Journey from London to Madrid Adventure

Upon arrival in London, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Here, you'll have some free time to unwind and get acquainted with your surroundings. In the afternoon, you can find all the necessary details about the start of your tour displayed on the information boards at the hotel reception. Relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic city as you prepare for the adventures ahead. 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.

We start our morning in London with a guided city tour, exploring sights such as Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, the City, and the River Thames. This offers a perfect introduction to the iconic landmarks and dynamic atmosphere of the capital. In the afternoon, you have free time to delve deeper into the city or join our optional excursion to the Thames Valley, visiting the historic town of Windsor, famed for its impressive castle. As evening approaches, we'll gather in Piccadilly to enjoy a leisurely stroll through Leicester Square, Chinatown, and the lively Soho district, renowned for its theatres and bustling nightlife. Please note that, depending on your arrival time in London, this evening programme might take place on your first day. Our evening concludes with a comfortable bus ride back to the hotel.

Spend the day in London, immersing yourself in the unique allure of this vibrant city. With the entire day at your disposal, seize the opportunity to explore London's iconic landmarks, indulge in world-class shopping, or discover hidden gems in its diverse neighbourhoods. Whether you choose to visit historical sites, stroll through lush parks, or enjoy cultural experiences, the city offers countless possibilities for an unforgettable day.

Today we leave London behind as we set off for the continent. Our journey begins with a ferry crossing to France, followed by a brief pause in Calais. We then continue to Amiens, a city celebrated for its magnificent Gothic cathedral. While there, you will have the chance to meander through the bustling narrow streets, discover the unique floating gardens, and perhaps visit the former home of the famous novelist Jules Verne. By day's end, we will reach Paris, ready to explore its charms the following day.

Today, we delve into the rich history and captivating beauty of France by visiting the splendid Palace of Versailles. While entry is optional, its renowned gardens are accessible for you to explore. We then return to Paris to wander through Montmartre, a delightful bohemian area celebrated for its artistic heritage, featuring artists, painters, and lively cabarets. Our exploration of Paris continues with a guided panoramic tour, offering an impressive overview of the city's spectacular boulevards and famed landmarks. We then make our way back to the hotel. For those eager to experience more, there is an optional variety show available in the evening.

Today begins in the heart of Paris with an unforgettable visit to the famed Eiffel Tower, where we have the opportunity to ascend to its second level and savour the sweeping views of the cityscape below. The morning continues with a serene cruise along the Seine, offering a unique perspective on Paris's iconic landmarks during this hour and fifteen-minute voyage. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring the charming streets of Paris at your leisure. At 5:30 p.m., we depart Paris, setting our sights on the picturesque Loire Valley. Our evening arrival in Tours, the vibrant capital of this renowned region, is an ideal chance to enjoy a delightful dinner or take a leisurely stroll through its historic centre. Please note that the popularity of the Eiffel Tower may result in significant wait times; our visit may be rescheduled for logistical convenience, potentially moving to a different time or day.

Today, we embark on a scenic journey to the south of France, making our first stop in the vibrant city of Bordeaux. Known for its beautifully preserved town centre, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux offers a delightful mix of history and charm. You'll have time to savour lunch and wander around, perhaps visiting the renowned Port of the Moon or admiring the grandeur of the Cathedral of St. Andrew. We then continue our route towards the majestic Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by late afternoon. Once there, you'll have the opportunity to join the serene candlelight procession—a moving experience available from late March to the end of October—and explore the numerous places of worship that make Lourdes a renowned pilgrimage destination. Dinner at the hotel is included, providing a relaxing end to an eventful day.

Our day begins with a scenic journey through the enchanting south of France, taking us to Carcassonne. Renowned for its medieval fortifications, we'll have time to explore the impressive castle and charming historic district, known as La Cit?, and enjoy lunch amidst this picturesque setting. Following our visit, we venture towards the Pyrenees, pausing at Foix, a town famed for the commanding Ch?teau de Foix. Continuing our journey through the Pyrenees, you'll be treated to views of snow-capped peaks, a sight to behold all year round. Our route takes us to Andorra, a diminutive yet fascinating country where Catalan is the mother tongue. En route, we'll take a short break at the 12th-century Romanesque church of Sant Joan de Caselles, before arriving at Andorra la Vella, the bustling capital of Andorra. Here, you'll have the freedom to delve into the vibrant city life or unwind at Caldea, Europe's largest thermal spa. Dinner is included for all.

With some free time available in Andorra, you have the opportunity to explore the local boutiques or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque surroundings. After lunch, we'll embark on a scenic journey into Catalonia. Our next stop is the stunning abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat, perched high in the mountains. We'll take a rack train up the mountain, allowing us to fully appreciate the breathtaking views. After exploring the sanctuary, we'll continue our journey to the vibrant city of Barcelona, arriving in the late afternoon.

This morning, we will set off on an engaging panoramic tour of Barcelona, a vibrant city acclaimed as one of Europe’s most captivating capitals. Situated beside the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is renowned for its stunning modernist architecture by Antoni Gaudí, the bustling energy of the Ramblas, and its rich history, showcased by events such as the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. Following our tour, you will have the afternoon free to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, we will provide transportation to Maremagnum, a contemporary entertainment and dining complex by the sea, conveniently located near Plaza de Colón. Take this opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lively area and explore a variety of dining options.

Today, we journey south along the Mediterranean coastline, making a notable stop in the charming seaside town of Peñíscola. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and known for its picturesque walled quarter, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely walk and absorb the unique atmosphere of this lovely location. As we continue onwards to Valencia, a bustling port city on the Levantine coast, we anticipate arriving around midday. Valencia is famed for its paella – perhaps you'll sample this iconic dish during your visit. In the mid-afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., we resume our travels towards Madrid, ensuring a brief exploration of Valencia's avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences. Expect to reach Madrid between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. Upon arrival, we'll welcome you to the city with a transfer to Plaza Mayor, a vibrant square where you can savour traditional pinchos or enjoy a glass of wine at one of the numerous local eateries. Please note that, depending on the number of travellers, we might complete the Valencia to Madrid leg via high-speed train.

We will start the day with an insightful tour of Madrid's city centre, showcasing its signature landmarks such as the majestic Paseo del Prado, the picturesque Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, the iconic Puerta de Alcalá, and the bustling Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. Following this, we'll take time to unwind in the lush surroundings of Retiro Park, a serene urban retreat boasting a charming lake and the elegant Palacio de Cristal. Our exploration continues with a visit to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, a football club acclaimed worldwide. The entrance fee is covered. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. In the evening, we'll arrange transportation back to the hotel for a seamless end to a memorable day.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with a wealth of cherished memories from your travels.