Essential Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Italy
Essential Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Italy
Essential Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Italy
13 Days Starting in Lisbon, Portugal and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, Girona, Chambery, Geneva, Zurich, Milan, Rome
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 35
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe with the "Essential Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy" tour. Begin in Lisbon, exploring iconic landmarks like Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, before traveling to the sacred site of Fatima. Discover the vibrant culture of Madrid, the architectural wonders of Barcelona, and the historic charm of Girona. Cross into France to experience the artistic marvels of Carrieres de Lumiere and the medieval beauty of Chambery. In Switzerland, marvel at the Swiss Alps, visit the Cailler chocolate factory, and ascend Glacier 3000. Conclude your adventure in Italy, visiting Milan's Duomo, Pisa's Leaning Tower, and Rome's ancient Imperial Forums. Enjoy guided city tours, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking landscapes on this culturally enriching tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lisbon Arrival (B/-/-)
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Vila Galé Ópera (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival in Lisbon, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, spend some leisure time exploring the city at your own pace or unwind in your hotel.
Overnight in Lisbon
Note: Kindly check the information posters in the hotel reception area. These include all the details regarding your tour, such as the meeting time and place, along with the guide's name.
Day 2: Lisbon (B/-/-)
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Vila Galé Ópera (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon after your breakfast. Accompanied by a local guide, you will discover the traditional neighborhoods of the Belem district, the birthplace of the great Portuguese navigators who sailed across the oceans in the 15th century. You will see various monuments and architectural structures in the city, such as the Belem Tower and the beautiful Jerónimos Monastery, a World Heritage Site dubbed by UNESCO. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore this incredible city at your own pace. At the end of the afternoon, you will be transferred to Restauradores Square, known for its incredible bars and cafes, from where you may take the “Elevador da Gloria,” which will bring you to the Upper District and its viewpoint.
Overnight in Lisbon
Day 3: Lisbon - Estremoz- Caceres - Madrid (B/-/-)
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Praga Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy your early breakfast at the hotel. We will set off from Portugal early, traveling through the scenic Alentejo region. Our first stop will be in Estremoz, a charming town with a medieval castle, cobblestone streets, and beautiful architecture that capture the essence of Portuguese heritage. After a coffee break, well continue towards Spain, reaching Cáceres, where you can enjoy lunch and explore its historic center—an exceptionally well-preserved medieval and Renaissance gem. Our journey will conclude in Madrid, arriving in the evening, with a transfer to the lively Plaza Mayor, filled with bustling restaurants and vibrant energy.
Overnight in Madrid
Day 4: Madrid (B/-/-)
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Praga Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your day will start early with a comprehensive tour through the center of Madrid. Get ready to see incredible sites including the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, the Gate of Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. You will visit Retiro Park, an oasis in the center of the city, to see the beautiful lake and Glass Palace.
Admission to Las Ventas Bullring will be included. This is one of the most famous bullrings in the world where you will learn about the tradition of “corridas” in the Bullfighting Museum. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. At sunset, you will be transferred to Plaza de Oriente, opposite the Royal Palace, an elegant and bustling area with many restaurants serving various cuisines. Choose from Indian, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Spanish, and international options. After a pleasant dinner (not included), a transfer to the hotel will be provided.
Overnight in Madrid
Day 5: Madrid - Zaragoza - Poblet – Barcelona (B/-/-)
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: AC Hotel Som (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, We will set off for Aragon, passing through the landscapes of Castile. Our first stop will be in Zaragoza to marvel at the magnificent Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. From there, well continue to the tranquil Poblet Abbey, one of the world's best-preserved medieval monasteries (admission included). Our journey will conclude in Barcelona, where we'll arrive in the evening.
