Grand European Odyssey Madrid to Amsterdam
This 15-day adventure begins in the lively city of Madrid, where you'll savour tapas and explore iconic sites like the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and Retiro Park. From Madrid, journey through Zaragoza and enchanting medieval sites such as Poblet Abbey. Barcelona awaits with its stunning Gaudí architecture and vibrant Ramblas. As you head into France, visit Arles and an unforgettable art experience at Carrières des Lumières. Delight in Switzerland's chocolate and cheese in Gruyères and thrill at Glacier 3000’s breathtaking views. Cruise along the Seine in Paris before venturing into historic Rouen, and finally crossing into England to explore London's bustling streets. End your travels in the Netherlands, amidst the charm of Amsterdam’s canals and culture.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
15 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MadridEnds
AmsterdamMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Spain that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Spain, France, Switzerland, United Kingdom, NetherlandsPassengers
$3,472.25
$400.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Madrid
Zaragoza
Poblet
Barcelona
Girona
Careers of Lights
Chambéry
Geneva
Gruyeres
Leysin
Interlaken
Lucerne
Zurich
Strasbourg
Paris
Rouen
English Channel
Canterbury
London
Colchester
Colchester - Volendam Ferry
Volendam
Amsterdam
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
Upon your arrival in Madrid, we’ll arrange a seamless transfer from the airport to your hotel. You'll have some leisure time to settle in before the adventure officially begins. Check the information signs in the hotel lobby for details about the welcome meeting, where you'll meet your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we'll take you to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, renowned for their vibrant nightlife and tapas restaurants. You are free to choose a restaurant to your liking, with tantalising options ranging from Indian and Chinese to Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisines. 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.
Day 2 - Madrid
On the second day of our tour, we begin with an extensive exploration of central Madrid. Our route will take us past iconic landmarks such as the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. This morning also includes a visit to the serene Retiro Park, where we can admire its scenic lake and the stunning Palacio de Cristal. Afterwards, we will make our way to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the celebrated home ground of Real Madrid, widely regarded as one of the top football clubs globally. Admission to the stadium is part of our itinerary.After the guided activities, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. In the evening, we will arrange for a transfer back to the hotel, providing you with a comfortable return after a day filled with vibrant city sights and the spirit of Spanish football.
Day 3 - Madrid - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona
We'll start the day by heading out from Madrid towards the Aragon region, traversing the historic landscapes of Castile. Our first stop is Zaragoza, where we'll marvel at the magnificent Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, renowned for its striking architecture and spiritual significance. Afterwards, we'll continue our journey to the tranquil Poblet Abbey, one of the world's most well-preserved medieval monasteries, where tickets are included for our visit. In the evening, we'll arrive in the dynamic city of Barcelona, concluding our day in Spain's vibrant cultural hub.
Day 4 - Barcelona - Girona
This morning, we will delve into the vibrant city of Barcelona, known as the City of Counts, situated beautifully along the Mediterranean coast. Renowned for its modernist architecture—thanks to the genius of Gaudí—Barcelona's rich historical heritage is also evident in landmarks such as the bustling Ramblas. The city gained worldwide fame following significant events like the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. As the day winds down, we'll depart from this captivating city and head north into the Catalonian heartland. Before retiring for the evening, we'll explore the historic centre of Girona. This charming town is famed for its colourful houses, the well-preserved old Jewish quarter, and its impressive cathedral.
Day 5 - Girona - Carrieres des Lumieres - Chambery
Today, we begin our journey to France, travelling through the enchanting region of Provence. Our first stop takes us to Arles, a small city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its association with the famous painter Vincent van Gogh. During our time here, we will have the opportunity to visit the remarkable Roman theatre and charming Romanesque churches. You'll also have some time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure.Following our visit to Arles, we continue our adventure with a visit to the Carrières des Lumières. This extraordinary underground art exhibition offers a mesmerising fusion of art, imagery, and sound staged in an ancient quarry setting. We then proceed to Chambéry, arriving in the evening. This delightful capital of Savoy boasts a well-preserved medieval centre and a grand castle, inviting you to savour its captivating historic charm. Please note that if tickets to the Carrières des Lumières are unavailable, an alternative visit to the celebrated Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, will be arranged.
Day 6 - Chambery - Geneva - Gruyeres - Leysin
Today, we venture to Switzerland, arriving in the cosmopolitan city of Geneva. Known for its role as a global diplomacy hub, we will visit the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. Our stroll continues through the beautiful English Garden, where we will admire the floral artistry of the famous flower clock and the majestic Jet d’Eau fountain, Europe’s tallest.Next, we'll travel to Gruyères, a picturesque village celebrated worldwide for its cheese. Nearby, you'll find some of Switzerland's major chocolate makers, including Nestlé. We have included a delightful visit to Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory, offering a sweet indulgence into Swiss chocolate heritage.Our journey through Switzerland's stunning landscapes continues as we head to Chillon Castle, majestically situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, where your entrance is covered. Our final destination for the day is Leysin, a charming alpine village offering breathtaking views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc. Notably, Leysin is acclaimed for its winter sports and hiking trails. The day concludes with an included dinner. Please note that due to accommodation availability, we might stay in another equally charming Swiss alpine town like Martigny.
