European Odyssey Capitals and Countryside - 10 Days

Welcome to Madrid! Upon your arrival at the airport, we will ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel, allowing you some leisure time before the tour kicks off. You’ll find details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers on the information signs in the hotel reception area. In the evening, we’ll whisk you away to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, a vibrant district celebrated for its nightlife and tapas venues. Here, you are free to choose from a delightful array of dining options ranging from Indian and Chinese to Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisines. Enjoy your evening in this lively neighbourhood. 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.

On the second day of our journey, we begin our exploration of Madrid with a captivating tour through the heart of the city. We'll take in iconic sights such as the Paseo del Prado, the stunning fountain of Cibeles, the graceful statue at Neptuno, the historic Puerta de Alcalá, vibrant Plaza de Colón, and the lively Plaza Mayor. Our explorations continue with a visit to Retiro Park, a peaceful retreat in the midst of the bustling city—here you can admire the beautiful lake and the enchanting Palacio de Cristal. Adding a touch of football heritage to our itinerary, we'll include entry to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the revered home of Real Madrid, widely celebrated as one of the world's top football clubs.

The afternoon is yours to discover more of Madrid at your leisure—perhaps explore local museums, indulge in some shopping, or take in the local cafe culture. In the evening, we'll meet to return to the hotel, allowing you a chance to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.

We'll set off in the morning from Madrid, venturing into the historic region of Aragon, passing through the picturesque landscapes of Castile. Our first stop is Zaragoza, where you'll be captivated by the magnificent Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, an architectural gem considered a masterpiece of Baroque art. Continuing our journey, we'll visit the tranquil Poblet Abbey, renowned as one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries globally, where entry is included. Concluding the day's travels, we'll reach Barcelona by evening, allowing you to settle in and anticipate the adventures that await in this vibrant city.

On the morning of day four, we will set off to explore the vibrant city of Barcelona, affectionately known as the City of Counts. Set along the sparkling Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is celebrated for its modernist architecture by Gaudí, the lively atmosphere of Las Ramblas, and its rich history, including significant events like the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. Enjoy immersing yourself in one of Europe's most stunning and captivating cities. As the day winds down, we will leave Barcelona and head north into the beautiful region of Catalonia. Before reaching our hotel, we shall pause in Girona for a stroll through its historic centre. Here, you'll find an enchanting array of colourful houses, the old Jewish quarter, and the impressive cathedral.

Today, we venture into France, passing through the enchanting region of Provence. Our first stop is Arles, a charming UNESCO World Heritage city, famed for its association with the artist Van Gogh. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the Roman theatre and explore the quaint Romanesque churches. There will also be some free time for you to wander and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Next, we include a visit to Carrières des Lumières, an extraordinary underground art experience that captivates with dynamic displays of art, images, and sound, all set in an ancient quarry. We conclude our day by arriving in Chambéry, the picturesque capital of Savoy, known for its historic charm. This delightful city, with its medieval ambience and impressive castle, provides a beautiful setting for the evening. Please note, should the tickets for the Carrières des Lumières show be unavailable due to high demand, we will arrange a visit to the Pont du Gard, a renowned Roman aqueduct, as an alternative.

Today, our adventure takes us into the heart of Switzerland, beginning in the vibrant city of Geneva. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, we'll visit the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. Experience the beauty of the English Garden, famed for its intricate flower clock, and take in the sight of the Jet d’Eau – the tallest fountain in Europe.

Our journey then leads us to the picturesque village of Gruyères, a name synonymous worldwide with its exceptional cheese. Nearby, you’ll find some of Switzerland’s most renowned chocolate factories, including the renowned Maison Cailler. This tour includes a sweet treat—a delightful tasting experience there!

As we continue, the scenic route unfolds before us, winding through idyllic mountain landscapes and charming wooden villages until we reach the historic Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva's edge (entry included). This medieval fortress offers a fascinating insight into the area's rich history.

We'll conclude our day in the alpine village of Leysin by mid-afternoon, where you can soak in breathtaking views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc. Known for its winter sports and hiking trails, Leysin serves as our charming retreat for the evening. Dinner will be provided. Please note that depending on availability, we might stay in another equally delightful Swiss town nestled in the Alps, such as Martigny.

Today, prepare yourself for a day of awe-inspiring alpine scenery. Our adventure begins with a breathtaking cable car ride to Glacier 3000, a remarkable destination in Switzerland that remains covered in ice and snow throughout the year. Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience exhilarating activities such as walking on a suspension bridge between mountain peaks, exploring the enchanting Ice Cathedral, or enjoying the excitement of the Fun Park.

Following our high-altitude adventure, we will journey onwards to Interlaken for a leisurely lunch. This picturesque town, nestled between lakes and surrounded by mountains, offers a chance to relax and soak up the stunning views. After lunch, we'll continue to the charming city of Lucerne, renowned for its picturesque setting and historical architecture.

As the day progresses, we will make our way to Zurich, where you'll have some time to wander through the city centre and take in the lively atmosphere before we head to our hotel. Please note that in the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the Glacier 3000 cable car may be closed, and we will offer an equally spectacular alternative to ensure you still enjoy the magnificent alpine landscapes.

Leaving Zurich in the morning, we'll journey through the scenic landscapes of the French region of Alsace, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and charming villages. Our destination is Strasbourg, the enchanting capital of Alsace, which lies at the cultural crossroads of French and German influences. You'll have some leisure time to wander through the city's cobbled streets, perhaps visiting the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral or exploring its quaint canals and markets that capture the unique blend of cultures found here. Afterwards, we set off for the vibrant city of Paris, where we'll arrive in the evening, allowing you some free time to soak in the city's iconic atmosphere before we settle in for the night.

Today, we'll delve into the rich historical tapestry of the Palace of Versailles, famed for its splendid gardens (please note that admission is not included). After exploring the opulence of Versailles, we'll return to Paris and head to the bohemian quarter of Montmartre, well-known for its vibrant art scene, painters, and lively cabarets. To take in the grandeur of Paris, we'll embark on a panoramic city tour guided by a local expert, showcasing the city's magnificent avenues and renowned landmarks. Following the tour, we’ll return to the hotel. In the evening, there is an optional opportunity for you to experience a variety show should you wish to enhance your Parisian evening further.

We begin our day in the heart of Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. You’ll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this legendary iron structure, with tickets included in your tour. Following this, we’ll embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the River Seine, lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, offering a unique perspective of Paris’s landmarks from the water. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your leisure—whether it’s discovering hidden gems or revisiting beloved sights—as no return transfer to the hotel is arranged. Please note, if the queues at the Eiffel Tower are excessively long, we may adjust the timing of this visit to a more convenient period, potentially moving it to Sunday.

As our journey concludes, we trust you’ll depart with a treasure trove of wonderful memories. Please ensure you check your flight time to determine if an additional night’s stay might be required.