Majestic Journey through Madrid to Zurich - 8 Days

Welcome to Madrid! Upon your arrival at the airport, we’ll be ready to transfer you to your hotel. You'll have some free time to settle in until the tour officially begins. Be sure to check the information signs in the hotel reception area for details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, Madrid's vibrant hub famous for bustling nightlife and delightful tapas restaurants. You're free to choose where to dine, with a variety of cuisines available, including Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and Middle Eastern. 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, we begin our morning with an extensive tour of central Madrid. We will explore the city's iconic landmarks including the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and the historic Plaza Mayor. Continuing our journey, we will wander through Retiro Park, a lovely green retreat in the heart of the city, where we will visit the picturesque lake and admire the stunning Palacio de Cristal. Your visit also includes admission to the famous Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid – a must-see for any football enthusiast. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, offering a perfect opportunity to delve into Madrid's vibrant culture at your own pace. As evening falls, we will provide a return transfer to your hotel, allowing you to rest and reflect on a day well spent in this magnificent city.

Today, we depart from Madrid, venturing into the region of Aragon through the scenic landscapes of Castile. Our first stop is Zaragoza, where we'll marvel at the magnificent Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. Following this, we continue to the tranquil Poblet Abbey, renowned for being one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries worldwide – entrance tickets are included. As our day concludes, we make our way to Barcelona, arriving in the evening to wrap up an eventful day.

In the morning, we will begin our exploration of Barcelona, famously known as the City of Counts. Nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, this vibrant city is celebrated for its stunning modernist architecture by Antoni Gaudí, the lively atmosphere of Las Ramblas, and its rich historical legacy, highlighted by hosting the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. Barcelona stands out as one of Europe’s most captivating capitals. In the evening, we will depart Barcelona and head north into Catalonia. Before settling in at our hotel, we'll take a stroll through Girona's charming historic centre, renowned for its colourful houses, the evocative Jewish quarter, and its magnificent cathedral.

We will journey into France today, passing through the scenic Provence region. Our first stop is the charming city of Arles, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site and celebrated for its connection to Van Gogh. Take the opportunity to explore its ancient Roman theatre and the delightful Romanesque churches, and enjoy lunch in this picturesque setting. Our adventure continues to Carrières des Lumières, an extraordinary underground art exhibit set within an old quarry, where art, imagery, and sound come together in a captivating display. We then make our way to Chambéry, the enchanting capital of Savoy. Expect to be charmed by its medieval style, a beautiful historic centre, and a large castle. In the event of high demand for Carrières des Lumières tickets, we will alternatively visit the renowned Pont du Gard, a testament to Roman engineering and an iconic aqueduct.

Today, we'll set off towards Switzerland, starting our adventure in Geneva. Accompanied by our guide, we'll visit the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and stroll through the charming English Garden, admired for its floral clock and the impressive Jet d'Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. Our journey continues to the enchanting village of Gruyères, famed for its world-renowned cheese. Nearby, you'll find some of Switzerland's major chocolate factories, including the iconic Nestlé. We've arranged a visit to the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory, where you'll indulge in a delightful tasting experience.

As we press on, we'll meander through scenic roads, taking in the breathtaking mountain vistas and quaint wooden villages. Our next stop is Chillon Castle, magnificently poised on the shore of Lake Geneva, where admission is included. By the afternoon, we'll arrive in Leysin, a delightful holiday village offering stunning views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc. Known for its winter sports and hiking opportunities, Leysin is a splendid place to unwind. Tonight, dinner is included. Please note that accommodation may occasionally be in another picturesque Swiss town nestled in the Alps, like Martigny, depending on availability.

Today, we embark on a journey that promises breathtaking mountain vistas – don’t forget to pack your winter attire. Our adventure begins with a cable car ride to Glacier 3000, one of the most magnificent high-altitude spots in Switzerland, where ice and snow persist throughout the year. Here, you have the opportunity to traverse the suspended bridge connecting two mountain peaks, explore the intriguing Ice Cathedral, or enjoy the Fun Park. After this awe-inspiring experience, we'll pause in Interlaken for a leisurely lunch amid stunning surroundings. Our next destination is Lucerne, a city renowned for its beauty and charm, where you'll have some time to soak up the enchanting atmosphere. As evening falls, we will continue to Zurich, where you'll have a chance to discover the vibrant centre before retiring to the hotel. Please note that if weather conditions hinder the Glacier 3000 cable car operation, we will ensure an alternative alpine experience is provided.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes in Zurich, leaving you with delightful memories of your travels.