Grand European Adventure Cultures & Capitals
New
Start in Madrid and end in Amsterdam on a 22 day sweep across Europe. You’ll explore Madrid’s boulevards and tapas quarters, see Gaudí’s Barcelona and Girona, then drift through Provence to Arles and an immersive art show in a quarry. Expect Swiss delights – Geneva, Gruyères with chocolate tasting, Chillon Castle and a thrilling Glacier 3000 ascent – before Italy’s Lake Como, Milan, Rome and the Vatican, Florence and Venice with Murano glass. Cross the Alps to Innsbruck, Salzburg’s lakes and Vienna’s wine taverns. Cruise the Danube in Budapest and the Rhine past castles, admire Prague Castle and Cologne Cathedral, then windmills and fishing villages near Amsterdam.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
22 daysHotel Rating
3 or 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, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, NetherlandsTour Style
Group Size
Up to 65 travellers
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
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.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
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 ToursPassengers
€3,570.00
€450.00
Free eSIM included
Stay connected on your trip with free mobile data. We'll email it to you 7 days before departure — nothing to do now.
Places You'll See
Madrid
Zaragoza
Poblet
Barcelona
Girona
Careers of Lights
Chambéry
Geneva
Gruyeres
Leysin
Interlaken
Lucerne
Zurich
Bellinzona
Como
Milan
Pisa
Rome
Florence
Venice
Innsbruck
Salzburg
Lake Traunsee
Vienna
Budapest
Bratislava
Prague
Pilsen
Rothenburg
Frankfurt
Cruise on the Rhine
Cologne
Amsterdam
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
Welcome to Madrid. On arrival we take you to your hotel. You have free time until the tour starts – please check the notice board in reception for details of the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. This evening we transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, celebrated for nightlife and tapas – you can choose where to dine, from Spanish to Indian, Chinese or 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.
Day 2 - Madrid
We begin with a thorough tour of central Madrid, passing the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles and Neptuno, the Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then head into Retiro Park to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is included. You have the afternoon at leisure, and in the evening we provide a return transfer to the hotel.
Day 3 - Madrid - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona
We travel east to Zaragoza for a short stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. After lunch we continue to the Monastery of Poblet, set within ancient walls in beautiful countryside – admission included. We then press on to Barcelona, arriving late in the afternoon.
Day 4 - Barcelona - Girona
This morning we tour Barcelona, the City of Counts on the Mediterranean, renowned for Gaudí’s modernism, the lively Ramblas and a rich history from the Universal Exposition to the Olympics. In the evening we continue to Girona for a stroll through its historic centre, discovering colourful riverside houses, the old Jewish quarter and the imposing cathedral.
Day 5 - Girona - Careers of Lights - Chambery
We cross into France through Provence. Our first stop is Arles, a UNESCO listed gem linked to Van Gogh, where we can see the Roman theatre and graceful Romanesque churches, with time to explore and have lunch. We then include a visit to Carrières des Lumières – an immersive underground art experience in a former quarry. We reach Chambéry for the evening, a Savoyard capital with a medieval style historic centre and a large castle. Note: If Carrières des Lumières is closed or demand is high, we visit the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct instead.
Day 6 - Chambery - Geneva - Gruyeres - Leysin
We continue into Switzerland, arriving in Geneva to view the Palais des Nations, the English Garden with its flower clock and the Jet d’Eau. We then call at the walled village of Gruyères, famed for its cheese, and include admission to Maison Cailler for a delicious chocolate tasting. We follow scenic roads past bucolic mountain landscapes and wooden villages to lakeside Chillon Castle – admission included. We reach Leysin by mid afternoon, a charming resort with superb views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc. We include dinner. Note: Depending on availability, accommodation may be in another pretty Alpine town such as Martigny.
Day 7 - Leysin - Interlaken - Lucerne - Zurich
A day of spectacular mountain scenery – bring warm clothing. We ascend to Glacier 3000 by cable car, where you can walk the suspended bridge between two peaks, visit the Ice Cathedral or enjoy the Fun Park. We stop in Interlaken for lunch, then travel to Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities. In the evening we arrive in Zurich and you have a little time to explore the centre before reaching the hotel. Note: If weather or other circumstances close the Glacier 3000 cable car, we will offer an equally impressive alternative to enjoy the alpine landscapes.
Day 8 - Zurich - Bellinzona - Como - Milan
We leave Zurich early, crossing the Alps into the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, renowned for its three medieval castles, a UNESCO World Heritage site – you have free time to wander the charming centre. We then enter Italy and pause in Como for lunch, admired for its lakeside gardens and grand cathedral. We continue to Milan, where our guide leads us to the splendid Piazza del Duomo; you have time to stroll before we transfer you to the hotel.
Day 9 - Milan - Pisa - Rome
We continue to Pisa and take a small tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli, where you have time to admire one of Italy’s most captivating ensembles, including the famous Leaning Tower. We then head to Rome, arriving later in the day.
