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    The original grand tour reimagined

    People in the 17th and 18th centuries certainly knew how to travel. The term ‘grand tour’ originally referred to trips undertaken by the British nobility and wealthy landed gentry when they came of age. They would head across the continent in search of cultural enlightenment visiting galleries, museums and ancient ruins and attending concerts and social engagements.

    Considered by many to be a rite of passage, these epic trips could last between several months and a few years. While holiday allowances today tend not to allow for quite such lengthy tours, we can put together a trip that is no less grand and just as indulgent.

    With much of Europe connected by land borders and the rest accessible by boat rides or short flights, Europe is the perfect place for an epic voyage. You can be drifting along Venice’s Grand Canal one day, then hiking through the mountains of Slovenia the next.

    For those after a dose of history and culture, the ruins of ancient Greece and Italy await, while art lovers can get lost in Paris‘ museums and galleries and wander through the architectural gems that are scattered all across Spain. Outdoor lovers will relish the opportunity to explore the mountains and spas of Switzerland, the Norwegian Fjords and the coastline of Portugal and when it comes to relaxing, the Greek and Croatian islands are hard to beat.

    Every day in Europe brings a different adventure, and we can tailor-make your trip to perfectly suit your interests, whether it’s a short week-long adventure or longer, more in-depth itinerary spanning a few months.

    From our experts

    Experiences picked by our destination specialists

    Eat well in Rome, Naples and Florence

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    Taste some of Italy’s best dishes in Rome, Naples and Florence

    Island-hop around Greece

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    Island hop around some of Greece‘s most stunning islands

    Ride a bike through Amsterdam

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    Do as the Dutch do and explore Amsterdam by bike

    Take afternoon tea in London

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    Experience afternoon tea in some of London‘s most quintessential locations

    Drink wine in Champagne, the Douro and Bordeaux

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    Enjoy some of Europe’s best wine in Champagne, The Douro Valley and Bordeaux

    Walk the capitals: Dublin, Berlin, Lisbon and Madrid

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    Explore some of the continent’s most vibrant capitals, including Dublin, Berlin, Lisbon and Madrid

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    A word from one of our experts

    With such diverse scenery, culture, food and experiences, Europe is the perfect playground for a grand tour. It's home to some of the best beaches for moments of relaxation, exciting cities full of rich history and culture, and some of the best food and drink in the world. No two trips could ever be the same, but one thing is for sure with any trip to Europe - you'll make memories to last a lifetime.

    Melania Siriu headshot
    Melania Siriu

    Senior Travel Designer

    Luxury accommodation in Europe

    There are many incredible places to stay in Europe. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

    London

    Rosewood London
    With its beautiful architecture, fascinating history and cosmopolitan buzz, London really does tick all the boxes. Enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer with a stay at The Rosewood London; located in an Edwardian Grade II listed building, its grand stonework and stunning facade indicative of what lies within. The hotel is located on High Holborn, one of the capital’s most historic thoroughfares. You’re ideally situated to explore the heart of the city with Covent Garden, the City and the West End on your doorstep. When you’re not out exploring, relax in one of the 262 rooms or 44 suites complete with bespoke furnishings, marble bathrooms and Nespresso coffee machines. The rich history of both the city and the hotel is reflected in its design which marries together a traditional manor house feel with modern British style. Guests enter the hotel through a impressive archway which leads to a grand Edwardian courtyard. The rose bronze gallery links the hotel’s public spaces and the spectacular Renaissance-style marble staircase winds its way through all seven storeys. Sit back and enjoy the innovative cuisine in the dining room with its reclaimed oak, antique mirrors and red leather banquettes. The mirror room is a dazzling delight and here you can indulge in the most British of traditions, afternoon tea. One room sure to get you talking is Scarfes Bar; here the walls are covered in the artwork of Gerald Scarfe, acclaimed British artist and political cartoonist for the Sunday Times for 44 years. The terrace, with seasonal planting and lush greenery, is a real oasis of calm and the heated benches mean you can sit and soak up the atmosphere no matter what the weather is doing. The streets of London are just begging to be explored and you have the National Gallery, Charles Dickens museum and the British Museum are just a stone’s throw away and the Tate Modern across the Thames. The glitz and glamour of the West End is calling so be sure to catch a show at one of the city’s many magical theatres.
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    Why book with Jacada?

    Personalised design illustration image

    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

    Authentic experiences illustration image

    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your European grand tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Where to go

    Barcelona thumbnail

    Barcelona

    Catering to every type of traveller, from romantic honeymooners, all-night partiers and beach lovers to art aficionados, foodies, fashionistas and culture hunters, you haven’t really seen Spain without a few days caught up here.

