Journey Across Europe's Cultural Gems
Begin in Madrid and end in Paris on a 12 day journey blending flagship cities, alpine drama and pretty villages. You’ll explore Madrid’s boulevards, Retiro Park and the Bernabéu, then continue via Zaragoza and Poblet to vibrant Barcelona and Girona. Cross Provence to Arles and the immersive Carrières des Lumières, before swinging into Switzerland – Geneva’s lakeside sights, Gruyères cheese, Chillon Castle and an alpine stay with the Glacier 3000 cable car. Roll on through Interlaken, Lucerne and Zurich to Alsace’s canals and cobbles, the Black Forest and Heidelberg, with Frankfurt and Luxembourg along the way – Champagne country guides you into Paris.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
12 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, Germany, LuxembourgPassengers
R 47 179,25
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
Basel
Colmar
Riquewihr
Strasbourg
Fribourg
Triberg
Gengenbach
Baden-Baden
Speyer
Heidelberg
Frankfurt
Luxembourg
Reims
Paris
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
Welcome to Madrid. On arrival at the airport, we’ll transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have free time until the tour begins – please check the information board at hotel reception for details of the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and the La Latina neighbourhood, renowned for its nightlife and tapas. You can choose where to dine – restaurants range from Spanish to Indian, Chinese and 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 set out on a comprehensive tour of central Madrid, taking in Paseo del Prado, the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then wander through Retiro Park 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 afternoon free to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll provide a return transfer to the hotel.
Day 3 - Madrid - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona
We leave Madrid in the morning and travel across the plains of Castile into Aragón. In Zaragoza we stop to see the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a key landmark of the city. We then continue into Catalonia to visit the serene Poblet Abbey – one of the best preserved medieval monasteries – with entrance included. After the visit, we head on to Barcelona, arriving in the evening.
Day 4 - Barcelona - Girona
This morning we explore Barcelona – the City of Counts – on a guided tour. Set on the Mediterranean, the city is famed for Gaudí’s modernist architecture, the lively Ramblas and a rich history marked by the Universal Exposition and the Olympic Games. In the evening we leave Barcelona and travel further north within Catalonia. Before checking in to our hotel, we take a walk through Girona’s historic centre, known for its colourful riverside houses, medieval Jewish quarter and impressive cathedral.
Day 5 - Girona - Careers of Lights - Chambery
We leave Girona and cross into France, travelling through Provence. Our first stop is Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city with strong links to Van Gogh, where we visit the Roman theatre and Romanesque churches. You’ll have time to explore and have lunch at your own pace. We then include a visit to Carrières des Lumières – an extraordinary underground art experience of images and sound set in an ancient quarry. We arrive in Chambéry, the capital of Savoy, in the evening – 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 provide an alternative visit to the Pont du Gard, a famous Roman aqueduct.
Day 6 - Chambery - Geneva - Gruyeres - Leysin
We travel into Switzerland, arriving in Geneva. With our guide, we visit the Palais des Nations – the United Nations’ European headquarters – see the English Garden with its flower clock, and admire the Jet d’Eau. We continue to the walled village of Gruyères, famed for its cheese. Nearby are some of Switzerland’s major chocolate factories, including Nestlé, and our visit includes admission to the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory with a tasting.We then follow scenic mountain roads past wooden villages to Chillon Castle on the shores of Lake Geneva – admission included. By mid–afternoon we arrive in Leysin, a holiday village with sweeping views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc, known for winter sports and hiking. Dinner is included. Note: depending on availability, accommodation may be in another Swiss Alpine town such as Martigny.
Day 7 - Leysin - Interlaken - Lucerne - Zurich
Get ready for a day of big alpine views – bring warm layers. We ascend by cable car to Glacier 3000, where there is ice and snow year round; here you can walk the suspended bridge between two peaks, visit the Ice Cathedral or try the Fun Park. We stop in Interlaken for lunch at your leisure before continuing to Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities. By evening we reach Zurich, where you’ll have free time to explore the centre before we head to the hotel. If adverse weather or other circumstances close the Glacier 3000 cable car, we’ll provide an alternative that showcases the alpine landscapes.
Day 8 - Zurich - Basel - Colmar - Riquewihr - Strasbourg
We leave Zurich and travel to Basel, a key Rhine city at the meeting point of Switzerland, Germany and France. You can explore the old town – Town Hall Square and the impressive cathedral overlooking the river stand out. We then continue into Alsace in France, a region shaped by both French and German influences, with its Alsatian dialect and traditions reflected in the architecture. We stop in Colmar, renowned for its colourful traditional houses, pretty canals, white wines and excellent cuisine – you’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll. In the afternoon we visit Riquewihr, one of Alsace’s most beautiful medieval villages, with cobbled streets and colourful houses often cited as an inspiration for scenes in Beauty and the Beast. We arrive in Strasbourg in the evening – you could take a walk around the Cathedral and Petite France districts and choose a cosy restaurant for dinner.
Day 9 - Strasbourg - Freiburg im breisgau - Triberg - Gengenbach - Baden-Baden
Strasbourg sets the tone today – capital of Alsace and home to the European Parliament – with its medieval streets, impressive Gothic cathedral and canals lined with flowers. We include a leisurely boat trip through Petite France to see this quarter from the water. Afterwards, we cross into Germany, travelling through the Black Forest’s mountain landscapes. In Freiburg im Breisgau, you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll through the lively university city and its medieval centre around the cathedral.We then continue to Triberg, famed for cuckoo clocks. We include admission to the Triberg Waterfalls – Germany’s highest – reached via a pleasant walking path. A short photo stop follows in Gengenbach, known for its handsome central square, before we arrive in Baden-Baden for the night, a historic spa town with elegant architecture, parks and a celebrated casino.
Day 10 - Baden-Baden - Speyer - Heidelberg - Frankfurt
We start with a relaxed stroll through the parks of Baden-Baden before continuing into Rhineland Palatinate. In Speyer, on the banks of the Rhine, you can visit its UNESCO-listed Romanesque cathedral and wander the old town, where the Alte Münze tower stands out. We then continue to Heidelberg, where we take the funicular – ticket included – up to the castle. Access to the exterior grounds, the wine cellars and the pharmacy museum is included, and the views over the city are excellent. Afterwards, you’ll have time for lunch and to explore the old town and its Marktplatz. By late afternoon we arrive in Frankfurt, a major financial hub with modern skyscrapers, a historic centre, riverfront views and a lively nightlife. You’ll have free time to stroll and dine around Römerberg Square before we head to the hotel.
Day 11 - Frankfurt - Luxembourg - Reims - Paris
We travel from Frankfurt to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg – where Luxembourgish and French are spoken – and visit Luxembourg City, a cosmopolitan capital that balances historic quarters with its role as a financial and EU centre. You can explore the UNESCO-listed old town and fortifications, and see the Grand Ducal Palace and Notre-Dame Cathedral. After time for lunch, we continue into France through the Champagne region to Reims, where you can admire the magnificent Gothic cathedral, historically used for French royal coronations. We arrive in Paris by the end of the day.
Day 12 - Paris
After breakfast in Paris, we conclude our journey – you can depart at your own pace for your onward travel.
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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