A Virtuous Line

Welcome to Madrid. Upon arrival at the airport, we’ll transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have some free time to settle in 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’ll take you to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, the city’s most popular neighbourhood for nightlife and tapas. You can choose to dine at your preferred restaurant, with options ranging from Indian and Chinese to 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 landmarks such as Paseo del Prado, the Cibeles Fountain, Neptune Fountain, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. Next, we visit Retiro Park, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city, where you’ll see the lake and the striking Palacio de Cristal. Our tour continues with included admission to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid football club. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. In the evening, we provide transport back to the hotel.

This morning we depart Madrid, travelling through Castile on our way to Aragon. Our first stop is Zaragoza to admire the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a striking example of Baroque architecture and an important pilgrimage site. We then continue to Poblet Abbey, one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in Europe, where admission is included. After exploring the tranquil abbey, we proceed to Barcelona, arriving in the evening to conclude the day’s journey.

We begin the day with a panoramic tour of Barcelona, a vibrant capital on the Mediterranean coast known for its unique blend of modernist architecture by Gaudí, bustling streets like La Rambla, and landmarks shaped by past World Expositions and the Olympic Games. The tour concludes at Maremagnum, a lively waterfront complex near Columbus Square, where you can enjoy a stroll and explore the shops and eateries. The afternoon is free for you to discover the city at your own pace before we return to the hotel in the evening.

We’ll transfer you to the station for your high-speed train from Barcelona to Paris, included in your trip. The journey takes just over six hours, offering a comfortable and scenic ride. Upon arrival in Paris, we’ll transfer you to your hotel. Your guide will get in touch with you in the evening, or you can find details on the information boards at the hotel reception. Please note that this train journey will be without a group guide.

Today, we explore the rich heritage of France beginning with a visit to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, famed for its exquisite gardens (admission not included). Returning to Paris, we’ll visit Montmartre—a historic bohemian district known for its artistic legacy and cabaret culture. To round off the day, we’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour led by a local guide, taking in Paris’s grand avenues and iconic landmarks. We will then return to the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional variety show to experience Parisian entertainment.

We begin the day in central Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where we’ll ascend to the second floor to enjoy panoramic views (tickets included). Following this, we’ll take a relaxing boat cruise along the Seine, offering a different perspective of the city’s landmarks. The afternoon is free for you to explore Paris at your own pace. At around 4:00 p.m., we depart for Normandy and arrive in Rouen. Here, you’ll have time to wander the historic centre, known for its medieval architecture and its striking Gothic cathedral, reflecting the city’s rich heritage. Please note, if wait times at the Eiffel Tower are long, we may adjust the visit to later in the day or on Sunday for your convenience.

We’ll begin the day with a leisurely walk through Rouen’s historic centre, taking in its medieval streets and charming architecture. Afterwards, we’ll travel north through France to the coast, where we cross the English Channel by ferry. Upon arrival in England, we’ll visit Canterbury, known for its impressive cathedral and rich religious heritage. Our journey continues to London, where you’ll have some free time to explore the area around Tower Bridge—one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks—before we transfer to the hotel for the evening.

Today we explore London on a panoramic tour led by a local guide, highlighting the city’s rich culture and history. We’ll pass iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, and Buckingham Palace, where you may have the chance to see the renowned Changing of the Guard, subject to the schedule. In the evening, we’ll meet in Piccadilly to enjoy a walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho—areas known for their vibrant nightlife, theatres, and diverse dining options. You’ll have plenty of choice for dinner before we return to the hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit the British Museum, one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated museums, home to a vast collection of artefacts representing cultures from across the globe. At lunchtime, we’ll transfer you to Camden, known for its lively and diverse market, where you can explore a variety of stalls and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure before the tour concludes, leaving you with memorable experiences. Please check your flight details, as you may need to arrange an additional night’s accommodation depending on your departure time.