Grand European Journey Cities and Sights

Welcome to your exciting journey! Upon arrival in Lisbon, we will ensure your smooth transfer to the hotel, where you will have the opportunity to unwind and enjoy some leisure time. In the afternoon, feel free to stop by the hotel reception to check the boards for essential information regarding 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.

In the morning, we will embark on a delightful exploration of Lisbon, the captivating Portuguese capital known for its seven hills. Our tour will meander through charming alleys decked in iconic tiles, offering a taste of the city's unique character and the famed sentiment of "saudade," all set against the backdrop of stunning Atlantic light. We'll delve into the historic district of Belm, famous for being the departure point of the great Portuguese explorers who set sail in the 15th century to traverse the globe.Following our mornings adventures, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You might choose to wander through the vibrant Bairro Alto, which boasts a splendid viewpoint over the city. If you're in the mood for more exploration, you could opt for an excursion to the picturesque towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. As the day draws to a close, we'll gather at the lively Restauradores Square, known for its bustling array of bars and cafs, before returning to our hotel for the evening.

Our journey begins early as we depart Portugal, traversing the picturesque Alentejo region. Our first stop is the charming town of Estremoz, where you can enjoy a coffee amidst enchanting medieval surroundings, complete with cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved architecture. As we continue our journey into Spain, we'll arrive in Cceres, a town renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. Here, you can take the opportunity to enjoy lunch and a leisurely stroll through its historic centre. Our day concludes with a drive to Madrid, where we will arrive in the evening. We'll transfer you to the vibrant Plaza Mayor, where the lively atmosphere and myriad restaurants offer the perfect setting to round off your day.

We begin our exploration of Madrid with a guided morning tour of the city centre. Highlights include the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcal, Plaza de Coln, and Plaza Mayor. We proceed to Retiro Park, a serene green space in the heart of the city. Here, you can admire the lake and the picturesque Palacio de Cristal. Our day continues with a visit to the Santiago Bernabu Stadium, home to Real Madrid a club celebrated worldwide for its footballing prestige. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore as you wish, before we provide a transfer back to the hotel in the evening.

In the morning, well depart from Madrid, venturing into the Aragon region through the historic lands of Castile. Our journey will bring us to Zaragoza, where we will visit the magnificent Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a stunning example of Baroque architecture considered one of Spain's most revered sites. After taking in its grandeur, well continue to the tranquil Poblet Abbey, a well-preserved medieval monastery nestled in a serene setting, where entrance is included. Our travels will conclude in Barcelona, where well arrive in the evening, ready to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.

On Day 6, we'll set out on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, a city celebrated for its unique blend of history, culture, and innovation. Known for its stunning modernist architecture by the renowned Antoni Gaud, this vibrant metropolis sits gracefully along the Mediterranean coast. We'll explore notable highlights including the bustling Ramblas and landmarks that recall significant events like the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. In the afternoon, youll have the opportunity to explore Barcelona at your own pace. As evening approaches, we'll provide a transfer to Maremagnum, a contemporary complex offering a variety of entertainment and dining options by the sea, located conveniently near Plaza de Coln. Here, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll and choose from a range of restaurants for dinner.

Today, youll embark on a high-speed train journey from Barcelona to Paris, with the train fare included in your travel package. This comfortable ride will whisk you into the heart of France in a little over six hours. Upon arrival, a transfer will escort you to your hotel in Paris. Later in the evening, your guide will get in touch with you, or you can find all necessary information on the notice boards at the hotel reception. Please note that this train journey does not include a guide accompanying you.

We begin our day with a visit to the majestic Palace of Versailles, a symbol of French opulence and grandeur. While entry to the palace isn't covered, you will have ample opportunity to explore its beautifully manicured gardens. Following our time at Versailles, well head back to the heart of Paris to discover Montmartre, a bustling quarter known for its bohemian allure and as a haven for artists, including painters and cabarets. Later in the afternoon, we'll embark on an engaging city tour with a local guide, who will introduce us to the grand avenues and iconic monuments that define Paris. After the tour, well return to the hotel for the evening. Should you desire, an optional variety show is available to round off your Parisian experience.

Our day in Paris kicks off in the heart of the city with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where you'll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this renowned iron structuretickets are included. Following this, well unwind on a scenic cruise along the Seine River, which lasts around an hour and fifteen minutes. In the afternoon, you will have the freedom to explore Paris at your own leisure and discover its many charms (please note that transport back to the hotel is not provided). If queues at the Eiffel Tower are excessively long, we might rearrange the visit for a more convenient time or perhaps the following day.

