Duration
22 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Paris
Available
April 2024 / February 2025
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.
IMPORTANT:
-Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at around 02:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.
Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.
07:45 a.m. - Departure from Paris.
08:30 a.m. - Versailles. Arrival to the Palace of Versailles (tickets not included; please note that there may be long lines to enter due to the large number of visitors). This grand palace, once the residence of French kings, offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of France.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Versailles. Departure time may vary if there are delays entering the palace. Upon returning to Paris, we’ll head to Montmartre. We’ll take a cable car (included) up to this bohemian artists’ district, where we can admire the Sacré Coeur Basilica and wander through its picturesque square and winding alleys.
03:00 p.m. - We’ll start a two-and-a-half-hour panoramic tour of Paris with a local guide. This tour will take us to iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, La Madeleine, Place de la Concorde, the Opera, the Louvre, the Tour Saint-Jacques, the City Hall, Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon, the Sorbonne, the Luxembourg Garden, Les Invalides, the École militaire, Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower and the banks of the Seine. We’ll have brief stops near Les Invalides and Champ de Mars. After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel, with an optional stop in the city center for those who want to enjoy more free time in Paris.
At the end of this enriching day, the guide will suggest an optional evening outing to a cabaret or variety show, such as the Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin.
Note: Due to the high volume of tourism in Paris, the order of the services offered in the city may vary.
08:30 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. We’ll head to the Eiffel Tower, where tickets to the second floor are included (please note that there may be long waits due to the high number of visitors). The second floor offers the best views, providing an optimal altitude for seeing the city below (which is less visible from the third floor) and offers a better overall perspective compared to the first floor. From this vantage point, you can see up to 70 km on a clear day. After descending the tower, we’ll enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Seine River, offering stunning views of Paris´ iconic monuments and bridges. This journey lasts approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. Afterward, you’ll have some free time.
04:00 p.m. - We’ll depart from Paris and head to Rouen.
06:15 p.m. - Rouen. Enjoy free time to explore and dine in the historic center of Normandy’s capital. This vibrant city, with roots dating back to Roman times, boasts charming medieval architecture and an impressive Gothic cathedral.
08:45 p.m. - Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.
Note: 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.
Scenery: Great plains in France, a charming boat trip, and green hills in England.
Notes:
-Remember to have your passport ready, as you´ll need it to cross the British border.
-We recommend wearing warm clothing during the crossing.
-Don´t forget to set your watch back one hour when entering the UK.
-The currency in the UK is the Pound; we suggest changing your money on the ferry.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Rouen. We’ll head north through France.
11:00 a.m. - Port of Calais. We’ll board the ferry to cross into the United Kingdom at around 12:30 p.m. and go through customs and border checks. The ferry journey lasts approximately one and a half hours. You’ll travel on a modern ferry equipped with all the amenities, including restaurants, bars, lounges, game rooms, exchange offices, and shops.
01:30 p.m. (02:30 p.m. in France) - Dover. Upon arrival, we’ll disembark and make our way to Canterbury. Please note that this schedule is indicative, and the actual arrival time may vary depending on ferry availability.
02:15 p.m. - Canterbury. Enjoy free time to explore this beautiful medieval city, renowned for its impressive cathedral and vibrant streets lined with traditional architecture.
03:45 p.m. –Departure from Canterbury.
05:15 p.m. - London. We´ll arrive and stop at one of the city´s most iconic landmarks, Tower Bridge. This Victorian-era drawbridge, built to connect the two banks of the Thames, is now surrounded by the city´s modern buildings.
06:30 p.m. - Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.
The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Our guide will offer an optional excursion to Windsor Castle.
6:30 p.m. - In the evening, we’ll meet at Piccadilly Circus to take a stroll through Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho, areas known for their vibrant atmosphere, theaters, and entertainment. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice, offering options such as Indian, Chinese, Thai, or international cuisine. After dinner, we’ll return to the hotel.
Scenery: Pleasant hill landscapes.
Notes:
-Please have your passport ready, as it will be required to leave the UK. When entering the Netherlands, we’ll set our watches forward one hour.
-We have a night crossing, so pack anything you´ll need on the ferry in a carry-on suitcase.
In the morning, we’ll visit the British Museum, one of the oldest and most renowned museums in the world, showcasing artifacts from cultures across the globe. Our guide will help you find your way to the different galleries. We especially recommend visiting the ancient Egypt section.
At lunchtime, we’ll provide a transfer to Camden, a district renowned for its vibrant and eclectic street market. There, you can explore unique items and artifacts from around the globe and enjoy lunch at one of its little restaurants or food stands.
4:00 p.m. - Departure from London.
6:45 p.m. - Arrival in Colchester, known as the oldest town in England. You’ll have time to explore and enjoy the town.
