Modern Europe

Welcome to Madrid. Upon arrival at the airport, we will transfer you to your hotel, where you will have some free time 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 will provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina—Madrid’s most popular neighbourhood for nightlife and tapas bars. You may choose to dine at a restaurant that suits your taste, with options including Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
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. Following this, we visit Retiro Park, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city, where we see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Included in the morning is admission to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, one of the world’s most renowned football clubs. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. In the evening, we provide a transfer back to the hotel.

We leave Madrid in the morning and travel through the Castile region towards Aragon. Our first stop is Zaragoza, where we’ll visit the impressive Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a significant Baroque-style landmark. Next, we continue to Poblet Abbey, one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in Europe—admission is included. We then proceed to Barcelona, arriving in the evening, where the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore independently.

This morning, we embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, a captivating city on the Mediterranean coast renowned for its unique modernist architecture by Antoni Gaudí. We explore key sights including the lively Las Ramblas and areas shaped by the city’s World Expositions and Olympic legacy. The tour concludes at Maremagnum, a contemporary leisure and dining complex by the sea near Columbus Square, where you are free to explore and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The afternoon is at your leisure before we return to the hotel later in the day.

We’ll transfer you to the station at the arranged time for your high-speed train from Barcelona to Paris, which is included. The journey takes just over six hours, offering a comfortable and scenic ride. Upon arrival in Paris, we’ll provide a transfer to your hotel. Your guide will contact you in the evening, or you can check the information displays at the hotel reception for details. Please note that the train journey will be unaccompanied by a guide.

Today, we explore the grand history of France with a visit to the Palace of Versailles, famed for its magnificent gardens (entrance not included). After returning to Paris, we tour Montmartre, a lively bohemian district known for its artistic heritage and cabarets. To complete our day, we take a panoramic city tour with a local guide, highlighting Paris’s wide boulevards and iconic landmarks. We then return to the hotel, with an optional evening variety show available for those interested.

We begin the day in central Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, including admission to the second floor—tickets are included. Following this, we take a relaxing boat cruise along the Seine, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s landmarks. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at leisure. At around 4:00 p.m., we depart for Normandy and arrive in Rouen. Here, you’ll have free time to explore the historic centre, known for its medieval architecture and impressive Gothic cathedral, reflecting the city’s rich heritage dating back to Roman times. Please note, if queue times at the Eiffel Tower are long, we may reschedule the visit to a later time or the following day for your convenience.

We’ll begin the day with a leisurely stroll through the historic centre of Rouen, taking in its medieval architecture and charming streets. Afterwards, we’ll travel north towards the coast and cross the English Channel by ferry. Upon arrival in England, we’ll continue to Canterbury, known as the religious heart of the country, where you can explore its picturesque historic centre. Later, we’ll proceed to London, providing you with some free time around the iconic Tower Bridge area before transferring to the hotel for the evening.

We begin the day with a panoramic tour of London led by a local guide, highlighting the city’s rich culture and history. You’ll see iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, and Buckingham Palace, where there may be an opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard, depending on the schedule. In the evening, we’ll gather in Piccadilly to enjoy a stroll through Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho—areas known for their vibrant atmosphere, theatres, and entertainment. You’ll have ample choice of restaurants for dinner before we return to the hotel.

This morning, we visit the British Museum, one of the world’s oldest institutions, where we’ll explore artefacts reflecting cultures from across the globe. After some free time for lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Camden, known for its lively and eclectic street market offering unique goods and a variety of food stalls. Around 4:00 p.m., we’ll travel to Colchester, England’s oldest recorded town, where we’ll enjoy a relaxed walk through its historic streets. Later, we continue to Harwich to board the ferry for an overnight crossing to the Netherlands, with comfortable en suite cabins. Please note that due to limited cabin availability, the itinerary may be adjusted – this could include travelling from London to Amsterdam by daytime ferry with an overnight stay in Antwerp or travelling by train or flight instead.

We arrive in the Netherlands at Hoek van Holland around 8 a.m. From there, we visit Volendam, a charming fishing village known for its traditional character and waterfront views. Afterwards, we travel to Amsterdam for a guided city tour, which includes viewing the iconic windmill and Rembrandt statue, exploring the modern South District, and visiting Museum Square to learn about the city’s diamond-cutting heritage. The tour concludes in the city centre, where you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure.

After breakfast, the tour concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of your journey. You are free to continue exploring Amsterdam at your leisure or make your onward travel arrangements.