European Odyssey Madrid to Budapest - 17 Days

Welcome to vibrant Madrid! Upon your arrival at the airport, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel. Once settled in, you're free to unwind until the tour kicks off. Please check the hotel reception area for details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we will take you to explore the bustling atmosphere of Plaza Mayor and La Latina, a renowned area famous for its lively nightlife and delightful tapas restaurants. You can choose a dining experience that suits your taste � from Indian and Chinese to authentic Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisines. Enjoy your first night diving into the cultural richness and culinary delights that Madrid offers. 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.

Today, begin your day with a guided exploration of central Madrid, where we'll delve into the city�s rich and vibrant culture. Our tour will cover renowned landmarks such as the Paseo del Prado, famous for its cultural and artistic significance, as well as Cibeles and Neptuno, iconic fountains of the city. We'll continue to the grand Puerta de Alcal� and the bustling Plaza de Col�n, eventually reaching the historic Plaza Mayor, a central focal point for Madrid since the 17th century.

Following our city discovery, we�ll unwind at Retiro Park, a serene green haven in the heart of Madrid. Here, you can enjoy the tranquil lake and admire the stunning Palacio de Cristal, a unique architectural gem.

The next highlight is a visit to the Santiago Bernab�u Stadium, the legendary home of Real Madrid football club. With included admission, you�ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world�s most celebrated sports arenas.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Whether you choose to explore more of the city, relax in a quaint caf�, or engage in shopping, the choice is entirely yours. In the evening, we'll arrange your transfer back to the hotel.

On the morning of day three, we set off towards Aragon, travelling through the picturesque landscapes of Castile. Our first destination is Zaragoza, where you will have the opportunity to marvel at the extraordinary Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a site of immense cultural significance. Following this, we proceed to the tranquil Poblet Abbey, one of the finest examples of medieval monastic architecture in Europe, with admission included. Our day culminates with our arrival in the vibrant city of Barcelona by the evening.

In the morning, we immerse ourselves in Barcelona, often referred to as the City of Counts. This lively city, perched by the Mediterranean Sea, is celebrated for its modernist architecture by Gaud�, the lively Las Ramblas, and a storied past that includes the Universal Exposition and the Olympic Games. Barcelona holds a reputation as one of Europe's most enchanting and intriguing capitals. Later in the day, we depart Barcelona, heading north through Catalonia. En route, we'll take time to explore Girona, a city known for its vibrant historic centre, charming Jewish quarter, and striking cathedral. You�ll have time to wander through its colourful streets before we settle into our hotel for the night.

Today, we set off towards France, travelling through the picturesque Provence region. Our first stop is the charming city of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famously associated with Vincent van Gogh. During your time here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city at your leisure, perhaps visiting its remarkable Roman theatre and serene Romanesque churches, while also finding a spot for lunch.

In the afternoon, we'll journey on to Carri�res des Lumi�res, where an extraordinary underground art exhibition awaits. This immersive experience in an ancient quarry combines art, sound, and images to stunning effect. Later, we continue to Chamb�ry, the delightful capital of Savoie. This city, with its medieval charm, extraordinary historic centre, and impressive castle, welcomes us for the evening. Should entry to Carri�res des Lumi�res not be possible, an alternative visit to the iconic Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct, will be arranged.

Rest assured, each part of the journey promises distinct experiences and indelible memories.

On the sixth day of our journey, we set off for Switzerland, where our first stop is Geneva. Accompanied by our guide, we'll visit the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque English Garden to admire the famed flower clock and the impressive Jet d�Eau, Europe's tallest fountain. Our journey continues to the quaint, fortified town of Gruy�res, internationally known for its eponymous cheese. Here, you're in for a delightful visit to the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory, where you'll partake in a delicious tasting session.

We then travel through scenic routes, passing idyllic mountain vistas and traditional wooden villages on our way to Chillon Castle, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. Admission to this historic fortress is included. By mid-afternoon, we'll reach Leysin, a charming holiday resort offering spectacular views of the Rh�ne Valley and Mont Blanc. Leysin is well-regarded for winter sports and hiking opportunities. Dinner is included this evening as you relax and enjoy the mountainous surroundings. Please note, if accommodation in Leysin is unavailable, you may be staying in another charming Swiss mountain town, such as Martigny.

Today we journey through Switzerland's breathtaking mountain scenery, so remember to dress warmly. Our adventure begins with a cable car ride up to Glacier 3000, one of the most awe-inspiring spots in the country. This alpine destination, blanketed in ice and snow throughout the year, offers unique experiences such as walking on the bridge suspended between two mountain peaks, discovering the fascinating Ice Cathedral, or enjoying the activities at the Fun Park. After this, we'll pause in Interlaken for lunch before proceeding to Lucerne, a city celebrated for its stunning beauty. In the evening, we arrive in Zurich, where you'll have some free time to explore the city's vibrant centre before checking in at the hotel. Please note that if weather conditions are unfavourable or in case of unforeseen events, the Glacier 3000 cable car may be closed, and an equally spectacular alternative experience will be provided to appreciate the alpine landscapes.

