European Grandeur

Welcome to Madrid. Upon arrival at the airport, we’ll transfer you to your hotel, where you’ll have some free time to relax before the tour begins. Please check the information boards in the hotel reception 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 most vibrant neighbourhood for nightlife and tapas. You can 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 Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. Next, we visit Retiro Park, a peaceful green space in the city centre, where we’ll see the lake and the elegant Palacio de Cristal. Included in the morning is admission to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the iconic home of Real Madrid football club. You will have the afternoon free to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll provide transport back to the hotel.

We leave Madrid early this morning and travel south through the La Mancha region. Our first stop is Puerto Lápice, a quaint village that evokes the world of Don Quixote. We then continue into Andalusia via the Despeñaperros mountain pass, arriving in Granada in time for lunch, which is included. In the afternoon, for those who have opted for the Alhambra excursion, we explore this remarkable palace complex and the adjacent Generalife Gardens with a local guide, both iconic examples of Moorish architecture. Please note that access to the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law, so tickets are issued upon booking with accurate personal details. If visiting the Alhambra is not possible, we will instead visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers a similar historical and architectural experience.

Today we leave the Sierra Nevada mountain range behind and travel along the Mediterranean coast, known as the Tropical Coast. This area benefits from a mild microclimate, allowing the cultivation of tropical fruits such as guavas, mangoes, and avocados—formerly, sugar cane was also grown here. We stop in Nerja, a charming seaside town famed for its dramatic cliffs. Continuing to Málaga, the lively capital of the Costa del Sol, we have time for lunch and a stroll through its historic centre. In the afternoon, we journey into the Andalusian sierras to reach Ronda, a striking white town split by a deep gorge. Later, we travel on to Seville, arriving in the late afternoon, where dinner is included at the hotel.

This morning, we’ll take a panoramic tour of Seville, exploring key sights such as the cathedral and its renowned Giralda tower, the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and the lively neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. Following the tour, we’ll enjoy a boat ride along the Guadalquivir River. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to the station to board the high-speed train departing around 4:30 p.m., covering the 850 kilometres to Zaragoza in just under four hours. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Please note the train journey is unaccompanied by a guide.

We begin with a guided panoramic tour of Zaragoza, starting at the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a significant Baroque landmark. We’ll explore key sites connected to the renowned painter Goya, viewing some of his notable works. The tour continues to the Roman theatre and a Renaissance palace, followed by a walk around the imposing Aljafería Palace, a fine example of Islamic architecture in Spain. After lunch, we travel to Catalonia to visit Poblet Abbey, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval monasteries, set within tranquil surroundings—admission is included. Later, we continue to Barcelona, arriving in the evening.

In the morning, we’ll take a panoramic tour of Barcelona, one of Europe’s most captivating capitals. Facing the Mediterranean, the city is celebrated for Gaudí’s modernist architecture, its vibrant Las Ramblas, and landmarks from the World Expositions and Olympic Games. The tour concludes at Maremagnum, a contemporary leisure and dining complex by the sea near Columbus Square, where you can enjoy a stroll through this lively area. The afternoon is yours at leisure before we return to the hotel.

We will transfer you to the station at the appointed time for your high-speed train journey from Barcelona to Paris, which is included in your tour. The journey takes just over six hours, travelling in comfort and arriving in the French capital in the early evening. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to your hotel. Your guide will contact you later in the evening, or you can find details about the next day’s activities on the information boards at the hotel reception. Please note this train journey is without an accompanying guide.

We begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, exploring its vast interiors and renowned gardens (admission not included). Returning to Paris, we visit Montmartre, the bohemian district famous for its artistic heritage and historic cabarets. To capture the full grandeur of the city, we take a panoramic tour with a local guide, viewing Paris’s iconic avenues and landmarks. After the tour, we return to the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional variety show for a lively taste of Parisian entertainment.

We begin the day in central Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, including admission to the second floor for impressive views over the city. Following this, we take a leisurely boat cruise along the Seine, offering a different perspective of Paris’s landmarks from the water. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace, whether that’s visiting museums, shopping, or relaxing in a café. Around 4:00 p.m., we depart Paris and travel to Normandy, arriving in Rouen. Here you have free time to discover the historic centre of this lively city, which dates back to Roman times and features charming medieval streets alongside its striking Gothic cathedral. Please note, should there be long wait times at the Eiffel Tower, the visit may be rescheduled to a later time or the following day for your convenience.

We’ll begin the day with some free time to explore the historic centre of Rouen, a city known for its rich medieval heritage and striking Gothic architecture. Afterwards, we’ll travel north through France and cross the English Channel by ferry. On arrival in England, we’ll visit Canterbury, renowned as the country’s religious heart with its charming historic streets and magnificent cathedral. Continuing on, we’ll reach London where you’ll have some free time around Tower Bridge—one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks—before we make our way to the hotel for the night.

Today we explore London on a panoramic tour led by a local guide, highlighting the city’s rich culture and history. We’ll see key landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, and Buckingham Palace, where you might catch the Changing of the Guard, depending on the schedule. In the evening, we’ll meet in Piccadilly to enjoy a leisurely walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho—areas known for their vibrant nightlife, theatres, and diverse dining options. You’ll have plenty of choice for dinner before we return to the hotel.

After breakfast, we’ll visit the British Museum, one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated museums, home to artefacts representing cultures from across the globe. At lunchtime, we’ll transfer you to Camden, renowned for its lively and diverse market where you can browse a wide array of unique goods. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore as you wish. Our journey concludes here, leaving you with lasting memories. Please check your flight time in case you require an additional night’s accommodation.