European Crossroads Culture, Cuisine, Beauty - 13 Days

Upon your arrival in the vibrant city of Madrid, we will be ready to transfer you smoothly to your hotel. Once settled, you can take advantage of some leisure time until the tour kicks off. Do keep an eye on the signs in the hotel lobby for details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we'll whisk you away to the lively Plaza Mayor and La Latina areas – famous for their bustling nightlife and delectable tapas restaurants. Whether your tastes lean towards Indian, Chinese, Spanish, or Middle Eastern cuisine, you're free to choose a restaurant that suits your preference for an enjoyable dinner outing. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Our second day in Madrid begins with a thorough exploration of the city’s vibrant heart. We'll journey through key highlights including the elegant Paseo del Prado, the iconic Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, and the grand Puerta de Alcalá. Our tour will also take us to Plaza de Colón and the historic Plaza Mayor. Following this, we will visit the lush Retiro Park, a serene escape in the bustling city, where you'll see the tranquil lake and the stunning Palacio de Cristal.

An exciting afternoon awaits with a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home ground of Real Madrid, a club often lauded as the finest in football history. Entry to the stadium is included, providing a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich footballing culture.

The rest of your afternoon is free for you to discover more of Madrid’s delights at your own pace. We will provide a transfer back to the hotel in the evening, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.

On the third day of our journey, we set off from Madrid and traverse the captivating landscapes of Castile as we head towards Aragon. Our first destination is Zaragoza, where we'll pay a visit to the impressive Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a prominent spiritual and architectural landmark. Following this, we travel to the serene setting of Poblet Abbey. As one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world, it provides a remarkable insight into monastic life, and your entry is included. In the evening, we continue our journey, arriving in the vibrant city of Barcelona ready to explore its many attractions.

In the morning, we set off to explore the City of Counts, a vibrant metropolis nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, renowned for its modernist architecture designed by the illustrious Gaudí, the bustling Ramblas, and a history richened by the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. Recognised as one of Europe's most captivating capitals, Barcelona offers an array of visual and cultural delights. As the day winds down, we leave Barcelona behind and journey north into Catalonia. Before settling in for the evening, we take a leisurely stroll through Girona's historical centre, famed for its colourful houses, the atmospheric old Jewish quarter, and its stunning cathedral. Our exploration of this charming city offers an insightful glimpse into its unique heritage.

We’ll set off for France today, traversing the scenic Provence region. Our first stop will be in Arles, a charming UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its connections to Van Gogh. Here, you can wander around the Roman theatre and the quaint Romanesque churches and enjoy some time to explore and have lunch at your own pace. Following this, we'll head to Carrières des Lumières, where an extraordinary underground art show awaits. In this ancient quarry, you'll experience a truly immersive display of art, images, and sound. By evening, we'll arrive in Chambéry, the captivating capital of Savoy, known for its medieval charm, well-preserved historic centre, and imposing castle. Please note that if Carrières des Lumières tickets are unavailable due to high demand, we'll visit the Pont du Gard—an iconic Roman aqueduct—instead.

Today, our journey takes us deeper into Switzerland as we arrive in the vibrant city of Geneva. With the guidance of our expert, we explore the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. Following this, we meander through the enchanting English Garden, famed for its floral clock, and marvel at the towering Jet d'Eau, Europe's tallest fountain. Our adventure continues to the quaint, fortified village of Gruyères, celebrated worldwide for its cheese. Nearby, Switzerland's renowned chocolate factories await, including the prestigious Maison Cailler. Here, you’ll indulge in a delectable chocolate tasting experience.

We then hit the road again, traversing scenic routes dotted with idyllic mountain landscapes and charming wooden villages. Our journey leads us to Chillon Castle, majestically nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva. Admission to explore this historical site is included. By mid-afternoon, we arrive in Leysin, a picturesque holiday village offering breathtaking views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc. Known for its winter sports and hiking opportunities, Leysin promises a relaxing retreat. This evening, dinner is provided.

Please note that accommodation might occasionally be arranged in another delightful Alpine town, such as Martigny, subject to availability.

