European Odyssey From Barcelona to Vienna - 14 Days

Upon your arrival in Barcelona, we will arrange for your transfer to the hotel. You'll then have some leisure time to settle in and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, make sure to check the information boards at the hotel reception for details about the start of your tour. Enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere as you prepare for the exciting journey ahead. 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.

In the morning, we'll set off to explore Barcelona, a city steeped in history and renowned for its unique blend of modernist architecture and vibrant street life. As we tour the City of Counts, you'll encounter highlights such as the imaginative works of Gaudí, the lively Rambla, and sites from the city's hosting of the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. Barcelona stands out as one of Europe's most captivating capitals. Later in the day, we'll bid farewell to Barcelona as we journey north into Catalonia. Upon reaching Girona, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll through its historic centre, which is famed for its vividly coloured houses, ancient Jewish quarter, and majestic cathedral.

Today, we set off on a picturesque journey through the Provence region in France, with our first destination being the quaint town of Arles. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arles is steeped in history and carries the legacy of Van Gogh. Here, we can stroll around the Roman theatre and admire its charming Romanesque churches, with enough time to explore the area and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Our next stop is the mesmerising Carrières de Lumières, an unusual artistic venue set within an ancient quarry. This underground space offers an incredible blend of imagery and sound, providing a truly immersive art experience. As the day draws to a close, we will arrive in Chambéry, the scenic capital of Savoy. This enchanting city, with its medieval character and stunning historic centre, alongside its grand castle, promises a delightful evening.

Please note that if tickets for Carrières de Lumières are unavailable, we will provide an alternative visit to the celebrated Pont du Gard, a remarkable Roman aqueduct.

We begin our journey by departing Chambéry and crossing into Switzerland, where we'll arrive in Geneva. With our knowledgeable guide, we'll visit the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. As we explore, we'll admire the picturesque English Garden, home to the flower clock, and marvel at the Jet d'Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. Continuing our adventure, we'll head towards the enchanting, fortified village of Gruyères. This delightful destination is famous worldwide for its exceptional cheese. Additionally, nearby are some of Switzerland's major chocolate factories, including the renowned Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory, where you'll enjoy a delightful tasting.

Our journey proceeds along scenic routes through picturesque mountain landscapes and charming wooden villages, culminating in a visit to Chillon Castle, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. Admission is included for this stunning medieval fortress. By mid-afternoon, we'll reach Leysin, a charming holiday village offering spectacular views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc. Leysin is a popular destination for winter sports and boasts excellent hiking opportunities. Dinner will be included in Leysin. Please note that accommodation may occasionally be arranged in another charming Swiss town nestled in the Alps, such as Martigny, subject to availability.

Our day begins with awe-inspiring mountain vistas, so remember to bundle up in your winter attire. Today, we ascend to Glacier 3000 via cable car, one of Switzerland's most breathtaking locations. Here, you can traverse the suspended bridge connecting two mountain peaks, delve into the intriguing Ice Cathedral, or enjoy some fun at the park. After our snowy adventure, we'll pause in Interlaken to enjoy lunch before setting off to Lucerne, celebrated as one of Switzerland's most picturesque cities. As evening falls, we reach Zurich, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city centre before we proceed to our hotel. Please note, in the event of adverse weather or unexpected circumstances, the Glacier 3000 cable car may not operate; however, we will ensure an equally spectacular alternative to savour the Alpine scenery.

We will depart from Zurich early, crossing the scenic Alps to reach Switzerland's Italian-speaking region. Our first destination is Bellinzona, famous for its trio of medieval castles, perched on the hills and recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These fortifications underscore Bellinzona’s historical importance as a key alpine stronghold. You will have free time to explore the charming town centre.

Continuing our journey, we will enter Italy and reach the picturesque town of Como in time for lunch. Known as the jewel of Lombardy, Como is renowned for its enchanting lakeside gardens and a magnificent cathedral, offering a delightful spot to unwind. Our final stop of the day is Milan, where our guide will introduce you to the grand Piazza del Duomo. You’ll have some time to stroll around before we transfer you to your hotel.

