Wonders of Europe

Welcome to Madrid. Upon your arrival at the airport, we will transfer you to your hotel. You will have some free time before the tour begins. Please check the hotel reception for information about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we will provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, the city’s most famous neighbourhood for nightlife and tapas. You may choose to dine at a restaurant of your preference, with options including Indian, Chinese, 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.

We begin the day with a thorough tour of central Madrid, taking in key sights such as Paseo del Prado, the impressive Cibeles Fountain, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and the historic Plaza Mayor. Next, we visit Retiro Park, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city, where we see the lake and the ornate Palacio de Cristal. Admission to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is included—home to Real Madrid, widely regarded as one of the world’s premier football clubs. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we provide transfer back to the hotel.

This morning we depart Madrid and travel through the Castile region towards Aragon. Our first stop is Zaragoza, where we’ll admire the remarkable Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a significant baroque landmark and pilgrimage site. Afterwards, we continue to Poblet Abbey, one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world—admission is included. In the evening, we arrive in Barcelona to conclude the day’s journey.

We begin the day with a panoramic tour of Barcelona, a vibrant city known for its unique blend of modernist architecture and Mediterranean charm. We’ll explore key sights linked to Antoni Gaudí, including notable examples of his work, and travel along the lively Ramblas. The city’s rich history includes its role as host of the World Expositions and the Olympic Games, shaping its cultural and urban landscape. The tour concludes at Maremagnum, a contemporary leisure and dining complex by the sea near Columbus Square, where you can enjoy a stroll in this dynamic setting. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace before we return to the hotel at day’s end.

We’ll transfer you to the station for your included high-speed train from Barcelona to Paris. The journey takes just over six hours in comfortable surroundings, allowing you to relax as the scenic landscapes pass by. On arrival in Paris, we’ll transfer you to your hotel. Your guide will get in touch with you in the evening, or you can find details about the next day’s plans on the hotel information boards. Please note the train journey will be without a guide.

We begin the day exploring the magnificent Palace of Versailles, a symbol of French history and grandeur, famed for its extensive gardens and opulent architecture (entry not included). On our return to Paris, we visit Montmartre, a historic bohemian district known for its artistic heritage and vibrant atmosphere. To round off the day, we enjoy a panoramic city tour with a local guide, taking in Paris’s grand avenues and iconic landmarks. We then return to the hotel, with an optional evening variety show available for those who wish to attend.

We begin the day in central Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. We’ll ascend to the second floor of this renowned iron landmark—tickets are included. Following this, we’ll enjoy a serene boat cruise on the Seine, lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, offering a unique perspective of the city's historic riverside landmarks. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your own pace; please note that transfers back to the hotel are not included. Should there be long wait times at the Eiffel Tower, the visit may be rescheduled to a different time or the following day for your convenience.

Today we head into the heart of France, travelling through the Burgundy region, renowned for its scenic vineyards and distinguished wines. Our first stop is Beaune, a charming town famous for its flower-lined streets, historic hospice, and wine museum. You’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch and explore at your own pace. Afterwards, we continue to Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul, situated on the banks of the Rhône River. Lyon’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll take a cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière to admire panoramic views of the city. You’ll then have some free time to discover Lyon independently. On occasion, part of the group may stay overnight in Chambéry, a nearby town known for its medieval character and impressive castle. If so, you’ll have the morning to explore its historic centre before rejoining the main itinerary.

Today we travel to Switzerland, arriving first in Geneva. We will pass by the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, then visit the English Garden to see its famous flower clock and admire the Jet d?Eau, Europe's tallest fountain. After lunch, we continue through the scenic Swiss landscape along Lake Geneva and Lake Neuch?tel, travelling across the Three Lakes region with its vineyards set against mountain backdrops. We will stop in Neuch?tel, where you can enjoy a stroll by the lake, explore the historic town centre, or visit the 10th-century castle. Our day concludes with arrival in Zurich by late afternoon. Depending on group size, this part of the journey may be completed by train, in which case there will be no stop in Neuch?tel.

We begin the day with a guided tour of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and its financial and cultural centre. Known for its banking sector, Zurich has been recognised twice as the city with the best quality of life worldwide. Following the city tour, we embark on a scenic cruise of nearly two hours across Lake Zurich, enjoying brief stops to explore the charming villages along the shoreline. We disembark in Rapperswil, a picturesque town celebrated for its medieval castle. From there, we return to Zurich by train, offering a chance to experience the renowned efficiency of the Swiss railway system. Depending on group size, transfers to and from the city centre may be via public transport.

Today we travel through some of Switzerland’s most stunning landscapes, featuring towering mountains and clear, pristine lakes. Our first stop is Grindelwald in the Interlaken region, where we’ll pause for a coffee before taking a cable car up the mountain. From there, we’ll follow a winding path to a suspended bridge, which offers spectacular views of surrounding glaciers for those who choose to cross it. Lunch is included on the mountain before we return downhill. Later, we visit Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities, where you’ll have time to explore the charming cityscape at your leisure. We then return to Zurich. There is also an optional full-day excursion available, beginning in the morning: after some free time in Lucerne, we’ll take a rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis. At over 3,000 metres, this alpine peak provides breathtaking views of the glacier and the Alps.

We depart Zurich early, crossing the Alps into the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, famous for its trio of medieval castles that are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Perched on the hills, these fortresses reflect Bellinzona’s historic role as a key Alpine stronghold. You’ll have some free time to explore the charming old town. Next, we enter Italy and stop in Como for lunch. Known as the jewel of Lombardy, Como is famed for its beautiful lakeside gardens and impressive cathedral. We then continue to Milan, where our guide will introduce us to the striking Piazza del Duomo. Afterwards, you’ll have some time to explore independently before we transfer you to your hotel.

We leave Milan this morning and travel to Pisa, where we take a short tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli, known as the Square of Miracles. Here, you’ll have time to admire this remarkable complex, including the renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Italy’s most captivating architectural treasures. Later in the day, we continue to Rome, arriving in the evening.

In the morning, we’ll enjoy a three-hour guided tour of Rome, blending a walking exploration of Imperial Rome with a panoramic coach ride to showcase this ancient city’s most significant landmarks. You’ll see the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla, Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour concludes at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m. After this, your guide will offer an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Later in the day, we include a transfer to Trastevere, a vibrant district known for its charming restaurants and lively atmosphere. We’ll return to the hotel at approximately 8:30 p.m.

After breakfast, your journey concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of your trip.