The Big Four

Duration

23 Days

Physical rate

Moderate

Starting city

Madrid

Available

April 2024 / March 2025

Cities to visit: Madrid; Zaragoza; Monasterio De Poblet, Tarragona Province; Barcelona; Paris; Burgundy; Beaune, Burgundy; Lyon, Ródano Alpes; Geneva; Zurich; Lucerne; Lugano; Morcote, Ticino; Milan; Pisa, Tuscany; Rome; Florence; Venice, Véneto; Innsbruck; Kitzbuhel; Salzburg; Vienna; Budapest; Bratislava; Prague

Video Gallery


Detailed day by day description

Introduction

This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.

This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.

The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.

Day
Welcome to Madrid!
Welcome to Europamundo!!!
IMPORTANT -IF YOU REQUESTED
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS upon arrival at the hotel, you would have your room booked,
but your trip guide would normally contact you at the beginning of the included
activities. YOUR TIME THEREFORE BEFORE THIS MOMENT IS FREE. The hotel staff can help you with all the information you need.
Note: The schedules that you will find in this itinerary are indicative. The guide, depending on the situation and in order to improve the development of the trip, may adjust the schedules.
Upon arrival at the airport, we shall be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Check the informative panels in the hotel reception area for the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers to receive information about the trip.
In the evening we provide transfers to the Plaza Mayor and La Latina, Madrid´s most famous area for night life and tapas restaurants, where you can dine at your preferred restaurant: Indian, Chinese, Spanish and Middle Eastern are some of the options.
The day starts around 08.30 hrs with a city tour through the centre of Madrid, including Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, the Gate of Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor.
We will visit Retiro Park , an oasis in the city centre, where we will see the lake and the Glass Palace. Entrance to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the football stadium of Real Madrid. We get to know the areas reserved for the players as well as the public areas and the small museum about this team, considered by some as the best in the world.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon.
At the end of the evening, we will return to the hotel.
Total distance covered: 640 km.
Scenery: Varied, with rugged sections, arid areas, and Mediterranean landscapes towards the end.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Madrid. We’ll make a brief stop along the way.
12:30 p.m. - Zaragoza. Our guide will provide information about the city, leaving you in Plaza del Pilar to visit the basilica and enjoy lunch.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Zaragoza.
05:00 p.m. – Poblet Abbey. We’ll stop to visit this beautifully preserved medieval monastery, surrounded by ancient walls in a picturesque setting (admission included).
06:15 p.m. - Departure from Poblet Abbey. We’ll travel through the rich agricultural regions of central Catalonia.
08:00 p.m. - Barcelona.