Day 10 - Rome
In the morning we take a guided tour of the Eternal City lasting around three hours, combining a walk through Imperial Rome with a panoramic drive past some of the most influential landmarks in Western civilisation. We see the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour ends at Vatican City around 11:00 – you may choose to join an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. In the evening we include a transfer to lively Trastevere; return to the hotel is around 20:30.
Day 11 - Rome - Florence
We leave Rome for Florence, going straight to the panoramic Piazzale Michelangelo for superb views. We then walk towards the historic centre and, after time for lunch, enjoy a guided tour with a local expert, taking in the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria – an open air museum. You then have free time to explore. In the evening you will find plenty of dinner choices, from local to international cuisine.
Day 12 - Florence - Venice
We cross the Apennines to Venice and take a boat across the Giudecca Canal to the island. With a local guide we visit magnificent St Mark’s Square, then tour a Murano glass factory to see artisans at work. You have free time to explore. Accommodation is in the Mestre district.
Day 13 - Venice - Innsbruck - Salzburg
We depart Venice for Austria. On arrival in Innsbruck you have time to stroll the historic centre and enjoy lunch in the Tyrolean capital. We then follow beautiful mountain roads to Kitzbühel, where you have time to explore this picturesque resort. We continue to Salzburg, arriving by the end of the day. Note: With a small group we may use a train from Venice to Innsbruck.
Day 14 - Salzburg - Lake Traunsee - Vienna
We delve deeper into Austria. In the morning we explore Salzburg, Mozart’s city, its Renaissance and Baroque centre watched over by the great fortress. We then travel through lakes and mountains to St Wolfgang, a renowned place of pilgrimage, before reaching Traunkirchen on lovely Traunsee. We include a cruise to view four lakeside castles and disembark in Gmunden, then continue to Vienna for the evening.
Day 15 - Vienna
We enjoy a panoramic tour of Vienna with a local guide, taking in grand avenues, elegant palaces, expansive parks and the vibrant city centre. In the afternoon you have free time. In the evening we include a transfer to the Grinzing district, once a wine growing village and now part of the city, famed for traditional taverns – you have free time to dine here.
Day 16 - Vienna - Budapest
After around three hours on the road we reach Budapest, capital of Hungary. We begin in the lively Váci utca area, where you have free time for lunch, then enjoy an included boat trip on the Danube, with historic Buda on one bank and cosmopolitan Pest on the other. We follow with a panoramic tour of the Queen of the Danube, after which you have free time. In the evening we offer an optional Magyar show with dinner – you may choose to join.
Day 17 - Budapest - Bratislava - Prague
We leave Budapest early for Bratislava, the Slovak capital on the Danube, whose attractive historic centre invites a relaxed stroll – you also have time for lunch. We then continue to the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague in the evening. We provide a transfer to the Old Town Square, a perfect first taste of the city’s atmosphere and activities; you can dine at one of many restaurants offering Czech, Chinese, Indian or Italian cuisine. We then return to the hotel.
Day 18 - Prague
Today we visit Prague, the Baroque jewel of Europe. A local guide leads an informative panoramic tour of the city’s outstanding monuments, including a visit to Prague Castle – admission included – followed by an included boat ride on the Vltava. In the afternoon you have free time to explore.
Day 19 - Prague - Pilsen - Rothenburg - Frankfurt
We depart Prague for Pilsen in western Bohemia, renowned for its beer. You have time to wander the historic centre, with its square, cathedral, Plague Column and Renaissance town hall. We then cross into Germany, following part of the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, a fairy tale town often hailed as one of the country’s most beautiful. Afterwards we continue to Frankfurt, Germany’s financial capital. On arrival in the evening you have free time in the historic centre, with restaurants offering Indian, Asian, Italian and international cuisines.
Day 20 - Frankfurt - Cruise on the Rhine - Cologne - Amsterdam
Today we take a scenic cruise on the Rhine between Rüdesheim and St Goar, the river’s most picturesque stretch. We then travel to Cologne to admire its immense Gothic cathedral, before continuing to the Netherlands and arriving in Amsterdam in the evening.
Day 21 - Amsterdam
We spend the morning in postcard perfect Dutch landscapes – the Holland of your dreams. We head to Zaanse Schans with its pretty houses, canals and windmills, then continue to Volendam, a scenic fishing village. From here we take a short boat ride to Marken, once an island and now joined to the mainland by a fixed dyke, where traditional houses stand on stilts. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of Amsterdam, from the iconic windmill and Rembrandt statue to the contemporary elegance of the South district and the centuries old craft of diamond cutting at Museum Square. We finish at Central Station, and the guide will share tips for exploring the canals, street markets and cafés.
Day 22 - Amsterdam
After breakfast your journey comes to an end – leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
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.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Spain to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?