Madrid to Amsterdam Europe's Heartbeat Tour

Welcome to Madrid! Upon your arrival at the airport, we will ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. You will have some leisure time until our tour officially kicks off. Be sure to check the information signs in the hotel reception area for details about our welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, renowned for being Madrid's vibrant hub of nightlife and tapas restaurants. You can select a dining spot that suits your taste, with choices 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.

On the second day, we begin our exploration of Madrid with a guided tour showcasing the heart of the city. We will traverse iconic locations such as Paseo del Prado, renowned for its cultural splendour, and admire the grandeur of plazas like Cibeles, Neptuno, and the historic Puerta de Alcalá. You'll also experience the charm of Plaza Colón and Plaza Mayor. Our journey then takes us to Retiro Park, a lush oasis perfect for a peaceful stroll, where you'll encounter the serene lake and the impressive Palacio de Cristal. Football enthusiasts will appreciate our visit to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the hallowed grounds of Real Madrid, widely regarded as one of the world's premier football clubs. Following our morning of discovery, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. In the evening, we will ensure you return comfortably to your hotel.

On the morning of day three, we set off on our journey to the region of Aragon, traversing the historic lands of Castile. Our first stop is Zaragoza, where we marvel at the impressive Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. This grand structure is not only a stunning example of Baroque architecture but also an important pilgrimage site. Our adventure continues as we head to the tranquil Poblet Abbey. Esteemed as one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries globally, Poblet offers a serene glimpse into the past (entry included). Later in the evening, we make our way to the vibrant city of Barcelona, arriving after a day rich with exploration and history.

This morning, we’ll set out on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, one of the most captivating capitals in Europe. Nestled along the shimmering Mediterranean, the city boasts the renowned modernist architecture of Gaudí, the lively Ramblas, and a rich tapestry of history brought to life by the Universal Exposition and the Olympics hosted here. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this vibrant city at your leisure. As the evening approaches, we’ll provide a transfer to Maremagnum, a contemporary entertainment and dining complex by the sea near Plaza de Colón. Here, you can take a relaxed stroll through the bustling area and select from a variety of dining options to end your day.

On day five, we'll arrange for your transfer to the station for an exhilarating high-speed train journey from Barcelona to Paris, included as part of your itinerary. In just over six hours, you'll find yourself transported to the heart of France, enjoying the comfort and efficiency of the journey. Upon arrival in Paris, you'll be taken to your hotel. Later in the evening, your guide will get in touch, or you can look out for the information signs in the hotel reception for details. Please note, this train journey will not be accompanied by a guide.

On the sixth day of our tour, we invite you to explore the opulence of French history at the extraordinary Palace of Versailles. While admission to the palace itself is not included, its breathtaking gardens alone are worth the visit. Upon returning to Paris, we'll venture into Montmartre, a delightful bohemian district celebrated for its vibrant artistic scene, including painters and famous cabarets. Here, you'll find some of the most iconic views of the city. To round off the day, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Paris with a local guide, showcasing the city's grand avenues and world-renowned landmarks that define its enduring allure. Once the tour concludes, we'll head back to the hotel. For those interested, there will be an optional variety show available in the evening.

We begin our day in the heart of Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. You’ll have the chance to ascend to the second floor of this renowned landmark – tickets are included in your tour. After taking in the panoramic views, we’ll enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Seine, offering another perspective on the city’s stunning architecture.The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your own pace, discovering its hidden gems and vibrant neighbourhoods. At around 4:00 p.m., we bid farewell to Paris and make our way to Normandy, with Rouen as our final destination for the day. Upon arrival, you'll have free time to wander through Rouen's historic centre, steeped in history dating back to Roman times. Admire the charming medieval architecture and the majestic Gothic cathedral, providing a captivating glimpse into the past and present of this vibrant city. Please note that due to potential long wait times, our visit to the Eiffel Tower may be rescheduled to a more convenient time.

We begin our eighth day with a leisurely stroll through the enchanting centre of Rouen, where you can soak up the atmosphere and admire the city's rich history showcased in its remarkable architecture. From here, we continue our journey northwards, travelling through Normandy to reach the English Channel. Crossing by ferry to the UK, we make our way to Canterbury, known as the religious heart of England, with its charming historic centre offering a glimpse into the country's storied past.Afterwards, our travels continue to the vibrant metropolis of London. Here, you'll have some free time to explore the area around Tower Bridge, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Enjoy this opportunity to take in the stunning views of the River Thames before we head to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Today, explore the vibrant city of London through a panoramic tour guided by a local expert, highlighting the rich tapestry of British culture and history. You'll have the chance to marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, and Buckingham Palace—where, depending on the schedule, you might witness the traditional spectacle of the Changing of the Guard. As the evening unfolds, we'll convene at Piccadilly for a leisurely walk through the bustling areas of Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho. Known for their dynamic atmosphere, these districts offer a wealth of theatres and entertainment venues. Choose from an array of dining possibilities for dinner before we reconvene to return to the hotel, feeling the pulse of London's lively scene.

In the morning, we will explore the renowned British Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world, showcasing artefacts from a myriad of global cultures. Following some free time to enjoy lunch, we'll head to Camden, famed for its lively and diverse street market. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to browse an array of unique items and savour lunch at one of the numerous food stalls or small eateries. At around 4 p.m., we’ll set off for Colchester, England’s oldest recorded town, where a leisurely walk through its historic streets awaits. Our journey continues to Harwich as we prepare to board a ferry for an overnight trip to the Netherlands, with accommodation in en suite cabins. Please be advised that due to limited cabin availability, the itinerary might be revised. Alternatives include travelling from London to Amsterdam via a daytime ferry with an overnight stop in Antwerp, or a train or flight to Amsterdam.

Around eight in the morning, we arrive in the Netherlands at Hoek van Holland and make our way to Volendam, a charming and picturesque fishing village. Strolling through this delightful spot, you'll be enchanted by its quaint atmosphere and colourful houses. Next, we set off for Amsterdam, where we embark on a guided tour highlighting the city's remarkable sights. You'll experience a mix of the iconic and the modern, from the famous image of the windmill to the Rembrandt statue, as well as the sleek beauty of the South District. At Museum Square, we delve into the timeless craft of diamond cutting. Our journey continues as we leave the bus to explore the historic heart of the city on foot, where the tour concludes. You’ll have free time afterward to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Amsterdam.

We conclude our journey in Amsterdam after a delightful breakfast. Though our tour officially ends today, the memories and experiences gathered will linger long after you depart. You might choose to spend some additional time exploring this vibrant city at your leisure, immersing yourself in its rich cultural tapestry before saying farewell.