Departing from Zurich in the early morning, we traverse the stunning Alpine landscapes into the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, stopping first at Bellinzona. This city is famed for its trio of medieval castles, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which stand proudly overlooking the town. You'll have some free time to explore the charming historic centre. Continuing our journey, we cross the border into Italy, pausing in the delightful town of Como for lunch. Renowned as the jewel of Lombardy, Como captivates with its exquisite lakeside gardens and magnificent cathedral. Afterwards, we head towards Milan. Upon arrival, our guide will introduce you to the striking Piazza del Duomo, allowing you some leisure time to explore at your own pace before we transfer you to your hotel.

Today, we continue our journey to the illustrious city of Pisa. Upon arrival, we'll take a delightful small tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli. Here, you'll have the chance to marvel at one of Italy's most remarkable and stunning art complexes, featuring the world-renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa. After soaking in the architectural splendour, we'll set off for Rome, reaching the Eternal City later in the day.

In the morning, we will embark on a captivating three-hour guided tour of Rome, often referred to as the Eternal City. This excursion combines a walking exploration of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride, allowing you to discover one of the most historic and influential cities in Western civilisation. Our tour will encompass iconic landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant'Angelo. The tour concludes around 11:00 a.m. in Vatican City�an independent state within Rome and the centre of the Catholic Church.

Following the panoramic tour, our guide will offer you an optional visit to delve deeper into the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. You'll have the afternoon free to explore the city as you wish. As the day draws to a close, we'll head over to Trastevere, a lively district known for its charming restaurants and vibrant atmosphere, before returning to the hotel at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Today, we depart Rome and make our way north through picturesque Italian landscapes. Our first destination is Florence, known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Upon arrival, we'll head straight to Piazzale Michelangelo for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. From here, we stroll towards the historic centre, where you'll find time for a leisurely lunch. Afterwards, a local expert will guide us on a walking tour, taking us to iconic landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio, the majestic Duomo, and the lively Piazza della Signoria. You'll then have some free time to explore Florence at your own pace. As evening approaches, the area offers a plethora of dining options, with restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines to suit every palate.

Today, we will journey across the Apennines, taking in the breathtaking mountain landscapes as we make our way to Venice. Upon arrival, we will embark on a scenic boat ride across the Giudecca Canal to the enchanting Island of Venice. Here, accompanied by a local guide, we'll explore the iconic St. Mark�s Square, renowned for its impressive architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Following this, our itinerary includes a visit to the Murano Glass Factory, where you will witness the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating the world-famous Murano glass. After the tour, you'll have some free time to delve into the charm of Venice at your leisure. Our accommodation for the night will be in the Mestre district, a convenient base for further exploration.

Today, we depart Venice and head towards the beauty of Austria. Our first stop is the charming city of Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol. You'll have an opportunity to wander through its historic city centre and enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst its stunning alpine backdrop. From there, we continue our journey along picturesque roads through the mountains, arriving at the delightful village of Kitzb�hel. Known for its world-famous ski resorts, this quaint village provides a peek into an area where snow is a near-permanent feature. Finally, we make our way to Salzburg by the end of the day, ready for new adventures. Please note that if traveller numbers are low, we may opt for a scenic train journey instead, starting from Venice all the way to Innsbruck.

Today, we will delve into the heart of Austria, beginning our day in Salzburg, famously known as the city of Mozart. With its stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture, the city�s historic centre is both picturesque and captivating, all presided over by the impressive fortress above. As the morning unfolds, you'll explore the charm of this cultural gem. In the afternoon, we head towards the beautiful Alpine landscapes, travelling through lakes and mountains to reach St. Wolfgang, a notable pilgrimage destination. Next, we journey to Traunkirchen, which graces the shores of the stunning Traunsee Lake. Here, we�ll enjoy a leisurely cruise, offering views of four of the lake�s magnificent castles before docking in Gmunden, a quaint town known for its charming ceramics and beautiful setting. Our day concludes with a scenic drive to Vienna, where we will arrive in the evening, ready to embrace the wonders of Austria's capital.

Today, we delve into the grandeur of Vienna with a guided panoramic tour. We explore the city's majestic avenues, ornate palaces, and expansive parks, immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of the city centre. In the afternoon, you�ve got the freedom to discover more of Vienna at your own pace. Later, we whisk you away to the Grinzing district, a charming area known for its traditional wine taverns. Here, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere and savour the local cuisine at your leisure.

We�ll set off for Budapest, Hungary�s vibrant capital, which is a three-hour journey from Vienna. Upon arrival, you�ll have some time to explore and enjoy lunch at the buzzing V�ci utca, a popular street renowned for its lively atmosphere and array of shops and cafes. Following lunch, we�ll embark on a scenic boat excursion along the Danube River. This offers a unique vantage point to see historic Buda on one side and the modern bustle of Pest on the other�truly an unforgettable sight. Afterwards, we�ll continue with a panoramic tour of the city, known as the "Queen of the Danube," where you�ll be able to appreciate Budapest�s charming architecture and rich history. The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover the city at your leisure. In the evening, you may choose to join an optional outing that includes a traditional Magyar show and dinner.

As the sun rises over Budapest, savour your final breakfast while reflecting on the memorable adventures you've experienced. This marks the conclusion of our journey, leaving you with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories from the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures we've explored together. Safe travels as you continue on your next adventure.