Grand European Odyssey From Madrid to Rome

Welcome to Madrid! Upon your arrival, a transfer will be arranged to take you to the hotel. You will have some free time to relax and explore the surrounding area at your own pace. In the afternoon, we will provide important information about the commencement of your tour. This briefing will either be given in person or made available via information signs at the hotel reception. There's no overnight stay on this first day, offering you the perfect opportunity to settle in and immerse yourself quickly into the vibrant Spanish capital. 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.

Today, we embark on a panoramic tour of Madrid to explore the vibrant heart of Spain's capital. We traverse the lively city centre, taking in the historic Plaza Mayor with its majestic architecture and bustling atmosphere. As we journey through the city's grand avenues and past impressive fountains, we make our way to the lush Retiro Park. This tranquil oasis offers a refreshing break from urban life, with elegant fountains, peaceful promenades, and meticulously curated gardens.Our itinerary includes a visit to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the revered home of Real Madrid, a legendary football club that commands a global following. Later in the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Madrid further at your leisure. In the evening, we will arrange a transfer to the atmospheric Plaza Mayor, where you can unwind and soak in the local ambiance.

After enjoying breakfast, we will depart from Madrid, travelling through the picturesque regions of Castile and the Basque Country. Upon reaching San Sebastián, you’ll have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along the spectacular La Concha beach, known for its stunning views and inviting waves. The charming old quarter awaits, offering you a chance to sample some delightful local wine. You’ll have some time set aside for lunch, after which we’ll continue our journey into France, reaching Bordeaux by evening. Once in Bordeaux, we suggest taking an evening stroll to soak in the charming atmosphere of the city centre.

We will travel through the picturesque wine and cognac regions en route to the Loire Valley, where our visit includes the remarkable Ch?teau de Chambord ? renowned as perhaps the most stunning castle in the area, with admission provided. You'll have some free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure before we set off for Paris, arriving in the evening.

On our fifth day, we begin with an exploration of French history at the renowned Palace of Versailles. Known for its opulent architecture and exquisite gardens, the palace offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the French monarchy. Please note, entrance fees are not included. After this, we return to Paris to visit the delightful neighbourhood of Montmartre. Famous for its bohemian atmosphere, this area has long been a haven for artists and is renowned for its vibrant street life, cabarets, and charming cafés. We will then embark on a panoramic city tour of Paris with a knowledgeable local guide. This will allow us to experience the breathtaking vistas of the city’s grand avenues and iconic landmarks. After a day of sightseeing, we shall make our way back to the hotel. In the evening, for those interested, there is an optional variety show to enjoy.

Today, we begin our exploration in the heart of Paris at the renowned Eiffel Tower. You'll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this iconic structure, with admission included in your itinerary. Following this, we take to the water for a tranquil boat cruise along the Seine River, which will last for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. As you glide past famous landmarks, you’ll gain a unique perspective of this enchanting city from the water. The afternoon is yours to discover Paris at your leisure – those exploring further afield should note that the return transfer to the hotel is not included. If the Eiffel Tower's queues are particularly lengthy, we may adjust our schedule to offer more convenience by revisiting it at a later time, possibly on Sunday.

Today, we embark on a delightful journey through the heart of France, travelling through the renowned Burgundy region, famed for its rolling vineyards and exceptional wines. Our first stop is the enchanting town of Beaune, nestled in the centre of Burgundy. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to wander through its quaint streets adorned with flowers, perhaps visiting its famous hospice and wine museum during your free time for lunch. Our adventure continues to Lyon, a city steeped in history, once the capital of Roman Gaul, and beautifully situated beside the Rhône River. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lyon's historic centre is a treasure trove of cultural riches. We'll ascend the cable car to the magnificent Notre-Dame de Fourvière, where we can take in breathtaking views of the city below. Enjoy some free time to explore the vibrant streets at your own pace. Please note that, occasionally, part of the group may stay in Chambéry, a city close to Lyon. If that's the case, we will head to Chambéry for an overnight stay, allowing you the opportunity to explore this picturesque medieval-style city, renowned for its charming historic centre and impressive castle, as the morning unfolds.

Our day begins as we venture into Switzerland, arriving in the elegant city of Geneva. Our coach will drive by the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, before taking us to the picturesque English Garden. There, we'll admire the famous floral clock and the impressive Jet d’Eau, Europe's tallest fountain. You'll have some time to explore this charming Swiss city set on the shores of its serene lake. Continuing our adventure, we travel toward the Alps, passing through a remarkable underground tunnel beneath Mont Blanc as we head into Italy. Our journey culminates in Milan, where we'll arrive in the afternoon. Here, our guide will lead us to the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, allowing you ample time to stroll through the historic centre and soak up the rich atmosphere of this vibrant city.

This morning, we depart Milan and journey through the verdant plains of the Po River's valley, en route to Venice. We are expected to arrive around 1:00 p.m., after which we'll take a boat to the area surrounding St. Mark’s. In the afternoon, we will explore Venice with a panoramic tour, allowing you to soak in the enduring charm of this unique city. For those who seek a quintessential Venetian experience, an optional gondola ride awaits. We'll be staying in the Mestre area, known for its convenient access to Venice and a variety of accommodations.

