Grand European Journey Icons and Hidden Gems
Begin in Prague and finish in Barcelona on a 20 day journey across eight countries. You’ll explore baroque Prague – castle visit and Vltava cruise included – then call into Pilsen and storybook Rothenburg, sail the prettiest stretch of the Rhine to Cologne, and wander Dutch windmill villages before canal filled Amsterdam. Expect Brussels’ Grand Place, Paris with Versailles, Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and a Seine cruise. Switzerland brings Geneva, lakeside Zurich and an alpine cable car day to Grindelwald with time in Lucerne. Cross to Italy for Como, Milan’s Duomo, Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Rome – then fly to Spain for Madrid’s highlights and vibrant, Gaudi inspired Barcelona.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Tour Overview
Duration
20 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
PragueEnds
BarcelonaMinimum 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 Czech Republic 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
Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, SpainPassengers
£3,718.75
£300.00
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
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.
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 ToursPlaces You'll See
Prague
Pilsen
Rothenburg
Frankfurt
Cruise on the Rhine
Cologne
Amsterdam
Bruges
Paris
Burgundy
Beaune
Lyon
Geneva
Zurich
Lucerne
Bellinzona
Como
Milan
Pisa
Rome
Madrid
Zaragoza
Poblet
Barcelona
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Included
Not Included
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Itinerary
Day 1 - Prague
Prague. On arrival, we’ll meet you and transfer you to your hotel, after which you’ll have free time to relax or take a first stroll around the city. In the afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel reception for details about the start of your tour – meeting times and arrangements will be posted there.
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 - Prague
We spend the day discovering Prague, renowned for its Baroque architecture. With a local guide, we take an informative panoramic tour of the city’s key landmarks before visiting Prague Castle – admission is included. We then enjoy a boat ride on the Vltava River, also included.The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – you can wander the historic streets, revisit sites from the morning or simply soak up the atmosphere.
Day 3 - Prague - Pilsen - Rothenburg - Frankfurt
We depart Prague early and travel to Pilsen in western Bohemia, famed for its beer. We’ll have time to wander the historic centre, taking in the Old Town Square, the cathedral, the Plague Column and the Renaissance town hall. Crossing into Germany, we follow a stretch of the Romantic Road to visit Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved medieval town often regarded as one of the country’s most attractive. We then continue to Frankfurt, Germany’s financial capital. We arrive in the evening – you’ll have free time in the historic centre, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving Indian, Asian, Italian and other international cuisines.
Day 4 - Frankfurt - Cologne - Amsterdam
We leave Frankfurt for the Rhine, where we take a scenic cruise between Rüdesheim and St. Goar – the river’s most picturesque stretch. After the cruise, we continue to Cologne – home to an immense Gothic cathedral – before crossing into the Netherlands and arriving in Amsterdam in the evening.
Day 5 - Amsterdam
Today we explore quintessential Dutch scenery. We begin at Zaanse Schans – with its houses, canals and windmills – then continue to the fishing village of Volendam. From here we take a short boat ride to Marken, once an island and now linked to the mainland by a fixed dyke, where houses were traditionally built on stilts to protect against flooding. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of Amsterdam that brings together key sights – a city windmill and the Rembrandt statue, the elegant South district, and the tradition of diamond cutting at Museum Square. We finish at Central Station, where the tour concludes. Your guide will share practical tips so you can explore Amsterdam’s canals, street markets and cafés at your own pace.
Day 6 - Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris
After breakfast, we set off for Belgium – just over 200 km brings us to Brussels, the capital and home to major European institutions, a city that blends elegance with multiculturalism. Before reaching the city centre, we make a brief stop at the Atomium – Brussels’ most iconic landmark. We then head into the historic heart to admire the Grand Place – a jewel of Flemish Baroque – and stroll past the symbolic Manneken Pis. In the afternoon, we continue into France, arriving in Paris towards the end of the day.
Day 7 - Paris
We visit the Palace of Versailles – admission not included – with time to enjoy its celebrated gardens. Back in Paris, we explore Montmartre, the bohemian quarter known for its artists and cabarets. We then take a panoramic city tour with a local guide to admire Paris’s grand avenues and iconic monuments before returning to the hotel. In the evening, you can choose to attend an optional variety show.
Day 8 - Paris
We start in central Paris – we visit the Eiffel Tower with tickets included to the second floor – then enjoy a leisurely 1 hour 15 minute cruise along the Seine. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – please note the return transfer to the hotel is not included. If queues at the Eiffel Tower are exceptionally long, we may adjust the timing or move the visit to Sunday to keep the day running smoothly.
