Western Europe Highlights
Embark on a captivating 13-day tour from vibrant Barcelona to the charming city of Amsterdam, brimming with diverse cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Begin by exploring Barcelona’s iconic Gaudi architecture and lively streets. As you journey through Europe, expect to see the historic allure of Girona and medieval charm of Chambéry. In Switzerland, delve into the chocolate delights of Gruyères and enjoy dramatic mountain views at Glacier 3000. Marvel at Paris's iconic Eiffel Tower and charming Montmartre district, before crossing the English Channel to explore the historic sites of Canterbury and vibrant culture of London. Unwind in picturesque Volendam before finishing your adventure amid Amsterdam's rich heritage and canals.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
13 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
BarcelonaEnds
AmsterdamMinimum 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, United Kingdom, NetherlandsPassengers
£2,290.75
£300.00
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
Barcelona
Girona
Careers of Lights
Chambéry
Geneva
Gruyeres
Leysin
Interlaken
Lucerne
Zurich
Strasbourg
Paris
Rouen
English Channel
Canterbury
London
Colchester
Colchester - Volendam Ferry
Volendam
Amsterdam
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Barcelona
Upon your arrival in Barcelona, our tour commences with a convenient transfer to your hotel. Once you've settled in, feel free to enjoy some leisure time to explore the vibrant city or simply relax. In the afternoon, you can visit the hotel reception, where you'll find detailed information about the start of your tour, conveniently displayed on the boards, to help you orientate and prepare for the days 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.
Day 2 - Barcelona - Girona
Today, we begin our exploration of Barcelona, the vibrant City of Counts, known for its unique blend of modernist architecture by the visionary Antoni Gaudí. This city, located along the inviting shores of the Mediterranean Sea, offers a captivating mix of history and culture, having hosted significant events such as the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. In the evening, we will depart from Barcelona and travel northward into the heart of Catalonia. Our journey will bring us to the charming city of Girona, where we will enjoy a leisurely walk through its historic centre. Discover the picturesque streets lined with colourful houses, wander through the ancient Jewish quarter, and marvel at the magnificent cathedral. Our day promises a delightful blend of architectural wonders and enchanting historical insights.
Day 3 - Girona - Carrieres des Lumieres - Chambery
Today we will journey through the picturesque landscapes of Provence as we make our way into France. We'll make our first stop in the delightful city of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich Roman heritage and its association with the artist Van Gogh. While there, we'll have the opportunity to explore the ancient Roman theatre and other charming Romanesque churches. You'll have free time to discover the city and grab lunch before we continue on our adventure.Our next visit on the itinerary is the Carrières des Lumières, an astounding subterranean art installation in an old quarry where art, light, and sound converge in a mesmerising spectacle. Should the Carrières des Lumières tickets not be available due to high demand, an alternative visit to the impressive Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct, will be offered.As evening approaches, we'll arrive in Chambéry, the delightful capital of the Savoy region. This city, with its medieval roots, offers a captivating historic centre and a large, stately castle. Enjoy the charm of Chambéry as dusk falls over this enchanting city.
Day 4 - Chambery - Geneva - Gruyeres - Leysin
Our adventure today begins in Chambéry as we make our way to the vibrant city of Geneva in Switzerland. There, our guide will lead us to the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. Next, we'll take in the serene beauty of the English Garden, renowned for its enchanting flower clock, and gaze upon the famous Jet d’Eau, Europe's tallest fountain.Our travels then take us to the picturesque, fortified village of Gruyères, famed worldwide for its cheese. Nestled nearby are some of Switzerland’s leading chocolate factories. At the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory, we’ll indulge in a delightful tasting, experiencing first-hand the rich flavours of Swiss chocolate.We continue our journey through stunning alpine scenery, with rustic wooden villages gracing our route, until we reach the historic Chillon Castle, poised on the tranquil shores of Lake Geneva. Admission is included for this cultural treasure. By mid-afternoon, we will arrive in Leysin, a charming resort village offering breathtaking views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc. Leysin is particularly noted for winter sports and hiking trails. Our evening will conclude with a delicious included dinner. Please note, should Leysin accommodation be unavailable, we may stay in another delightful Swiss town nestled in the Alps, such as Martigny.
Day 5 - Leysin - Interlaken - Lucerne - Zurich
Prepare yourself for a day of breathtaking mountain views. We will ascend to Glacier 3000 via cable car, a renowned spot in Switzerland that remains cloaked in ice and snow throughout the year. Here, you can venture across the suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks, explore the intriguing Ice Cathedral, or enjoy the thrills at the Fun Park. After our alpine adventures, we'll pause in Interlaken for lunch, a perfect opportunity to take in the stunning surroundings. Our journey will then lead us to Lucerne, a city celebrated for its beauty and charm, where we will spend the afternoon. As evening descends, we will arrive in Zurich, providing you with some time to explore the city centre before making our way to the hotel. Please note, should adverse weather or other unforeseen conditions impede our plans, the cable car to Glacier 3000 may be unavailable. In such cases, we will ensure an equally awe-inspiring experience amidst the alpine scenery.