09:00 h. - City tour with our guide or the local guide of Barcelona, famous for Gaudí and its modernist architecture. We will see the Columbus monument, Plaza de Cataluña, Paseo de Gracia, Diagonal, Sagrada Familia, Montjuich with the Olympic facilities and Plaza de España. We finish at the Ramblas area. You can have a walk in the historic center - Gothic quarter. After the city tour our guide will offer you optionally the visit to the Gaudí´s masterpiece and emblem of the city, the Sagrada Familia. Free time in the afternoon.
18.30 hrs- In the evening we include a transfer to the Maremagnum , a modern leisure center and restaurants facing the sea, next to Plaza Colón, where you can stroll through this lively area and dine.
20.30 hrs- Return to hotel.
At the time scheduled by your guide we will include a transfer to the station to take the Barcelona/ Paris high-speed train included in your trip. In just over 6 hours you will reach your destination on the comfortable train. Upon arrival at the destination, we will provide a new transfer to the hotel. Your guide will contact you in the evening or you can consult the information placed at the reception of your hotel.
Note: the train journey will be made without an Europamundo guide.
Total distance covered: 80 km
07:45 hrs. - Paris – departure.
08:30 hrs. - Versailles – Arrival to the Palace of Versailles (admission not included, long waits for tickets due to influx on some occasions). Immense Palace that belonged to the French kings; a good way to get acquainted with the culture and history of France.
11:30 hrs. - Versailles – departure - (the departure might be later in case of a long wait to enter the palace). Upon returning to Paris we head to Montmartre and taking a small cable car (included) we go up to this bohemian artists´ neighborhood to see the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and take a walk through its square and alleys.
15:00 hrs. - With a local guide we will begin the city tour of Paris lasting 2 and a half hours. During the visit you will be able to see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, Madelaine, Place de la Concorde, Opera, Louvre Museum, Tower St. Jacques, town hall, Ile de la Cite with the Notre Dame cathedral, Latin quarter, Pantheon, Sorbonne, Luxembourg gardens, Invalides, Military School, Champ de Mars-Eiffel Tower, banks of the Seine. We will make brief stops near the Invalides and the Champ de Mars. At the end of the city tour, we will return to the hotel, making a stop in the city center, so that people who still want to take advantage of their free time in Paris can get off the bus.
In the end of this very complete day, optionally, the guide will suggest you attend a cabaret or variety show in the evening, the Moulin Rouge or the Paradis Latin.
Note: due to the tourist complexity of Paris, the order of the services offered in the city may vary.
08.30 hrs.- Departure from the hotel. We go to the EIFFEL TOWER , we include the ticket to go up to the second floor of this impressive metal monument ( in some cases there are long waits to gain access due to massive influx ). The second floor is considered to be the one with the best view, due to the optimal altitude in relation to the buildings below (on the third floor, they are less visible) and the general perspective (obviously more limited on the first floor). When the weather permits, it is estimated that it is possible to see up to 70 km away.
After descending the tower we include a boat trip along the Seine River . Magnificent views of the main monuments and bridges of Paris on the majestic river. Journey of approximately an hour and a quarter.
Free time later. Please note that transfers back to the hotel are not included after the river cruise, allowing you the flexibility to return at your own pace and preference.
Note: in some cases the waits to go up the Eiffel Tower are long. Thus the climb may take place at a different time (or on Sunday), if it is considered convenient for organizational reasons.
Total distance: 470 km.