Day 7 - Leysin - Interlaken - Lucerne - Zurich
Today, we invite you to embrace Switzerland's breathtaking alpine scenery, so be sure to bring your warm clothing. We'll ride a cable car up to Glacier 3000, one of the country's most remarkable locations, offering an icy landscape throughout the year. Here, you can cross a suspended bridge linking two mountain peaks, wander through the enchanting Ice Cathedral, or have some fun at the park. Afterward, we'll stop in Interlaken for a spot of lunch before continuing our journey to Lucerne, a gem among Swiss cities. In the evening, we will arrive in Zurich, where you'll have a chance to explore the city centre before retiring to the hotel. Please note, should weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances prevent the operation of the Glacier 3000 cable car, an equally stunning alternative will be arranged to ensure you still enjoy the splendid alpine views.
Day 8 - Zurich - Strasbourg - Paris
We set off from Zurich, heading towards the French region of Alsace. Our path leads us to Strasbourg, the capital of this fascinating area, where French and German influences intertwine seamlessly. With some time at your disposal, you can delve into the city's charming character. After exploring Strasbourg, we continue our journey to Paris, reaching the vibrant city in the evening.
Day 9 - Paris
Today, we'll immerse ourselves in the captivating history of France with a visit to the renowned Palace of Versailles. While admission isn't included, you'll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent gardens and soak in the grandeur of this historic palace. Upon our return to Paris, we'll visit Montmartre, a delightful bohemian neighbourhood famed for its artists, painters, and vibrant cabaret scene. Our day continues with a panoramic city tour led by a local guide, where you'll enjoy the splendour of Parisian avenues and iconic landmarks. Afterwards, we'll return to the hotel. For those interested, an optional variety show is available in the evening.
Day 10 - Paris - Rouen
Our day begins in the heart of Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Here, you'll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor and enjoy breathtaking views of the city (tickets included). Following this, we will embark on a leisurely cruise along the Seine, capturing the essence of Paris from the water. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your own rhythm, allowing you to uncover its quaint streets and vibrant culture.In the late afternoon, around 4:00 p.m., we will depart Paris, making our way to Normandy. Our day culminates in the historic city of Rouen, where you'll find yourself surrounded by a blend of Roman and medieval charm. With its impressive Gothic cathedral and picturesque streets, Rouen offers a perfect end to a day steeped in history and culture. Enjoy the freedom to wander through its enchanting city centre and soak in the atmosphere at your leisure.Note: If the Eiffel Tower visit experiences delays, we may adjust our schedule to ensure your convenience.
Day 11 - Rouen - English Channel - Canterbury - London
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the centre of Rouen, soaking up the ambience of this historic city, known for its medieval architecture and the impressive Gothic Rouen Cathedral. We then travel north through the beautiful landscapes of France, heading to the coast. Here, we will cross the English Channel by ferry—a quintessential European experience—bringing us to the United Kingdom’s storied shores. On arrival in Canterbury, you’ll find yourself in England’s ecclesiastical capital. Take in the charm of this idyllic city, renowned for its rich history and the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey continues to London, where we reach the iconic Tower Bridge area, allowing you some free time to explore at your own pace. This vibrant part of the city offers stunning views and fascinating history before we head to our hotel for the night.
Day 12 - London
Explore the vibrant city of London with us on a panoramic tour led by a local guide. You'll discover the city's rich culture and history, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, and Buckingham Palace. Depending on your travel dates, you might even catch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. In the evening, we'll set a meeting point in Piccadilly for a leisurely stroll through the lively areas of Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho. Known for their dynamic atmosphere, these districts offer an array of theatres and entertainment venues. You'll have ample choices for dining at various restaurants before we head back to the hotel.
Day 13 - London - Colchester - Colchester - Volendam Ferry
This morning, we will explore the esteemed British Museum, showcasing historical treasures and artefacts from various cultures worldwide. Following your visit, enjoy a leisurely lunch break and free time at Camden, where you can wander through its bustling street market. This area is famed for eclectic shops offering unique finds and a diverse array of food stalls and small eateries. By 4:00 p.m., we set off towards Colchester, celebrated as England's oldest recorded town, with a chance to stroll its historic streets. Our day concludes in Harwich, where we board the ferry for an overnight journey to the Netherlands. Accommodation will be in en-suite cabins. Please note that due to limited cabin availability, the itinerary may be adjusted. In such cases, we may travel from London to Amsterdam via a daytime ferry with an overnight stay in Antwerp, or alternatively, take a train or flight to Amsterdam.
Day 14 - Colchester - Volendam Ferry - Volendam - Amsterdam
We will arrive in the Netherlands at Hoek van Holland around eight in the morning and head to Volendam, a delightful and picturesque fishing village that perfectly captures Dutch charm. Following our exploration of Volendam, we will make our way to Amsterdam. Here, we will embark on a guided tour to discover the city's highlights, where you'll see the iconic windmill imagery and the Rembrandt statue. The tour also takes us through the sophisticated South District and offers an insight into the storied art of diamond cutting at Museum Square. Our bus tour concludes as we enter the heart of lively Amsterdam on foot, where you can enjoy free time to explore the vibrant city at your leisure.
Day 15 - Amsterdam
After enjoying breakfast, our tour concludes in Amsterdam. As you head back home or continue on with your travels, we hope you will cherish the wonderful memories made during this journey.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Amsterdam
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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