European Grand Tour Cities and Landscapes
Begin in Madrid and finish in Paris – 24 days that link Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. You’ll explore Barcelona’s Gaudí gems and Girona’s old quarter, wander Arles, then roll into Switzerland for Geneva, Gruyères chocolate, Chillon Castle and Glacier 3000. Expect lakes and peaks around Interlaken and Lucerne, Italy’s Como, Milan and Pisa, Rome and Florence, plus Venice and Murano craft. Continue via Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna, cruise the Danube in Budapest, uncover Prague and the Rhine, dip into Amsterdam and Brussels, and wrap up with Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and a Seine cruise.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
24 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MadridEnds
ParisMinimum 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, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, BelgiumPassengers
R 89 228,75
R 5 000,00
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
Madrid
Zaragoza
Poblet
Barcelona
Girona
Careers of Lights
Chambéry
Geneva
Gruyeres
Leysin
Interlaken
Lucerne
Zurich
Bellinzona
Como
Milan
Pisa
Rome
Florence
Venice
Innsbruck
Salzburg
Lake Traunsee
Vienna
Budapest
Bratislava
Prague
Pilsen
Rothenburg
Frankfurt
Cruise on the Rhine
Cologne
Amsterdam
Bruges
Paris
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
Welcome to Madrid. On arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel, after which you’ll have free time until the tour begins. Please check the information signs at hotel reception for the time and place of the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers.In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina – two of the city’s best areas for nightlife and tapas restaurants. You can choose where to dine, with plenty of options including Spanish, Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern cuisines.
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 set out on a comprehensive tour of central Madrid, taking in the Paseo del Prado, the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, the Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then continue to El Retiro Park – the city’s landmark green space – to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is included for an inside look at the home of Real Madrid. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. In the evening we provide a transfer back to the hotel.
Day 3 - Madrid - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona
Leaving Madrid in the morning, we travel across Castile into Aragón, stopping in Zaragoza to admire the Cathedral–Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. We continue to the serene Poblet Abbey – among the best preserved medieval monasteries in the world, with admission included – then carry on to Barcelona, arriving in the evening.
Day 4 - Barcelona - Girona
In the morning, we begin with a city tour of Barcelona – the City of Counts – set on the Mediterranean and famed for Gaudí’s modernist architecture, the lively Ramblas and landmark moments such as the Universal Exposition and the Olympic Games. Barcelona is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most captivating capitals. In the evening, we leave the city and travel north into Catalonia. Before settling into our hotel, we take a walk in Girona, exploring its historic centre with its colourful riverside houses, the old Jewish quarter and the impressive cathedral.
Day 5 - Girona - Careers of Lights - Chambery
We leave Girona for France, travelling through Provence. Our first stop is Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city associated with Van Gogh – you can visit the Roman theatre and Romanesque churches and choose a spot for lunch. We then include a visit to Carrières des Lumières, an immersive art experience in a former quarry where images and music transform the rock walls. In the evening we arrive in Chambéry, the capital of Savoy, a medieval style city with a beautiful historic centre and a large castle. Note: If tickets for Carrières des Lumières are unavailable due to high demand, we will visit the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct instead.
Day 6 - Chambery - Geneva - Gruyeres - Leysin
We leave Chambéry and cross into Switzerland, arriving in Geneva. With our guide, we visit the Palais des Nations – the United Nations’ European headquarters – stroll through the English Garden to see the flower clock, and take in views of the Jet d’Eau. We then continue to Gruyères, a charming walled village famed for its cheese. Nearby, we include admission to Maison Cailler for a chocolate tour and tasting. Our route follows scenic roads past alpine meadows and wooden villages to lakeside Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva – entrance included. We reach Leysin by mid afternoon, a mountain resort with wide views over the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc. Dinner is included. Note: Depending on availability, accommodation may be in another Swiss alpine town such as Martigny.