Today, we embark on an exploration of the picturesque Burgundy region, celebrated for its rolling vineyards and exquisite wines. Our journey begins with a visit to the charming town of Beaune, nestled in the heart of Burgundy. Known for its vibrant, flower-adorned streets, Beaune is also home to the historic hospice and a fascinating wine museum. After enjoying free time for lunch and a leisurely stroll, we continue to Lyon, a city steeped in history as the former capital of Roman Gaul and situated along the banks of the Rhne River. Lyon's city centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a captivating blend of ancient and modern. We'll take a scenic cable car ride up to Notre-Dame de Fourvire to savour panoramic views of this beautiful city. Afterwards, you'll have free time to explore Lyon at your own pace. Please note that in some instances, a portion of the group may proceed to Chambry, a nearby medieval-style city. If this is the case, we'll travel to Chambry in the evening, where you'll have the chance to explore its enchanting historic centre and remarkable castle.

Today, we venture into Switzerland, beginning with a scenic drive to Geneva. As we arrive, we will pass the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, before exploring the charming English Garden, famed for its vibrant flower clock and the towering Jet d'EauEuropes tallest fountain. After relishing the sights and perhaps a leisurely lunch, we continue our journey along the stunning routes beside Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchtel, through Switzerland's picturesque Three Lakes region. Here, verdant vineyards set against the backdrop of majestic mountains offer a feast for the eyes. In Neuchtel, youll have time to stroll by the serene lake, explore the quaint historic town centre, or visit the enchanting 10th-century castle. We conclude our travels today in Zurich, arriving in the late afternoon. Please note that the segment from Geneva to Zurich might be travelled by train, which may mean no stop in Neuchtel.

Today, we delve into Zurich, Switzerland's bustling heart of finance and culture. Known for simultaneously being a dynamic business hub and offering exceptional quality of life, Zurich presents a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Our guided exploration will reveal the city's intriguing character, from its renowned banks to its vibrant cultural scene. We will then embark on a scenic cruise, gliding across the tranquil waters of Lake Zurich for nearly two hours. Along the way, we'll pause to enjoy the quaint villages nestled along the shore. Our journey will then take us to Rapperswil, a charming village celebrated for its medieval castle and roses. After soaking in the picturesque surroundings, we return to Zurich by traina chance to experience the famed efficiency of Swiss railways firsthand. Please note, depending on group size, transfers to and from the city centre may utilise public transport.

Today, we will be surrounded by Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes, with majestic mountains and pristine lakes. Our adventure begins in the scenic region of Interlaken, where we will pause in the delightful village of Grindelwald. Here, enjoy a relaxing coffee break before we continue to the cable car ride up the mountain. This thrilling journey leads us to a winding path and a suspended bridge offering awe-inspiring views of the glaciers. For the brave at heart, crossing the bridge rewards you with spectacular sights. Lunch will be served on the mountain, after which we head back down. Our next stop is Lucerne, renowned as one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, where you will have time to explore its charming cityscape at your leisure. We conclude our day with a return journey to Zurich. If you fancy more adventure, a full-day optional excursion is available, taking you to the summit of Mount Titlis via a rotating cable car. Here, at over 3,000 metres above sea level, you can enjoy the splendour of the glacier and the Alps.

We will depart Zurich early, travelling through the picturesque Swiss Alps to the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, famed for its trio of medieval castles that are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These impressive fortifications, perched on the city's hills, serve as a testament to Bellinzona's past importance as a strategic alpine stronghold. You'll have some free time to meander through the delightful streets of Bellinzona's historic centre. Then, we cross into Italy and stop in the enchanting town of Como for lunch. Como stands as a true gem of Lombardy, celebrated for its stunning lakeside gardens and magnificent cathedral. We'll continue our journey to Milan, where we will guide you to the remarkable Piazza del Duomo. It's a perfect opportunity for you to explore the city's heart before we transfer you to your hotel.

Today, we travel from Milan to the historic city of Pisa. Once there, a short ride on a tourist train will take us to the Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Square of Miracles. Here, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at this exquisite art complex, home to the globally recognised Leaning Tower of Pisa. Following your exploration, we continue our journey to Rome, Italy's capital, where we'll arrive later in the day.

On the morning of our sixteenth day, we delve into the heart of Rome, often hailed as the Eternal City. Our three-hour guided tour will expertly blend a walking exploration of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus journey, showcasing one of Western civilization's most profound influences. We'll wander past the majestic Arch of Constantine and the exterior of the iconic Colosseum, delve into the history of the Imperial Forums, and view the grand remnants of the Circus Maximus. The tour continues as we glimpse the Baths of Caracalla, the impressive Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and the intriguing Pyramid of Cestius, concluding at the formidable Castel Sant'Angelo. Wrapping up the morning near Vatican City, you may choose to join an optional tour that offers an insider's look at the Vatican Museums and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. As evening approaches, a visit to the vibrant Trastevere district awaits, where charming restaurants and a lively atmosphere promise a delightful dining experience. We'll return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m.

After breakfast, our adventure in Europe concludes. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and experiences from this journey.