8:45 p.m. - Departure from Colchester.
9:30 p.m. - In Harwich, we’ll board a modern ferry equipped with all the amenities of a cruise ship for a night voyage to the Netherlands. Accommodation will be in cabins with private bathrooms. The ferry is scheduled to depart at 11:00 p.m.
Important note: Due to the limited number of cabins available on the ferry, the itinerary may be adjusted. On some occasions, we might travel from London to Amsterdam via a daytime ferry, departing around 5:00 p.m. and spending the night in Antwerp, including a short walk through the city before accommodation. For bookings made at shorter notice, we may instead travel to Amsterdam by train or plane, including transfers.
Scenery: Dutch landscapes, plains, canals, windmills…
08:30 a.m. - Arrival at Hoek van Holland and continuation of the journey.
10:00 a.m. - Volendam, a charming fishing village. You’ll have time to wander around.
01:30 p.m. - Departure from Volendam.
02:00 p.m. - Amsterdam. We’ll go on a city tour with a local guide, lasting about two hours. We’ll start the tour with a stop in front of the Rembrandt Statue and Amsterdam Mill, one of the most iconic mills in Holland. Next, we’ll pass through the RAI Convention Center, crossing the southern part of the city, the most exclusive area of Amsterdam. We’ll then stop at the Museum Square to learn about diamond cutting techniques at the Diamond Museum. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Amstel River, entering the former Jewish Quarter with its Holocaust Memorial and the Portuguese Synagogue. We’ll pass by the old harbor and the Maritime Museum. Our tour will conclude at the Central Station, where we’ll leave the bus and walk to the Church of St. Nicholas, the heart of the city. The tour ends here, and you’ll have some free time to explore on your own.
In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to Rembrandtplein, known for its wide variety of restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. Here, you can enjoy dinner at your leisure and explore the nearby Red Light District, celebrated for its progressive values.
08:30 p.m. - Transfer back to the hotel.
Scenery: Large plains.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Amsterdam, traveling to Germany. We´ll make a stop along the way.
12:15 p.m. - Hamelin, a picturesque German town where the streets and shops bring to life the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin , a children´s fairy tale by Brothers Grimm. Enjoy some time for a walk and lunch.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Hamelin. We’ll continue our route towards the capital of Germany, passing through Marienborn, the old border that separated East and West Germany until 1990.
07:30 p.m. – Berlin. Arrival in the evening.
The afternoon will be free for you to explore the city. If you wish, you can optionally visit Sachsenhausen, one of the largest Nazi concentration camps.
In the evening, we’ll transfer to the lively Kantstrasse area, which offers a variety of ethnic restaurants for dinner. After, we’ll return to the hotel.
Scenery: Enjoy the pleasant landscapes of Saxony and the forest-covered hills of the Czech Republic.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Berlin.
10:45 a.m. - Dresden. Known as the pearl of the Elbe Valley and often called the German Tuscany, Dresden is must-see. We’ll stop next to the immense Dresden Castle, where our guide will provide all the information you need about the city’s exceptional artistic heritage and museums. You’ll also have time for lunch.
02:00 p.m. - Departure from Dresden. We’ll continue our journey to the Czech Republic, enjoying beautiful scenery of hills and forests along the way.
04:15 p.m. - Prague. We’ll take you to the Old Town Square, a vibrant location full of energy and tourist activities. It’s a marvelous place to get acquainted with Prague. Dine at one of the numerous restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines, including Czech, Chinese, Indian, and Italian. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel.
After the city tour, you’ll enjoy a cruise along the Vltava River. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring the city.
In the evening, you’ll have some time to spend in the historic city center, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy cuisines from around the world. Afterwards, we´ll return to the hotel.
Scenery: Enjoy the charming landscapes of Bohemia, Bavaria, and Tyrol.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Prague. We’ll head to Bavaria, Germany.
12:45 p.m. - Munich - Enjoy free time to explore the city´s historic center and have lunch.
03:15 p.m. – Departure from Munich. We’ll head towards the Alpine mountains, crossing into Austria.
05:45 p.m. - Innsbruck. Surrounded by mountains, we’ll arrive in Innsbruck, the capital of the Austrian Tyrol, located in the heart of the Alps. The city features a charming historic center.
There will be time to stroll around the Golden Roof area in the Old Town, where there are many local and international restaurants (Indian, Chinese, Asian, Italian, etc.) to choose from for dinner. Afterward, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel.
Scenery: Alpine landscapes in Austria, featuring forests and plains.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from the hotel.
09:30 a.m. - Swarovski Crystal Museum. We’ll explore the headquarters of this renowned company. We’ll visit the museum and its gardens to see how Swarovski crystals are made.
11:15 a.m. - Departure from the Swarovski Crystal Museum.