Day 6 - Zurich - Strasbourg - Paris
Today we set off from Zurich towards Alsace in France, stopping first in the capital, Strasbourg. This delightful city effortlessly combines French and German influences, offering a unique cultural experience. You'll have time to explore and soak in the charm of Strasbourg at your leisure. Following this, our journey continues to Paris, where we will arrive in the evening.
Day 7 - Paris
On our seventh day in Paris, we'll dive into the rich tapestry of French history with a visit to the awe-inspiring Palace of Versailles. Although entry isn't included, you may choose to explore this iconic symbol of royal opulence and its exquisite gardens. After returning to Paris, we'll head to Montmartre, a delightful bohemian enclave renowned for its artistic community, vibrant cabarets, and captivating street life. Together with a local guide, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of the city, where we'll take in the stunning avenues and world-famous landmarks that make Paris a city like no other. Once we've returned to the hotel, you'll have the option to cap off your evening with a variety show—a perfect way to conclude a day of sightseeing and cultural immersion.
Day 8 - Paris - Rouen
We begin our day in the heart of Paris with a visit to the historic Eiffel Tower. You'll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this iconic structure, enjoying panoramic views of the cityscape below – tickets for this experience are included. Following this, we embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Seine, giving you a different perspective of Paris's landmarks from the water. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your own pace, discovering its hidden gems and popular attractions.Around 4:00 p.m., we depart Paris and journey towards Normandy, arriving in the charming city of Rouen. With its rich history dating back to Roman times, Rouen offers a delightful blend of medieval architecture and cultural heritage. You'll have free time to wander through its historic centre, perhaps visiting the impressive Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline. This evening is a perfect opportunity to explore Rouen's vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the local cuisine. In case of extended waiting times at the Eiffel Tower, please note we may reschedule your visit to a more convenient time.
Day 9 - Rouen - English Channel - Canterbury - London
Today begins with a leisurely morning in the centre of Rouen, allowing you to explore its rich historical charm. Wandering through the city, you'll discover its splendid half-timbered houses, the towering Gothic cathedral, and streets that echo with centuries of history. Following our time in Rouen, we will head north through France. Our journey takes us across the English Channel by ferry, leading us to the historic city of Canterbury, renowned as the religious heart of England. Here, you'll find a richly preserved medieval centre with cobbled streets and beautiful architecture. As the day continues, we make our way to London. Once there, you'll have some free time in the vicinity of Tower Bridge, one of the city's most iconic symbols. It's an excellent opportunity to experience some of London's renowned skyline before we proceed to our hotel for the evening.
Day 10 - London
Today, we'll delve into the heart of London on an engaging panoramic tour, expertly guided to reveal the city's rich cultural tapestry and historic gems. During the day, you'll have the opportunity to see iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, the winding River Thames, and Buckingham Palace. Depending on the dates, you might also witness the celebrated Changing of the Guard ceremony. As evening approaches, we'll set a rendezvous point in busy Piccadilly, from where we will explore the vibrant areas of Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho. Known for their dynamic atmosphere, these districts offer a wealth of theatres and entertainment options. You'll find a variety of restaurants in the area, perfect for enjoying dinner before we make our way back to the hotel for the night.
Day 11 - London - Colchester - Colchester - Volendam Ferry
We start our morning with a visit to the British Museum, one of the world's oldest museums, showcasing a remarkable collection of artefacts from diverse global cultures. After some leisure time, we move on to Camden, a district famed for its lively and diverse street market. Here, you can browse for unique items from all around the globe and indulge in lunch at one of the many quaint restaurants or food stalls. By 4:00 p.m., we embark on our journey to Colchester, known as England's oldest recorded town, where we enjoy a gentle walk along its historic streets. Our day concludes as we continue to Harwich to board the ferry for an overnight voyage to the Netherlands, where you will stay in en suite cabins. Please note: Due to limited cabin availability on the ferry, there might be changes to our itinerary. Alternative arrangements could include travelling from London to Amsterdam via a daytime ferry with an overnight stop in Antwerp, or possibly a train or flight to Amsterdam.
Day 12 - Colchester - Volendam Ferry - Volendam - Amsterdam
Our arrival in the Netherlands is scheduled early, around eight in the morning, at Hoek van Holland. From here, we will venture to Volendam, a delightful and picturesque fishing village known for its charming atmosphere. Afterwards, we will proceed to Amsterdam, where a guided tour will introduce us to the city’s highlights. We will capture the essence of the Netherlands with a view of an iconic windmill and visit the statue of Rembrandt. Our exploration continues with the modern allure of the South District and a visit to Museum Square, famed for its centuries-old diamond cutting craftsmanship. The tour concludes in the heart of Amsterdam, where you will be free to explore the city at your leisure.
Day 13 - Amsterdam
Following breakfast, our tour reaches its conclusion, leaving you to reflect on the unforgettable memories created during your journey.
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 - Amsterdam
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Barcelona
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.
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