence to the romantic Seine in Paris. Second, the guided aspect means you’ll get insights from knowledgeable tour managers, helping you understand each city’s unique charm.

However, a potential downside is the pace. With so many places crammed into just over two weeks, you’ll be covering a lot of ground and might find some days feel rushed. Also, the tour is mainly suited to those comfortable with group travel and big itineraries. If you prefer slower, more in-depth visits, this could feel like a whirlwind.

All in all, this tour could be perfect for seasoned travelers who want to see a lot without the stress of self-organizing, and who enjoy being on a busy schedule that maximizes diverse sights and experiences.

Key Points

• Extensive itinerary covering 11 countries in 21 days, ideal for those wanting to maximize sightseeing.
• Guided tours and commentary offer valuable insights, especially in major cities like Prague, Vienna, and Paris.
• Comfortable 3-star accommodations and continental breakfasts help keep costs reasonable while offering decent rest.
• Fast-paced travel with limited time at each stop, so it’s better suited for travelers who don’t mind a busy schedule.
• Value for money considering the inclusions and the breadth of destinations covered.
• Some optional activities and entrance fees are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to see everything.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting in Frankfurt and Moving East

The journey begins in Frankfurt, a city known for its impressive skyline and vibrant atmosphere. From here, you’ll hop onto a modern, air-conditioned coach and head into the heart of Europe. The first major stop is Prague, a city famed for its fairy-tale architecture and ornate old town. The tour emphasizes exploring Prague Castle, one of Europe’s most significant historic sites, along with St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, and the Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock.

The walking tour along the Royal Route and across Charles Bridge gives you a chance to soak in the city’s charm. You’ll appreciate the balance of guided commentary and free time to explore on your own. One reviewer raved about this part, saying it was “an amazing trip, where you can see the most of Europe in a relaxed manner,” highlighting that the hotels were good, making the experience comfortable.

Budapest: The Pearl of the Danube

Next, the tour moves to Hungary’s capital, Budapest. Here, you’ll get to enjoy a river cruise along the Danube, which is a fantastic way to see both Buda and Pest’s highlights. The Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and Gellért Hill offer panoramic views and plenty of photo ops. You’ll also visit Heroes’ Square and the Parliament Building, rounding out the city tour.

The evening can be spent enjoying Hungarian cuisine, with the tour offering the chance to taste dishes like goulash, goose liver, or duck leg, accompanied by local wine and folk music. One traveler noted the “good value for money,” especially appreciating the included meals and scenic views.

Vienna: The City of Art and Music

From Budapest, you’ll travel to Vienna, a city synonymous with elegance, art, and classical music. The visit includes Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, and the Vienna State Opera. The guided tour of these historic sites is complemented by options like attending a Viennese waltz concert or exploring St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

The tour does a solid job highlighting Vienna’s grand architecture and cultural richness. Travelers have mentioned the “spectacular views” from the palace grounds and the beauty of the opera house. The optional evening activities, like concerts or dining in the city center, allow for a personalized experience.

The Swiss Alps and Scenic Mountain Adventures

Leaving Austria, the tour moves into the Swiss mountains, with a highlight being the trip to Mount Titlis. The cable car ride with the world’s first revolving gondola offers breathtaking vistas of glaciers, lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Visitors can also explore the ice cavern, making this a memorable outdoor adventure.

Lucerne is another Swiss gem on the itinerary. The famous Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge are must-see sights, and the city’s picturesque streets are ideal for wandering and shopping. The guide’s description of Lucerne as “the true Switzerland” is fitting, offering classic mountain scenery and charming architecture.

Speeding Through Italy: Milan and Venice

After Switzerland, it’s a quick drive into northern Italy, stopping in Milan, the fashion capital. The Milan Cathedral (Duomo) and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are highlights. The tour offers a brief but impactful overview of the city’s stylish streets and shops.

Venice follows, with a guided tour of St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and Murano glass factories. The optional gondola ride is a signature Venetian experience, though not included in the main price. Travelers often mention Venice as the most enchanting city on the trip, with one reviewer saying the city’s “warren of waterways” is just as magical as expected.

Rome: The Eternal City

No European tour would be complete without Rome. The itinerary includes the Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel (optional), as well as the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine. You’ll also have free time to enjoy gelato and soak in the lively Roman atmosphere.

