Madrid to Rome A European Odyssey
New
Begin in Madrid and finish in Rome on an 11 day adventure across Spain, France, Switzerland and Italy. You’ll explore Madrid’s grand boulevards, Retiro and the Bernabéu, then call at Zaragoza and the walled Monastery of Poblet before soaking up Barcelona’s Gaudí highlights and Girona’s old quarter. Cross into Provence for Arles and an immersive art show in an ancient quarry – or Pont du Gard – then sweep through Geneva, Gruyères for cheese and chocolate, and lakeside Chillon. Ride up to Glacier 3000 for big alpine views, pause in Interlaken and Lucerne, then continue via Zurich, Bellinzona and Como to Milan, Pisa’s Leaning Tower and the treasures of Rome.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysHotel Rating
3 or 4 star hotelsStarts
MadridEnds
RomeMinimum 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 Spain 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
Spain, France, Switzerland, ItalyTour Style
Group Size
Up to 65 travellers
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
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.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
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 ToursPassengers
£1,556.25
Free eSIM included
Stay connected on your trip with free mobile data. We'll email it to you 7 days before departure — nothing to do now.
Places You'll See
Madrid
Zaragoza
Poblet
Barcelona
Girona
Careers of Lights
Chambéry
Geneva
Gruyeres
Leysin
Interlaken
Lucerne
Zurich
Bellinzona
Como
Milan
Pisa
Rome
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
Welcome to Madrid. On arrival we arrange your transfer to the hotel, then you have free time until the tour briefing – check the reception notices for the meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening we transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina – lively hubs of tapas and nightlife – where you can choose a restaurant that suits you, from Spanish to Indian, Chinese or Middle Eastern.
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 - Madrid
This morning we take a comprehensive tour of central Madrid, passing the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then stroll in Retiro Park to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – home of Real Madrid. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore, and in the evening we provide a transfer back to the hotel.
Day 3 - Madrid - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona
We cross Castile into Aragón, pausing in Zaragoza to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. After lunch we continue to the Monastery of Poblet – superbly preserved within ancient walls – with admission included. We reach Barcelona in the late afternoon.
Day 4 - Barcelona - Girona
This morning we tour Barcelona – the City of Counts – set on the Mediterranean and renowned for Gaudí’s modernism, the vibrant Ramblas and a rich history shaped by the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. In the evening we leave for northern Catalonia and, before reaching our hotel, we stroll through Girona’s historic centre with its colourful riverside houses, old Jewish quarter and imposing cathedral.
Day 5 - Girona - Careers of Lights - Chambery
We travel into France through Provence, stopping first in Arles – a UNESCO listed gem linked to Van Gogh – where we can view the Roman theatre and Romanesque churches and you have time to wander and have lunch. We then visit Carrières des Lumières – an immersive art experience in a former quarry. We arrive in Chambéry for the evening, a medieval style city with a handsome old centre and a substantial castle. If Carrières des Lumières is closed or tickets are unavailable, we visit the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard instead.
Day 6 - Chambery - Geneva - Gruyeres - Leysin
We continue into Switzerland, reaching Geneva to see the Palais des Nations – the European headquarters of the United Nations – the English Garden with its flower clock, and the Jet d’Eau, Europe’s tallest fountain. We then head to the walled village of Gruyères and include admission to the Maison Cailler chocolate factory for a tasting. Scenic roads take us to lakeside Chillon Castle with admission included. We arrive in Leysin in the early afternoon – a charming resort with views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc – and dinner is included. Depending on availability, we may stay in another attractive Swiss Alpine town such as Martigny.
Day 7 - Leysin - Interlaken - Lucerne - Zurich
Prepare for superb alpine scenery today – bring warm clothing. We ascend by cable car to Glacier 3000, a high mountain viewpoint with year round snow, where you can walk the suspended bridge between two peaks, explore the Ice Cathedral or try the Fun Park. We pause in Interlaken for lunch, continue to beautiful Lucerne, then reach Zurich in the evening with a little time to explore the centre before we head to the hotel. If weather or other factors close the Glacier 3000 cable car, we provide an equally impressive alternative to experience the Alps.
Day 8 - Zurich - Bellinzona - Como - Milan
We depart Zurich early, cross the Alps into Switzerland’s Italian speaking region, and stop in Bellinzona – famed for its three medieval castles – where you have free time to explore the charming centre. We then enter Italy and pause in Como for lunch, a Lombardy jewel known for lakeside gardens and a magnificent cathedral. We continue to Milan, where our guide leads us to the impressive Piazza del Duomo and you have time to stroll before we transfer to the hotel.
Day 9 - Milan - Pisa - Rome
We continue to Pisa and take the small tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli, where you have time to admire one of Italy’s finest monumental ensembles – including the celebrated Leaning Tower. We then travel on to Rome, arriving later in the day.
Day 10 - Rome
This morning we enjoy a guided tour of around three hours in the Eternal City – combining a walk through Imperial Rome with a panoramic coach route. We see 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 around 11:00 – afterwards your guide can arrange an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. In the evening we include a transfer to lively Trastevere, known for its cosy restaurants, with return to the hotel at around 20:30.
Day 11 - Rome
After breakfast our journey concludes – you depart with wonderful memories.
Tour Reviews
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 - Rome
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
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.
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.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Spain to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?