Overnight in Barcelona
Day 6: Barcelona - Girona (B/-/-)
Location: Girona
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Girona (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up early for an incredible city tour that will cover numerous tourist attractions across Barcelona. Your tour will take you to La Rambla – a vibrant street in Central Barcelona that connects Placa de Catalunya with the Monument of Christopher Columbus. See the famous works of Gaudi; a famous and highly respected Spanish architect known for his unique style of architecture. You can see his famous masterworks including Sagrada Familia Cathedral and La Pedrera along Passeig de Gracia. You will be transferred to Girona, a small Catalan capital with a very beautiful historic center. In this city, the cathedral stands out with its incredible staircase. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the city at your own pace.
Overnight in Girona
Day 7: Girona - Arles – Carrieres De Lumiere - Chambery (B/-/-)
Location: Chambery
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kyriad Chambéry Center (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Post breakfast, you leave for France, crossing Provence. We stop in ARLES, a small world heritage city where we will remember Van Gogh and can see its Roman theatre and small Romanesque churches. Time for a stroll and lunch. We carry on and include admission to Carrieres De Lumiere, an impressive show of art, image and sound underground, in former quarries. Chambery, arrival and accommodation in the charming capital of Savoie, a medieval city with a beautiful old town and a great castle.
Overnight in Chambery
Day 8: Chambery - Geneva – Gruyere – Chillon - Leysin (B/-/D)
Location: Geneva
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy your breakfast, you travel to Switzerland. Geneva, arrival. With our guide, we will go to the Palace of Nations (the headquarters of the United Nations in Europe) to the pretty English Garden with its clock made of flowers and we can admire the “Jet d´Eau”, the tallest fountain in Europe. We go on to the picturesque walled village of Barcelona/Spain Fatima/Portugal Gruyere, known worldwide for its cheese. Free time to stroll and have lunch. Nearby are sever - al of the main chocolate factories in Switzerland (Nestle amongst them), and we visit the Cailler chocolate factory, with a tasting included. After this, we go on to Chillon Castle, built in the waters of the lake. Entrance included to this fantastic medieval castle. We will continue traveling through smaller roads amidst bucolic mountain landscapes and very picturesque wooden villages. - Arrival in Leysin, a beautiful little holiday village with spectacular views of the Rhône plain and Mont Blanc, known for its winter sports resort or its hiking possibilities. Dinner included.
Overnight in Leysin
Day 9: Leysin – Glacier 3000 – Interlaken – Lucerne - Zurich (B/-/-)
Location: Zurich
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Zurich City-West (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today promises breathtaking mountain views, so make sure to pack your winter gear. We'll take a cable car ride up to Glacier 3000, one of Switzerland's most spectacular year-round snowy spots, where you can walk across the suspended bridge connecting two mountain peaks, visit the Ice Cathedral, or have fun at the Fun Park. Afterward, well stop in Interlaken for lunch before continuing to Lucerne, one of Switzerland's most picturesque cities. In the evening, well reach Zurich, with some time to explore the city center before heading to the hotel.
Note: In cases of adverse weather, such as rain or strong winds, the Glacier 3000 cable car may be closed.
Overnight in Zurich
Day 10: Zurich – Lugano – Como – Milan (B/-/-)
Location: Milan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: IH Hotel Milano Lorenteggio (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will depart from Zurich early in the morning, crossing the Alps to reach the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop will be Lugano, a sophisticated city nestled by its picturesque lake and the vibrant hub of this part of Switzerland. You'll have time to explore the city and enjoy lunch. Afterward, well cross into Italy and visit the charming town of Como, the jewel of Lombardy, famous for its lakeside gardens and magnificent cathedral. Our journey will continue to Milan, where our guide will show you the impressive Piazza del Duomo. You'll have some free time to explore before we transfer you to the hotel.