We journey onwards to Pisa today, where we’ll hop on a delightful little tourist train that will whisk us to the Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Square of Miracles. Here, you’ll have the chance to marvel at one of Italy’s most striking and renowned architectural ensembles, including the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. After we've taken in these captivating sights, we’ll continue our adventure to Rome, reaching the city later in the day.

In the morning, we explore the captivating history of Rome with a comprehensive three-hour guided tour of one of the world's most ancient cities. This experience combines a walking tour through the heart of Imperial Rome with a bus ride, unveiling the city's historical gems. We'll visit iconic landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, as well as the Circus Maximus and the Baths of Caracalla. Our journey continues with visits to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the striking Pyramid of Cestius, and the fortified Castel Sant'Angelo. The tour concludes at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m., where our guide will introduce an optional excursion to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, should you wish to delve deeper into the religious and artistic heritage of this remarkable enclave. As evening approaches, we'll take you to the vibrant Trastevere district, renowned for its inviting restaurants and lively ambience, before returning to the hotel around 8:30 p.m.

As we say farewell to Rome, we head north through Italy's enchanting countryside towards Florence. Our first stop is the magnificent Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can take in panoramic views of this extraordinary city. From there, we stroll into the historic centre, finding our way through Florence’s rich array of sights. After lunch, we embark on a guided walking tour led by a local expert. We’ll explore iconic landmarks such as the Ponte Vecchio, the renowned Duomo, and lively Piazza della Signoria, all of which contribute to Florence’s reputation as an open-air museum. You'll have free time to wander at your own pace. As evening sets in, you'll find an array of dining options in this vibrant district, featuring diverse international cuisines to suit any palate.

Today we journey through the beautiful landscapes of the Apennines en route to Venice. Upon arrival, a boat ride will take us across the Giudecca Canal to the enchanting Island of Venice. With a local guide, we'll explore the magnificent St. Mark’s Square, a highlight of the city. Following our time in the square, we will tour the Murano Glass Factory, gaining insight into the ancient art of glassmaking. You'll have time afterwards to wander and discover Venice at your own pace. Accommodation for the night will be in the Mestre district.

Today, we make our way from Venice to the scenic landscapes of Austria. Our first destination is Innsbruck, a city nestled in the heart of the Alps. Here, you'll have time to explore the charming historic centre and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Afterward, we continue our journey through stunning mountainous roads to reach Kitzbühel, a picturesque village renowned for its ski resorts and year-round snowy vistas. You’ll have the opportunity to explore this delightful destination at your own pace. Our day concludes as we travel to Salzburg, arriving in the early evening, ready to soak in the city’s enchanting atmosphere. Please note that if our group is smaller in size, we may opt to travel by train from Venice to Innsbruck.

On day 12, we delve deeper into the wonders of Austria, beginning our morning in Salzburg, the enchanting city famed as Mozart’s birthplace. This city boasts a stunning Renaissance and Baroque centre, which elegantly rests beneath an imposing castle. After soaking in the cultural allure of Salzburg, we journey through scenic landscapes of lakes and mountains to St. Wolfgang, a treasured pilgrimage destination steeped in history. Our next stop is Traunkirchen, where we enjoy a scenic cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Traunsee, providing captivating views of its four majestic castles. The cruise concludes in the quaint town of Gmunden. Following our lake adventure, we continue to Vienna, arriving in the evening, ready to explore the charms of Austria’s grand capital.

On our thirteenth day, we will delve into the captivating allure of Vienna with a guided panoramic tour. As we traverse its grandiose avenues, admire regal palaces, and stroll through expansive parks, you'll sense the vibrancy that pervades this remarkable city. In the afternoon, you'll have the freedom to discover more of Vienna's treasures at your leisure. Later, we will journey to Grinzing, an area famed for its charming taverns and wine traditions. Here, you'll have the opportunity to unwind and savour a meal at one of the local establishments. After exploring this delightful quarter, you will return to the hotel in the evening.

Following breakfast, your unforgettable journey with us concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of all the experiences and sights you've enjoyed. We hope you've had an inspiring adventure and wish you safe and pleasant travels ahead.