European Capitals and Scenic Escapes Tour

Upon your arrival in Lisbon, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy some leisure time to acclimatise and explore at your own pace. Later in the day, you will find important information about the start of your tour conveniently displayed on boards in the hotel reception. We hope your stay in Lisbon marks a delightful beginning to your journey. 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.

In the morning, we will set off on a guided exploration of Lisbon, known as the City of the Seven Hills. Experience the charm of its narrow alleyways and admire the famous azulejos, decorative tiles that adorn many buildings. You will feel the unique "saudade," a deep emotional state often associated with the Portuguese soul, as you explore under the beautiful Atlantic light. Our tour includes a visit to the historic Belm district, a significant starting point for the renowned Portuguese explorers of the 15th century as they embarked on their oceanic voyages.The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Consider a stroll to the Bairro Alto district, famed for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic viewpoints. If you're interested, we also offer an optional excursion to the enchanting towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril.In the evening, we will reunite at the bustling Restauradores Square, where you can soak up the lively ambiance of its bars and cafs before heading back to our hotel for the night.

On day three, we will set off from Portugal early in the morning, travelling through the scenic Alentejo region. Our first stop is the delightful town of Estremoz, where you can enjoy a coffee in surroundings that feature a medieval castle, cobbled streets, and beautiful architecture, all of which capture the essence of Portuguese culture. Continuing our journey towards Spain, we will reach Cceres, offering you a chance to savour lunch and take a leisurely stroll through its historic centre, renowned for its remarkably preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. Our day concludes as we proceed to Madrid, arriving in the evening. You'll experience the lively atmosphere of Plaza Mayor, which is brimming with restaurants and bustling activity, before settling in for the night.

In the morning, we will dive into the heart of Madrid with a thorough tour of its central attractions. You can look forward to seeing iconic landmarks such as the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, the grand Puerta de Alcal, the vibrant Plaza de Coln, and the historic Plaza Mayor. Following this exploration, we'll visit the tranquil Retiro Park, a delightful oasis in the city centre where you can enjoy the serene lake and the breathtaking Palacio de Cristal. Admission to the celebrated Santiago Bernabu Stadium, home to Real Madridoften hailed as the world's top football clubis included, offering a deeper insight into the city's sports culture. You'll have the rest of the afternoon free to explore Madrid at your own pace. In the evening, we will ensure your return transfer to the hotel for a restful night.

We'll depart from Madrid in the morning, embarking on a journey through the historic region of Castile to reach Aragon, with an exciting stop in Zaragoza. Here, we'll take the opportunity to admire the magnificent Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a revered pilgrimage site. Our adventure continues to Poblet Abbey, nestled in a tranquil setting. This monastery is one of the best-preserved medieval sites in the world and a serene space filled with rich historytickets are included with your visit. As the day winds down, we'll proceed to Barcelona, arriving in the evening, where you can unwind after a day filled with cultural exploration and stunning landscapes.

In the morning, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, celebrated for its captivating blend of culture, history, and architecture. This vibrant city, nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean, is famed for the modernist masterpieces by Gaud, the bustling energy of the Ramblas, and its significant historical events including the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. You'll have the afternoon to explore at your leisure. In the evening, we will transfer you to Maremagnum, a lively entertainment and dining hub by the sea, adjacent to Plaza de Coln. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely promenade and select from a wide array of dining options.

On the seventh day of your journey, we will organise your transfer to the station, where you will board a high-speed train bound for Paris, a journey included in your tour. Sit back and enjoy the comfortable ride, which takes just over six hours, delivering you seamlessly to your celebrated destination. Once in Paris, another transfer will ensure your swift arrival at your hotel. In the evening, your guide will reach out to you, providing further details about your Parisian adventures. Alternatively, you can find all necessary information on the signs posted at the hotel reception. Please note that this train segment is unguided, offering you a peaceful and scenic transition to the City of Light.

Start your day immersed in the grandeur of French history at the splendid Palace of Versailles, a testament to royal opulence with its remarkable gardens (note that admission is not included). Upon returning to Paris, we continue to the enchanting district of Montmartre, celebrated for its bohemian vibe, where artists and performers have thrived for decades. Experience the essence of the city with a panoramic tour led by a local guide, taking in Paris's magnificent avenues and iconic landmarks. As we conclude our day, you will be taken back to the hotel. In the evening, should you wish, there's an opportunity to attend an exciting variety show, adding a touch of Parisian flair to your night.