Day 7 - Leysin - Interlaken - Lucerne - Zurich
Prepare for a day of striking alpine scenery – pack warm layers. From Leysin we ascend by cable car to Glacier 3000, a high mountain area with snow and ice all year. Here you can walk across the suspended bridge linking two peaks, visit the Ice Cathedral or try the Fun Park at your own pace. We then continue to Interlaken, where you’ll have time for lunch, before travelling on to Lucerne. In the evening we arrive in Zurich – you’ll have a short time to explore the centre before we head to the hotel.Note: If adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances close the Glacier 3000 cable car, we will offer an alternative that showcases equally impressive alpine scenery.
Day 8 - Zurich - Bellinzona - Como - Milan
We leave Zurich early and cross the Alps into the Italian‑speaking south of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, famed for its three hilltop medieval castles – all UNESCO World Heritage Sites that reflect the city’s historic role as an Alpine stronghold. You’ll have free time to wander the compact historic centre at your own pace.We then enter Italy and pause in Como for lunch. Set beside its celebrated lake, the town is known for elegant gardens and a striking cathedral. From here we continue to Milan, where our guide will lead us to the impressive Piazza del Duomo. You’ll have a little time to explore the area independently before we transfer you to the hotel.
Day 9 - Milan - Pisa - Rome
Leaving Milan, we continue to Pisa. On arrival, we take the small tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli – the Square of Miracles – where you’ll have time to admire the remarkable complex, including the famous Leaning Tower. Afterwards, we head to Rome, arriving later in the day.
Day 10 - Rome
This morning we explore Rome on a guided tour, combining a walking visit through Imperial Rome with a panoramic coach drive to take in key sights. We’ll view the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus and the Baths of Caracalla, then continue past the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour finishes at Vatican City at around 11:00. Your guide will then offer an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.In the evening we include a transfer to the Trastevere neighbourhood – known for its cosy restaurants and lively atmosphere – with return to the hotel at around 20:30.
Day 11 - Rome - Florence
We leave Rome and head north, taking in the beautiful landscapes along the way. On arrival in Florence, we go straight to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of the city, then walk towards the historic centre. After time for lunch, we join a guided walking tour with a local expert, visiting the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria – this city feels like an open–air museum. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure. In the evening, you can choose where to dine – this district offers many restaurants with a range of international cuisines.
Day 12 - Florence - Venice
We leave Florence and cross the Apennines, enjoying striking mountain views en route to Venice. On arrival, we take a boat across the Giudecca Canal to the historic centre and, with a local guide, visit St Mark’s Square. We then tour a Murano glass factory to see the centuries old techniques behind this renowned craft. You will have free time to explore at your own pace before we head to our hotel. Accommodation will be in the Mestre district.
Day 13 - Venice - Innsbruck - Salzburg
We depart Venice and cross into Austria, arriving in Innsbruck, the Tyrolean capital. You’ll have free time to stroll the historic centre and choose a place for lunch. We then follow scenic mountain roads to Kitzbühel, where you’ll have time to explore this picturesque ski resort – snow is often present for much of the year. We continue to Salzburg, arriving by the end of the day. Note: if the group is small, we may take a train from Venice to Innsbruck.
Day 14 - Salzburg - Lake Traunsee - Vienna
Today we deepen our discovery of Austria. This morning we explore Salzburg – Mozart’s city – taking in its Renaissance and Baroque centre beneath the castle. We then travel through lakes and mountains to St Wolfgang, a noted pilgrimage site, before continuing to Traunkirchen on the shores of Traunsee. Here we include a cruise to view four of the lake’s castles, disembarking in Gmunden, and then continue on to Vienna for an evening arrival.
Day 15 - Vienna
This morning we take a panoramic tour of Vienna with a local guide – showcasing its grand avenues, elegant palaces, expansive parks and vibrant historic centre. The afternoon is free – you can explore at your own pace, perhaps continuing your strolls or pausing in one of the city’s green spaces. In the evening we include a transfer to Grinzing – once a wine–growing village and now a Viennese district known for its traditional taverns – where you’ll have free time to choose a place for dinner.
