Trans-European Adventure from Lisbon to Rome - 13 Days

Upon your arrival in Lisbon, we'll take care of your transfer to the hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to relax or explore the city at your own pace. In the afternoon, be sure to check the hotel's reception area for information regarding the start of your tour. Prepare to discover the vibrant culture and rich history of the Portuguese capital while enjoying some leisure time to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. 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 our second day in Lisbon, we'll start with a captivating morning tour of this picturesque city, affectionately known as the 'City of the Seven Hills'. As we navigate through Lisbon's charming alleyways, you'll admire the intricate patterns of iconic tiles and soak in the city's renowned sense of "saudade" under the radiant Atlantic light. We'll also visit the historic Belem neighbourhood, a pivotal launch pad for famed Portuguese explorers during the 15th century Age of Discovery.

In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time—whether you choose to wander through the vibrant Bairro Alto neighbourhood or relax at a scenic local viewpoint. For those interested in venturing further afield, there's an option to take a trip to the enchanting towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. As the day winds down, we'll regroup at the lively Restauradores Square, where you can indulge in the bustling energy of its bars and cafés before heading back to the hotel for a restful evening.

Depart early from Portugal, traversing the scenic Alentejo region. Our first pause is in Estremoz, a quaint town featuring a medieval castle, cobblestone streets, and captivating architecture that embodies the essence of Portuguese charm. We continue our route into Spain, arriving in Cáceres, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch and wander through its remarkably preserved medieval and Renaissance centre. Finally, proceed to Madrid, reaching the city by evening. We will transfer you to the bustling Plaza Mayor, alive with an array of restaurants and vibrant life.

Our day in Madrid begins with an insightful exploration of the city, covering illustrious landmarks such as Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. We then venture to Retiro Park, a splendid green haven amidst the urban bustle, where we will visit the serene lake and the elegant Palacio de Cristal. Admission to the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, is included in our itinerary, offering an exciting glimpse into the world of one of football’s finest clubs. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps revisiting places from the morning's tour or discovering some of Madrid’s hidden gems. In the evening, we will arrange your return transfer to the hotel, concluding an enriching day of cultural exploration.

On the morning of our fifth day, we set off towards the region of Aragon, journeying through the scenic landscapes of Castile. Our first stop is Zaragoza, where we’ll take in the awe-inspiring sight of the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. This magnificent structure is a key pilgrimage site and boasts stunning architecture. Next, we venture to the tranquil Poblet Abbey, a remarkably well-preserved medieval monastery set amidst serene surroundings – your entrance ticket is already arranged. Our day concludes as we travel to Barcelona, arriving in the evening, ready to discover all this vibrant city has to offer.

On the morning of day six, we'll explore Barcelona, affectionately known as the City of Counts. Set along the stunning Mediterranean coastline, this vibrant city is celebrated for its modernist architecture, particularly the extraordinary works of Gaudi. As we meander through the city, you'll experience the bustling energy of the famous Ramblas and appreciate the rich cultural history showcased during the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. Renowned as one of Europe's most captivating capitals, Barcelona offers a feast for the senses. In the evening, we head north into the region of Catalonia. Before settling into our hotel, we take a leisurely walk through the historic centre of Girona. Discover its colourful houses, the atmospheric old Jewish quarter, and the impressive cathedral, which together paint a rich tapestry of the city's past and present.

Today, we venture into France, travelling through the picturesque Provence region. Our journey begins with a stop in Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its associations with Vincent Van Gogh. Explore the city's treasures, such as its Roman theatre and charming Romanesque churches, and take some time for lunch.

Next, we are delighted to offer an immersive experience at Carrières des Lumières, an underground art installation set within an ancient quarry. This unique venue presents a mesmerising blend of art, images, and sound.

In the evening, we'll arrive in Chambéry, the enchanting capital of Savoy. This medieval city boasts a beautiful historic centre and a grand castle, providing a perfect end to our day.

Should tickets for Carrières des Lumières be unavailable due to high demand, we will instead visit the famous Pont du Gard, a remarkable Roman aqueduct.

Today, we will travel to Switzerland, beginning our day in Geneva. Upon arrival, our guide will lead us to the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. We'll then explore the beautiful English Garden, known for its iconic flower clock, and admire the Jet d'Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. Our journey continues to the enchanting village of Gruyères, famed for its cheese. Nearby, you can also discover some of Switzerland's prominent chocolate factories, including Nestlé. Included in our day is a visit to the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory, offering you a delightful tasting experience. As we travel onwards, enjoy the scenic roads that weave through serene mountain landscapes and picturesque wooden villages, all leading us to Chillon Castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. Admission to this historic castle is included in our tour. By mid-afternoon, we will arrive in Leysin, a charming holiday village known for its stunning views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc, as well as its winter sports and hiking trails. We will conclude the day with an included dinner. Please note, accommodation may occasionally be arranged in another charming Swiss alpine town, such as Martigny, subject to availability.

Prepare for an awe-inspiring day of scenic splendour in the Swiss Alps. We'll begin with an exhilarating cable car ride up to Glacier 3000, one of the most breathtaking sights in Switzerland, where you'll be treated to perpetual ice and snow. Here, you can walk across the suspended bridge that connects two mountain peaks, marvel at the majestic Ice Cathedral, or indulge in the Fun Park's attractions. Our journey continues as we head to Interlaken, a charming town nestled between two lakes, offering an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch. We'll then make our way to Lucerne, renowned for its stunning architecture and dramatic natural backdrop. In the evening, we arrive in Zurich, giving you some time to explore this vibrant city centre before we proceed to the hotel. Should weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances affect the operation of the Glacier 3000 cable car, rest assured that we have alternative plans to ensure you still experience the captivating alpine scenery.

We'll depart from Zurich early in the morning, traversing the stunning Swiss Alps to reach Bellinzona, a picturesque town known for its three medieval castles which are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These impressive fortifications, perched on the hills beyond the town, underscore Bellinzona's historical importance as a strategic alpine stronghold. You'll have some free time to explore the quaint streets and soak in the unique atmosphere. Afterwards, we’ll cross into Italy and visit the charming town of Como for lunch. Famed as a gem of Lombardy, Como boasts lush gardens by the serene lake and an awe-inspiring cathedral. The journey then continues to Milan, where we'll explore the majestic Piazza del Duomo. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the stunning architecture and enjoy the vibrant surroundings before we transfer you to your hotel for the evening.

Today, we leave Milan and make our way to Pisa, where we will take a charming little tourist train to Piazza dei Miracoli. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore one of Italy's most remarkable artistic sites, home to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Following our visit, we continue south towards Rome, aiming to arrive later in the day.

In the morning, we'll delve into the heart of Rome with a three-hour guided exploration of this ancient city, unveiling its profound influence on Western civilisation. Our journey begins with a walking tour through Imperial Rome, where you'll witness the awe-inspiring Arch of Constantine, take in the exterior grandeur of the Colosseum, and stroll through the historic Imperial Forums. We'll then proceed with a panoramic bus tour that highlights further treasures, including the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the splendid Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and the commanding Castel Sant'Angelo. Our tour concludes around 11:00 a.m. at the gates of the Vatican City. If you're interested, our guide will offer an optional excursion to the Vatican Museums, providing an opportunity to marvel at the Sistine Chapel's masterpieces. As the day draws to a close, we'll take you to the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood, celebrated for its inviting restaurants and lively ambiance. We'll return to the hotel at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your travels.