Scenery: Pleasant landscapes in the center of France; Picturesque villages. Cable car climb in Lyon.
08.00 hrs.- París –departure-. We travel to the center of France. We cross the region of Bourgogne, an area known for its wines.
12.15 hrs.- Beaune - Charming small village in the middle of the wine region of Bourgogne; Its streets full of flowers, its hospice, its wine museum. Free time.
14.30 hrs.- Beaune – departure.
16.30 hrs.- Lyon – Arrival. On the banks of the Rhône River, the third city of France that once was the capital of the Roman Gallia. The historic centre of this lively City has been declared a World Heritage site. We include a cable car climb to Notre Dame de Fourvière , where we have a great view of the city. Free time.
Note: in some cases a part of the group will be accommodated in Chambery, a nearby city, we will leave Lyon at 19.00 hrs arriving in Chambery around 20.30 hrs. The next day, early in the morning, we will have time to take a walk through the beautiful historic center of Savoy.
Total Distance: 425 km
Scenery: Mountains and lakes.
Notes: Remember to bring your camera along! Also, please carry your passport in hand as it might be requested when crossing into Switzerland.
08.00 hrs- Lyon- Departure. A beautiful stage awaits us as we set off for Switzerland.
10.00h.- Geneva. - We arrive in this lively city on the shores of Lake Geneva, capital of the French-speaking Switzerland that is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, the headquarters of the International Labor Organization, the Red Cross and numerous other headquarters of international organizations. By bus we will pass by the Palais des Nations (headquarters of the United Nations in Europe) and with our guide we will arrive at the beautiful English Garden with its flower clock and admire the "Jet d´Eau", the highest fountain in Europe. Free time for a stroll through the city center, where its large lake stands out.
13.00 hrs- After lunch, we will continue travelling through Switzerland by the beautiful Leman and Neuchatel lakes.
14.30 hrs- Neuchatel- We will stop in this town with a rich cultural and architectural past. Here you can go on a walk by the lake, the historic town centre or visit its beautiful, 10th century castle.
16.00 hrs- Neuchatel departure. We will pass by the beautiful Lake Biel .
18.15 hrs- Zurich – Arrival. We will have time to explore the city center.
Note: depending on the number of passengers travelling from Geneva to Zürich, this part of the trip might be done by train - in which case, there will be no stop in Neuchatel.
Total distance covered by train: 42 km
Note : Our stage today is different; we travel across Lake Zurich by boat and return by train. The transfers from the hotel to the center may also be done on public transport (depending on the total number of participants). The indicated timetables of the boat we use may change (the itinerary may be adapted accordingly).
09.00 hrs.- We will leave the hotel on this peaceful day. With our guide, we will take a walk around the most populated city of Switzerland, which is also the country’s financial and cultural capital. The city of banks as been twice declared the city with the best quality of life in the world.
10.30 hrs.- We start our almost two-hour cruise on Lake Zurich. The boat makes brief stops to allow us to admire the villages along the way.
12.30 hrs.- RAPPERSWIL, a small, picturesque village overlooked by its mediaeval castle. Time for a stroll and lunch.
15.00 hrs.- Rapperswil, We return to Zurich by train , and will see the efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss railways. We will reach Zurich in a little under 35 minutes. Free time afterwards.
Note: Depending on the number of travelers, the transfers to and from the center might be carried out by public transport.
Total distance: 280 km
Note: Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes to walk, and bring your camera.
Note: Due to weather conditions (strong wind) or maintenance reasons, the cable car may not operate at certain times. If this happens, we will provide an alternative transportation to another similar place.
07.30 hrs- Zurich- departure to a spectacular stage with beautiful landscapes with high mountains and lakes.
10.00 hrs.- Grindelwald. Time to have a coffee in this mountain resort in the Bernese Alps before taking the cable car to Grindelwald First (ticket included) , the largest ski center in the region. We will walk along the path (30 minutes) in which we will have the opportunity in breathtaking alpine landscapes, to take the
"footbridge over the emptiness" enjoying the glaciers that surround us; Lunch included for all passengers (vegetarian option available).
13.45 hrs- Grindelwald departure. We continue to Lucerne.