Day 16 - Vienna - Budapest
We travel east from Vienna to Budapest – around three hours by road. On arrival, we head straight to Váci utca, the city’s lively pedestrian street, where you’ll have free time for lunch. We then enjoy an included cruise on the Danube, taking in the contrasting views of historic Buda on the hills and cosmopolitan Pest across the river. After the cruise, we begin a panoramic tour of the city often called the Queen of the Danube, covering key sights and neighbourhoods. You’ll have free time afterwards to explore at your own pace. In the evening, you can choose to join an optional Magyar show with dinner.
Day 17 - Budapest - Bratislava - Prague
We leave Budapest early and travel to Bratislava – Slovakia’s capital on the Danube – where you’ll have free time to explore the attractive historic centre and choose a place for lunch. We then continue to the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague in the evening. On arrival, we provide a transfer to Old Town Square – a lively introduction to the city – where you can have dinner at one of the many restaurants offering Czech, Chinese, Indian or Italian cuisine. We return to the hotel afterwards.
Day 18 - Prague
Prague – often called the Baroque jewel of Europe – takes centre stage today. We begin with a panoramic tour led by our local guide, showcasing the city’s standout sights, before visiting Prague Castle – admission included – to explore its historic complex. Afterward, we change perspective with an included boat ride on the Vltava River. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace.
Day 19 - Prague - Pilsen - Rothenburg - Frankfurt
We depart early from Prague and stop in Pilsen in western Bohemia – a city renowned for its beer heritage. You’ll have time to wander the historic centre, taking in the Old Town Square, the cathedral, the Plague Column and the Renaissance town hall. We then cross into Germany and follow part of the Romantic Road to visit Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved town often described as storybook-like. Afterwards, we continue to Frankfurt, Germany’s financial capital. On arrival in the evening, you’ll have free time in the historic centre to find dinner – choices range from Indian and Asian to Italian and other international cuisines.
Day 20 - Frankfurt - Cologne - Amsterdam
From Frankfurt, we head to the Rhine for a scenic cruise between Rüdesheim and St. Goar – the river’s most picturesque stretch. After disembarking, we continue to Cologne, renowned for its immense Gothic cathedral, then cross into the Netherlands, arriving in Amsterdam in the evening.
Day 21 - Amsterdam
Today we explore classic Dutch scenery. We begin at Zaanse Schans – a village of wooden houses, canals and windmills – before continuing to Volendam, a scenic fishing village. From here we take a short boat ride to Marken, once an island and now connected to the mainland by a dyke – its houses were traditionally built on stilts to protect from flooding. In the afternoon back in Amsterdam, we enjoy a guided city tour that brings together several highlights – the image of a windmill and the Rembrandt statue, the contemporary elegance of the South District and the longstanding craft of diamond cutting around Museum Square. The tour ends at Central Station – your guide will share practical tips so you can explore the canals, street markets and cafés at your own pace.
Day 22 - Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris
After breakfast, we leave Amsterdam for Belgium – just over 200 km to Brussels, the Belgian capital and home to the main European institutions. Before reaching the centre, we make a brief stop at the Atomium, the city’s most iconic landmark. In Brussels we take in the magnificent Grand Place – a gem of Flemish Baroque – and stroll past the emblematic Manneken Pis, in a city where history, chocolate and modernity sit side by side. In the afternoon we continue into France, arriving in Paris by the end of the day.
Day 23 - Paris
We travel to the Palace of Versailles – admission not included – renowned for its magnificent gardens. Back in Paris, we explore Montmartre, the bohemian neighbourhood famed for its artists, painters and cabarets. To appreciate the city’s scale and highlights, we continue with a panoramic tour led by a local guide, taking in Paris’s grand avenues and iconic monuments. We then return to the hotel. In the evening, you can choose to attend an optional variety show.
Day 24 - Paris
We begin in central Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower – tickets are included for the ascent to the second floor. Afterwards, we take a relaxing Seine cruise of around 1 hour 15 minutes to see the city from the water. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace – please note that the return transfer to the hotel is not included. If waiting times at the Eiffel Tower are excessive, we may reschedule the visit for later in the day or on Sunday.Our journey concludes today. Please check your flight time and consider arranging an additional night if needed.
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 - Paris
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.
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