Sensational Spain, Switzerland, Paris and London

Welcome to Madrid! Upon arrival at Adolfo Suarez Madrid–Barajas International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to check in. Enjoy free time to rest or explore the area until your tour begins. Please make sure you check the information posters in the hotel reception area for information regarding the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travelers. Towards the end of the day, we will provide transfers to the Egyptian Debod Temple, Plaza de Es­pana, and Gran Via; a vibrant district where you can dine at your restaurant of choice; Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and Middle Eastern food are a few of the options available.




Overnight in Madrid ...more ...less

After breakfast, you will head on a comprehensive tour through the center of Madrid including Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, the Gate of Alcala, Plaza de Colon, and Plaza Mayor. You will visit Retiro Park, an oasis in the center of the city, where you will see the lake and the 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. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. At sunset, you will be transferred to Plaza de Oriente, situated opposite the Royal Palace in an elegant and lively area where many restaurants serving international cuisine can be found for a pleasant dinner (Indian, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Spanish, and Inter­national - these are not included). You will be provided with a return transfer back to your hotel.


Overnight in Madrid

Early in the morning, you will depart Madrid and travel to Aragon. Enjoy a brief stop in Zaragoza, a fascinating city known for its grand cathedrals and museums. Your guide will join the group to Basílica del Pilar. Afterwards, the group will have free time to visit this impressive sanctuary and explore the city center. Later, make your way to Cataluna to visit the Monastery of Poblet, one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world surrounded by magnificent walls (entry and guided tour included). You will then go to the Monastery of Montserrat, where you may enjoy a ride on the rack train amidst breathtaking views. Finally, continue your journey to Barcelona, where you will arrive in the late afternoon. Spend the rest of the day in this lively, colorful city that is known for its magnificent architecture, beautiful beaches, and lively atmosphere.




Overnight in Barcelona

After a delicious breakfast, you will head on a city tour that will take you to many tourist destinations in Barcelona. You will explore La Rambla – a vibrant street in Central Barcelona that connects Placa de Catalunya with the Monument of Christopher Columbus. You will then get to see the works of Gaudi; a famous and highly respected Spanish architect known for his unique style of architecture. See his famous masterworks including La Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera along Passeig de Gracia. At approximately 6:00 PM, you will be transferred to Girona, a small Catalan city known for its beautiful historic center, where the extraordinary cathedral stands out with its great staircase. Spend the evening at leisure to get to know this fascinating city at your own pace.


Overnight in Girona

We will journey to France, passing through the picturesque Provence region. Our first stop will be Arles, a charming UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its ties to Van Gogh. Here, we can explore the Roman theater and quaint Romanesque churches, with time to stroll around and enjoy lunch. Next, well visit Carrières des Lumières, an extraordinary underground art exhibit showcasing a mesmerizing blend of art, imagery, and sound within an ancient quarry. In the evening, well arrive in Chambery, the enchanting capital of Savoy, known for its medieval charm, historic center, and grand castle.Overnight in ChamberyNote: If tickets for Carrières des Lumières are unavailable due to high demand, we will instead visit the famous Pont du Gard, a remarkable Roman aqueduct.

After breakfast, We will travel to Switzerland, arriving in Geneva. Accompanied by our guide, well visit the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. Well also explore the picturesque English Garden, famous for its flower clock, and admire the Jet dEau, Europes tallest fountain. Our next stop is the enchanting, walled village of Gruyères, renowned worldwide for its cheese. Nearby, youll find some of Switzerlands leading chocolate factories, including Nestlé. Our tour includes admission to the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory, where youll indulge in a delightful tasting experience.Well then continue our journey along scenic routes, passing through idyllic mountain landscapes and charming wooden villages, before arriving at Chillon Castle, perched on the shores of Lake Geneva (admission included). By mid-afternoon, well reach Leysin, a picturesque holiday village offering stunning views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc. Leysin is famous for its winter sports and hiking opportunities. Dinner is included.Overnight in LeysinNote: Depending on availability, accommodations may be arranged in another charming Swiss Alpine town, such as Martigny.

Today, well take in breathtaking mountain views, so dont forget to pack your winter gear! Well ascend to Glacier 3000 via cable car, one of Switzerland's most stunning destinations, where ice and snow are present year-round. Here, you can stroll across the suspended bridge connecting two mountain peaks, explore the Ice Cathedral, or enjoy 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 arrive in Zurich, with time to explore the city center before heading to our hotel.Overnight in ZurichNote: In case of adverse weather, such as rain or strong winds, the Glacier 3000 cable car may not be in operation.

After breakfast, you will depart from Zurich and head towards the French region of Alsace, where you'll visit its capital, Strasbourg. This charming city seamlessly blends French and German influences, offering a unique cultural experience. You'll have time to explore the city and soak in its beauty. Afterward, your journey continues towards Paris, with arrival expected by the end of the day. Enjoy your evening at leisure exploring the beautiful French capital.




Overnight in Paris

Today after breakfast, you will immerse yourself in the history of France as you explore the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles (admission not included), with its magnificent gardens. Following this, on your journey back to Paris, you'll make a stop at Montmartre, where you'll ascend to this bohemian neighborhood via a cable car (included). Montmartre is renowned for its vibrant community of painters, artists and cabarets. To marvel at the beauty of Paris's impressive avenues and monuments, you'll enjoy a city tour led by a local guide. Finally, you'll return to the hotel with the optional opportunity to attend a variety show on your own.




Overnight in Paris

After breakfast, we go to the center of Paris, starting in the Eiffel Tower area. You will have the opportunity to climb up to the second floor of this remarkable metal monument (ticket included). Then, we enjoyed a boat cruise along the River Seine, which divides the north of Paris from the south. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore as you choose. Note: Sometimes queues to climb the Eiffel Tower are long. For organizational reasons, if deemed appropriate, the climb can be made at a different moment of the day, we will leave Paris for Rouen, a city museum with its houses with half-timbered walls, narrow streets, and gothic churches. Accommodation in the city.Overnight in RouenNote: If wait times at the Eiffel Tower are too long, we might reschedule the visit to a different time (or on Sunday) for your convenience.

In the morning after breakfast, head out for a stroll in the center of Rouen in the morning, where you may admire the magnificent cathedral and ancient streets of the historic center. From there, you will set out to explore the north of France. You will board a ferry to cross the English Channel until you reach Canterbury, the religious capital of England which is also known for its highly attractive historic center. Continue your tour to London, where you will arrive in time to explore the city, see the Tower Bridge lit up, and admire the modern buildings. Take some time for dinner in one of the many restaurants in the area, serving a wide range of cuisines. After dinner return to your hotel.




Overnight in London

Today you will explore London with a locally guided tour featuring style, culture, and history. You will see the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace, where you can watch the “Changing of the Guard” Ceremony (depending on the season). Spend the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, head on a walk-through of Leicester Square, China Town, and Soho, known for its lively atmosphere, magnificent theaters, and unparalleled entertainment. Sit down for a delicious dinner at your choice of restaurant. From there you will return to your hotel.




Overnight in London

After a delicious breakfast, you will head out to visit the British Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world. At lunchtime, you will transfer to Camden, a district that is famous for having one of the most varied and extravagant street markets in London, where you can see relics from cultures all around the world. Later, you will make your own way to the international airport in London, where you will get ready to board your return flight home.

Check the time of your flight and arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to departure.