Journey Through Europe's Iconic Cities
Start location – London. End location – Madrid. Total number of days – 14. Key experiences or destinations – London icons, Amsterdam canals, Brussels Grand Place, Paris with Versailles, Montmartre, Eiffel Tower and Seine cruise, Loire and Bordeaux, Pyrenees with Lourdes and Carcassonne, Andorra and Montserrat rack railway, Barcelona and Gaudi, Valencia and paella, Madrid and the Bernabeu. Starting in London and finishing in Madrid, this 14 day adventure blends headline cities with coastal charm and mountain drama – all at a well paced tempo with guided tours and generous free time. You’ll explore London’s classics then sail overnight to the Netherlands, wander Amsterdam’s canals, and stop by Brussels’ Grand Place. Paris brings Versailles, Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and a laid back Seine cruise. Expect the Loire and Bordeaux, the Pyrenees via Lourdes and Carcassonne, and duty free Andorra – plus the Montserrat rack railway. Round things off with Gaudi’s Barcelona, a taste of paella in Valencia, and a Madrid finale including the Bernabeu.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
14 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
LondonEnds
MadridMinimum 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 United Kingdom 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
United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Andorra, SpainPassengers
R 55 347,75
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
London
Colchester
Colchester - Volendam Ferry
Volendam
Amsterdam
Bruges
Paris
Tours
Bordeaux
Lourdes
Carcassonne
Foix
Andorra
Montserrat
Barcelona
Peniscola
Valencia
Madrid
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Welcome to London. On arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel, after which the rest of the day is free – you can relax after your journey or take a short stroll nearby. From the afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel reception for details about the start of your tour.
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 - London
Today we explore London on a panoramic tour with a local guide, taking in the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames and Buckingham Palace. If dates align, we may witness the Changing of the Guard. In the evening, we meet in Piccadilly for a guided stroll through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho – areas known for their lively atmosphere, theatres and entertainment. You can choose from numerous restaurants for dinner before we return to the hotel.
Day 3 - London - Colchester - Colchester - Volendam Ferry
This morning we visit the British Museum – one of the world’s oldest – to see remarkable collections spanning global cultures. You’ll then have some free time before we head to Camden around lunchtime. Here you can browse the district’s vibrant market and choose your own lunch from its many food stalls and small restaurants. At about 4 pm we depart London for Colchester, England’s oldest recorded town, for a relaxed stroll through its historic centre, before continuing to Harwich to board the overnight ferry to the Netherlands. We stay in en suite cabins on board.Important note: If ferry cabins are limited, the schedule may change – we may travel to Amsterdam via a daytime ferry with an overnight in Antwerp, or alternatively by train or flight to Amsterdam.
Day 4 - Colchester - Volendam Ferry - Volendam - Amsterdam
Around eight in the morning we arrive at Hoek van Holland and disembark. We travel to Volendam, a picturesque fishing village, for a short visit before continuing to Amsterdam. Here we take a guided city tour that blends classic windmill views and the Rembrandt statue with the contemporary elegance of the South District, plus an insight into Amsterdam’s long tradition of diamond cutting around Museum Square. The tour ends at Amsterdam Central Station – your guide will share practical tips so you can make the most of your free time. You can continue exploring the canals and browsing the city’s street markets at your own pace.
Day 5 - Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris
After breakfast, we travel into Belgium – just over 200 kilometres – to Brussels, the national capital and seat of major European institutions. Before reaching the city centre, we make a short stop at the Atomium. In the historic heart, we admire the Grand Place – a jewel of Flemish Baroque – and stroll past the Manneken Pis. In the afternoon, we continue into France, arriving in Paris at the end of the day.
Day 6 - Paris
Today we visit the Palace of Versailles – admission not included – renowned for its formal gardens. Back in Paris, we explore Montmartre, the city’s bohemian neighbourhood known for its artists and cabarets. We then take a panoramic tour with a local guide to admire Paris’s grand avenues and landmark monuments before returning to the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional variety show.
Day 7 - Paris - Tours
We begin in central Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower – admission is included for the ascent to the second floor. Afterwards, we enjoy a relaxed cruise on the Seine lasting about 1 hour 15 minutes. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace. At 5.00 pm we depart Paris for the Loire Valley, arriving in Tours in the evening, where you can take a leisurely stroll and find dinner in the beautiful historic centre. Please note: waiting times for the Eiffel Tower can be long, so the visit may be moved to a different time – or to Sunday – for logistical reasons.
Day 8 - Tours - Bordeaux - Lourdes
Today we travel south through vineyard country to Bordeaux, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll have time to find lunch and explore – the Port of the Moon and St Andrew’s Cathedral are easy highlights. We then continue towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes in the late afternoon. Here you can join the candlelight procession – held from late March to the end of October – and visit the places of worship at your own pace. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 9 - Lourdes - Carcassonne - Foix - Andorra
We travel across the south of France to Carcassonne for free time and lunch in La Cité – the historic quarter known for its medieval walls and castle. We then continue towards the Pyrenees, making a brief stop in Foix, a medieval town renowned for the Château de Foix. Carrying on through the mountains – their snowy peaks often visible throughout the year – we arrive in Andorra, where the official language is Catalan. En route we pause at Sant Joan de Caselles, a small Romanesque church from the 12th century. We continue to Andorra la Vella, the capital, where you’ll have free time to explore the bustling commercial centre or visit Caldea, the largest thermal spa in Europe. Dinner is included.
Day 10 - Andorra - Montserrat - Barcelona
Morning at leisure in Andorra – you can browse the shops or take a stroll. After lunch we continue into Catalonia to the impressive abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat. We take the rack railway up the mountain – ticket included – to enjoy the fantastic views, and you’ll have time to explore the sanctuary at your own pace – entrance not included. We then continue to Barcelona, arriving in the late afternoon.
Day 11 - Barcelona
In the morning, we take a panoramic tour of Barcelona – a Mediterranean city renowned for Gaudí’s modernist architecture, the lively Ramblas, and the legacies of its World Expositions and Olympic Games. The tour ends at Maremagnum, a contemporary waterfront dining and leisure complex by Columbus Square, where you can enjoy a relaxed stroll in this vibrant area. You then have the afternoon at leisure to explore as you wish. We return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 12 - Barcelona - Peniscola - Valencia - Madrid
We travel south along the Mediterranean, pausing in Peñíscola – a walled seaside town – with time for a relaxed stroll. We then continue to Valencia, a port city on Spain’s Levantine coast, arriving around lunchtime, when you might like to try a traditional paella.At about 4.30 pm we continue towards Madrid, making a brief stop at Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences. We arrive in Madrid between 8.30 and 9 pm, and include an evening transfer to Plaza Mayor – a lively spot where you can enjoy pinchos or a glass of wine at one of its many restaurants.Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the journey from Valencia to Madrid may be by high speed train.
Day 13 - Madrid
This morning we explore central Madrid on a guided city tour, taking in Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then head to El Retiro Park – a calm green space in the city centre – to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Entrance to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, is included. You have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace. In the evening we provide a return transfer to the hotel.
Day 14 - Madrid
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Madrid – a final chance to reflect on the highlights before you continue with your onward plans. Thank you for travelling with us and have a smooth journey home or to your next destination.
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 - Madrid
Pre-Tour Accommodation - London
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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