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    Bordeaux

    Dubbed “the very essence of elegance” by none other than Queen Elizabeth II on her 1992 visit, Bordeaux city shines bright with a grandiose 18th-century harmony epitomised in the beautifully restored neoclassical architecture of its port.

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    Cappadocia

    Best experienced from a suspended basket, swaying in a cloth of milky clouds at dawn, or within the ghostly cities, tunnelled under the soft ground, Cappadocia is sure to leave even the most experienced traveller dumbfounded.

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    Champagne

    Just a few hours northeast of Paris, you’ll find the sweeping, lush vineyards of Champagne, best known for its sparkling white wine production that bears the region’s name.

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    Crete

    The island also has a wealth of natural beauty and some of the country’s best beaches.

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    Douro Valley

    The Douro River winds its way from the north of Spain, along the Portuguese border and eastward to Porto where it meets the sea. It is most famous for its port, a sweet brandy fortified wine that must originate in this valley to be considered the genuine article.

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    Dubrovnik

    Glimmering on the Adriatic coast, enchanting Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most up-market destination. Lauded by George Bernard Shaw as “Paradise on Earth”, the city delights with its Mediterranean-style culture and the marbled streets of its UNESCO World Heritage old town.

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    Florence

    Surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills, the beautiful city of Florence is one of Europe’s most enchanting and historically influential cities. If anywhere in the world can claim to have shaped modern Western consciousness, it is Florence’s grand piazzas and palazzos.

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    Istanbul

    Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, the boundary between Europe and Asia.

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    Lake Como

    Lake Como has been a popular retreat since the time of the Roman Empire, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. Everyone from aristocrats to A-listers flock to its shores to enjoy its tranquil waters and beautiful lakeside towns and villas.

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    Lisbon

    Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm.

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    Madrid

    When conjuring up an image of Madrid, envisage a beating heart placed squarely at the country’s centre. The Spanish capital is bursting with life and passion and through its well planned streets course Madrilenos, the city’s inhabitants who really know how to live.

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    Mykonos

    Mykonos might be one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades complex but it makes up for it in character. Its reputation as a glamorous party destination has stuck since the 50s and while it’s true people here know how to have a good time, the island is incredibly beautiful, its beaches and secluded corners offering refuge to those who seek it.

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    Paris

    A city trapped in the 19th century, dazzling visitors to this day with its charming cityscape. Paris is seductive, stunning whatever the weather, and above all, timeless.

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    Porto

    Portugal‘s second city is one of Europe’s most charming. Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colourful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars, more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name.

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    Romania

    The Danube River flows in the south of the country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe.

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    Rome

    Rome, Italy’s capital and largest city, needs little introduction. One of the most historied locations in the world, we can help you discover its incredible past with a luxury trip focused around expert guided tours and local insight.

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    Santorini

    Sheer cliffs hundreds of metres high shield coves and beaches made up of red, white and black sand, while pretty villages of limewashed cubic houses creep up the sides, nestled into every nook and cranny.

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    Seville

    With the Greek demi-god of Hercules as its mythical founder, Seville was pre-destined to be be great.

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    Split

    Dramatically located between pine-strewn mountains and the turquoise sea, the city’s roots stretch right back to ancient Greek colonists and the Roman Emperor Diocletian who retired here in a suitably large palace.

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    The Amalfi Coast

    Draped along the cliffs on the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, between Salerno and the city of Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic and glamorous spots in Italy.

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    Venice

    Sat within a shallow lagoon between the mouths of Po and Piave rivers, Venice is formed of 118 islands formed by some 170 canals connected by over 400 bridges. The entire city is considered a World Heritage Site, an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building may contain works by some of the Europe’s greatest artists.

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    Meet your Europe team

    When to visit

    Europe has such a diverse landscape that it’s hard to pick one time of year to visit. Each destination has a different charm during different seasons, but one thing is for sure – you’ll be delighted no matter when you visit. Spain and Italy are fantastic over the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

    Head to Greece from April to June and September to October to escape the intense heat of mid-summer. The weather in Portugal is ideally suited to outdoor activities from May to June and in September. While France offers sunny weather from June to August and then milder temperatures until October. Norway’s short summer from June to August offers you the longest and warmest days but if you are looking for winter activities and the northern lights, aim for March.

    Spring

    March - May

    Summer sun

    June - August

    Winter snow

    October - March

    The Best Time to Travel to Europe

    The Best Time to Travel to Europe

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    Plan your grand tour to Europe

    Whatever you want from your tailor-made European grand tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Start Planning

    Don't take our word for it

    Your trip, your story

    We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

    Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

    Where would you like to travel?
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