Overnight in Milan
Day 11: Milan – Pisa - Rome (B/-/-)
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Shangri-La Roma (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning you will leave Milan and drive towards the Eternal City of Rome, after your breakfast. En route, enjoy a stop in Pisa, where you will take a train to see the famous Leaning Tower. This monument is the campanile (freestanding bell tower) of the cathedral in Pisa. It is well known for its almost four-degree lean which results from an unstable foundation. The tower is situated behind the Pisa Cathedral and is the third-oldest structure in the Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), after the cathedral and the Pisa Baptistry. From there you will explore the Ligurian Coast, where some of the prettiest coastlines in Europe lie. Finally, your journey will take you to Rome, where you will arrive in the evening.
Overnight in Rome
Day 12: Rome (B/-/-)
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: HOTEL SHANGRI-LA ROMA
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, In the morning, we have a scenic tour, which will be a great introduction to “The Eternal City”. We will visit the tiny state of the Vatican, the epicenter of Christianity in the world. You will be able to visit St. Peters Basilica. We include the entrance to the Imperial Forums, an impressive architectural complex formed by monumental buildings and squares, the center of the political activity of Imperial Rome. At the end of the evening, we arrange a transfer to the Trastevere area for a stroll in the narrow cobbled streets of the district with hidden treasures, such as some modest medieval churches, small shops with the most peculiar of objects or scenes of daily life. Many trattorias (informal Italian eating establishments) and osterias (inns) imbued with the Italian spirit will be ready to serve you local dishes. Other restaurants serving Indian, Chinese and international food can be found in this area. Return to hotel.
Overnight in Rome
Day 13: Rome (Departure) (B/-/-)
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast, make your own way to Rome International Airport for your flight back home.
What's Included
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12 Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar
Enjoy 12 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at superior hotels or similar.
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Daily buffet breakfast
Start your day with a daily buffet breakfast.
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01 Dinner in Leysin
Enjoy one dinner in Leysin.
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Airport arrival transfer in Lisbon
Receive an airport arrival transfer in Lisbon.
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Transportation in a modern AC motor coach
Travel in comfort with transportation in a modern air-conditioned motor coach.
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Services of Bilingual/English-speaking tour guides
Benefit from the services of bilingual/English-speaking tour guides.
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Guided city tour in Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona and Rome
Experience guided city tours in Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome.
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All sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary
Enjoy all sightseeing activities as per the detailed itinerary.
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Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid
Visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.
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Poblet Monastery
Explore the Poblet Monastery.
What's Not Included
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Items of personal nature, tips, and gratuities
Items of personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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Departure transfer to the airport in Rome
Departure transfer to the airport in Rome is not included.
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Items not mentioned as included
Any items not mentioned as included are excluded.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably in a modern air-conditioned motor coach, with airport arrival transfer in Lisbon and guided city tours in Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome.
Accommodation
Enjoy 12 nights of superior accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, including Vila Galé Ópera in Lisbon, Praga Hotel in Madrid, and Hotel Shangri-La Roma in Rome.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 12 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, daily buffet breakfast is included, along with one dinner in Leysin.
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Is airport transfer included in the tour?
Yes, an airport arrival transfer in Lisbon is included. However, the departure transfer to the airport in Rome is not included.
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation is provided in a modern air-conditioned motor coach.
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Are guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, guided city tours are included in Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome.
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What are some of the key attractions included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Poblet Monastery, Carrieres de Lumiere Show, Chillon Castle, Cailler chocolate factory, and the Imperial Forums of Rome.
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Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?
Yes, items of personal nature, tips, gratuities, and items not mentioned as included are not covered by the tour package.
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What activities are planned for the day in Geneva?
In Geneva, you will visit the Palace of Nations, the English Garden with its flower clock, and admire the Jet d'Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe.
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What can I expect during the visit to Glacier 3000?
At Glacier 3000, you can take a cable car ride, walk across the suspended bridge connecting two mountain peaks, visit the Ice Cathedral, and enjoy activities at the Fun Park.
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Is there any leisure time included in the tour?
Yes, there are several opportunities for leisure time, such as exploring Lisbon, Madrid, and Girona at your own pace, and free time in Lugano and Milan.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.