After traversing the scenic Apennines, we arrive in Florence, known for its Renaissance art and architecture. Our first destination is Piazzale Michelangelo, offering spectacular views over the city. You’ll have time for lunch at your leisure before we reconvene for a guided walking tour of Florence’s historic centre. We’ll explore iconic landmarks such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of this city, which is effectively a vast open-air museum. Later, you'll have some free time to discover the city's hidden gems at your own pace.

On the eleventh day, we journey through the heart of Tuscany to the historic city of Siena. Here, you're invited to explore the magnificent Piazza del Campo, renowned for its medieval charm, and visit its striking cathedral. Our travels continue to the serene town of Assisi, where we include a guided tour of the famed Basilica, guided either by a local or a Franciscan monk, providing insight into its rich spiritual heritage. Take some time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. We arrive in Rome by evening, concluding a day rich in cultural highlights.

In the morning, we will take you on an extensive three-hour guided exploration of Rome, famously known as the Eternal City. This experience combines a walking tour through Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride, providing insights into one of Western civilisation’s most ancient and influential cities. We will visit significant landmarks including the Arch of Constantine, observe the exterior of the iconic Colosseum, and explore the remnants of the Imperial Forums. Our journey will take us past the historic Circus Maximus and the opulent Baths of Caracalla, as well as the beautiful Basilica of Saint Mary Major. We will also pass by the Pyramid of Cestius and the formidable Castel Sant'Angelo. Our guided tour will conclude in Vatican City around 11:30 a.m., after which you'll have free time to explore or relax as you wish for the remainder of the afternoon.

Today is yours to explore the captivating city of Rome at your own pace. With a full day to discover the rich tapestry of history and culture that defines this city, you might choose to wander through ancient ruins, marvel at Renaissance art, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through its charming neighbourhoods. Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of the Colosseum, the tranquillity of the Borghese Gardens, or the bustling energy of local markets, Rome offers a wealth of experiences sure to enchant and inspire you.

Today, we set off towards the Adriatic Sea, traversing the picturesque landscapes of the Apennine Mountains. Our first destination is the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey. This beautiful 11th-century structure, built amidst the ruins of an ancient Roman temple, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Admission to the abbey is included, allowing you to explore its historical grandeur. From there, we journey to Termoli, a delightful seaside town. Its beach, bordered by a charming old walled town, is overlooked by a 13th-century castle and a Romanesque cathedral, offering rich historical insights and stunning views. You will have time to savour lunch and enjoy a leisurely walk. We then continue to Bari, a historic port city with a vibrant past predating the Roman era. You'll have the opportunity to meander through Bari's old quarter, exploring its narrow streets, beautiful churches, and lively atmosphere, which embody the inviting charm of southern Italy.

Today, we embark on a coastal journey to Brindisi, a historic port city where you can take a leisurely stroll along the seafront, admire the notable Roman column, and explore the charming old quarter. Our adventure continues to Lecce, renowned for its exquisite baroque architecture, which has earned it the nickname "Florence of the South." Here, we'll have time to savour a walk and enjoy lunch, surrounded by stunningly ornate buildings and churches in Lecce's historic centre. In the afternoon, we visit Gallipoli, a picturesque coastal town on the Ionian Sea, originally founded by the Greeks who named it "beautiful town." This enchanting area, shaped by Arab, Norman, and Aragonese influences, features a maze of narrow streets and historic landmarks such as the cathedral, castle, and ancient city walls. Gallipoli's old town is linked to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge, offering a delightful exploration of this captivating locale. We conclude the day's journey by returning to Brindisi for overnight accommodation.

Today, we will explore two exceptional and culturally rich towns. Our first stop is Alberobello, celebrated for its distinctive trulli – unique conical-roofed houses made from stacked stone. These fascinating structures form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a remarkable example of Italy's rural architecture. Following this, we'll journey to Matera in the Basilicata region, famed for its ancient historic centre and the Sassi di Matera. This unique area consists of ancient dwellings and structures carved directly into the rock, making it one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements and also a World Heritage Site. We'll have a delightful lunch included in Matera. In the afternoon, we’ll take in the stunning mountain landscapes of Basilicata and Campania as we travel towards Naples. Upon arrival in the evening, you'll have free time to explore this vibrant city at your leisure.

Our day begins with a thrilling ferry journey to the renowned island of Capri, famed for its stunning natural vistas and stylish ambience. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes, offering a prelude to the island’s splendour. Once on Capri, you have the option to explore further with a boat trip to the mesmerising Grotta Bianca or take the cable car to the town for breathtaking views from the Gardens of Augustus. After a memorable morning, we’ll return to Naples, where you will have some time at leisure to stroll and savour lunch at your own pace. In the afternoon, we’ll delve into history with a visit to Pompeii. Known for its tragic past, the city was famously engulfed by ash from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Here, we will embark on a guided tour (admission included), revealing the preserved relics of a once-thriving ancient city. Our day concludes with a journey back to Rome, arriving by evening.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of our journey together.