European highlights itinerary

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Visit the world’s most iconic structure of the modern day, the Eiffel Tower in Paris. There are 2 ways to scale the tower. For those after a challenge, climb the 704 steps while enjoying fantastic views across the French capital. For the less sporty, the 3 lifts will whisk you to the top in a flash. Visit by day or night for altogether different experiences. Combine a visit to the iron lattice tower with dinner and a glass of something nice at a restaurant along the River Seine.

Top attractions in Paris: Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Orsay Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Père Lachaise Cemetery, The Moulin Rouge, Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France

The Palace of Versailles was the main residence of the royal family from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789. It remains a symbol of the flamboyance of France during that period and many consider it one of the finest achievements of French art. Explore the palace rooms, including Louis XI's luxuriously-decorated bedroom. And stroll around the well-kept gardens and admire Marie Antoinette's whimsical estate – her beloved escape from the ceremony of royal life.

Top attractions in Versailles: The Royal Chapel.

Anne Frank statue, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Step into the Secret Annexe of Anne Frank and her family, located in the heart of Amsterdam. The Anne Frank Museum offers interviews of Anne's father Otto, who survived his family, as well as footage of the impact of WWII in Amsterdam. Located on the Prinsengracht, one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals, you’ll understand why Anne was so desperate to peek out at Dutch life through the tiny attic window.

Top attractions in Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum, Rijks Museum, Rembrandt House Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Red Light District, Vondel Park.

Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, Germany

Checkpoint Charlie was the most well-known border crossing between East and West Berlin for the 28 years that the Berlin Wall divided the capitalist west from the communist bloc in the east. Little remains of the 28-mile (45km) long wall, except Checkpoint Charlie which serves as a reminder of the Cold War. The Berlin Wall Museum recounts the history of the wall and includes stories of the weird and wonderful ways people tried to escape.

Top attractions in Berlin: East Side Gallery, Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace, Reichstag, Holocaust Memorial, Potsdamer Platz, Kunsthaus Tacheles.

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

A highlight of a visit to Prague is the adorable Charles Bridge. It has two distinct personalities: by day it's heaving with crowds and by dawn and dusk it's at its most serene. We recommend you go for the latter so you can enjoy the fairy-tale views over Castle Hill in peace. The fourteenth-century bridge crosses the River Vltava and connects more modern Prague with the old town. Climb the 138 steps of the Old Town Bridge Tower for a bird's eye view of Charles Bridge.

Top attractions in Prague: Prague Castle, St Vitus' Cathedral, Kafka House.

Sound of Music Tour, Salzburg, Austria

The Austrian hills are indeed alive with the Sound of Music! Book yourself onto a tour of the key locations of the much loved Hollywood movie through the breathtaking scenery of Salzburg and its surrounding lake district. Along the way discover the fascinating facts and fiction of the Von Trapp family. The Sound of Music Museum in the center of the city offers interactive displays and memorabilia from the 1965 movie.

Top attractions Salzburg: Mozart´s Birthplace, Mozart´s Residence, Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Füssen, Germany

Visit one of the most photographed castles in the world, Neuschwanstein Castle, built in the nineteenth century by Ludvig II, the King of Bavaria. The castle sits atop a rugged hill, surrounded by thick alpine forest and glistening lakes – the stuff that fairytales are made of. Cross the Mariebrücke Bridge for the most magical view of the castle upon which Walt Disney based his Cinderella castle.

Top attractions in Füssen: Hohenschwangen Castle.

Gondola ride, Venice, Italy

If you're in search of an affair of the heart, Venice is sure to reel you in with its artistic setting and labyrinth of enchanting canals. The best way to taste Venice's riches is aboard the iconic gondola. As you're propelled along the Grand Canal – the most ancient water throughfare in Venice – admire views of grand Renaissance palaces, intricate arch bridges and get soaked up in the hustle and bustle that filtrates this Italian city.

Top attractions in Venice: San Marco Basilica, Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, Campanile (viewing tower).

Statue of David, Florence, Italy

Michaelangelo's statue of David is by far one of the most recognized sculptures on the planet and an absolute must-see on a trip to the renaissance Italian city of Florence. The original is housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia with a replica standing in Piazza della Signoria. This renaissance masterpiece represents the biblical hero David, is made of marble and stands at an astounding 17 ft (5.17m).

Top attractions in Florence: Il Duomo, Ponte Vecchio (bridge), Galileo Museum, Uffizi Gallery.

Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Rome’s Colosseum was the largest ever built in the Roman Empire and is regarded as one of the greatest examples of Roman architecture. Its outer walls are surrounded by a constant circulation of traffic, so it’s only when you step into the core of the Colloseum that you can really imagine the Roman amphitheater buzzing from the chanting crowds, as barborous fighting between gladiators took place.

Top attractions in Rome: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Roman Forum.

St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

St Peter's Basilica (Basilica Papale di San Pietro) dominates the skyline of the Vatican City – the tiny sovereign city-state situated within Italy's capital Rome. A visit to the world's largest church guarantees infinite works of art, opulent frescoes and elaborate glass windows. Climb up to the dome for fantastic views of St Peter's Square and its surroundings. Most Wednesday mornings the Pope holds the Papal Audience in the main square – book tickets in advance.

Top attractions in the Vatican City: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens, Castel Sant'Angelo.

Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco

The Monte Carlo Casino, a key location in a number of James Bond movies, truly signifies the style and glamour that has put Monaco on the map. It provides the main source of income that keeps the House of Grimaldi and the Monaco economy dripping in wealth. It's worth paying the €10 entry fee, to get a glimpse of the gaming rooms richly decorated with frescoes, paintings and sculptures. Watch over the gaming tables or even put some money down yourself.

Top attractions in Monaco: Monaco Grand Prix circuit, Oceanographic Museum, Prince's Palace, Monaco Cathedral (resting place of Princess Grace of Monaco).

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia is one of Europe's most recognizable architectural masterpieces. It's also the world's most famous unfinished building – work on the Roman Catholic church began in 1882 and is still going on. It's dazzling façade and complex detail are evidence of Gaudí's unique vision. The structure has been described as "the most extraordinary personal interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages."

Top attractions in Barcelona: Las Ramblas, FC Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium, Park Güell, Picasso Museum