Today begins with a quintessential Parisian experience: a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where you'll have the opportunity to ascend to its second floor and take in the breathtaking views of the cityscape. Admission is included, making this a seamless start to your day. Following this, we'll embark on a leisurely cruise along the Seine River. This one-hour and fifteen-minute journey allows you to absorb Paris's stunning riverside architecture and renowned landmarks from a unique perspective. With the rest of the afternoon free, you're encouraged to explore Paris at your leisurewander through its charming streets, visit a museum, or perhaps enjoy a caf in a typical Parisian setting. Please note that the return transfer to the hotel is not provided; you can make your way back at your own convenience. If queues at the Eiffel Tower are extensive, we may adjust our visit to ensure the most enjoyable experience.

Today, we venture into the heart of France, traversing through the Bourgogne region, a land celebrated for its exquisite vineyards and distinguished wines. Our initial stop takes us to the charming town of Beaune, nestled in the centre of Burgundy and renowned for its picturesque, flower-adorned streets, historic hospice, and fascinating wine museum. You will have some free time here to enjoy lunch at your leisure and take a stroll through this quaint town.After soaking in the delights of Beaune, we head towards Lyon, a city steeped in history and once the capital of Roman Gaul, beautifully situated along the Rhne River. Lyons historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, revered for its rich architectural and cultural heritage. We will take a cable car up to the remarkable Notre-Dame de Fourvire, offering panoramic views over the cityscape. Following this, you will have free time to explore Lyon at your own pace, perhaps wandering through its blend of Renaissance and modern architecture.In certain instances, part of the group may overnight in Chambry, a nearby city to Lyon. This charming town captivates with its medieval allure, historic centre, and impressive castle, the perfect setting for a morning exploration before we rejoin the tour.

Today, we venture into the heart of Switzerland. Our day begins with a visit to Geneva, where well catch glimpses of the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. Then, enjoy a stroll through the picturesque English Garden, home to the famous flower clock, and marvel at the Jet d'Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. After lunch, as we continue our journey through the scenic landscapes of Switzerland, we will follow the routes by Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchtel, passing through the beautiful Three Lakes region renowned for its stunning vineyards framed by mountains. We will make a stop in Neuchtel for a leisurely walk by the lake, to explore its historic town centre, or to visit the impressive 10th-century castle. Our day concludes in Zurich, aiming to arrive by late afternoon. Please note, depending on the number of travellers from Geneva to Zurich, this segment may be conducted by train, thus foregoing the Neuchtel stop.

Our day in Zurich begins as we delve into the city's vibrant pulse with our guide. Known as Switzerland's largest city, Zurich holds its status as both a financial hub and a cultural treasure, having twice been celebrated for offering the best quality of life in the world. Following this, we'll embark on a nearly two-hour serene cruise on Lake Zurich. As the boat gently glides along the water, we'll make brief stops, allowing us to savour the quaint charm of the lakeside villages. Our journey leads us to Rapperswil, a picturesque gem famed for its medieval castle. From here, we'll take a train back to Zurich, offering you a chance to witness the renowned efficiency of the Swiss railway system. Please note that, depending on the size of our group, transfers to and from the city centre may be conducted via public transport.

Today, prepare to be captivated by Switzerland's stunning landscapes as we embark on a journey through the Interlaken region, renowned for its towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes. Our first stop is the picturesque village of Grindelwald, where well pause for a coffee before ascending the mountain via cable car. While there, take the opportunity to stroll along a scenic path that leads to a suspended bridge for those ready to embrace the heights, crossing the bridge offers panoramic views of the breathtaking glaciers. Well enjoy a mountain-top lunch before descending and making our way to Lucerne, celebrated for its charming cityscape and beauty. Here, youll have free time to explore this delightful Swiss city. Well then return to Zurich. Please note, your guide will offer an optional full-day excursion. After some free time in Lucerne, you can join a trip on a rotating cable car to the top of Mount Titlis. Standing at over 3,000 metres, the summit offers awe-inspiring views of the glacier and the Alps.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with delightful memories to cherish.