11:45 a.m. – Arrival in Innsbruck, with time to stroll through the historic center.
03:30 p.m. - Departure from Innsbruck. Enjoy a scenic journey through the beautiful Tyrolean landscapes as we head towards Switzerland.
07:30 p.m. - Zurich. Spend the evening in the historic center by the lake, where you can dine at your choice of restaurants, offering cuisines such as Indian, Oriental, Italian, International, Swiss, and more.
Note: Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes and be sure to bring your camera. Please be aware that the cable car may not operate at certain times due to weather conditions (strong winds) or maintenance. If this happens, we will provide alternative transportation to a similar location.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Zurich for a scenic journey through stunning landscapes featuring tall mountains and lakes.
10:00 a.m. - Grindelwald. Enjoy a coffee break in this mountain resort in the Bernese Alps before taking the cable car to Grindelwald-First (tickets included), the largest ski area in the region. We’ll embark on a 30-minute walk along a path that offers breathtaking alpine views, including the "footbridge over the void," where you can marvel at the surrounding glaciers. Lunch is included for all passengers (vegetarian option available).
01:45 p.m. - Departure from Grindelwald, continuing on to Lucerne.
03:30 p.m. - Lucerne. You’ll have time to explore this charming Swiss city, including the Kapellbrücke, the covered bridge over the Reuss River, the Town Hall and Square with its Clock Tower, and the pedestrian streets filled with elegant shops. Enjoy a stroll through the city and dine before we head back to the hotel in Zurich.
07:00 p.m. - Departure from Lucerne.
08:00 p.m. - Arrival at the hotel in Zurich.
Note: The guide will offer an optional full-day excursion, starting in the morning. After some free time in Lucerne, we’ll take a rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis. At over 3,000 meters above sea level, the alpine summit offers breathtaking views of the glacier and the Alps.
Scenery: Spectacular alpine landscapes, mountains and lakes. Be sure to bring your camera!
Note: Please keep your passport handy, as it may be required when crossing into Italy.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Zurich - We´ll leave early in the morning, crossing the Alps to reach the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.
11:00 a.m. - Lugano - Arrival in the regional capital, an elegant city nestled among mountains and located beside a large lake. Take some time to explore this city known for its parks and flowers, charming villas, scenic viewpoints, and lovely lakeside walks. You´ll also have time for lunch.
01:30 p.m. – Departure from Lugano. We’ll continue our journey through this scenic region of lakes and mountains, and cross into Italy.
02:30 p.m. - Como - Arrival in this city, considered a jewel of Lombardy, known for its beautiful lakeside gardens promenade and stunning cathedral. Enjoy some time to stroll around and take in the sights.
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Como.
05:00 p.m. - Milan - Our guide will lead us to the impressive Piazza del Duomo, where you’ll have some time for a walk. Transfer to the hotel will be at 8:00 p.m.
Note: Due to ongoing roadwork and the temporary restriction on heavy vehicle traffic, we will be stopping in Como instead of Morcote for the time being.
Scenery: We´ll enjoy breathtaking Mediterranean views, with stunning seascapes and delightful scenery throughout the journey.
08:30 a.m. – We’ll depart from Milan, the financial heart of Italy, and head towards Pisa.
12:00 p.m. - Pisa - Upon arrival, we’ll take a charming little tourist train to the Piazza Dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). Here, you’ll have time to admire one of Italy´s most captivating art complexes, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
03:00 p.m. – We’ll leave Pisa and continue our journey towards Rome.
08:30 p.m. - Rome.
Note: The schedule for this stage may vary, with possible later arrivals in Pisa and Rome to accommodate travelers joining us from Nice.
06:30 p.m. - In the evening, we’ll head to the Trastevere area. As we stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of Trastevere, we’ll discover hidden gems like quaint medieval churches, unique shops, and vibrant local scenes. Many trattorias and osterias, brimming with Italian charm, are ready to serve you local dishes. You’ll also find restaurants offering Indian, Chinese, and other international cuisines in this lively area.
08:30 p.m. – Return to the hotel.
NB : remember that on domestic flights, the luggage normally allowed is one suitcase of up to 20 kg in the hold. Passengers must pay for all excess luggage directly to the airline
We´ll then visit Retiro Park, a serene oasis in the heart of the city, where we’ll see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Our next stop will be the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the iconic home of Real Madrid. Here, we’ll explore the areas reserved for players, the public sections, and a small museum dedicated to the team, often hailed as the best in the world.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
In the evening, we will return to the hotel.
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.
06:30 p.m. - In the evening, we’ll include a transfer to Maremagnum, a modern entertainment and dining center by the sea, near Plaza de Colón. You can explore this lively area and enjoy dinner.
08:30 p.m. - Return to the hotel.
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.