15.30 hrs- Lucerne- arrival in time to explore one of the most interesting Swiss cities and see the KapellBrück, covered bridge over the river Reuss, the Town Hall and Square with its Clock Tower and its pedestrian streets and elegant shops. Time for a stroll to enjoy the city and dine before returning to the hotel in Zurich.
19.00 h. - Lucerne, departure to Zurich.
20.00 h. -Zurich - arrival to the hotel.
Note: The guide will offer you the possibility of a full day optional visit, leaving in the morning and, after some free time to discover Lucerne, we take a rotating cable car to reach the top of Mount Titlis. At the alpine summit, at over 3000 m above sea level, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the glacier and the Alps.
Total distance covered: 290 km
Scenery: Spectacular alpine landscapes, quaint villages and lakes. Do not forget to bring your camera!
Notes: Please carry your passport in hand as it might be requested when crossing into Italy.
08.00 hrs. - Zurich – We will leave Zurich early in the morning and cut across the Alps in order to reach the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Along the route we will get to see beautiful lakes and snow-capped mountains.
11.00 hrs.- Lugano . Arrival in the capital of Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland and an elegant cosmopolitan city, built on the shores of Lake Lugano. Free time to explore this quaint city and to have lunch.
13.30 hrs. Lugano. Departure. We continue our journey through this region of lakes and mountains. We enter Italy.
14.30 hrs – Como. Arrival at this city considered the treasure of Lombardy with a beautiful lakeside garden promenade and a spectacular Cathedral. Time for a stroll.
16.00 h. Como – Departure.
17.00 h. Milan – The guide will take us to the impressive Duomo Square. There will be time to dine at Porta Venecia (Port of Venice) where an outstanding variety of restaurants can be found to suit all tastes. From restaurants serving Swiss and Italian food to French, Chinese and international cuisines. Transfer to the hotel at about 20.00 hrs.
Note: due to the works that are currently being carried out on the road and the temporary limitation of passage for heavy vehicles, we will provisionally make the stop in Como instead of in Morcote.
Total distance: 640 km.
Scenery: surprising scenery along the coast of Liguria and the Tuscan Apennines.
08.30 hrs- We leave the Italian financial capital towards Pisa.
12.00 hrs- Pisa –On a little touristic train we will travel to the Piazza Dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) where there will be time to admire one of the most alluring and beautiful art complexes in Italy, including the well-known Leaning Tower of Pisa.
15.00 hrs- Pisa – Departure for Rome, passing through ancient Etruscan regions.
20:30 h. Rome - Arrival.
Note: This stage may have a different schedule (arriving somewhat later to Pisa and Rome) for the meeting en route of travelers coming from Nice.
08.30 hrs. - In the morning, we have the city tour , which will be a great introduction to “The Eternal city”. We enter the tiny state of the Vatican. The Vatican City is a principal center of Christianity in the world. You will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. We continue visiting the Imperial Forums (entrance included) , an impressive architectural ensemble formed by buildings and monumental squares, center of the political activity of the moment.
18.30 hrs. - In the evening we provide a transfer to Trastevere area. A stroll in the narrow cobbled streets of the Trastevere district reveals hidden treasures to us, such as some modest medieval churches, small shops with the most peculiar 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.
20.30 hrs. - Return to the hotel.
Total distance: 320km
Scenery : Apennine Mountains and Tuscan vineyards.
Note: We recommend you wear comfortable shoes as the tour of Florence involves walking.
08:00h Rome – Departure, passing through the Tiber Valley.
12:15h Florence – Our first contact with the Renaissance city is Piazzale Michelangelo, a viewpoint with marvellous views of the city. Don’t forget to take your camera!
Walking tour with local guide, lasting two and a half hours. We visit the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vechio, Straw Market, Piazza Republica, Palacio Vecchio. Free afternoon to explore and visit the city’s historical markets and museums.
The city has many restaurants that offer a wide variety of local and international food, where you can dine. Return to hotel.
Total distance: 310km
Scenery: we cross the Apennines and the Po Valley.
08.15h Florencia – Departure, passing through mountain scenery.
12:00 h Venice – Arrival at Tronchetto Gate where we take the boat and cross the Giudecca to the Island of Venice. Sightseeing tour with a local guide to St. Mark’s Square. Visit to the Murano Glass Factory where we will see a demonstration of how this ancient glass is made. Free afternoon.