Today, we'll embark on a journey through breathtaking Swiss alpine scenery, so be sure to dress warmly. Our adventure begins with a thrilling cable car ride to Glacier 3000, an awe-inspiring destination providing stunning views of ice and snow throughout the year. Here, you can choose to take a stroll on the suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks, explore the enchanting Ice Cathedral, or enjoy the Fun Park's attractions. Following this, we'll make a stop in Interlaken for lunch, allowing you to take in the region's natural beauty.

Later, we continue our travels to Lucerne, regarded as one of Switzerland's most picturesque cities, combining a tranquil lake setting with historic architecture. In the evening, we'll head to Zurich, where you'll have some free time to discover the city's vibrant centre before heading to the hotel for the night. Please note, should adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen events result in the closure of the Glacier 3000 cable car, we will arrange an equally impressive alternative, ensuring you enjoy the beauty of the alpine landscapes.

We'll depart from Zurich in the early morning, traversing the stunning Swiss Alps to arrive in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first destination is Bellinzona, famed for its trio of medieval castles that have earned a UNESCO World Heritage status. Set atop the hills, these castles serve as a testament to Bellinzona's historical importance as a strategic alpine stronghold. You'll have an opportunity to explore the quaint city streets and soak up the local atmosphere on your own. We then head to Italy, where we'll pause in the charming town of Como for lunch. Known as the jewel of Lombardy, Como invites you to admire its beautiful lakeside gardens and magnificent cathedral. Our journey continues to Milan, where our guide will introduce you to the impressive Piazza del Duomo. You'll have some time to explore the area before we escort you to your hotel for the evening.

Today, we continue our adventure by travelling to Pisa. On arrival, we'll take a charming little tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli, where you'll have the chance to marvel at one of Italy's most stunning art complexes, including the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. After soaking in the beauty of this remarkable site, we'll set off for Rome, where we'll arrive later in the day, ready to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of this extraordinary city.

Today, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of Rome, a city steeped in history and culture. Our morning begins with a three-hour guided tour of the Eternal City, a captivating blend of a walking tour through the heart of Imperial Rome and a panoramic bus journey to uncover the grandeur of this influential metropolis. Along the way, we'll witness iconic landmarks including the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, and the Circus Maximus. We'll also pass by the historic Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and the striking Pyramid of Cestius, rounding off with a stop at the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo.

Around 11:00 a.m., our tour will conclude at the Vatican City. Here, you can opt to delve deeper with a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel if you wish. Once your day’s explorations are complete, we’ll provide a transfer to the charming Trastevere neighbourhood, renowned for its lively atmosphere and cosy restaurants, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the local cuisine. We’ll make our way back to the hotel around 8:30 p.m., allowing you to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Today, we bid farewell to the historic city of Rome as we journey north through scenic landscapes to reach the artistic heart of Italy – Florence. Our first stop upon arrival will be the awe-inspiring Piazzale Michelangelo, offering panoramic views of the city. Following this, we'll make our way to the historic centre, where you'll have time for a leisurely lunch.

In the afternoon, a knowledgeable local guide will lead us on a walking tour through Florence's historic centre, highlighting iconic sights such as the Ponte Vecchio, the magnificent Duomo, and the vibrant Piazza della Signoria. Often described as an open-air museum, Florence is steeped in history and charm.

After the guided tour, you'll have some free time to wander and explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, you'll find a multitude of dining options, with a variety of international cuisines available to suit every palate.

Today, we traverse the picturesque Apennine mountains en route to the enchanting city of Venice. Upon arrival, we'll board a boat to cross the Giudecca Canal, taking us to the heart of Venice. Our exploration begins at the iconic St. Mark’s Square, guided by a local expert who will illuminate the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of this magical city. Continuing our Venetian adventure, we'll visit the famous Murano Glass Factory to witness the intriguing processes behind this renowned craft. Enjoy some free time to wander the charming streets at your own pace. Accommodation tonight will be in the Mestre district.

Following breakfast, our adventure concludes, leaving you with delightful and lasting memories of your time with us.