The guided tour of the Vatican and Colosseum provides just enough depth, considering the packed schedule. The highlight for many is walking through history in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

France and Beyond: Paris and the Champagne Region

The final days are spent in Paris, where you’ll explore the Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower (without climbing), Louvre Museum, and the Seine River cruise. The optional dinner and show at a Parisian venue is a memorable way to end the city stay.

A special mention from a traveler: “You can see the city’s highlights in a short time, and the guide’s commentary makes it much richer.” The tour then continues to the Champagne region, with a visit to Reims Cathedral and a trip through the French countryside.

The Last Leg: Luxembourg and Germany

The final stops include Luxembourg, a tiny yet charming country, and Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Highlights include the Karl Marx House, Trier’s Porta Nigra Roman gate, and a visit to the Mosel River for scenic views and optional boat cruises.

Returning to Frankfurt, the tour wraps up with a walk through the city’s historic Römerberg square, giving travelers a taste of Germany’s vibrant core.

What Travelers Are Saying

The overall rating of 4.0 from five reviews indicates solid satisfaction, especially with the guided tours and the variety of destinations. One traveler called it a “truly memorable experience,” praising the good hotels and relaxed travel pace.

However, another review pointed out that the tour is more of a quick overview, with “adding at least an hour of travel daily” and limited time at each site. This suggests that those seeking in-depth exploration might find the schedule a bit rushed.

How Well Is the Value?

The tour costs around $2,798 per person, which seems reasonable given the scope—covering 11 countries with guided sightseeing, transportation, and breakfasts included. The value increases if you’re interested in seeing many key sights without the hassle of self-planning or booking multiple accommodations.

Practical Considerations

The tour’s pace means it’s suited for travelers comfortable with a busy schedule and group travel. The accommodation is a minimum of 3-star and in decent locations, providing a good base to explore each city. Keep in mind that entrance fees and some optional activities are extra, so budget for those.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal if you want to see a broad swath of Europe in a short time, and you’re comfortable with moving quickly. It’s particularly good for first-timers who want a guided overview and don’t want to worry about logistics.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning from guides and exploring iconic landmarks, you’ll find this tour very rewarding. But if you prefer more time in each city or detailed, in-depth visits, you might find the schedule a bit packed.

FAQ

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the itinerary includes mostly sightseeing and walking. Children comfortable with long days and group travel should be okay, but keep in mind the pace and the amount of walking involved.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes accommodation in minimum 3-star hotels with private facilities, daily continental breakfasts, transportation on modern coaches, and the services of an experienced tour manager. Entrance fees and optional activities are extra.

Can I customize my experience?
Most activities are scheduled, but there are optional excursions—like gondola rides or evening shows—that you can choose to join. However, the core itinerary is fixed.

When should I book?
On average, travelers book about 155 days in advance. Early booking helps secure a spot and possibly better rates.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses modern, air-conditioned coaches, which makes long drives more pleasant, though the schedule can be tight.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. The itinerary involves quite a bit of walking and sightseeing, so it’s better suited for older children and adults.

How much free time will I have?
Most days are packed with guided tours, but there is some free time in cities like Milan, Venice, and Paris, where you can explore or relax on your own.

What about tipping and extra expenses?
A mandatory tip of €10 per person per day will be collected by the tour manager. Budget for extra costs like meals not included, entrance fees, souvenirs, and optional activities.

Final Thoughts

This 21-day tour offers an ambitious and practical way to experience some of the most iconic sights and cities across Europe. It’s particularly attractive for travelers who want to see a lot without the stress of planning, thanks to guided commentary, organized transportation, and comfortable hotels.

While the pace is brisk and some might find the days a bit full, many travelers will appreciate the value for money and the opportunity to tick off multiple countries in one trip. The tour strikes a good balance between sightseeing and culture, making it a solid choice for first-time visitors eager to get an overview of Europe’s highlights.

If you’re comfortable with group travel, looking for an efficient way to see many cities, and enjoy guided tours that enrich your understanding, this could be the right tour for you. Just pack your energy and a sense of adventure—you’ll leave with plenty of stories and snapshots from one of Europe’s most comprehensive journeys.