European Capitals and Cultural Charms

Welcome to Lisbon and the beginning of your exciting tour! Upon arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, allowing you some leisure time to explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, you can find useful information about the commencement of your journey on the noticeboards located at the hotel reception. Please note, this tour is dynamic, with travellers potentially joining or leaving at various stages, though rest assured, the maximum group size will not be exceeded. 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.

On the second day of your journey, we begin with a captivating sightseeing tour of Lisbon, the beautiful capital perched on seven hills. Known for its quaint alleys, iconic azulejo tiles, and an undeniable sense of saudade, Lisbon offers a delightful blend of old-world charm and stunning Atlantic vistas. Our tour includes a visit to the historic Belm neighbourhood, renowned as the starting point for Portugals intrepid 15th-century navigators who ventured across the world's oceans.The afternoon unfolds at your leisure, offering the perfect opportunity to meander through the winding streets of Bairro Alto and enjoy its breathtaking views. For those interested, there's an option to explore further afield with a visit to Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. These towns are noted for their charming scenery and captivating history. As evening approaches, we reconvene at Restauradores Square, a lively area brimming with vibrant bars and cafs, before returning to the comfort of our hotel.

On our third day, we leave Portugal early, traversing the picturesque Alentejo region. Our first stop is the quaint town of Estremoz, where we'll enjoy a coffee break amidst its medieval castle and cobblestone streetsa perfect introduction to quintessential Portuguese charm. As we continue our journey into Spain, we arrive in Cceres. Here, you'll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll through the historic centre, celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. Our final destination for the day is Madrid, where we reach in the evening. We'll provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor, a vibrant hub filled with restaurants and bustling city life.

We'll begin our day in central Madrid with an insightful tour of the city's heart, taking in key sights such as Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcal, Plaza de Coln, and the vibrant Plaza Mayor. Following this, we'll stroll through Retiro Park, a serene green oasis in the city's bustling centre, where we'll have a chance to admire the picturesque lake and the striking Palacio de Cristal. Our morning includes a visit to the iconic Santiago Bernabu Stadium, the legendary home ground of Real Madrid, a club hailed as one of the best in the world. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish, with numerous options to explore more of Madrid's culture and cuisine. In the evening, we'll provide a transfer back to the hotel, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.

We will set off in the morning and journey through the landscapes of Castile towards Aragon. Our first stop is Zaragoza, where we will marvel at the impressive Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. Following this, we will travel to the tranquil Poblet Abbey, one of the worlds most immaculately preserved medieval monasteries, with entry tickets included. Our day concludes with an evening arrival in the vibrant city of Barcelona.

In the morning, we'll explore the vibrant city of Barcelona, known as the City of Counts. Famous for its modernist architecture by Gaud, bustling Ramblas, and a captivating history marked by both the Universal Exposition and the Olympics, Barcelona stands out as one of Europe's most intriguing capitals. As evening approaches, we'll depart Barcelona, journeying north into Catalonia. Before settling into our hotel, we'll enjoy a stroll through the historic centre of Girona, admired for its colourful houses, the historic Jewish quarter, and its impressive cathedral.

Today, we set off towards France, making our way through the beautiful Provence region. Our first destination is Arles, a picturesque town designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for its links to the artist Van Gogh. While here, we can explore the ancient Roman theatre and the charming Romanesque churches, with ample time for a leisurely lunch. Our journey continues with a visit to the captivating Carrires des Lumires, an incredible underground art venue showcasing mesmerising projections of art and sound within an ancient quarry setting. In the evening, we arrive in Chambry, the historic heart of Savoy, where its medieval charm and grand castle await our exploration. Please note, due to high demand, if tickets for Carrires des Lumires are unavailable, we'll arrange an alternative visit to the renowned Pont du Gard, an iconic Roman aqueduct.

Today, our adventure takes us to the scenic landscapes of Switzerland. We begin in Geneva, where our guide will lead us on a tour that includes a visit to the Palais des Nations the European headquarters of the United Nations. Here, you'll also see the delightful English Garden with its famed flower clock and admire the impressive Jet d'Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. Our journey continues to the enchanting walled village of Gruyres, celebrated worldwide for its cheese. While in the area, we visit the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory for a delectable tasting experience at one of Switzerlands premier chocolate producers.As we travel along picturesque roads, you'll be captivated by Switzerland's idyllic mountain vistas and characteristic wooden villages. Our next stop is the striking Chillon Castle, set beside Lake Geneva admission is included for you to explore this historic fortress. We then head to Leysin, a charming resort village, arriving by mid-afternoon. Known for its stunning views of the Rhne Valley and Mont Blanc, Leysin also offers excellent winter sports and hiking opportunities. The day concludes with an included dinner, allowing you to relax and unwind. Please note, if availability requires, accommodation may be in a similarly delightful Swiss Alpine town, such as Martigny.

Today's adventure promises breathtaking mountain vistas. Be sure to dress warmly as we ascend Glacier 3000 via a scenic cable car ride. This remarkable destination offers year-round ice and snow, where you can traverse a suspension bridge between peaks, explore the enchanting Ice Cathedral, or enjoy the thrills at the Fun Park. Our journey takes us next to Interlaken, a serene spot for lunch set amidst majestic alpine surroundings. We then proceed to Lucerne, celebrated as one of Switzerlands most picturesque cities. As evening falls, we arrive in Zurich, where youll have some time to explore the vibrant city centre before we head to our hotel. Please be aware that in the event of unfavourable weather or unexpected situations, the Glacier 3000 cable car might be unavailable. Should this occur, well arrange an equally spectacular alternative experience so you can still enjoy the stunning alpine landscapes.

Today, we embark on a journey from Zurich, heading towards the enchanting French region of Alsace. Our destination is Strasbourg, a city where French and German cultures blend seamlessly, creating a unique ambience. You will have ample time to wander through the picturesque streets and absorb the citys rich atmosphere. As the day progresses, we'll continue our trip to Paris, arriving in the evening. The City of Light awaits, ready to infuse our itinerary with its iconic allure.

Today, we delve into the illustrious history of France during our visit to the awe-inspiring Palace of Versailles. Although entrance is not included, you'll have the opportunity to explore its remarkable gardens, a masterpiece of landscape design. As we make our way back to Paris, we'll explore the enchanting district of Montmartre, celebrated for its artistic flair and vibrant past, filled with painters and iconic cabarets. We'll then embark on a panoramic tour of Paris with a knowledgeable local guide, taking in the city's grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks. After soaking in the magnificence of the City of Light, we'll return to our hotel. If you're interested, an optional evening variety show offers a taste of Parisian nightlife.

Our day in Paris begins with a visit to the world-renowned Eiffel Tower, where you will have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this iconic iron structure tickets are included for this experience. Following your tower visit, we'll unwind with a scenic cruise along the River Seine, lasting around one hour and fifteen minutes. This leisurely boat ride provides a wonderful perspective of Paris most famous sights from the water. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace, allowing time for personal exploration of the city. Please note that return hotel transfers are not included. Should there be exceptionally lengthy wait times at the Eiffel Tower, we might arrange your visit to another time or day for your convenience.

After enjoying breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey.