Europe: The Grand Tour

Explore the historic site of the Battle of Waterloo. Waterloo, a Belgian town south of Brussels, is famous for the final defeat of Napoleon I on June 18, 1815. Beside the battlefield, begin with a guided visit to the multimedia Memorial Museum, exploring the history of the famous battle through uniforms, historical items, animated maps, a pioneering 3D film, and more. Step inside “The Panorama” for an immersive encounter with the battle scene as you stand surrounded by the huge fresco, painted in 1912 by Louis Dumoulin. Discover the Lion’s Mound, climbing 226 steps to take in a grand view of the battlefield from the monument. If you choose, explore Hougoumont Farm, the historic farmhouse on the grounds that was the scene of “the battle within the battle” on that day in 1815.

Follow the Alsace Wine Route on an excursion featuring a wine tasting at a local winery and a guided walk in Obernai, the tranquil town in the heart of Alsace. Travel from Strasbourg along the picturesque wine route, soaking in the gorgeous landscapes as a local guide shares commentary about this culturally diverse region. Visit an Alsace winery and savor a tasting of the local wines. The region is known for its noble, aromatic grape varieties producing floral and peachy white wines. Then, visit Obernai, a town that has retained its traditional character, with medieval defenses and half-timbered houses. Join a local guide on a walking tour of this fairy-tale setting and enjoy some time to explore on your own before returning to Strasbourg.

Enjoy a special after-hours, audio-guided tour of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. The largest palace in Austria, it was the summer home of the Habsburg emperors. Away from the crowds, discover rooms filled with paintings, sculpture, and tapestries. Your tour concludes in the breathtaking Great Gallery, a Rococo masterpiece of gilt décor, ceiling frescos, and chandeliers. Then, the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra awaits you in the Orangery with a concert of music from Mozart and Johann Strauss, as well as vocal performances. A truly unforgettable evening.