Day 9 - Paris - Burgundy - Beaune - Lyon
We travel into the heart of France through the Bourgogne region, famed for its vineyards and wines. Our first stop is Beaune – a charming Burgundy town known for its flower‑filled streets, hospice and wine museum – where you’ll have free time for lunch and a stroll. We then continue to Lyon, once the capital of Roman Gaul on the banks of the Rhône. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We take the cable car up to Notre‑Dame de Fourvière for panoramic views, and you’ll have time to explore at your own pace.Note: In some cases, part of the group will stay in Chambéry, near Lyon. In this instance, we travel to Chambéry in the evening for the overnight. In the morning, you’ll have time to visit this medieval‑style city – capital of Savoy – with its historic centre and castle.
Day 10 - Lyon - Geneva - Zurich
Today we travel into Switzerland, arriving in Geneva for a short city tour. We pass the Palace of Nations – the European headquarters of the United Nations – explore the English Garden with its flower clock, and admire the Jet d’Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. After lunch, we continue along the shores of Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel through the Three Lakes region, enjoying vineyard and mountain views. We stop in Neuchâtel, where you can walk by the lake, explore the historic centre or visit the castle dating from the 10th century. We then continue to Zurich, arriving in the late afternoon. Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the Geneva to Zurich section may be by train – in which case there is no stop in Neuchâtel.
Day 11 - Zurich
With our guide, we’ll explore Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and a major financial and cultural hub – a place twice recognised for the world’s best quality of life. We then cruise Lake Zurich for nearly two hours, making brief stops to take in the lakeside villages, and disembark in Rapperswil, a picturesque town known for its medieval castle. We return to Zurich by train – a simple journey that highlights the efficiency and punctuality of Swiss rail. Note – depending on the number of travellers, transfers to and from the city centre may be by public transport.
Day 12 - Zurich - Lucerne - Zurich
We leave Zurich for a day of superb alpine scenery, travelling through the Interlaken region to Grindelwald. After a coffee break, we take the cable car up the mountain and follow a walkway to a suspended bridge – if you choose to cross, you’ll enjoy striking glacier views. Lunch on the mountain is included. We then descend and continue to Lucerne, where you’ll have time to explore at your own pace, before returning to Zurich.If you prefer, your guide can offer an optional full day excursion that starts in the morning – after free time in Lucerne, you can ride the rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis, over 3,000 metres above sea level, for panoramic views of the glacier and the Alps.
Day 13 - Zurich - Bellinzona - Como - Milan
We leave Zurich early, crossing the Alps into Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region. Our first stop is Bellinzona, renowned for its three medieval castles – all UNESCO World Heritage sites – that overlook the town. You’ll have free time to wander the historic centre. We then enter Italy and stop in Como for lunch; this lakeside town is known for its elegant gardens and impressive cathedral. We continue to Milan, where our guide will lead us to the striking Piazza del Duomo. You’ll have a little time to look around before we transfer you to the hotel.
Day 14 - Milan - Pisa - Rome
From Milan, we continue to Pisa. On arrival, we board the small tourist train to Piazza dei Miracoli, where you’ll have time to admire one of Italy’s most captivating monumental complexes – including the iconic Leaning Tower. We then travel on to Rome, arriving later in the day.
Day 15 - Rome
This morning we take a guided tour lasting around three hours, combining a walk through Imperial Rome with a panoramic coach drive to admire one of the most influential cities in Western civilisation. We view 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 at about 11:00 am – you can then join an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. In the evening we include a transfer to Trastevere – known for its cosy restaurants and lively atmosphere – with return to the hotel at around 8:30 pm.
Day 16 - Rome - Madrid
At the time advised by your guide, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your included flight from Rome to Madrid. On arrival, we’ll provide a transfer to your hotel. Your guide will get in touch towards the end of the afternoon, or you can check the information available at reception. Note: On many flights the usual checked baggage allowance is one suitcase of up to 20 kg in the hold – any excess must be paid directly to the airline.
Day 17 - Madrid
The morning begins with a panoramic tour of central Madrid, taking in Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then head to Retiro Park – a calm green space in the city centre – to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, we include a return transfer to the hotel.
Day 18 - Madrid - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona
In the morning, we travel through the lands of Castile into Aragon. Our first stop is Zaragoza to see the Cathedral–Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. We then continue to the serene Poblet Abbey – one of the best preserved medieval monasteries – with admission included. We end the day in Barcelona, arriving in the evening.
Day 19 - Barcelona
This morning we take a panoramic tour of Barcelona – a Mediterranean city renowned for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, its lively Ramblas and the legacy of its World Expositions and Olympic Games. The tour ends at Maremagnum – a modern waterside leisure and dining complex next to Columbus Square – where you can stroll through this lively area by the sea. The afternoon is at leisure, so you can continue exploring at your own pace. We return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 20 - Barcelona
After breakfast, our journey concludes in Barcelona. We’ll say our goodbyes and the tour ends this morning – you’re free to make your onward travel arrangements or spend a little extra time in the city if you wish. We hope you leave with lasting memories.
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
Tour Reviews
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
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 - Barcelona
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Prague
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
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.
Guiding Style
Multi-Lingual Tour
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.
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