19:30h Return to firm land and transfer to hotel. Accommodation in the Mestre district.
Total distance: 480 km
08.00 hrs. Venice – Departure, crossing the Po Valley travelling to Austria.
13.00 hrs.- Innsbruck.- Time to stroll in the historic city centre of Innsbruck.
15.30 hrs.- Departure after lunch. We travel along a very beautiful scenic road between the mountains.
17.00 hrs- KITZBÜHEL – Arrival and time to see this picturesque little village, a famous ski resort where we can enjoy the snow for most of the year! Free time. Transfer to the hotel and dinner included (vegetarian option available).
Total Distance: 420 km
Note : We recommend you to take warm clothes to enjoy on the deck during the boat ride. The schedules in winter time might be modified in order to take advantage of sunlight.
08.00 hrs- Kitzbühel- Departure in the morning, we include a cable car ride up to Steinplatte, the high mountains in the alpine region, with snow 9 months a year with a fantastic scenery. The great landscapes on the platform in the void and the exhibition of dinosaurs will leave us unforgettable memories.
10.00 hrs- Steinplatte departure. We continue to explore Austria between the mountains.
11.00 hrs.- Salzburg- Arrival. Our guide accompanies us to the most beautiful streets of the historic centre of this city declared a World Heritage site and have lunch.
13.30 hrs.- Salzburg- Departure. We then go on our way between lakes and mountains. A very beautiful scenic stage in the Alps.
14.30 hrs.- St. Wolfgang. A famous place by a lake of pilgrimage in Austria.
15.15 hrs- St. Wolfgang- Departure.
15.30 hrs- Traunkirchen. Time to stroll in this beautiful city with its nice churches and streets along with the very beautiful Traunsee lake, where at around 16.30 hrs, we include a cruise on the lake to see four castles on the mountains and disembarking in Gmunden.
17.30.- Gmunden- Departure and continuation to the capital of Austria.
20.45 hrs.- Vienna- Arrival.
Note: During the winter months, due to weather factors and length of the day, the stop at St. Wolfgang would be cancelled.
09.00 hrs.- Vienna - start with a city tour of Vienna, lasting about 2 hours and a lalf, during which we will see Ringstrasse, the main boulevard of Vienna, the Opera House, the exterior of the Hofburg Palace, passage through the Prater Gardens, Belvedere Castle, Schonbrunn Castle. ( If the English-speaking group has fewer than fifteen people, the tour can be conducted in both English and Spanis h).
19.00 hrs- In the evening we include a transfer to the neighborhood of Grinzing , an old wine-growing village annexed to the city and known for its traditional taverns. Free time to dine in one of its typical restaurants.
21.30 - Return to hotel.
Total distance: 245km
Scenery: We travel through the beautiful Pannonian Basin to the Hungarian capital.
Note: We remind you that the currency of Hungary is the Forint. It is advisable to pay in local currency during your stay. If the number of passengers in very small, the journey can be made by train.
08:30 h. Vienna – Departure following the course of the Danube to Hungary. We have a little under a 3-hours- trip to Budapest.
11:30 h. Budapest – Arrival. First we will go to the area of Vaci Utca , one of the main pedestrian areas of the city and probably the most famous and lively commercial street in the center of Budapest. Free time.
14.30 hrs.- After lunch, and to start discovering Budapest, we include a boat trip on the Danube River. The views of the city and its parliament from the river are breathtaking.
Afterwards we start the 3-hour guided tour of the "Queen of the Danube" during which we will see the many bridges over the Danube; the Pest district with its commercial activity; the old town in Buda and the Fisherman´s Bastion. Free time to continue enjoying the city before returning to the hotel.
In the evening, we will offer you an optional Magyar show with dinner included.
Total distance: 530 km .
08.00 hrs- Departure from Budapest.
10.30 hrs- Bratislava. We will get to the capital of Slovakia and a city alongside the Danube with an attractive historic centre. Time to see the city and have lunch.
13.30 hrs.- We well leave Bratislava to continue on our way to the Czech Republic.
18.30 hrs- Prague, Arrival in the evening and transfer to the Old Town Square . This central location is full of energy and touristic activities. It’s a marvellous place to acquaint ourselves with Prague. Several restaurants offering cuisines from around the world will be waiting to delight your taste buds, including Czech, Chinese, Indian and Italian. Return to hotel.
07.45 h. Comprehensive tour . Lasting three hours and a half the tour starts off from the “ Caste l Quarter ” ( admission included) , the political, religious and monumental centre of the capital, and the cathedral, the palaces and viewpoints over the “city of the 100 towers” and explains the history of the country. Then we continue our walk through the “Small City” or “Malastrana Quarter”, the city’s Baroque jewel, to the famous “Charles Bridge”.
The city tour is followed by a cruise along the river Vltava.
Free time in the afternoon to continue exploring the city.
In the evening, we enjoy time in the historic city center and there will be an opportunity for you to enjoy cuisines from around the world. Return to hotel.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.

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